Becoming Chartered by the Institute
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does the Institute offer three types of Chartered status?
The Institute of Physics has some 35,000 members who work in every sector imaginable. We therefore have a lot of professionals to cater for all with subtly or obviously different requirements. We want to offer as many options for professional recognition as is feasible and we feel Chartered Physicist, Engineer and Scientist are the most useful to our members.
2. Which one is best?
None of the standards are better or worse than any other. They are just suitable for different people.
3. I have one Chartered Status. Why would I want another one?
There are several reasons why, for example, a Chartered Physicist might want to apply for Chartered Engineer or Scientist.
- They may deal with colleagues in more than one sector who might not recognise the relevance of say, a Physics 'badge' in a biomedical organisation.
- They may wish to expand their business into a new sector where indicating a multi-disciplinary outlook will add to their appeal.
- They may have been working exclusively in, say, an engineering field, and wish to re-establish their identity as a scientist or physicist.
Ultimately it is up to you. If you see a benefit in having more than one then apply!
4. Where can I find the application templates?
The templates for the Professional Review Report can be found here:
The template for masters equivalence for CEng and CSci can be found here: Masters Equivalence template
The template for masters equivalence (MPhys) for CPhys can be found here: MPhys Equivalence template
The template for the Fellowship professional Review Report can be found here: Fellow template
5. Is my degree accredited?
Have a look at our register of accredited courses, and for CEng look at the EC UK register of accredited courses and find out whether your degree is accredited or not. The degree must have been accredited when it was awarded to you.
All physics degrees beyond 1997 must be accredited.
6. I have a degree from outside the UK. Will it be accepted?
The Institute subscribes to the international comparisons database, NARIC. All overseas qualifications are checked on this database to see which British qualification they are equivalent to. As long as your qualification is equivalent to at least a BSc (Hons) in Physics then your degree will be accepted for the General Route.
7. My work experience is outside the UK. Does this matter?
No. As long as your work experience is at the required standard it will be accepted. We have many applicants from every continent and are quite used to sending supporter forms overseas. All we ask is that your application is written in English.
8. How much will applying cost me?
There is no application fee for CPhys or CSci at this time. The application fee for CEng is £150 and is non-refundable.
There is an annual registration fee for each chartered status. These are shown below:
CPhys: £15
CEng: £27
CSci: £15
The Institute transfers the registration fee direct to the EC(UK) (for CEng) and to the Science Council (for CSci). We charge no administration fee for this.
9. How long is the application process?
Receipt of your application will be acknowledged within three weeks. Your supporters will be written to within another two weeks and asked to respond within a month. As long as your supporters' comments are received back within this time period, the assessment of the application can begin. This stage can take up to six weeks. You will then be notified of the Institute's decision.
For some applicants an interview is necessary. Interviews are held at least 3 times a year. As soon as your supporter forms are received you will be allocated to the next interview group.
10. I don't have a degree, do I still qualify?
The Institute welcomes applications from those without degrees. You will need to progress down the non-standard (general route for CPhys) routes to CPhys, CEng or CSci but as long as you have suitable work experience this shouldn't be a problem for you. Go to the relevant section of this website to find out more: CPhys, CEng, CSci.
11. My work is too confidential to submit in my application, will this weaken my case for Chartership?
You will need to submit sufficient information to convince the assessors that you are working at the required level. If you can not release any information about your work we will not be able to consider you for registration. You are advised to discuss this issue with your mentor and other chartered staff at your work place to see how they have handled it. If there is no suitable person to discuss this with you can contact the Professional Development Team at the Institute. Please e-mail cpd@iop.org or call 020 7470 4800.
12. I need a mentor to support me in the duration of me working up to Chartered status, can the Institute help me to get one?
The Institute offers a mentor/mentee matching scheme, please click here for more details.
^ To the top ^