Chartered Scientist

The Chartered Scientist (CSci) award provides valuable professional recognition among fellow scientists across all disciplines and the wider community.

It demonstrates high levels of experience and competence to employers, other professionals, as well as providing reassurance to the consumer that high standards are being met within the food industry. Chartered scientists demonstrate effective leadership, using their specialist knowledge and broader scientific understanding to develop and improve the application of science and technology by scoping, planning and managing multifaceted projects.

This professional registration is awarded under licence from the Science Council. Once registered, you must maintain your registration by meeting continuing professional development (CPD) requirements each year - see below for more information on this.

Benefits of CSci registration

  • Achieving the high professional standard of Chartered status
  • Public recognition for your knowledge and experience
  • Professional registration demonstrates that you maintain high ethical standards
  • Development of skills and competence
  • Can improve your chances of promotion
  • Holders are entitled to use designatory letters CSci
  • Gain international recognition (EU Directive 89/48/EC.)
  • Free access to personal and career development tool called myCPD 

How to apply

You can apply online by logging in to your IFST account. Please ensure you have read the guidance document (below) before submitting your application. Applications for Chartered Scientist (CSci) require demonstrating sufficient experience against 5 areas of different competencies. If you are not an IFST member yet, check your eligibility and apply here. Our online tool will guide you step by step through the following requirements:

  • Competence report 
  • CV or linkedin profile
  • Details of one referee
  • Copy of highest qualification
  • Current membership and registration fees. Please note that IFST membership is compulsory for anyone joining a professional register.

How will my application be assessed?

Your application will be assessed by our Membership Assessment Panel (MAP). The Panel are all experienced food professionals who will be looking for you to draw on your direct experience to provide clear evidence that you have required the knowledge and skills not only to do your job, but that you are able to go beyond the basic requirements and use your initiative and experience to find solutions and make improvements. 

The Panel may ask you to re-submit your comptence report related to specific aspects of your application. 

Maintaining Registration

If your application is successful, you will be required to maintain a CPD portfolio, and achieve 35 hours of CPD each year. The CPD year runs from 1 April to 31 March, and registrants are audited every few years to ensure that their CPD meets the standards set by the Science Council. More information on this is available on the IFST website or by contacting us JoinUs@ifst.org

Further information

Should you have any questions or need assistance in completing your application, please contact us. 

A recording of a webinar on becoming a Chartered Scientist is available here: Chartered Scientist webinar

Good luck and we look forward to receiving your application!

Search the register, here. 

11/05/2020
Application Checklist.pdf
20/12/2022
CSci_Guidance Document.pdf