Technicians are essential to chemical science practice and teaching. Their mastery of highly specialised equipment contributes to research outputs. Their chemical analyses keep us safe and healthy. They enable students to fall in love with science and to gain the practical skills they need for a science career.
RSciTech is awarded to technicians, those in technical support roles, and assistant scientists.
As skilled problem solvers, Registered ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ Technicians use the most appropriate scientific techniques, procedures and methods to achieve solutions. They work with minimal supervision and play a pivotal role in supporting high quality science, teaching and research in a variety of settings, including laboratories, hospitals, universities and schools.
Why should I apply?
By becoming RSciTech you will:
- receive professional validation of your highly developed technical competence
- be entitled to use the designatory letters RSciTech after your name
- elevate your credibility and confidence as a skilled technician
- demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high professional standards
- demonstrate that you have transferrable skills and are committed to improving them
- increase your appeal to potential employers – RSciTech is a mark of excellence
- show personal and professional integrity
Who can apply?
You can apply for RSciTech if you work in a technical role in the chemical sciences and you're a member (in any category) of the ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ.
You'll also need:
- a RQF level 3 qualification (for example, A-level, T-level, Applied General, BTEC, NVQ Level 3,) or higher. However, equivalence may be demonstrated through a combination of other qualifications, work-based training and professional experience
- sufficient professional experience to meet the ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ Council's competence standards and typically at least one year’s experience working within an appropriate role
- an up-to-date CV and evidence of your qualifications
If you're not already a member, it's easy to join.
Shortened application routes are available to those who have completed a mapped apprenticeship standard. Go to the ‘how to apply’ section to find out more.
What does it cost?
In addition to your membership fee there is:
- a £25.00 registration fee
- an annual retention fee of £25.00, paid with your membership renewal
We offer reduced membership fees for those who earn less than £31,000 per annum.
If you're not already a member, it's easy to join.
How to apply
Please read An applicant's guide to becoming a Registered ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ Technician, which sets out all of the eligibility requirements, before applying.
You must be a member of the ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ (in any category) and also have a supporter, usually your line manager or a senior colleague who is familiar with your role.
Your supporter will answer a question about your qualifications (or equivalent knowledge and skills) and provide a statement that validates your evidence against the five competency areas:
- application of knowledge and understanding
- personal responsibility
- interpersonal skills
- professional practice
- professional standards
If you're not already a member, it's easy to join.
Some apprenticeship standards in England have been mapped against the requirements for RSciTech and RSci. This means that if you have completed one of these apprenticeships within the past 2 years, you will be eligible to apply through a shortened application. Check this to see if your apprenticeship has been mapped or get in touch for more information.
Most applicants choose to apply via a written assessment. However, there is the option of assessment via interview. Please contact us to find out more.
In your application, you'll need to give a specific example of how you demonstrate each of the ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ Council's competence standards in your professional work. Consider what you did, why and how – this usually provides the length and depth that's required.
You can find more information on how to structure your examples and ideas of the types of things you could write about in An applicant's guide to becoming a Registered ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ Technician.
If you have completed an that has been mapped against the requirements for RSciTech or RSci within the past 2 years, please contact us to request your shortened application form and specific guidance document.
Download an application formRenewing your registered status
You'll be asked if you want to renew your RSciTech status when you receive your ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ membership renewal. The retention fee for RSciTech is £25.00, paid annually with your membership fee.
All Registered ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ Technicians commit to continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain their registered status – it's a mandatory requirement. To make this easier, we offer our members a free CPD recording tool.
CPD enables you to take charge of your career. By keeping track of your professional development you can identify gaps in your knowledge and opportunities to learn new skills. And in a fast-changing world, keeping your skills up to date is essential.
Every year, we also select a random sample of members for revalidation. If you're selected, we'll contact you to explain the process. Please make sure you provide all the information required and return to us by the deadline given. You'll be asked to describe your relevant learning activities in three of the following five areas:
- work-based learning (eg, supervising staff/students, reflective practice)
- professional activity (involvement in a professional body, mentoring)
- formal/educational (writing articles/papers, further education)
- self-directed learning (reading journals, reviewing books/articles)
- other (voluntary work, public service)
Please read our revalidation guidance – it'll help you to complete the revalidation process.
What happens if I drop off the register?
Sometimes, an individual may be removed from the professional register because:
- their ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ membership has lapsed
- they haven't paid the retention fee
- they are involved in a disciplinary hearing
If you drop off the ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ Council register, you can be reinstated at any time within three years. You'll need to complete the revalidation process and confirm that you still meet the eligibility requirements. After three years, you'll need to do a new application.
Become an assessor
Did you know that, as a Registered ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ Technician, you can contribute to your CPD by becoming a volunteer RSciTech application assessor? If you are interested in becoming an RSciTech assessor please contact us.
Registered Scientist and Registered ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥appÏÂÔØ Technician
- Tel:
- +44 (0) 1223 432141
- Email:
- Send us an email