Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv)

The Chartered Environmentalist competencies have been updated and the RSC is now using these new competencies. If you are already in the process of preparing your application form with the old competencies (pre-Nov 23) please note that applications prepared against these competencies will only be accepted until the 31st December 2023. If you are in the process of preparing your application form, please contact the CEnv Officer as soon as possible to clarify what you need to do.

Chemistry underpins the innovations we need to address the environmental and sustainability issues that society faces.

Developing green technologies, finding more sustainable resources, pushing for circular economy principles and policy – these are just some of the ways in which our worldwide community of chemistry-using professionals are influencing change.

The professional award of Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) recognises the specialist knowledge of Royal Society of Chemistry members whose work contributes to mitigating and solving environmental challenges.

Chartered Environmentalists come from a wide range of disciplines and sectors, and you don't have to be a practising scientist to apply. The award is relevant to all those who meet the required professional competencies set out by the Society for the Environment.

Why should I apply?

By becoming a Chartered Environmentalist you will:

receive professional recognition of your knowledge of sustainability principles in the management of the environment
be entitled to use the designatory letters CEnv after your name
elevate your credibility and reputation in your field
be included in the Society for the Environment's CEnv register
build your network by joining a global community of other environment professionals
demonstrate personal and professional integrity

Applying for the award is a three-step process; the eligibility check, application form, and interview.

Chartered Environmentalist profile: Bart Kolodziejczyk

“It may sound a bit bizarre, but since achieving Chartered Environmentalist status with the Royal Society of Chemistry, I feel even more obliged to enable and drive environmental change.”

→ Gain insight into what it means to be a Chartered Environmentalist

‘Environmental Professionals in Conversation’ - Listen to Bart Kolodziejczyk, CEnv in conversation with Phil Underwood from Society for the Environment (SocEnv).

Who can apply?

We are licensed by the Society for the Environment (SocEnv) to award CEnv to members who meet all of the criteria:

membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC or FRSC)
a Master's-level (M-level) qualification (or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through experience or by holding CChem or CSci status)
at least four years' relevant experience at or above Master's level
evidence that you meet the CEnv competencies set out in the application form

Not a member of the RSC? It's easy to join.

To upgrade to MRSC, visit the members' area.

What does it cost?

The application fee is £122.80
The annual retention fee is £72.40 per year, paid with your membership renewal.

Please note the RSC retain a £22 administration fee for payments for Chartered Environmentalist. The remainder of the fee is transferred to the Society for the Environment.

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

Not a member of the RSC? It's easy to join.

How to apply

The Chartered Environmentalist competencies have been updated and the RSC is now using these new competencies. If you are already in the process of preparing your application form with the old competencies (pre-Nov 23) please note that applications prepared against these competencies will only be accepted until the 31st December 2023. If you are in the process of preparing your application form, please contact the CEnv Officer as soon as possible to clarify what you need to do.

Please read our guide Applicants Guide to Becoming a CEnv and the CEnv competency examples before going to the next step.

If you don't already hold a Master's-level qualification, CChem or CSci, you can submit an equivalence report.

Before you start, make sure you have:

✓ an up-to-date CV – you'll need to submit this with your application form

✓ two supporters – they'll need to confirm the information you provide. In most cases this will be your line manager and one other close colleague

✓ a completed equivalence report if you don't hold an M-level qualification, CChem or CSci status

You'll be prompted to pay the fee once we've received your application.

Download an application form

If your written application is approved by the assessors, you'll be invited to an interview. The purpose of this is to confirm that you meet the standards expected of a CEnv. Interviews are usually conducted remotely and last for about 45 minutes.

Help with your application

The application process and estimated timescales

Submit your application and payment to us via email
We review your application and will request further information from you if necessary (allow up to 2 weeks).
We then send your application to external assessors (allow 4 weeks to review).
If necessary, you will be asked to update your application in line with the assessor’s comments, which will then be reviewed again by the assessors.
If your application form is approved by the assessors, you will then be invited to an interview.
You will be invited to do a technical test (1–2 weeks before the interview).
Your interview will typically be 1–2 months after you were invited to interview.
The outcome is typically provided on the day.
Final email confirmation is provided within 1 week.

Maintaining your CEnv 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.

RSC members can keep a record of their CPD using our free CPD recording tool.

There is also a retention fee of £65, 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 Environmentalist, you could help others in your community by becoming a volunteer CEnv application assessor? If you're interested, please contact us.