Becoming a Chartered Environmentalist in 2024

Following our “How to apply for Chartered Environmentalist registration in 2024 webinar“ for aspiring CEnv professionals, we’ve summarised the session in the blog below. Find out why you should apply, how you can make steps towards a successful application and what happens after you gain the environmental qualification. We also answer and summarise some of the questions asked by attendees. We hope this blog will be both insightful and useful to those interested in becoming a CEnv, as well as REnvP or REnvTech! 

Why should I become chartered?

Achieving CEnv will put you on par with 8,000 Chartered Environmentalists in a vast range of industries across the world, all making evidence-based decisions with proven competence and professionalism. You will become part of this global community which has committed to use their expertise to address environmental challenges and progress opportunities available to create a more sustainable world.   

The 4 main reasons you should become chartered are: 

1. Public and professional recognition of your competence and professionalism.
2. Broadened perspective by working with peers across a range of industry sectors.
3. Career progression – you’ve proven to employers to be at the forefront of environmental good practice.
4. Showcase your commitment to the environment and continued professional development.

How do I become chartered?

There are 5 steps to becoming chartered: 

1. Join a professional body licensed by us to award CEnv registration.
2. Speak to your professional body about your plans to apply.
3. Complete and submit your application for assessment – they may ask for CPD records.
4. Attend your CEnv interview.
5. Sign our Code of Professional Conduct  

To become a Chartered Environmentalist you need to meet all 11 competences which are separated into 4 sections A, B, C, and D. Sections A and B are “hard skills” related to your technical knowledge within the context of your sector / discipline. Sections C and D are “soft skills” such as leadership and communication – just as important to becoming chartered as the former.  

What happens after I’m successful?

When successful you will be provided with: 

1. An official CEnv certificate in the post.
2. Entry onto the online registrant directory.
3. CEnv e-logo sent via email to use on email signatures, tender, and more.
4. Freedom to use “CEnv” after your name on LinkedIn profile, CV, and more.

Further, once you have gained the environmental recognition, you’re likely to want to retain chartered status. To do this you will need to: 

1. Remain a member of a licensed professional body – this doesn’t have to be the professional body you registered and achieved CEnv through (you can transfer if you wish).
2. Keep a log of you Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.
3. Pay the annual registration fee to your professional body (not us).

Top 10 most valuable questions asked in the webinar  

1. Has the application process changed much over the last year? 

Not much, but they have changed. There was a standards review in 2023. There’s now only 11 competences instead of 12, so it’s likely that application forms will have been tweaked to reflect this. Contact your licensed professional body for the up to date application details / documents.  

2. Are there any restrictions on applying for CEnv if your based outside the UK? 

No, anyone across the globe can become a CEnv if they demonstrate the knowledge required. 15% of our registrants are from outside of the UK. 

3. Is it only via a licensed professional body that you can become chartered? 

Yes, our licensed bodies are licensed to undertake the application process. They’re specialists in the industries they represent and have the knowledge to contextualise your application to the sector. You can’t apply for CEnv directly with us at SocEnv.

4. What work do Chartered Environmentalists typically undertake ? 

Consultancy, environmental managers, ecologists , sustainability consultants, carbon specialists, senior engineers, water scientists – the list goes on.  

5. I work in the oil and gas sector, which isn’t seen as sustainable. Can I still be CEnv? 

Yes, we have CEnvs working in sectors you might not see as sustainable. Any sector which works towards sustainability and implementing any sustainable changes can become a CEnv. We would much rather have CEnv professionals working within such sectors to lead the way towards a more sustainable way of working, or transitioning to new technologies or methods.

6. Can existing qualifications count towards my Chartership application? 

Yes, any existing knowledge will certainly work towards Chartership. Speak to your licensed professional body for clarification on what can be included.  

 7. Is there a directory where Chartered Environmentalists can connect with other CEnvs?

There’s no specific platform for it however speak to your professional body because a lot of them have their own mentoring platforms. LinkedIn is also a useful resource.  

8. How often are we meant to renew registration and do we renew it through our professional bodies or the Society directly?

 You pay annually to the professional body for their membership and registration. Your professional body then pays SocEnv for the registration.

9. If your application is initially unsuccessful are there restrictions for applying in the future? 

No, your professional body will provide you with feedback and constructive feedback so you can reapply in the near future.  

10. I don’t have a masters degree. Can I be a CEnv? 

Yes – you just have to have acquired a level of knowledge equivalent to a Master’s level degree. This can be experienced based, rather than through qualifications. 

Still have questions?

If you have a question about registration that hasn’t been answered here:

Email Phil, sign up to our newsletter and/or look at the events page to keep up to date on upcoming Online Registration drop-in-sessions.