Chartered Scientist

In 2003, the Science Council http://www.sciencecouncil.org/ received a Royal Charter to offer a qualification (Chartered Scientist) for those scientists reaching an internationally recognised standard of learning and achievement. This initiative arises from the EU's Bologna agreement, which anticipates a unified qualification structure for all scientists at a nominal 'Masters' level. Unlike traditional Masters Degrees, however, the Chartered Scientist qualification will require significant exposure to learning and experience beyond formal academic training. It therefore aligns with the practice in many countries, which have always required a more broadly based career than a purely academic one.

Among the benefits of a Chartered Scientist designation is:

• For society at large, to be more confident in the competence of an individual scientist and no longer confused by a platform of letters and designations
• For individual practitioners, identification as professional scientists that sets them at the forefront of their profession and offers a passport to mobility
• For employers, confirmation, through the designation, of the quality of a job applicant's application
• For regulatory authorities, confidence in specifying the designation in Acts of Parliament and Regulations
• Legal credibility, enabling expert witness participation at a defined standard
• Professional standing, recognising equality of excellence across the science professions

The Association was admitted to membership of the Science Council in 2004, and its qualification regime, and the steps it is taking to enable it to award the qualification of Chartered Scientist under licence from the Science Council, have now been approved.

The Association will offer this additional qualification to its Members, through the licence it has now negotiated with the Science Council. Members seeking the award of Chartered Scientist status and the use of the designatory letters CSci may use the route established and maintained by OCCA from 1st January 2006.

Professional Members in the Class of Fellow (FTSC) may apply for Registration as Chartered Scientists. The procedures require the completion of an Application Form, Self Assessment Form and a supporting Portfolio of Evidence. Please study the Regulations and Guidance Notes on the completion of the Self Assessment Form and the requirements for the Portfolio of Evidence.

You will be required to pay a fee, £25 in 2006, to have your application assessed and, if successful an Annual registration fee payable to the Science Council to maintain your registration. Your initial registration will last for five years after which you will be required to demonstrate that you have been persuing your career as a Chartered Scientist through demonstrating CPD. The Association has established a system for monitoring CPD which you are encouraged to use, irrespective of whether you are Chartered Scientist or not.

The attainment of a Chartered Qualification by OCCA has achieved a long standing ambition for the Association and the recognition that Coatings Science is a distinct scientific discipline.