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Whether you're applying for RSciTech, RSci, CSci, or CSciTeach, this column provides a detailed guide, an example competency report and advice on applying for each register.

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In follow up to your workshop, you will continue to have full access to this toolkit, to help you complete your journey to professional registration. Resources in the purple section are advised in follow up to the workshop, but all resources here are available whenever you would like to refer to them, before or after.

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Can I use the CAP or should I apply directly to a Licensed Body?

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Can I use the CAP or should I apply directly to a Licensed Body?

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Many Licensed Bodies use the CAP (Common Application Portal) for processing applications, but some Licensed Bodies require you to apply directly through them.

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Introduction to Professional Registration Workshop (FREE)

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Introduction to Professional Registration Workshop (FREE)

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PRE-WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES

These short tasks and bite-sized videos will take 35-40 minutes to complete and are an essential part of the virtual workshop programme. This preparation will enable you to get the greatest benefit from the workshop.

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WATCH the animated video (1 min)

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This toolkit provides you with self-guided learning resources to help you complete your journey to professional registration. The toolkit is designed to complement our more formal options of support shown below.

1. Introduction to Professional Registration virtual workshop (2 hours) FREE

2. Application Masterclass - face-to-face (full day) £350

Please register at: Buy tickets – Science Council or contact development@sciencecouncil.org for more information.

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WATCH: What is professional registration? (1.27 mins)

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Professional registration with the Science Council

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Use our matrix of competencies to help you choose the right register for you. (5 mins)

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CSciTeach: The structure of CSciTeach is slightly different to the other registers. Click to visit the Science Council website to find out more.

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Chartered Science Teachers combine the scientific knowledge and understanding with the skills and expertise required by individuals involved in the practice and advancement of science teaching and learning.

Once registered, you must maintain your status through meeting continuing professional development (CPD) requirements each year, which support excellent in science teaching and learning.
Meet some of our other Chartered Science Teachers.
How do I become a Chartered Science Teacher?
See our guidance for CSciTeach competence report. If you need support with this, please get in touch.
Professional bodies that award CSciTeach

You are unable to apply for CSciTeach through the Science Council's online application system (known as the Common Application System).

If you wish to apply for CSciTeach you will need to already be a member of or join one of the professional bodies listed below and apply through them.

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Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach) - The Science Council ~

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Chartered Science Teachers combine the scientific knowledge and understanding with the skills and expertise required by individuals involved in the practice and advancement of science teaching and learning. Once registered, you must maintain your status through meeting continuing professional development (CPD) requirements each year, which support excellent in science teaching and learning.

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READ: access the Science Council website to help you decide which professional body is right for you. (5-10 mins)

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VIEW the Science Council website to learn more about up-to-date fees. (2 mins)

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For applicants and registrants:

The cost of Professional Registration is determined by:

Costs when using the Science Council's online system (CAP):

When you first apply, there is a £15 application fee payable at the beginning of the process to cover the costs of the support we provide to you. In addition to this, there is also your registration fee (which differs between registers).
2021 Registration fees are:

CSci/CSciTeach £46 per annum

RSci £20.50 per annum

RSciTech £15.50 per annum

2022 Registration fees:

CSci/CSciTeach £46.40 per annum

RSci £20.70 per annum

RSciTech £15.60 per annum

If you are not currently a member of one of our Licensed Bodies, you will also need to pay a membership fee. There is a standard membership fee for RSci and RSiTech of £55. For CSci, this cost will vary between registers and Licensed Bodies, so please check with your chosen Licensed Body

Each year after this, you will need to pay your registration fee and membership fee.

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Fees and costing - The Science Council ~

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The cost of Professional Registration is determined by: When you first apply, there is a £15 application fee payable at the beginning of the process to cover the costs of the support we provide to you. In addition to this, there is also your registration fee (which differs between registers).

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Each interactive workshop (via Zoom) is designed to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to complete your competency report and match your skills and experience to the application requirements.

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GOOD NEWS: You are now ready to take part in the Interactive Professional Registration Workshop.

You might want to make a note of any questions you have at this stage, as there will be lots of opportunities to ask these during the workshop

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RSciTech resources

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READ: detailed guide for an RSciTech application

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EXAMPLE REPORT: Applicable to those applying for RSciTech

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RSci resources

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READ: detailed guide for an RSci application

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EXAMPLE REPORT: Applicable to those applying for RSci

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CSci resources

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READ: detailed guide for a CSci application

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EXAMPLE REPORT: Applicable to those applying for CSci

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WATCH: Laurence Dawkins-Hall provide advice about completing your Competence Report for CSci (15.10 mins)

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CSciTeach resources

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WATCH: Rob Butler provides advice on completing a CSciTeach application (5.40 mins)

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You will only need to use this section if you need to complete an equivalency report. For example, if you have the required experience but not a formal qualification. The purpose of the report is to evidence that you have gained the knowledge equivalent to the required qualification through work-based learning.

