News

Chartered Scientist study event report

4 February 2026

The AAPT held an online Chartered Scientist study webinar on the 30^th January. This was hosted by Frazer Rawlings-Ward CSci FAAPT, with support from Yasmin Brown CSci FAAPT.

Secretary Christian Burt gives an overview of this informative study event

What Is Chartered Scientist (CSci)?

Chartered Scientist (CSci) is a prestigious professional registration awarded by the Science Council through its licensed professional bodies. It recognises high-level scientific competence, professional integrity, and a sustained commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).

The Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology (AAPT) is a licensed body of the Science Council, enabling eligible Fellows to apply via the Science Council Common Application Process (CAP) and maintain CSci registration through the AAPT.

CSci registration is widely recognised across healthcare and scientific sectors and signals that an individual is operating at an advanced professional level with demonstrable professional impact.

Why Pursue CSci Registration?

Achieving CSci status offers significant professional benefits, including:

• Enhanced credibility and professional standing within and beyond your organisation
• Stronger applications for senior, governance, and leadership roles
• Improved performance in career progression and management interviews
• Expanded professional networks and access to cross-sector opportunities

CSci demonstrates not only what you know, but how you apply your expertise responsibly, ethically, and effectively.

Eligibility: At a Glance

Applicants are typically expected to:

• Be a Fellow of AAPT, a licensed Science Council body
• Hold a Level 7 qualification (or equivalent), or obtain an equivalency report
• Have around five years’ relevant professional experience at a senior or managerial level
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to CPD, normally evidenced over two years
• Have an appropriate supporter or proposer for the application

Key Steps in the Application Process

1. Review the CSci eligibility criteria in detail
2. Request an equivalency report if you do not hold a formal Level 7 qualification
3. Gather clear, individual evidence demonstrating competence and professional impact
4. Complete the application using distinct examples for each competency area

Applicants are strongly encouraged to align their evidence and reflections with their CPD records from an early stage.

CPD and Maintaining Registration

Continuing Professional Development is a core requirement of Chartered Scientist registration and its ongoing renewal. CPD may include:

• Formal education and training
• Conferences, workshops, and professional events
• Work-based learning, service development, and quality improvement activity
• Mentoring (as mentor or mentee)
• Self-directed study and reflective practice

AAPT Fellows are encouraged to record and manage their CPD using CPDMe, which provides a structured digital portfolio for logging activities, reflecting on learning, and demonstrating professional impact.

Using CPDMe helps applicants:

• Maintain clear, consistent, and reflective CPD records
• Map learning and development directly to professional standards
• Evidence outcomes and impact rather than activity alone
• Prepare audit-ready documentation for CSci application and renewal

Regular use of CPDMe significantly reduces pressure when applying for CSci or preparing for revalidation.

Application Guidance and Tips

To maximise the strength of your application:

• Write in the first person (“I”, not “we”) — evidence must be personal
• Avoid reusing the same examples across multiple competencies
• Be specific and detailed, clearly mapping evidence to the CSci standards
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where appropriate
• Seek peer review before submission to improve clarity and focus

Drawing on well-maintained CPDMe records can greatly strengthen clarity, consistency, and confidence in your evidence.

Next Steps

If you are considering CSci registration:

• Review the CSci requirements via AAPT
• Speak with your line manager about professional support and funding
• Begin compiling evidence and CPD records early, ideally using CPDMe
• Request your equivalency report if required

Professional registration is an investment in your future, demonstrating your commitment to excellence, leadership, and the highest professional standards.

If you have any questions or would like further guidance or support, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Useful links:
Science Council Registration AAPT guidance

Science Council website