Public Analysts provide a crucial public protection service, ensuring that the food we eat, the water we drink and the products we buy are safe. They work in several areas including food and consumer safety, animal feed, workplace safety, water and environment, and emergency planning.
Using their expertise in chemical analysis and the interpretation of results, Public Analysts help local authorities to enforce UK and EU regulations. They also provide scientific advice during forensic investigations and may be called upon as an Expert Witness to give evidence in a court of law.
Highly skilled analytical scientists, Public Analysts are competent in chemistry, biology, microbiology, microscopy and the law relating to food, water, agricultural fertilisers and feeding stuffs.
As well as impeccable problem solving skills, a Public Analyst must be able to deal with high pressure situations and be able to communicate complex issues to a non-scientific audience.
The Mastership in Chemical Analysis (MChemA) is the statutory qualification for those who want to practice as a Public Analyst and Agriculture Analyst in the UK.
We work closely with the Association of Public Analysts (the APA) and its training committee to ensure that candidates have the appropriate skills and knowledge to qualify.
Why should I apply?
If you're excited at the prospect of combining your analytical chemistry skills with law, then a career as a Public Analyst could be for you. Applying for MChemA gives you the opportunity to:
- broaden your career potential – MChemA entitles you to qualify as a Food Analyst, Food Examiner and an Agricultural Analyst
- demonstrate high professional standards and that you are committed to continuous professional development
- elevate your credibility and reputation in your field
- demonstrate personal and professional integrity
Who can apply?
To apply for the MChemA and to become eligible for appointment as a Public Analyst, you'll need adequate experience in a Public Analyst laboratory in the UK, or other laboratory concerned with relevant food, environment and agricultural analysis. You'll also need to have support from your organisation and:
- be a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC, MRSC or FRSC). You'll need to obtain MRSC or FRSC by the time you apply for Part C of the exam process (visit our membership page for joining options)
- have adequate experience in a public analyst's laboratory in the UK, or other laboratory concerned with relevant food, environment and agricultural analysis
Not a member of the RSC? It's easy to join.
To upgrade to MRSC, visit the members' area.
What does it cost?
In addition to your RSC membership fee, there is a fee for each part of the MChemA examination (A, B and C), as follows:
| Registration and Part A examination | Part B | Part C | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
An examination on the theory of general analytical chemistry |
Subsequent attempt at Part A |
Covers the application of analytical chemistry to food, water and agriculture, including policy and law |
The opportunity to demonstrate your competence with a portfolio of evidence and a one-day practical examination |
|
£315 |
£183 |
£183 (each attempt) |
£520 (each attempt) |
You can pay your fee by contacting us.
Not a member of the RSC? It's easy to join. We offer reduced membership fees for those who earn less than £28,000 per annum.
How to apply
In addition to the eligibility criteria, you'll need:
✓ two counsellors, one internal, one external – these are the people who will help you throughout your training period. You can find more information about the role of counsellors in our regulations, syllabus and guidance notes
✓ an up-to-date CV – it may help you when completing the application form
Read our regulations, syllabus and guidance notes so that you're familiar with the examination process.
Check the dates and fees for registration and examinations. You can pay your fee by contacting us.
Download and complete the Application form for registration and Part A
Please return by the closing date to mchema@rsc.org. Upon receipt of this application form the MChemA Officer will provide you details on how to pay the Part A exam fee if required.
Help with your application
- Regulations, syllabus and guidance notes
- Dates and fees for registration and examinations
- Registration of Interest
- Application Form: Registration
- Application Form: Part A
- Application Form: Part B
- Internal Counsellors Form for Part B
- External Counsellors Form for Part B
- Application Form: Part C
- Assessors' report
- The examiners prepare a report each year, including general comments to help you understand their expectations, and aid your preparation for the MChemA.
- The APA organises training courses and publishes training guides to support MChemA candidates.
Past exam papers:
Please ask if you would like copies of older papers.
The application process and estimated timescales
- You can register for the MChemA throughout the year, but this must be received by either the end of January or August. This is because all applications must be approved by the MChemA Exam Board at either the Spring (March) or Autumn (September) meeting.
- You don’t have to do each exam back to back, applicants typically take around four years to complete the process.
- Part A: Your deadline to apply is end of January. Your application will be reviewed by the MChemA Board (Spring meeting). If approved, you can sit the exam in April. The results are then released by early July.
- Part B: Your deadline to apply is end of January. Your application will be reviewed by the MChemA Board (Spring meeting). If approved, you can sit the exam in April. The results are released by early Summer.
- Part C: Your deadline to apply is end of January. Your Portfolio results are provided by July. Your professional interview (if required) will be in June/July and the practical exam is in September with the results provided to you by early October.
Maintaining your MChemA status
MChemA holders are expected to maintain a commitment to continuous professional development.
We offer a free CPD recording tool for members to help you keep track of your development. Alternatively, if you're a member of the APA, you can use their CPD scheme to record your professional development.
Mastership in Chemical Analysis
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- +44 (0) 1223 432141
- Email:
- Send us an email