European Physicist

The designation European Physicist (abbreviated as EurPhys) is a
new qualification for physicists. It may therefore need a brief introduction.

Formal professional qualifications exist in many occupations. Generally, a person
receives such as qualification on the basis of a combination of academic attainments
and experience in a profession. Where they exist, however, there are for some
professions wide differences between formal systems of recognition, in the body
awarding the qualification, in the criteria applied, and in the code of conduct an
applicant is expected to abide by.

Such differences may restrict the opportunities for citizens of a given country
to exercise their profession elsewhere. In the case of the European Union, the
European Commission, which has been active for some time in promoting mutual
recognition academic degrees, is now also taking initiatives regarding professional
qualifications.

Partly in response to this, national societies or institutes covering fields
of science and technology have established several European Registers of qualified
professionals.

In physics the situation is somewhat different from that found in most other
disciplines as there exists the European Physical Society (EPS) which one can join
directly or through a national physical society. Moreover, the EPS is not confined
geographically to the European Union.

Given its unique position, EPS has set up the European Register of Physicists and
the necessary procedures for handling applications for entry on the register.

Some may question whether there is a need for this, arguing that physicists are
often employed not so much on the basis of what they have done in the past, but
rather on their promise for the future.

However, working conditions are changing: long-term positions have become the
exception rather than the rule, and self-employment as a consultant is becoming
more common. In this environment, the professional qualification
European Physicist could be an invaluable asset.

Requirements for admission to the Register

Evidence of at least two years' appropriate experience gained inapacity after
graduating is also required. This experience could include research and development,
project management, supervision and the training of others, and safety management.

The remaining period, which must have lasted for at least two years, may consist of
either education leading to an academic qualification or appropriate experience
involving responsibilities and deemed satisfactory by the Committee on Professional
Qualifications. It may also include a period of training during which the applicant
has acquired aptitudes or skills need to exercise in the chosen profession and in
a responsible capacity.

How to apply for registration as a
European Physicist

Upon completion the form should be sent together with the non-refundable
application fee to the appropriate address indicated in the guidance notes
accompanying the form.

The Committee on Professional Qualifications evaluates the application.
It is assisted by independent experts familiar with the regions in which you
have trained and worked. The Committee then makes a short summary and a
recommendation.

The Committee reviews the summary and recommendation to ensure uniform, high
standards. If it is satisfied, you will be invited to pay the registration fee for
admission to the Register of European Physicists for an initial period of five years.

Thereafter, registration will be renewable without the need to submit a new
application (although you might be asked to update your first application).

You will be provided with a formal certificate of registration. From then on you
will be able to use the designation European Physicist.

Submitting the application form

Some EPS National Member Societies have a representative on the Committee on
Professional Qualifications who will be asked to advise the Committee. Societies
with such a representative are indicated in this list.

You may wish to send the Secretariat of a National Member Society to which you
belong a copy of your application so that the representative can become acquainted
with your application beforehand.