The professional registers are awards that recognise the skills, knowledge and professionalism of working scientists. The registers are part of a broader recognition and development framework that can lead ultimately to chartered status.
Gaining Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) or Registered Scientist (RSci) will demonstrate that you have:
- demonstrated your professionalism to employers, colleagues and clients
- acquired transferable skills that allow you to work across different science sectors
- built on your academic achievements and developed professional skills in a work environment
- gained knowledge and awareness of your chosen area of the sciences
- developed strong scientific skills and are committed to improving them
- shown personal and professional integrity
- committed to developing your career, as well as advancing excellence in the sciences.
On this page
RSciTech / RSci video
Registered Science Technician (RSciTech)
Registered Scientist (RSci)
Maintaining professional registration
In the Practising scientists section
Chartered status
Mastership in Chemical Analysis (MChemA)
Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC)
Qualified Person in the Pharmaceutical Industry
A guide to becoming professionally registered
Registered Science Technician (RSciTech)
Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) is a competence-based professional designation for technicians, technical support staff and advanced apprentices.
Becoming a Registered Science Technician shows that you have demonstrated high levels of competence and professionalism in your role. RSciTech is part of a broader recognition framework that can lead to Registered Scientist (RSci).
Eligibility
RSciTech is for apprentices, technicians and technical support staff and is highly regarded within both industry and education.
Applicants will hold a QCF level 3 qualification (for example, A-Level, Tech Level, Applied General, BTEC, NVQ Level 3, Advanced Apprenticeship). However, equivalence may be demonstrated through a combination of other qualifications, work-based training and professional experience.
As well as possessing relevant scientific / technical knowledge, it's also necessary to have sufficient professional experience to meet the Science Council’s competence standards, and typically at least one year’s experience working within an appropriate role.
Cost
There is a £15.50 registration fee. The annual retention is £15.50.
How to apply
Before you begin an application for RSciTech you must have at least Affiliate membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry. You also need to identify a supporter, who will usually be your line manager or a senior colleague familiar with your role. Note: a supporter does not need to be registered or a member. When you are ready to apply, complete the Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) Application form. You should give a specific real-world example of how you demonstrate each of the 15 competences. Considering what you did, why and how usually provides the length and depth required.
We don't require additional supporting evidence – such as project reports, standard operating procedures, or training course attendance certificates – but if you feel they may strengthen your application, these will be accepted and reviewed.
You can find more information and examples of evidence accepted in the Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) application guidance document.
Your supporter is required to add a supporting statement / reference. Their statement should vouch that your evidence is true and correct and add any additional comments relating to the five competence areas:
- Application of knowledge and understanding
- Personal responsibility
- Interpersonal skills
- Professional practice
- Professional standards
You may be required to provide evidence of qualifications you hold and / or an up-to-date CV.
Registered Scientist (RSci)
Registered Scientist (RSci) is a competence-based professional designation for scientists, higher apprentices, and those working in higher technical support roles.
Becoming a RSci shows that you have demonstrated high levels of competence and professionalism in your role. RSci is part of a broader recognition framework that can lead to Chartered Scientist (CSci), Chartered Chemist (CChem) or Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach).
Eligibility
RSci is for scientists, as well as those who have completed vocational learning, such as a higher apprenticeship, who want to get their skills and expertise recognised. The award is also open to people completing an industrial placement year as part of their degree.
Applicants will typically hold a relevant science qualification (for example, HNC, Certificate of Higher Education, HND, FdSc or BSc). However, equivalence may be demonstrated through a combination of other qualifications, work-based training and professional experience.
As well as possessing relevant scientific knowledge, it's also necessary to have sufficient professional experience to meet the Science Council’s competence standards. Typically at least one year’s experience working within an appropriate role is required, but this may be longer depending on qualifications.
Cost
This application cost includes a registration fee paid to the Science Council and a small administration charge that is retained by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
There is a £36 registration fee. The annual retention is £35.50.
How to apply
Before you begin an application for RSci you must have at least Affiliate membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry. You also need to identify a supporter, who will usually be your line manager or a senior colleague familiar with your role. Note: a supporter does not need to be registered or a member. When you are ready to apply, complete the Registered Scientist application form. You should give a specific real-world example of how you demonstrate each of the 16 competences. Considering what you did, why and how usually provides the length and depth required.
We don't require additional supporting evidence – such as project reports, standard operating procedures, or training course attendance certificates – but if you feel they may strengthen your application, these will be accepted and reviewed. You can find more information and examples of evidence accepted in the Registered Scientist guidance document.
Your supporter is required to add a supporting statement / reference. Their statement should vouch that your evidence is true and correct and add any additional comments relating to the five competence areas:
- Application of knowledge and understanding
- Personal responsibility
- Interpersonal skills
- Professional practice
- Professional standards
You may be required to provide evidence of qualifications you hold and/or an up to date CV.
Year in industry?
Would you like formal recognition for the skills developed and experience gained during your degree’s placement year?
If you have completed a year in industry as part of your course, you’re eligible to apply for RSci.
Registered Scientist application form
Many placement students apply for RSci because:
- It can be achieved before you graduate, providing further evidence of the standard and range of work you’ve carried out during your degree
- It’s recognised by potential employers and will help you stand out in a competitive job market – demonstrating that you have key skills and want to develop professionally
- Completing the form is good practice for future job applications and interviews
More information on becoming professionally registered
Watch our webinar on professional regstration, aimed at those working in the chemical sciences, for further insight on gaining RSciTech and RSci satus and the benefits they provide
Watch our webinar for further insightMaintaining professional recognition
When you apply to become registered, you make a commitment to continuing professional development (CPD). This involves any activity that maintains and develops your professional knowledge and skills – for example, attending talks or presentations, work-based training, reading relevant publications, and a performance review (including setting targets / objectives) with a line manager.
Revalidation
Registrants commit to maintain a record of their CPD activities. You may be selected for revalidation; if so, you'll be asked to submit a report describing your relevant learning activities in three of the following five areas:
- Work-based learning (for example, 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)
CPD activities can be logged using our free online CPD recording tool.
Retain registered status
If you're selected for revalidation, and wish to retain your registered status, you'll be sent a revalidation form. Please make sure you complete the form as specified, including the required information, and submit it by the indicated deadline.
You'll find some points to consider when completing the form in the RSci and RSciTech revalidation guidance documents.
RSci and RSciTech revalidation guidance documents
The standards that have to be met in order to maintain your registered status are:
- A registrant must maintain a continuous, up-to-date and accurate record of their CPD activities
- A registrant must demonstrate that their CPD activities are a mixture of learning activities relevant to current or future practice.
- A registrant must seek to ensure that their CPD has benefitted the quality of their practice
- A registrant must seek to ensure that their CPD has benefitted the users of their work (for example employees, customers, students)
- A registrant must present a written profile containing evidence of their CPD upon request
Become an Assessor
We are looking for new assessors to support us with the increasing number of scientists who are applying to become professionally registered. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity then please email registers@rsc.org
Registered Scientist and Registered Science Technician
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- +44 (0) 1223 432141
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- Send us an email