Congratulations for passing the chemist licensure examination! After years of studying to earn your bachelor’s degree, after all these months (perhaps years even!) of reviewing either on your own or with a group, after answering questions from the five core subjects for two days, you are finally part of an elite few who passed it, an elite few who will further mold the shape of the chemistry profession in our country.
But what comes after that? How can you help improve the state of chemistry in our country with your newfound profession? The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) is more than happy to offer assistance on this matter.
Being the “RCh” Kid
Just like medical doctors who may affix MD after their names, a registered chemist like you may add “RCh” after your name; this is according to Section 38 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10657, otherwise known as the Chemistry Profession Act of 2015.
But having it does not mean you can flaunt it at just about any situation you can think of. You are always welcome to include it in your curriculum vitae; in a professional setting, you may add it after you certify the results of laboratory analyses you have conducted. However, it is not to be used as a bragging right, like when placing an order at a coffee shop, putting it on your Facebook or Instagram profile, or filling up certain registration forms that never require such to be written. As a rule of thumb, display your RCh designation only to individuals who care about it, like your employer and colleagues at work or to people who have asked your assistance to analyze a certain sample.
In addition, the committing of acts that harm or taint the reputation of the chemistry profession is highly discouraged. You may be subjected to disciplinary action when necessary, costing you this hard-earned title.
Aside from being able to conduct chemical analyses and syntheses, a registered chemist can become the head of a chemical laboratory, as well as supervise chemical work done in a chemical laboratory; no other professional (such as a chemical engineer) must become a chemical laboratory’s supervisor or head. In addition, You are also able to oversee your laboratory’s purchase of chemicals and chemical equipment.
In the academic setting, only registered chemists may teach professional chemistry courses in an educational institution’s BS-Chemistry degree program, or conduct review classes for examinees who are about to take the chemist licensure examination.
For more on this, kindly click on the link of the IRR found above.
Seal is the Deal
According to Section 37 of the IRR, each registered chemist must obtain his or her own chemist seal. Have you had the chance to go to a government office to notarize some papers just so they can be declared as true? This is very much like it. Results of testing analyses, certification reports, and other official documents coming out of the chemical laboratory must bear this seal, in addition to your signature, so the public may know that such papers are indeed correct.
This chemist seal is durable and should last a long time. Click on this link to purchase your very own chemist seal.
Welcome to the ICP
The ICP frequently organizes events such as seminars and conferences to further enrich the general public on timely and relevant matters concerning the chemistry profession. These events come with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit units as the ICP is a recognized CPD provider; collecting the necessary number of CPD units is required whenever you need to renew your professional license. By joining the ICP as a regular member, you may avail of discounted registration fees to such events, and even in the annual Philippine Chemistry Congress. Plus, you get to bond with your fellow ICP members during such events, share best practices with them, and formulate solutions to enhance our country through chemistry. If helping other chemists is your thing, you may even run as and become an ICP board officer!
Click on this link to learn how to become an active ICP member.
With great power comes great responsibility, or so the famous comic quote goes. Being a registered chemist is not just an achievement for yourself; it is also a commitment to serve others. The designation RCh may be just three letters, but it carries so much weight once you affix it after your name. So, go out there and put this great power of yours to good use!