REnvP Registration 101: Your Questions Answered

Following our first Registration 101 Q&A session for aspiring Registered Environmental Practitioners, we’ve summarised the answers given to the questions asked by attendees. We hope this blog will be both insightful and useful to those interested in becoming a REnvP!

Is there a difference between IEMA Practitioner level membership and REnvP and if so, how can these qualifications be achieved? 

IEMA Practitioner membership (PIEMA) and REnvP are almost completely mapped to each other in terms of competencies and standards and it’s likely that if you meet the criteria for REnvP, then you will also meet the criteria for PIEMA and vice versa. However, please discuss this with IEMA to confirm the ins and outs.

Regardless of whether you’re looking to gain REnvP via IEMA or another of our Licensed Members, you will need to join the Licensed Member in question in order to go ahead with your application. When it comes to which Licensed Member you should look at joining and applying for REnvP via, this is likely to align with your areas of expertise. For example, if you’re an environmental scientist  the IES (Institution of Environmental Sciences) might be a good fit for you.

For more information explaining the link between REnvP and PIEMA please click here.

Once REnvP status is achieved, what should REnvP professionals do to maintain competence? 

1. Take advantage of the opportunities that come with being an REnvP and member of your professional body
2. Keep a log of your CPD activities
3. Act in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct

Is there an annual CPD requirement? 

It’s up to your Licensed Member to decide what should constitute sufficient CPD to meet the requirements for competency D1 and meet that standard. 

SocEnv do not put a limit on the amount of CPD required – you just need to evidence your competence and continuation of learning. It is good practice to do a variety of CPD – reading professional magazines, attending webinars, mentoring peers, completing training course and more.

Contact your Licensed Member for clarification.

How recent should the experience required for REnvP registration be? Can you only refer to work carried out in your current role? 

Try to include fairly recent experience, however if there is experience you feel is relevant from two years ago, for example, you can still include this. Try to explain how that experience is helping you thrive in your current role. The experiences you detail in your REnvP application do not need to all originate from your current role , and can even include voluntary work and community activities.

What training courses do I need to attend to gain REnvP?

There aren’t specific courses you have to attend to gain REnvP – you just need to demonstrate your knowledge levels and experience, so look at filling any competence gaps and getting advice from your Licensed Member is useful.

Speak to your Licensed Member. There will be various training courses available and you need to find ones that fit the various gaps in your competence which is personal to you and your route to registration. 

However, although training courses are very useful, don’t forget the practical element that is required to gain REnvP. You still need to show in your application how you have practically implemented the competences in your work.

Do I need an undergraduate degree to become an REnvP? 

No, you don’t need an undergraduate degree but instead to demonstrate your knowledge meets the level 5 standard (foundational degree level). This can be done in various ways and we encourage you to speak to your Licensed Member to find out more.