Science Council Registration
If you are looking to stand out from your peers, boost your CV and evidence your scientific credentials, you may wish to join one of our Science Council registers.
By joining you will gain the relevant post-nominals and be recognised in your knowledge and experience alongside any other qualifications you may have.
Your registration on a Science Council register is reliant on you remaining professionally active in a role that requires you to keep your knowledge and competence up to date. It doesn't need to be full-time or paid work and so members who are engaged in volunteering, outreach, or consultancy, for example, should consider themselves as professionally active and undertake relevant CPD.
As a result, our Science Council registers capture your on-the-job experience and showcase the level of competence you have as a practising scientist.
It also shows your commitment to integrity, regard for public interest and responsibility for others.
What are the available registration levels?
As a licensed body, the Society can award the following designations on behalf of the Science Council.
Chartered Scientist (CSci)
Recognising the highest levels of professionalism and competence, the Chartered Scientist designation applies to any discipline or sector of science.
Holding this title demonstrates your effective leadership, specialist knowledge and broader scientific understanding to develop and improve the application of science.
Registered Scientist (RSci)
This level is suitable for Graduate and Full Members working in psychology-based careers. This award provides you with a means of demonstrating your level of experience and professionalism without having reached Chartered level but may act as a springboard to Chartered Scientist status.
Registered Technician Scientist (RSCi Tech)
This level is suitable for you if you are working as a technician in a psychology-based role and are delivering skilled technical support. To qualify for this register, you need to be at least an Affiliate subscriber to the society.
What are the benefits of joining the Science Council?
When you register with the Science Council, you will be not only be evidencing your commitment to furthering your knowledge, but you will also be signalling further credibility of yourself and your work to your peers and potential clients.
- Evidence your expertise with a designation from the Science Council
- Boost your CV and stand out from the crowd
- Gain enhanced credibility for yourself and your organisation
- Increase your confidence and skill
- Become a leader within your field
- Join a worldwide community of cross-disciplinary scientists
- Visibility on the Science Council register
Hear more from your peers
"As an interdisciplinary researcher drawing from applied psychology and sociology, the Science Council offers a platform to validate the rigour and quality of my work across multiple domains.
This validation is crucial not only for academic pursuits but also for consultancy projects where demonstrating scientific credibility and expertise are paramount." - Dr Nick Adams, CPsychol, RSci, AFBPsS
Read Nick's full blog on joining the Science Council
"As a researcher and developer of new assessment products, I see myself to be both a Psychologist and Scientist as such believe the Chartered Scientist status recognises the importance of continual research and development in the area of Occupational Psychology." - Dr Amanda Potter, CPsychol, CSci
Read Amanda's interview about the impact Chartered Scientist status had on her career
"As a Registered Scientist, my registration demonstrates a level of competence, evidence of ongoing training, and commitment to professional standards and values.
It emphasises the importance of continuing professional development, not just for my own improvement but focused on bringing benefits to the end-users of my work." - Chris Stone, GMBPsS, RSci, FIAP
Am I eligible?
Chartered Scientist (CSci)
Must be a Chartered member of the BPS who holds a master's qualification (Level 7).
If you do not hold a master's degree (Level 7) you can make an application through the Equivalency Route. This route will enable you to provide evidence of the knowledge and understanding you have gained through work experience against the QAA Qualification Descriptors. For more information contact [email protected]
Registered Scientist (RSci)
Must be a Graduate member of the BPS, followed by a minimum of 12 months experience in a psychology-based post
Registered Technician Scientist (RSCi Tech)
Must be either an Affiliate or Graduate member and working in a psychology-based technician post for at least 12 months.
How do I join the register?
To join one of the registers you will need to apply through our Assessment and Awards Team.
This application form will ask you which award you are applying for, to confirm your eligibility and referee's details along with various other details and your next stages.
Complete your Science Council application
How much does it cost?
Your annual membership fee is linked to your designation.
For 2024, this is:
- £75 for CSci
- £35 for RSCi & RSCi Tech
Please note that there is also an assessment fee of £20 for new members.
Maintaining your registration
Once you have joined the register you will be required to remain professionally active.
The term professionally active is used to indicate that an individual is performing a role that requires them to keep their knowledge and competence up to date.
It doesn't need to be full-time or paid work and so members who are notionally returned but engaged in volunteering, outreach, or consultancy, for example, should consider themselves as professionally active and undertake relevant CPD.
Revalidation of the award is required annually, and registrants must make an annual declaration to the BPS that they comply with the Science Council CPD standards. This is captured at the time of renewal.
The Science Council four CPD standards for revalidation can be found on the Science Council website.
In addition, the BPS will select a small of registrants for audit sample each year, which will require participants to submit CPD evidence along with a current copy of your C.V.