Chartered Statistician
The gold standard of professional recognition in statistics
Chartered Statistician (CStat) is the Royal Statistical Society’s highest professional award. It recognises experienced statisticians who demonstrate advanced technical expertise, professional judgement and a sustained commitment to high standards of practice.
CStat shows employers, clients, colleagues and the wider public that your work meets rigorous, peer‑reviewed standards. It signals that you apply statistical thinking responsibly, communicate insight effectively, and contribute to the profession with integrity.
Why achieve Chartered Statistician status?
CStat distinguishes you as a trusted and established professional in statistics and data science.
It provides:
- Professional authority – recognition of your expertise and experience at the highest level
- Credibility and trust – assurance to employers, clients and collaborators that your work meets rigorous standards
- Career progression – stronger positioning for senior roles, leadership and consultancy
- Professional recognition – acknowledgement by peers through an independent, standards‑based assessment
- Commitment to excellence – evidence of ongoing professional development and reflective practice
CStat demonstrates not just what you know, but how you apply your expertise in a real‑world context
Benefits of CStat certification
In addition to the benefits of Fellowship, CStat holders receive:
- Use of the CStat postnominal designation, signaling Chartered status
- A digital badge to showcase your professional recognition
- Voluntary inclusion on the RSS Professional Register and Consultants Directory
- Formal recognition of your experience and expertise at a senior level
- Increased visibility and credibility across sectors and disciplines
- A framework for continuing professional development and revalidation
Who CStat is for
CStat is suitable for you if you:
- Have significant professional experience applying statistics in practice (at least five years working in statistics)
- Take responsibility for the design, delivery and communication of statistical work
- Demonstrate professional judgement in complex or high‑impact contexts
- Contribute to the wider profession, organisation or society
Applicants come from a wide range of sectors, including government, health, finance, industry, technology, academia and consultancy.
What CStat recognises
CStat confirms that you:
- Apply advanced statistical theory and methods appropriately in practice
- Exercise independent professional judgement in complex situations
- Design and lead statistical or data science work
- Communicate findings, uncertainty and limitations clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
- Work in line with ethical principles and professional standards
- Maintain and develop your expertise through continuing professional development (CPD)
It reflects both depth of knowledge and the ability to use that knowledge responsibly and effectively.
Routes to achieving CStat
In order to qualify for CStat status, you must first be a Fellow of the RSS.
There are three routes from there to Chartered Statistician:
Standard
This route is for those whose qualifications meet the Society’s standards for a Graduate Statistician.
Competency‑based
This route recognises that expertise can be developed through diverse and non‑traditional career pathways.
Please read our detailed guidance for applicants.
Find out which route is right for you and how to make a good ap plication.
Reciprocity of certification
The RSS recognises the American Statistical Association’s Professional Statistician (PStat) and FenStats AEUStat award as equivalent to Chartered Statistician.
If you hold these qualifications and would like to apply for CStat status, please contact us at professionalaffairs@rss.org.uk.
Assessment process
CStat is awarded through a peer‑reviewed, evidence‑based process.
You will be asked to:
Applications are assessed by experienced members of the RSS Professional Affairs Committee, ensuring consistency and credibility.
Professional standards and ethics
All CStat holders commit to the RSS Code of Conduct, demonstrating:
- Integrity and honesty
- Respect for data, evidence and uncertainty
- Responsibility to the public good
- Professional accountability in their work
This ethical commitment underpins trust in statistics and in those who practice it.
Maintaining your Chartered status
CStat is not a one‑time award.
To retain Chartered status, you must maintain your fellowship of the RSS and demonstrate that your skills and knowledge remain current by:
This ensures that CStat remains a mark of current, high‑quality professional practice.
Take the next step
If you are an experienced statistician ready to have your expertise recognised at the highest level, CStat is the next stage in your professional journey.
Apply online through your MyRSS account.
Not yet a Fellow? Join the RSS to begin your path towards Chartered status.