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Registered Science Technician

The Registered Science Technician professional recognition award is open to technicians who are RSB members and can demonstrate the required professional competences and a commitment to CPD.

Our Registered Science Technician register supports high working standards, professional competence, and provides a benchmark for technicians working in industry, education and academia. Gaining this award shows that you are making an impact, working to high level of skill and knowledge, dedicated to continuing professional development, and may help your career progression. It allows the use of the postnominal letters RSciTech after the holder's name, and provides progression to the higher awards of Registered Scientist and Chartered Status.

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

Shortened application routes have been created for some apprenticeships.

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

Requirements

As a Registered Science Technician, you work with minimal supervision in technical roles, delivering essential scientific services and support within laboratories, schools, universities, hospitals and many other workplaces.

The minimum requirements to apply for RSciTech are:

Level 3 qualification, or ability to demonstrate equivalence
Have around 1-2 years experience
Membership of the RSB
Ability to demonstrate the competencies

Applications for RSciTech are taken through our online portal myRSB. If you are not yet a member of RSB, please create an account on this site and apply for membership before starting a RSciTech 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 RSciTech registration?

RSciTech 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 RSciTech 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

Registration Workshops

The Science Council are running a series of online workshops on applying for registration. Click here for the schedule and more information.

Guidance Documents

Applicant guidance notes
Example RSciTech CPD record
CPD guidance can be downloaded from this webpage

For further information on our commitment to supporting technicians and technical staff, please see the RSB's Technician Action Plan.

Technical Skills Certificate

The Technical Skills Certificate supports applicants working towards Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) status by supporting development in one or more of the following competency areas:

Application of knowledge and understanding
Personal responsibility
Interpersonal skills
Professional practice
Professional standards

To start your application visit our members area myRSB. If you have any questions, please email us, or call 020 3925 3458.

Applications from Apprentices

The Science Council have recently assessed a number of apprentices against mapping of the RSci and RSciTech registers. One of the key motivations for mapping apprenticeships is for creating shortened application routes for those apprenticeships that have been judged as well aligned, recognising the strong foundation of learning and extensive professional experience secured as a direct result of the mandated aspects of the apprenticeship. Eligible apprenticeships include; Level 3 Food Technologist, Level 4 Healthcare Science Associate, Level 3 Laboratory Technician, Lever 3 Water Industry Network Technician, Level 3 Water industry Treatment Process Technician. A full list of eligible apprenticeships can be found on the Science Council website.

The RSB is now able to receive applications using this shortened route - please do not apply through myRSB if you are wishing to use this route. Instead, applicants should email registers@rsb.org.uk to request access to the application form.

Guidance documents for this route has been provided by the Science Council:

Registration for apprentices leaflet

The Royal Society of Biology is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the pipeline; at school and higher education, in the workplace and training.

Competencies

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Application Fee	£45
Renewal Fee	£25.50

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.

Registered Science Technician

Fees