Registered Scientist (RSci)
Registered Scientist (RSci)
Why become a Registered Scientist?
Achieving Registered Scientist status enhances your reputation and signifies 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 professional capabilities 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 competent scientist who acts with integrity, behaves ethically and is invested in learning and development, for the benefit of yourself and others.
Who can apply for RSci?
This registration is for members working autonomously in a variety of scientific or higher technical roles. You will be resolving problems and identifying, reviewing, and selecting appropriate techniques, procedures, and methods within your role.
The IOP Membership team is here to support your through the application process.
How to become a Registered Scientist (RSci)
What are the requirements?
You will need to provide evidence demonstrating your competence across five areas. You will provide 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 communication and interpersonal skills
- Professionalism – Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods
- Professional standards – Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards
Find out more information on the competencies.
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 recommend that you use the application template document (DOC, 79KB) 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?
Although you do not need any formal qualification to gain registration for RSci, you will need to have appropriate knowledge and understanding to a level 5 qualification (level 7 in Scotland) or equivalent. For example, a foundation degree, HND, certificate or diploma, NVQ Level 5.
Equivalence may be demonstrated through a combination of other qualifications, work-based training, and professional experience.
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, 609KB).
Please also ensure you have read the relevant information on the Science Council website.
- Professional registers – competence framework (PDF)
- Guidance for RSci competence report for 2022
- Model Rules of Conduct for Registrants (PDF)
- Guidance for RSci CPD standards
- Competence report – five most common mistakes (PDF)
- Competence report planner (PDF)
- Do's and Don'ts (PDF)
We recommend that you use the application template document (DOC, 79KB) 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.