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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION: 
Pr.Sci.Nat - Professional Natural Scientist 
DESIGNATION ID DESIGNATION TITLE
569  Pr.Sci.Nat - Professional Natural Scientist 
PROFESSIONAL BODY DESIGNATION STATUS
SACNASP - South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions  Reregistered 
SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
SAQA 06147/25  2025-03-20  2030-03-19 


DESCRIPTION:
A Professional Natural Scientist is a scientist working in one of the fields of practice identified in the Natural Professions Act (Act 27 of 2003). Only a Professional Natural Scientist can sign off scientific reports. 
AWARDING CRITERIA
For the Professional Designation to be awarded, professionals must comply with the following minimum requirements: 
Underlying Registered Qualification or Part Qualification:
The scientist must have either a minimum of a 4 year qualification science qualification from a tertiary institution (either RSA or international) and relevant work experience.

Academic Component:
  • 4 year Honours or Btech from a tertiary institution. 
    		•
    Experiential Learning or Experience
  • 3 years relevant work experience including 1 year of supervisory experience.
  • Masters 2 years relevant work experience.
  • PHD 1 year relevant work experience. 
    		•
    Competency Assessment
    In order to register an applicant must provide the following:
  • Certified copies of all relevant qualifications and the academic record.
  • Title page and abstract of any projects identified in the academic record.
  • Full work experience document.
  • The names of 2 referees who will be contacted by the office for referee reports.
  • A list of any publications.
  • SAQA certificate if there are foreign qualifications.

    Each application is reviewed by the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) prior to being approved by the registrations committee. Foreign qualifications are reviewed by the Qualifications Assessment Committee (QAC) prior to going to the PAC.
    Each field of practice has a separate PAC. 
    		•
    Designation RPL Statement
    This Designation may be awarded through Recognition of Prior Learning. 
    RETAINING CRITERIA
    In order to ensure the currency of professional knowledge and to retain the Professional Designation, the professional must comply with the following minimum requirements: 
    Code of Conduct
    Members must adhere to the Professional Body Codes of Conduct and Ethics. 
    Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
    CPD will be activated April 2017 a Natural Scientist will need to accumulate 25 points over 5 years across 3 categories in order to retain registration. 
    Fees
    Ensure that the annual membership fee is paid. 


    PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION PROGRESSION PATHWAY
    (The Designation being reported on here is shown in italics.)

    Sequence Designation ID Designation Title
    1569Pr.Sci.Nat - Professional Natural Scientist


    PROFESSIONAL BODY WEB ADDRESS:
    For more information on this Professional Designation, please visit http://www.sacnasp.org.za/