European Chemist (EurChem)

As Europe increasingly develops common standards to complete the international market, it is important that the professional competence of those who oversee the maintenance of standards is recognised.

Whilst the concept of a professional designation is well known and understood in the UK and Ireland, it represents a relatively new approach for many chemistry societies across Europe who are, as part of the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences (EuCheMS), jointly responsible for the award of the EurChem designation. As part of the process EuCheMS, through its European Chemist Registration Board, maintains schedules of academic qualifications at the levels of full professional, senior technician and junior technician.

However, academic qualifications alone have limited value. They say nothing about application of knowledge, level of skill, safety and environmental consciousness, sense of responsibility, ability to communicate and level of supervision received. By awarding the European Chemist designation the chemical societies in EuCheMS have ensured that there is an easily understood title to indicate a high level of competence in the practice of chemistry.

The award of EurChem assists individual chemists who are moving from one employer to another in different member states, receiving equal treatment across Europe. Candidates for EurChem must:

• Be a member of a participating EuCheMS member society (in the case of the RSC an applicant must be a Chartered Chemist)

• Have at least eight years of post-secondary school education including Bologna' 2nd cycle qualification (or equivalent

• Have at least three years' approved post-graduation professional experience 

• Nominate two referees who must be members of the applicant's national chemical society (Chartered Chemists in the case of the RSC

Applications should be made through the participating national societies who can provide an application form and a guide for applicants. The current five-year registration fee is 100 euro (~£90.00); each national society may charge an additional application fee (£25 for applications via the RSC).

RSC members wishing to apply should contact the Membership and Qualifications department for details.