Chartered Scientist (CSci)

Scientific endeavour is increasingly multidisciplinary. The merging of scientific boundaries enables innovation and progress in tackling global challenges.

Such co-creation requires exceptional individuals who can work at the interface of several disciplines.

Chartered Scientist (CSci) is the hallmark of those practising science across disciplines. Not only do they demonstrate effective leadership, they use their specialist knowledge and broader scientific understanding to develop and improve the application of science and technology by scoping, planning and managing multifaceted projects.

Why should I apply?

By becoming a Chartered Scientist you'll be joining a worldwide community of cross-disciplinary professional scientists, and:

• demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high professional standards
• be entitled to use the designatory letters CSci after your name
• broaden your career potential by demonstrating that you have transferrable skills and are committed to improving them
• elevate your credibility and reputation in your field
• be included in the Science Council’s CSci register
• demonstrate personal and professional integrity

Who can apply?

We are licensed by the Science Council to award CSci to members who meet all of the following criteria:

• membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC or FRSC)
• Master's-level (M-level) qualification (or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through experience or by holding CChem or CEnv status)
• five years' postgraduate experience at Master's level
• currently employed (including part-time, self-employed and consultants) in a role that uses your scientific expertise

If you're not already a member, it's easy to join.

To upgrade to MRSC, visit the members' area.

What does it cost?

• The application fee is £77
• The annual retention fee is £77 per year, paid with your membership renewal.

Please note the RSC retain a £23 administration fee for payments for Chartered Scientist. The remainder of the fee is transferred to the Science Council.

We offer reduced membership fees for those who earn less than £31,000 per annum.

If you're not already a member, it's easy to join.

How to apply

Updated CSci competencies

The CSci application form and guidance document have been updated to include the new competencies published by the Science Council earlier this year. If you have yet to register for the CSci application process please use the updated forms in this section.

If you have already registered then you will be able to use the old forms as long as you submit your final report form within one year of registration. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us.

Help with your application

• Equivalence form for chartered status applicants
• Chartered Scientist registration form
• Applicants Guide to Becoming a CSci
• Chartered Scientist Final Report form

The application process and estimated timescales

• Submit your registration form, CV, and equivalence form (if required) to us via email.
• We then review these and confirm if you can be registered (allow 2 weeks).
• You can then submit your final report form and evidence to us via email (within one year of registration date).
• We review your report form, requesting further information from you if necessary (allow up to 2 weeks).
• We then send your report form and evidence to external assessors (allow 4 weeks to review).
• If necessary, you will be asked to update your form in line with the assessor’s comments, which will then be reviewed again by the assessors.

Shortened application route for CChem holders

Chartered Chemists (CChem) can apply for CSci through a specially designed short route. To be eligible, you must have gained CChem after January 2001 and be currently employed.

When applying, you only need to evidence four competencies (instead of the 15 that are normally required) and you do not need to provide a portfolio of evidence.

If you were awarded CChem more than two years ago and have not revalidated your CChem within the past two years, then in addition to evidencing the four competencies, you will also need to revalidate your CChem by giving an account of your professional development over the past year.

• The application fee and the annual retention fee are both £73.35

Please refer to the CSci guidance for short route document for further information about the application process.

If you would like to receive the application form and have your eligibility for the process checked, please contact the CSci team and provide your name and membership number.

Download CSci guide to the shortened route

Maintaining your CSci status

Like most professional awards, it's a mandatory requirement to commit to continuous professional development (CPD). In a fast-changing world, keeping your knowledge and skills up to date is essential.

Maintaining a record of your professional development helps you to identify gaps in your knowledge and opportunities to learn new skills. We offer members a free CPD recording tool to make this easier.

A retention fee of £77.00 is also required and is paid annually when you renew your membership.

Visit the members' area for more information about revalidating your award and reinstatement to the register.

Become an assessor

Did you know that, as a Chartered Scientist, you can contribute to your CPD by becoming a volunteer CSci application assessor? If you are interested in becoming a CSci assessor please contact us.