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READ MORE: on how CSciTeach registration is a little different to the other registers.

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Chartered Science Teachers combine the scientific knowledge and understanding with the skills and expertise required by individuals involved in the practice and advancement of science teaching and learning.

Once registered, you must maintain your status through meeting continuing professional development (CPD) requirements each year, which support excellent in science teaching and learning.
Meet some of our other Chartered Science Teachers.
How do I become a Chartered Science Teacher?
See our guidance for CSciTeach competence report. If you need support with this, please get in touch.
Professional bodies that award CSciTeach

You are unable to apply for CSciTeach through the Science Council's online application system (known as the Common Application System).

If you wish to apply for CSciTeach you will need to already be a member of or join one of the professional bodies listed below and apply through them.

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Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach) - The Science Council ~

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Chartered Science Teachers combine the scientific knowledge and understanding with the skills and expertise required by individuals involved in the practice and advancement of science teaching and learning. Once registered, you must maintain your status through meeting continuing professional development (CPD) requirements each year, which support excellent in science teaching and learning.

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LEARN MORE: about qualification levels and their equivalents in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or be signposted to further information relating to Scotland and as other countries.

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Most qualifications have a difficulty level. The higher the level, the more difficult the qualification is.

If you need to know the level of a qualification, you can:

Qualifications at the same level sometimes cover different amounts of the same subject.

Example

AS levels and A levels are both level 3, but you study AS levels over 1 year and A levels over 2 years. So you learn more about the subject at A level.

Help

Contact the National Careers Service for advice about qualification levels if you're in England.

For the rest of the UK, contact:

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Find the difficulty level of a qualification and compare qualifications across different countries.

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INSTRUCTIONS for joining an online event

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HOW TO APPLY for CSciTeach through the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

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HOW TO APPLY for CSciTeach through the Royal Society of Biology (RSB)

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HOW TO APPLY for CSciTeach through the Association for Science Education (ASE): https://www.ase.org.uk/professional-registration-0

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Start your application via the CAP

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How to apply for professional registration - The Science Council ~

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FAQs on the application process for professional registration and how to apply.

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Learn about the different qualification levels and how they relate to each other here.

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Frequently Asked Questions about applying for professional registration

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Choose your professional body

To join one of our registers you will need to be a member of one of our licensed professional bodies. You may already be a member, or you can do this as you apply for registration. Please check your chosen register and professional body are compatible, as not all of our professional bodies offer all of our registers.

Choose your application route

Some professional bodies that award science council registration accept direct applications.

The Science Council portal processes applications for CSci, RSci, RSciTech and the apprenticeship shortened routes.

Applications for CSciTeach can be made directly with either:

The Association for Science Education

The Royal Society of Biology

The Royal Society of Chemistry

You can use the shortened application route if you have completed an eligible apprenticeship in the last three years.

If you have already created an application you can return to the portal to continue.

Application FAQs

What standards do I need to evidence?

Click on the relevant register to find the standards. RSciTech, RSci, CSci, CSciTeach.

To be awarded registration you must:

Be able to demonstrate in writing that you meet the register competencies.

Sign up to a Code of Conduct. Each Professional Body has its own code. All of them meet our minimum standard for a Code of Conduct.

Meet the requirements for membership for one of our Licensed Professional Bodies.

Pay your fee.

To remain on the register you must demonstrate you are maintaining or advancing your skills and knowledge through continuing professional development (CPD) and you must continue to pay your fee.

What will I be asked?

There are several stages to filling in your application:

Select which award you are applying for.

Tell us about yourself - submit your personal details, your employer, your qualifications and CV.

Professional Body membership - either provide your membership ID (if you are already a member of a Professional Body licensed to award the registration you're applying for), or select which Licensed Professional Body you would like to join.

Payment

Complete your competence report

Tell us about your supporter - you will be asked to provide their name, job title, employer and work email address

Declaration - sign up to the CPD standards and registrant code of conduct

Once this has been completed you can submit your finished application.

What are the academic and work experience requirements?

The academic and work experience requirements for professional registration depend on the register which you are applying for.

RSciTech applicants must have a relevant level 3* qualification or equivalent learning and achievement and would have at least 1 year of recent, relevant work experience.

RSci applicants must have a relevant level 5* qualification or equivalent learning and achievement and would have at least 2 years recent, relevant work experience.

CSci applicants must have a relevant level 7* qualification or equivalent learning and achievement and would have at least 4 -5 years recent, relevant work.

CSciTeach applicants must have both an Honours degree in science and a Master's in Education (or equivalent) and would normally have 4 years teaching experience (after QTS is gained).

*(Level 3, 5 or 7 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Level 6, 8 or 11 in Scotland)

Relevant refers to science based qualifications and experience.

