Chartered Scientist (CSci)
Chartered Scientist (CSci)
Why become a Chartered Scientist?
Achieving Chartered Scientist status enhances your reputation and exemplifies your dedication to raising the standards within your sector, our community and for society.
Registrants are assessed against recognised professional standards, as part of a rigorous process, providing confidence and trust in your expertise and leadership amongst employers, peers and stakeholders.
Further benefits for you
Registration provides recognition of your achievements. It will also provide you with increased career opportunities, enhanced credibility and greater influence in your field.
Additionally, you will be identified as an accomplished professional who acts with integrity, behaves ethically and is invested in learning and development, for the benefit of yourself and others.
Who can apply for CSci?
This registration is for members who are effective leaders in their fields. You will be using your specialist knowledge and broader scientific understanding to develop and improve the application of science and technology, by scoping, planning, and managing complex projects.
The Membership team is here to support your through the application process.
How to become a Chartered Scientist?
What are the requirements?
You will need to provide evidence and examples from your working life, usually within the past five years, that illustrate how you have met each standard. These are then assessed either online or in a face-to-face interview.
The competence areas are:
- Application of knowledge and understanding – identify and use relevant scientific understanding, methods and skills to complete tasks and address well defined problems
- Personal responsibility – exercise personal responsibility in planning and implementing tasks according to prescribed protocols
- Interpersonal skills – demonstrate effective personal and communication skills
- Professional practice – apply appropriate practical and theoretical methods according to protocol
- Professional standards – demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards
For more information on the competences, download and read the Chartered Scientist application guidance (PDF, 1.3MB).
We recommend that you use the application template document (DOC, 72KB) to assist you in preparing your responses before completing the online application form. This approach ensures that you have collated your responses and are able to share it with your supporters before progressing to the online application.
What qualifications do I need?
You must hold a level 7 qualification (level 10 in Scotland) or equivalent level of learning. If you are unsure, contact [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
How much CPD is required?
You will also have to demonstrate your commitment to regularly undertaking professional development activities to ensure your skills and knowledge remain up to date.
We provide our members with a broad range of learning activities to support their ongoing commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).
Is there formal guidance for applying?
Before starting your application, please read our guidelines (PDF, 614KB) and also ensure you have read the relevant information on the Science Council’s website.
- Professional registers – competence framework
- Guidance for CSci competence report for 2022
- Model Rules of Conduct for Registrants
- Guidance for CSci CPD standards for 2022
- Competence report – five most common mistakes
- Competence Planner
- Do's and Don'ts
- CSci Equivalence Report template
- CSci Equivalence Report Guidance
We recommend that you use the application template document (DOC, 72KB) to assist you in preparing your responses before completing the online application form. This approach ensures that you have collated your responses and are able to share it with your supporters before progressing to the online application.
Do I need supporters?
Applicants will need to identify two supporters. Please read the guidance on choosing your supporters for guidance in this area.
IOP Professional Registration Adviser (PRA) Scheme
What is the PRA scheme?
The IOP's Professional Registration Adviser (PRA) Scheme is designed to support members who are in the process of applying for a professional registration with the Institute of Physics. Professional registration advisers are members who serve on the professional registration panels and are trained to provide point-in-time advice on your application.
How do I find out more and apply?
Find out more about the PRA Scheme for applicants, including how to apply to be matched with an adviser.