Registered Science Technician (RSciTech)

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 Science 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 Royal Society of Chemistry.

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 Science 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 £20.00 registration fee
• an annual retention fee of £20.00, 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

Renewing your registered status

You'll be asked if you want to renew your RSciTech status when you receive your Royal Society of Chemistry membership renewal. The retention fee for RSciTech is £20.00, paid annually with your membership fee.

All Registered Science 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 Royal Society of Chemistry membership has lapsed
• they haven't paid the retention fee
• they are involved in a disciplinary hearing

If you drop off the Science 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 Science 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.