Scientist at imaging equipment, looking at screen

Chartered Scientist

Professionally recognising those who work in the life sciences at a high level, Chartered Status engenders public confidence in professionals and gives employers confidence in their employees.

Chartered Scientist (CSci) supports high working standards, professional competence, and provides a benchmark for scientists working in pan-science roles. It is open to those with who have at least a level 7 qualification with the appropriate level of experience. Those with Chartered Scientist status are entitled to use the postnominals CSci after their name.

Whether you choose to join the Chartered Scientist or Chartered Biologist register depends on your particular job role, circumstances and personal self-identification as a biologist or scientist. The RSB welcomes applications from members wishing to gain both titles.

For any employer or organisation, having employees with CSci status shows that your staff are working to extremely high standards, demonstrates a high level of competency in your staff, and shows that the organisation is supportive of employees' ongoing career development.

This register is operated through a licence offered by the Science Council.

Requirements

What are the requirements and how do I apply?

The minimum requirements to apply for CSci are:

FHEQ QAA Level 7 qualification or ability to demonstrate equivalence
An established career, approximately 6-8 years post-graduation experience with 1-2 years in a senior role
Membership of the RSB at MRSB or FRSB
Ability to demonstrate the competencies

Applications for CSci are taken through our online portal myRSB. If you are not yet a member of the RSB, please create an account on this site and apply for membership before starting a CSci application. If you are already a member, simply log in with your existing details.

The online application will take you through a number of sections to complete, including personal details, employment details, qualification certificates, references, career overview, and competency questions.

The main area of your application that is reviewed by qualified assessors are the competencies. When you are writing these you should ensure to give clear, structured examples and enough detail that someone outside of your work area can build up a picture of what you do.

Download our registers guidance document for more details on the application process.

How do I maintain CSci registration?

CSci registration is maintained through upkeep of membership and register renewal fees, and an annual CPD record. There is a single CPD system for all Royal Society of Biology members, which is simple to use and widely recognised for RSci and other professional registers. Our CPD scheme is points-based, with 50 points required to complete the year. These are achieved in sums of one to three points per hour depending on the activity. Almost any activity that develops your valuable skills as a life scientist qualifies for CPD. A small selection includes: the training of staff, the learning of a new practical technique, developing management skills, presenting at a conference and self-study in any area of biological interest.

For further information and guidance on CPD please visit our CPD webpage.

Guidance Documents

The Science Council also runs a series of online workshops on applying for registration.

Competencies

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Application Fee	£75
Renewal Fee	£61.50

Start your application now and join the world's biggest network of life science professionals.

For more information on professional registration, read our Frequently Asked Questions

Joining the RSci register recognises my skills as a professional scientist, in particular the 'on-the-job' experience I have gained on top of my qualifications. The process allowed me an opportunity to reflect on the work I have done and has helped me appreciate how much I have learned over the past couple of years. I now have access to many CPD opportunities through the RSB, and keeping a record also allows me to reflect.

Picture of Dr Cliff Collis CBiol CSci FRSB

I thought the registers were an innovative idea, because they relied on my work experience rather than academic qualifications, giving me the same chance to join as everyone else. Also, I liked that continued registration was dependent on CPD, as this would help me keep up to date.

Picture of Dr George Perry CBiol CSci CSciTeach FRSB

I joined the registers that document and guide maintenance of my core competencies as a biologist (CBiol), scientist (CSci) and teacher (CSciTeach). The register has guided my efforts to increase effectiveness and balance in research, service and teaching. Even more, it formally requires me to reflect on social impact, an aspect often lost. RSB registers assure competency and mentorship at all stages of career and are invaluable.

In my role, there is an expectation from regulatory authorities of being able to demonstrate that you are an appropriately qualified individual to perform safety assessments. Joining the UK Register of Toxicologists register has provided a visible and internationally accepted recognition of my professional skills and experience. I would recommend applying to join the register to any toxicologist who feels they have the appropriate experience.

I joined the Chartered Biologist register (CBiol) because I wanted to have recognition for the skills I have developed during my career and the commitment I have made to my professional development. I would really recommend joining a professional register as being part of a community that publicly holds itself accountable for high standards is something to be proud of and can help you to inspire others as well.

Picture of Susan Alexander CBiol CSci MRSB

I run my own business as a science consultant, trainer and auditor for environmental health and medical laboratory services, and it's very important for me to demonstrate knowledge and commitment to high standards in industry. In a nutshell, my professional registration helps me win contracts in a very competitive market.

I am the Production Manager at Wyevale Nurseries, responsible for the Biosecurity and Plant Health of 1.5 million shrubs, herbaceous, ferns and grasses at Wyevale Nurseries. Joining the plant health register has further bolster my biosecurity credentials, allowed me to feel more confident in my own plant health knowledge, and has opened opportunities to work with other plant health organisations.

Chartered Scientist

Fees