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Routes to achieving Chartered Statistician

You must first be a Fellow of the RSS. 

Chartered Statistician (CStat) is awarded through a rigorous, peer‑reviewed process that assesses your professional competence, experience and commitment to high standards of practice. 

There are two main routes to achieving Chartered Statistician status. 

Standard route 

For experienced professionals who have: 

  • Achieved Graduate Statistician (GradStat) status, or 
  • Have completed a level 6 or 7 degree that is accredited by the RSS (see list of accredited degrees) 
  • An equivalent level of statistical knowledge and training 
And who: 
  • Have typically at least five years’ professional experience in a statistical or data science role 
  • Can demonstrate the application of statistical skills in real‑world contexts 
  • Have taken increasing responsibility for the design, delivery or leadership of statistical work 
  • Can evidence recent continuing professional development (CPD) 

This pathway reflects structured progression from academic training through to professional practice. 

Read our guidance on applying through the standard route. 

Competency‑based route 

For experienced professionals who: 

  • May not hold GradStat, but 
  • Have graduated with a level 6 or 7 degree (that may not be accredited by the RSS) 
  • Have at least five years' work experience within a statistical role 
  • Have developed their statistical expertise through professional experience, training and practice, and 
  • Can demonstrate that they meet the CStat competency requirements by preparing answers to the competency-based questions in the application 

Applicants via this route must provide clear evidence of: 

  • Advanced statistical knowledge and its practical application 
  • Professional judgement and decision‑making in complex situations 
  • Responsibility for statistical work and its outcomes 
  • Effective communication with technical and non‑technical audiences 
  • Ongoing engagement with professional development 

This route recognises that statisticians and data professionals may follow diverse career pathways, and that expertise can be gained outside formal academic routes. 

Read our guidance on applying through the competency route. 

CStat competency framework 

All applicants are assessed against a defined set of professional competencies.

These include: 

  • Technical expertise and application

    • Application of appropriate statistical methods and theory 

    • Ability to design and evaluate statistical approaches 

    • Understanding of data quality, limitations and uncertainty 

  • Professional judgement and impact

    • Independent decision‑making in complex or ambiguous situations 

    • Consideration of the wider implications of statistical work 

    • Contribution to organisational or societal outcomes

  • Communication and influence

    • Clear communication of statistical findings and limitations 

    • Ability to tailor messaging to different audiences 

    • Influence on decisions through evidence‑based insight

  • Professional standards and ethics

    • Commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability 

    • Application of ethical principles in statistical practice 

    • Understanding of responsibilities to the public good 

  • Continuing professional development

    • Active maintenance and development of skills and knowledge 

    • Reflection on professional learning and practice 

Making your application 

Your application should provide a structured and reflective account of your professional experience. 

You will be asked to: 

  • Complete an application form outlining how you meet each competency 
  • Provide examples of your work and responsibilities 
  • Demonstrate your impact and professional judgement 
  • Submit a record of recent CPD (at least 60 hours over the past year) 
  • Nominate supporters or referees familiar with your work (if required) 

Applications are assessed through peer review, ensuring fairness, consistency and professional credibility. 

Assessment and review 

All applications are reviewed by experienced members of the RSS Professional Affairs Committee. 

The assessment process: 

  • Evaluates your evidence against the CStat competencies 
  • Considers the breadth and depth of your experience 
  • Ensures that standards are applied consistently across all applicants 

Possible outcomes 

You may be: 

  • Awarded CStat 
  • Asked to provide further information by reviewers 
  • Given feedback for future development before reapplying 
Preparing a strong application 

Strong applications typically: 

  • Provide clear, specific examples rather than general statements 
  • Demonstrate personal contribution and responsibility 
  • Show evidence of independent judgement 
  • Reflect on impact and learning 
  • Link experience explicitly to the CStat competencies 

Taking time to reflect on your professional journey will strengthen your application. 

Next steps 

If you are ready to apply: 

  • Submit your application through your MyRSS account 
  • Ensure your CPD record is up to date 
  • Review the competency requirements carefully