The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) acknowledges the fact that certain individuals did not have the opportunity to obtain the level of tertiary education required by the Council for professional registration. However, such individuals may have contributed significantly to the scientific community and may continue do so for many years.
The Council has decided to provide such individuals with an opportunity to apply for registration as Professional Natural Scientists under certain conditions.
Any person without a qualification recognised by the Council can apply.
Applicants should:
be respected by their peers for their expertise in the chosen field of practice
have contributed to the scientific community
have a minimum of 10 years continuous, appropriate and professional experience immediately prior to application in the field of practice for which is applied.
Note: If you have left your profession during the ten-year period, you would not be allowed to register under this dispensation.
Evaluation of the applications will be done by the relevant Professional Advisory Committee, approval by the Registration Committee of SACNASP and authorisation by the Council.
Complete a formal application form for registration.
Submit the signed form and a portfolio on learning and experience containing:
proof of relevant formal and informal training - certified copies of degree or diploma certificates, including the academic records for these qualifications
an extensive record of relevant professional experience in the field of practice as applied
a list of publications, indicating whether published in peer-reviewed journals as well as the journal’s impact factor.
proof of membership of learned societies, e.g. the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST), South African Chemical Institute (SACI) or Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) and participation in science congresses.
At least three complete reports (electronic format) which you have compiled or substantially contributed to. If you cannot submit the reports due to confidentiality, the contribution must be verifiable.
An affidavit stating that it is your own work and clarifying your role in the reports submitted.
Affidavits by two persons who can confirm to your abilities and expertise in your field of practice.
The application fee covers the administration costs involved in processing an application and is not refundable. A fee is payable for each field of practice for which is applied and proof of payment must be included with your application. See method of payment below.
Registration fees: A registration fee will be charged according to the category of registration and number of fields of practice that have been approved:
Application fee
Registration fee
Fee payable after approval of registration
Professional Natuaral Scientist
R300.0
R810.00
R510.00
Candidate Natural Scientist
R300.00
R460.00
R160.00
Certificated Natural Scientist
R300.00
R525.00
R220.00
Updgrading of status
R300.00
R790.00
R490.00
Annual fees are payable for the period 1 April until 31 March of every year. If a person is registered between April and December, the fee becomes payable on the first of April of the year following the registration. If registration took place during January, February or March the annual fee becomes payable on the first of April of the same year.
Method of payment:
Unfortunately, no cash payments can be accepted.
By direct transfer or alternatively by cheque or cash deposit. NB: Use initials and surname for identification of payment on Council’s bank statement.
Please fax proof of deposit as well as the completed application form (without the supporting documents) to (012) 841 1057.
SWIFT CODE for international payments: NEDSZAJJ Banking details Beneficiary: SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions or SACNASP Nedbank Branch: Silverton Branch code: 164445 Account No: 1644292289 (Current)
