View source for Physics:Chartered Physicist

{{short description|Professional qualification}}
'''Chartered Physicist''' ('''CPhys''') is a [[Social:Chartered (professional)|chartered status]] and a professional qualification for [[Physicist|physicist]]s awarded by the [[Organization:Institute of Physics|Institute of Physics]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/physicist.aspx|title=Job profiles: Physicist|website=National Careers Service|accessdate=25 May 2016}}</ref> It is denoted by the postnominals "CPhys".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VkqCBAAAQBAJ&pg=PR17|title=Titles and Forms of Address: A Guide to Correct Use|publisher=[[Company:Bloomsbury Publishing|Bloomsbury Publishing]]|page=xvii|date=10 October 2014|isbn=9781408103098}}</ref>

== Description ==

Achieving chartered status in any profession denotes to the wider community a high level of specialised subject knowledge and professional competence. According to the Institute of Physics, holders of the award of the Chartered Physicist (CPhys) demonstrate the "highest standards of professionalism, up-to-date expertise, quality and safety" along with "the capacity to undertake independent practice and exercise leadership" as well as "commitment to keep pace with advancing knowledge and with the increasing expectations and requirements for which any profession must take responsibility".<ref name="CPhys guidelines">{{cite web|url=http://www.iop.org/membership/char-sta/chartership/cphys/page_51812.html|title=Chartered Physicist (CPhys)|accessdate=25 May 2016|publisher=Institute of Physics}}</ref>

The status of Chartered Physicist was introduced in 1985 following approval from the Privy Council. It was originally granted  automatically with corporate membership of the Institute of Physics (IoP).<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NtMiBPgdF6cC&pg=PA183|title=125 Years: The Physical Society & The Institute of Physics|author=John L. Lewis|publisher=CRC Press|date= 1 January 1999|page=183|isbn=9780750306096}}</ref> Reform of the membership structure in 1998 saw Chartered Physicist established as a separate qualification from 2001 that could be gained either alongside or after the status of Member or Fellow of the IoP. In order to gain the qualification, a physicist must be appropriately qualified (an accredited MSci or MPhys integrated master's degree is standard, although experience leading to an equivalent level can be counted), have had a minimum of two years of structured training and a minimum of two years responsible work experience, have demonstrated a commitment to continuing professional development, and have gained a number of competencies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iop.org/about/royal_charter/file_38390.pdf|title=Charter and Bylaws|accessdate=25 May 2016|publisher=Institute of Physics|archive-date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002204/http://www.iop.org/about/royal_charter/file_38390.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> For physicists gaining the status from 2012, revalidation through proof of continuing professional development is required every three years.<ref name="CPhys guidelines"/> 

Chartered Physicist is considered to be equal in status to Chartered Engineer, which the IoP also awards as a member of the Engineering Council UK, and other chartered statuses in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iop.org/membership/char-sta/chartership/why/file_38066.pdf|title=Becoming Chartered by the Institute – Frequently Asked Questions|accessdate=25 May 2016|publisher=Institute of Physics|quote="[Q]Which one [Chartered Physicist or Chartered Engineer] is best? [A] None of the standards are better or worse than any other. They are just suitable for different people."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|quote='When I set the chartered science teacher up, I linked it to chartered scientist, which is exactly the same as chartered physicist or chartered engineer, so that nobody could turn round and say, "What you are doing is below the standard of any other chartered status."' (Professor Derek Bell, College of Teachers)
|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmeduc/uc371-i/uc37101.htm|title=Oral evidence taken before the education committee|publisher=House of Commons|at=Q16|date=27 July 2013|accessdate=25 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2016/10/professional-development-for-engineers-expand-your-mind/|title=Professional development for engineers: expand your mind|work=Engineering & Technology|publisher=[[Organization:Institution of Engineering and Technology|Institution of Engineering and Technology]]|quote=Since engineering covers a multitude of disciplines and professions, several different professional statuses exist to reflect the extensive array of skills and competences within them all. The main chartered qualifications are Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Chartered Physicist (CPhys). Engineers can also register as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), or ICT Technician (ICTTech).|date=7 October 2016|author=Kate Parker|accessdate=12 May 2017}}</ref> It is also considered a "regulated profession" under the [[Social:European professional qualification directives|European professional qualification directives]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Chartered physicist (United Kingdom)|url=http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/regprof/index.cfm?action=regprof&id_regprof=1048&tab=general|publisher=European Commission|accessdate=25 May 2016}}</ref>

==See also==
*Chartered Engineer
*[[Social:Chartered Scientist|Chartered Scientist]]
*[[Chemistry:Chartered Chemist|Chartered Chemist]]
*European Engineer
*European Chemist

==References==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Physics education]]

{{Sourceattribution|Chartered Physicist}}