If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Many radiographers reach a point where they feel more confident, independent, and capable but still hesitate to take the next step.
Band 5 can feel safe. You know the routines, the team trusts you, and you’ve built a rhythm. But sooner or later, you start thinking like a senior.
You spot things that could be improved, take initiative without being asked, and find yourself helping new staff find their feet.
That’s the moment to stop doubting yourself and start preparing for Band 6.
Here are five clear signs you’re ready and how to show it when the opportunity comes up.
You no longer need constant supervision. You’re comfortable managing your list, problem-solving on the fly, and making safe, sensible decisions.
When unexpected situations arise a complex trauma, a contrast reaction, a difficult patient you don’t freeze. You think, act, and communicate clearly.
How to prove it:
Keep examples of cases where you took initiative or led calmly under pressure.
Log them as work-based CPD reflections.
These examples show leadership and clinical maturity exactly what recruiters look for in Band 6 applications.
If you regularly explain protocols, guide students, or support newly qualified staff, you’re already demonstrating one of the key Band 6 behaviours - development of others.
It’s not about having “educator” in your job title; it’s about being approachable, knowledgeable, and supportive.
How to prove it:
- Record teaching moments as CPD activities (they count!).
- Reflect on what you learned from mentoring not just what you taught.
- Mention your role in student feedback sessions or Trust education days in your application.
Band 5 radiographers focus on doing the job well. Band 6 radiographers start thinking about how the job could be done better.
Maybe you’ve noticed inefficiencies in patient flow, or started tweaking protocols to improve image quality or reduce dose.
Maybe you’ve volunteered for audits or suggested new ideas in team meetings.
That’s leadership thinking.
How to prove it:
Reference an audit, service evaluation, or suggestion you’ve contributed to.
If you’ve been part of an equipment trial or image review meeting, include that in your supporting information.
Reflect on how these activities improved patient care or departmental workflow.
Whether it’s explaining a delay to an anxious patient, raising a concern with a senior colleague, or discussing a challenging case, Band 6 radiographers show professional confidence.
You don’t need to have all the answers but you know how to listen, respond calmly, and represent the profession well.
How to prove it:
- Keep feedback emails or patient compliments (they’re valuable audit evidence).
- Record reflections on communication challenges these demonstrate emotional intelligence, not just technical skill.
- In your application, include an example of when you managed a difficult situation constructively.
The biggest shift from Band 5 to Band 6 isn’t about scan complexity; it’s about mindset.
You’ve started to look at the bigger picture: service improvement, patient experience, and professional growth.
You’re curious about advanced practice, leadership roles, or postgraduate study.
You’re not just surviving each shift you’re building a career.
How to prove it:
- Set 2–3 professional goals and align them with your CPD plan.
- Take advantage of leadership or communication modules on The Radiography People platform.
- Use your Annual CPD Planner to track progress toward a Band 6 portfolio.
If you recognise yourself in these signs, don’t wait for someone to “tap you on the shoulder.”
Start building your Band 6 readiness now:
Keep an organised CPD portfolio.
Use our free Ultimate Radiographers CPD Logbook to record activities, reflections, and certificates.
Get feedback and evidence.
Ask colleagues or leads to verify teaching sessions or audits you’ve been part of.
Reflect strategically.
Focus each reflection on how your learning improves care, safety, or teamwork the hallmarks of senior practice.
Stay confident but realistic.
Nobody is ever “100 % ready.” Growth happens when you take the leap.
You’ve built the foundation now it’s time to show it.
Download our free CPD Logbook and Annual Planner to start building your Band 6 portfolio today.
Track your learning, record your leadership examples, and prepare for your next appraisal or application with confidence.
(Audit-ready templates, reflections, and progress dashboards designed by radiographers, for radiographers.)
Meeting these five standards doesn’t have to be complicated.
With structured recording, regular learning, and clear reflections, you’ll not only be audit-ready but genuinely growing as a practitioner.
That’s exactly why we built The Radiography People a dedicated CPD platform by radiographers, for radiographers.
With one subscription, you can:
✅ Access new CPD courses each month across MRI, CT, X-ray, Radiation Protection, and Leadership
✅ Log reflections using pre-filled HCPC-aligned templates
✅ Instantly download certificates for every course
✅ Most courses cost more than our annual subscription which gives you access to 20+ and a growing library of new courses
Courses are flexible, mobile-friendly, and clinically relevant, featuring interactive cases and real-world scenarios to help you apply learning directly to patient care.
