Professional Statisticians’ Forum meeting CStat applications – The How? and Why? questions answered 31 October 2016

Applying for professional membership Why? Statistics is a job for skilled professionals. Accredited statisticians have been recognised by their peers as combining education, experience, competence, and commitment to ethics at a level that labels them as professionals. Provides a measure of assurance to employers, contractors and collaborators of statisticians Mark of accomplishment to society. Valuable addition to CV in competitive job market! 2

Applying for professional membership What is required? For CStat – suitable degree plus 5 years of professional experience in using/applying statistics with evidence of continuing professional development. Competence route to be introduced in 2017. Can apply for CSci status at same time. For GradStat – based on qualifications only – same academic requirements as for CStat. First step on path to full Chartered status for those who don't yet have enough experience. 3

Applying for professional membership How to apply Web based application portal – www.rssprofmembership.org.uk CStat applicants will need: Electronic versions of degree certificates and transcripts Details of professional experience including dates (i.e. copy of CV) Summary of CPD activities from last 2 years (template available) Contact details for at least 2 referees GradStat applicants will need: 4

Applying for professional membership Most common reason for a CStat application to be unsuccessful at first attempt? CPD SUMMARY! 5

Applying for professional membership Top tips for your CPD summary Keep records of your CPD activities – Word template or online recording system Describe what you did and how Learning hours not actual hours – 60 hours/year Activities in at least 3 categories Reflection on benefits gained from each activity – don’t just describe the activity

Applying for professional membership Example of logging CPD Category Professional Description of activity Attended PSF meeting on applying for CStat status Start Date 31/10/16 End Learning Hours 3 Outcome/Benefit to practice (i.e. skills/ knowledge gained) or to delivery to employer/client Found out about benefits of becoming a CStat and details of application process, including CPD requirements. Networking with other statisticians with similar interest in professional pathway.

Applying for professional membership What help does the RSS offer to applicants? For GradStats – mentoring scheme, mid-term assessment, online CPD recording system CPD section of RSS website – examples of other people’s CPD profiles, templates, CPD policy RSS office can provide support with completing the application form and putting together a CPD summary

Applying for professional membership Any questions?