European Chemist (EurChem)

As Europe increasingly develops common standards to complete the international market, it is important that the professional competence of those who oversee the maintenance of standards is recognised.

Whilst the concept of a professional designation is well known and understood in the UK and Ireland, it represents a new approach for chemistry societies in other EC member states who are, as part of the European Communities Chemistry Council (ECCC), jointly responsible for the introduction of the EurChem designation. Soon after ECCC was established it developed schedules of academic qualifications at the levels of full professional, senior technician and junior technician.

These schedules have been expanded and updated as the EC has grown and new qualifications have been established. However, academic qualifications alone have limited value. They say nothing about application of knowledge, level of skill, safety and environmental consciousness, sense of responsibility, ability to communicate and level of supervision received. By introducing the European Chemist designation the chemical societies in ECCC have ensured that there is an easily understood title to indicate a high level of competence in the practice of chemistry.

The award of EurChem will assist individual chemists who are moving from one employer to another in different member states, receiving equal treatment across the EC. Candidates for EurChem must:

• Be a member of a participating national chemical society (in the case of the RSC an applicant must be a Chartered Chemist).
• Have at least eight years of post-secondary school education including a category A minimum academic qualification.
• Have at least three years' approved post-graduation professional experience.
• Nominate two referees who must be members of the applicant's national chemical society (Chartered Chemists in the case of the RSC).     

Applications should be made through the participating national societies who can provide an application form and a guide for applicants. The current five-year registration fee is 100 euro (£70.00); each national society may charge an additional application fee (£25 for applications via the RSC).

RSC members wishing to apply should contact the Admissions and Qualifications department for details.