What is an apprenticeship shortened route?

The Science Council have reviewed over 30 current apprenticeships and is assured that they match the competencies of either RSci or RSciTech. These alignments are either against all of the competencies or a majority of them, resulting in a shortened application form. If you have completed an eligible apprenticeships within the last 3 years you can apply for registration via our shortened route.

More information on apprenticeship shortened routes can be found here.

What supporting information do I need?

To complete your application you will need:

An up to date CV

Details of your qualifications including certificates

Details of the person who will support your application

If you are using the Science Council application portal, you can select the register you want to apply for here. Once you have chosen your register and created an account you can log in again at any time to continue with your application. You can save the work you have done and log out, it will be there for you next time you log in.

You can choose a Licensed Professional Body and start your membership application with them.

To apply for CSciTeach you will need to choose a Licensed Professional Body that offers CSciTeach and apply via them.

Where can I get help and support?

We provide monthly free online workshops to help you complete your application for professional registration.

Visit our support page to find out more.

You can also get in touch with the Science Council directly at [email protected] we will always be happy to help.

How long does an application take?

You are in control of how long you take to complete each section. If you are using the Science Council application portal you can save your progress as you move through the application.

After submitting your completed application, your supporter will be notified by automated email. Once your supporter submits their review the Science Council will complete some initial checks of your application.

Once the checks are completed, two assessors will be assigned to review your application. It can take from 3 to 12 weeks for the assessors to be assigned and complete the review of your application.

Once we receive the two assessors' reviews, you will be advised of their recommendation.

How much does professional registration cost?

The cost of professional registration will vary depending on your chosen award and the application route that you take.
See a detailed view of our fees and costing structure here.
Many employers are willing to cover the costs of these fees. Check what your employer's policy is. If you pay your own fees, in most cases you can claim tax relief on fees for professional registration and professional body membership.

Please visit the webpage or contact the relevant Licensed Professional Body to check their charges.

Is there a word count?

We recommend around 300 words per competence.

For example, around 300 words for competence A1, 300 for competence A2 and so on.

For more support, attend one of our free virtual workshops here.

Who should my supporter be?

Your application needs to be supported by a someone who can attest to the information you have provided - the sort of person you would ask for a professional reference should you need one. They should be familiar with your work.

This will most likely be your line manager, however a colleague or client who knows the quality of your work may also be appropriate.

Your supporter should have enough scientific knowledge and expertise to be justified in supporting your application. If possible your supporter should be a member of a relevant professional body and hold either Registered or Chartered status with the Science Council, this may help you as they will understand what professional standards are required. Whoever you choose, you must get their permission before providing us with their contact details. If other people in your team are also applying for professional registration, your supporter may be supporting their applications as well. This is fine, but you may need to be sensitive to how busy they are.

If you are using the Science Council application portal, your supporter will be asked to log in to the application system to make their comments on your application. You will be automatically notified when they have competed their input. Supporters are busy people and may need reminding to complete their part.

Can I become registered if I live outside of the UK?

Professional registration through the Science Council is open to scientific professionals anywhere, as long as they are members of a professional body or learned society that has a licence from the Science Council.

Prior to Brexit, the Science Council registers were accepted for the purposes of the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC, as amended by 2013/55/EU) as a regulated profession with the Science Council appointed as the Competent Authority. Under the directive an individual fully qualified to practice a regulated profession in one member state should be treated, in principle, as qualified to practice that same profession in another Member State. Following Brexit this no longer applies to the UK.

However, professional registration, particularly chartership, is recognised as a standard of excellence around the world. The Science Council registers are open to professionals working in any country, providing parity between professionals in different countries as well as between the different scientific professions. If you are a registrant and you move to a different country, your registration will continue to be valid as long as you renew each year and maintain your CPD record.

Maintaining your registration

Keeping your registration up to date is important for you. Luckily enough you should not miss out as you will be reminded by your Professional Body when it is time for renewing your registration.

When you get your reminder please pay your renewal registration fee and professional body membership fee and submit your annual CPD return to your Professional Body.

If you are looking for more information on your CPD you can find advice and support here.

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How to apply for professional registration

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Choose your registration The Science Council has four registers for scientists, science technicians and science teachers. Each have separate competencies as well as differing academic and work experience requirements. More information can be found by clicking the register icons below, and in our FAQ section. Choose your professional body To join one of our registers […]

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WATCH the animated video (5.15 mins)

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READ more about Codes of Conduct as you must agree to abide by these during the registration process.

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Each scientist has to abide by the Code of Conduct of their professional body (which holds their registration). These will differ between professional bodies but will all include common themes. For our professional scientists, their core obligation is to the public interest, but there are also obligations to employers, clients, their professional body and the […]

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WATCH: Finding your competence examples - here, Laurence relates the competences to real-world examples to help guide you.