Which Chartership should I apply for?
Chartered Geologist is appropriate for Fellows who have a Master's level degree in Geology or a related Earth sciences subject (or equivalent experience) and are practising professional geoscientists for whom geoscientific knowledge is an essential element for their work.
In order to be validated as a Chartered Geologist, you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the seven competency criteria. Click on the link below to see details:
CGeol competency criteriaChartered Scientist is appropriate for Fellows practising as professional scientists where scientific knowledge is essential for their work. Those Fellows who usually opt for the CSci title include either of the below:
- Those with Master's-level science degrees (or equivalent experience) now working in an aspect of Earth sciences
- Those with Master's-level geoscience degrees (or equivalent experience) but whose work is now in wider science areas
In order to be validated as a Chartered Scientist, you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the five competency criteria. Click on the link below to see details:
CSci competency criteriaWhat are the eligibility criteria?
- You must be a Fellow of the Society
- You must hold a recognised Master's Degree or equivalent qualification (for Chartered Geologist (CGeol). This should be a Master's in geoscience, and for Chartered Scientist (CSci) this should be a Master's in science. Alternatively, you must be able to demonstrate post-graduation career experience to demonstrate Master's level equivalence (see below).
- You need to have a sufficient amount of career experience to be able to demonstrate competency in all of the criteria applicable to the Chartership for which you are applying: for Chartered Geologist (CGeol) in the profession and practice of geoscience and for Chartered Scientist (CSci) in the profession and practice of science.
- The Society does not specify the number of years' experience needed to apply for Chartership. The length of time you will need will depend on a number of factors, including your exposure to new and different work experiences, coupled with the rate at which you assimilate the knowledge to become competent, as well as your motivation. As a very general guide, most successful applicants have had at least 4 to 5 years' relevant post-Master’s work experience to gain the necessary level of competency.
- You'll need to be recommended by either one CGeol/CSci as your Supporter or by both a non-CGeol/CSci Supporter and a CGeol/CSci Mentor.
Other application routes
If you do not hold a Master's level degree, you must submit a 'Master's Level Equivalence Report' (MLER).
Any candidates who wish to confirm their eligibility ahead of submitting a Chartership application can provide their MLER to the Chartership Office for review and approval.
Candidates applying via the 20+ years' professional experience route who do not have a Master's level degree are not required to provide an MLER.
Find out moreThe Society recognises that Fellows with more than 20 years of professional experience may find it more difficult to produce detailed documentary evidence of their early professional work and obtain verification signatures.
That's why there is a '20+ years' route to Chartership with adjusted documentation to make it easier for you to complete your application.
Find out moreThose gaining Chartered Geologist status can be awarded Chartered Scientist status retrospectively up to a period of two years without the need of a further interview.
Chartership ResourcesFor several years, the Geological Society has been working to establish agreements with various overseas professional organisations to mutually recognise each other's professional qualifications (or ‘titles’). We have such agreements with the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Institute of Geologists of Ireland and the American Institute of Professional Geologists.
The Geological Society has established a reciprocal arrangement with the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), allowing Chartered Geologists to apply for certification with AAPG, and vice versa, through simplified application procedures. AAPG members wishing to apply for Chartered Geologist status must be Fellows of the Geological Society, and similarly, applicants for certification with AAPG must be Members of AAPG.
Visit the AAPG website for more information.
Chartered Geologists who want to apply for Certified Petroleum Geologist, Certified Petroleum Geophysicist, or Certified Coal Geologist status with AAPG should:
Applicants should submit the completed application form via email to the Chartership Office at chartership@geolsoc.org.uk. We will then certify that you are a Chartered Geologist and forward the documentation to AAPG, where the payment will be arranged directly.
Certified Petroleum Geologists, Certified Petroleum Geophysicists, or Certified Coal Geologists who want to apply for Chartered Geologists status with the Geological Society should:
- Obtain letter of good standing confirming their membership status from AAPG (email is acceptable)
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload the CPD record following Plan-Act-Reflect scheme
- Upload the letter of good standing
- Sign the declaration
- Pay the application fee
In 2012, the Society concluded an agreement with the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) following a review that established that the aims and objectives of both organisations, and the peer review processes, although they differ in detail are equally exacting and broadly comparable. As a result the two organisations have agreed to recognise the equivalence of the titles of Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and Certified Professional Geologist (CPG).
If you're a Chartered Geologist (CGeol) looking to apply for Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) with the AIPG, make sure to review the By Laws and Code of Ethics of the AIPG. You'll need to follow these guidelines before you complete the application form.
Applicants should submit the completed application form via email to the Chartership Office at chartership@geolsoc.org.uk. We will then certify that you are a Chartered Geologist and forward the documentation to AIPG.
Certified Professional Geologists (CPGs) who want to apply for Chartered Geologists status with the Geological Society should:
- Obtain letter of good standing confirming their membership status from AIPG (email is acceptable)
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload the CPD record following Plan-Act-Reflect scheme
- Upload the letter of good standing
- Sign the declaration
- Pay the application fee
The Geological Society has agreed a reciprocal arrangement with the Institute of Geologists of Ireland (IGI) whereby Chartered Geologists can apply to be Professional Members (PGeo) of the IGI, and vice versa.
If you're a Chartered Geologist (CGeol) wishing to apply to be a Professional Member (PGeo) of the IGI, you should:
- Complete and submit the MRA (Mutual Recognition Agreement) applicant application form
- Submit a letter from the Geological Society stating that the applicant is a member-in-good-standing of that organisation. To obtain the letter, please contact chartership@geolsoc.org.uk
Once the application has been received the Validation Committee may invite the applicant to an introductory meeting. The purpose of this meeting will be to introduce the candidate to the IGI organisation and to afford the IGI the opportunity to inform the candidate about the IGI’s ethos and objectives.
IGI Professional Members (PGeos) who want to apply for Chartered Geologist status with the Geological Society should:
- Obtain letter of good standing confirming their membership status from IGI (email is acceptable)
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload the CPD record following Plan-Act-Reflect scheme
- Upload the letter of good standing
- Sign the declaration
- Pay the application fee
Get ready to apply
Our Guidance for Applicants section will provide you with everything you need to know, including what you'll need prior to completing your application, assistance in completing your application and an explanation of what happens next.
Guidance for ApplicantsHave a question or wish to speak to the Chartership team?
Contact us