Registered Scientist (RSci)

Highly skilled and knowledgeable scientists underpin the advancement of the chemical sciences. Their contribution is as far-reaching as the industries and sectors they work in.

RSci status is a measure of excellence for practising scientists and those working in higher technical roles. Using their broad knowledge and high level practical skills, they are able to solve complex problems and apply scientific concepts and techniques to new and different areas of work.

The award recognises that an individual is able to work autonomously, using sound professional judgment when planning and carrying out tasks. And, because it's work-based, RSci is open to those who can demonstrate appropriate vocational chemical science learning, regardless of their academic background.

Why should I apply?

By becoming RSci you will:

receive professional validation of your skills and knowledge as a practising scientist
be entitled to use the designatory letters RSci after your name
demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high professional standards
elevate your credibility and confidence
demonstrate that you have transferrable skills and are committed to improving them
increase your appeal to potential employers – RSci is a mark of excellence
show personal and professional integrity

Who can apply?

Graduates, scientists and those who have completed vocational learning, such as a higher apprenticeship, can apply for the award. It's also open to people who have completed an industrial placement year as part of their degree.

You must be a Royal Society of Chemistry member (in any category) and have:

a RQF level 5 qualification or higher (for example an HND, Certificate of Higher Education, Foundation Degree in Science, or Bachelor of Science). However, equivalence may be demonstrated through a combination of other qualifications, work-based training and professional experience
sufficient professional experience to meet the Science Council’s competence standards (typically at least two years' experience working within an appropriate role)
an up-to-date CV and evidence of your qualifications

If you don't have a chemical science degree and you're an Affiliate member, you can use RSci as a route to Associate membership.

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

Shortened application routes are available to those who have completed a mapped apprenticeship standard. Go to the ‘how to apply’ section to find out more.

What does it cost?

In addition to your membership fee there is:

a £46 registration fee
an annual retention fee of £46, paid with your membership renewal

Please note the RSC retain a £16 administration fee for payments for Registered 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

Please read An applicant's guide to becoming a Registered Scientist, which sets out all of the eligibility requirements, before applying.

You must be a member (in any category) of the Royal Society of Chemistry and also have a supporter, usually your line manager or a senior colleague who is familiar with your role.

Your supporter will answer a question about your qualifications (or equivalent knowledge and skills) and provide a statement that validates your evidence against the five competency areas:

application of knowledge and understanding
personal responsibility
interpersonal skills
professional practice
professional standards

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

Some apprenticeship standards in England have been mapped against the requirements for RSciTech and RSci. This means that if you have completed one of these apprenticeships within the past two years, you will be eligible to apply through a shortened application. Check this Science Council page to see if your apprenticeship has been mapped or get in touch for more information.

Most applicants choose to apply via a written assessment. However, there is the option of assessment via interview. Please contact us to find out more.

In your application, you'll need to give a specific example of how you demonstrate each of the Science Council’s competence standards in your professional work. Consider what you did, why and how – this usually provides the length and depth that's required. You can find more information on how to structure your examples and ideas of the types of things you could write about in An applicant's guide to becoming a Registered Scientist.

Download an application form

Help with your application & application timescales

Help with your application

An applicant's guide to becoming a Registered Scientist – for eligibility information, advice for your supporter, guidance on how to structure your evidence and examples for inspiration
Science Council’s competence standards
How to write examples in competency based application forms
Registered Scientist application form

The application process and estimated timescales

Send your application and CV to the RSC via email
We review your application, requesting further information from you if necessary.
We send your application to external assessors. Assessors may, via us, request further information (allow eight weeks).
If necessary, you will be asked to update your application in line with assessors’ comments.
Assessors do a final review to ensure you have met the required standards.
You will be advised of the outcome together with any feedback from the assessors.

Renewing your registered status

You'll be asked if you want to renew your RSci status when you receive your Royal Society of Chemistry membership renewal. The retention fee for RSci is £46, paid annually with your membership fee.

All Registered Scientists commit to continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain their registered status – it's a mandatory requirement. To make this easier, we offer our members a free CPD recording tool.

CPD enables you to take charge of your career. By keeping track of your professional development you can identify gaps in your knowledge and opportunities to learn new skills. And in a fast-changing world, keeping your skills up to date is essential.

Every year, we also select a random sample of members for revalidation. If you're selected, we'll contact you to explain the process. Please make sure you provide all the information required and return to us by the deadline given. You'll be asked to describe your relevant professional development activities from the past 12 months in three of the following five areas:

work-based learning (eg, supervising staff/students, reflective practice)
professional activity (involvement in a professional body, mentoring)
formal/educational (writing articles/papers, further education)
self-directed learning (reading journals, reviewing books/articles)
other (voluntary work, public service)

Please read our revalidation guidance – it'll help you to complete the revalidation process.

Please note the RSC retain a £15 administration fee for payments for Registered Scientist. The remainder of the fee is transferred to the Science Council.

What happens if I drop off the register?

Sometimes, an individual may be removed from the professional register because:

their Royal Society of Chemistry membership has lapsed
they haven't paid the retention fee
they are involved in a disciplinary hearing

If you drop off the Science Council register, you can be reinstated at any time within three years. You'll need to complete the revalidation process and confirm that you still meet the eligibility requirements. After three years, you'll need to do a new application.

Become an assessor

Did you know that, as a Registered Scientist, you can contribute to your CPD by becoming a volunteer RSci and RSciTech application assessor? If you are interested in becoming an RSci and RSciTech assessor please contact us.