The right qualifications and experience (see Application Criteria). The applicant should:
- Be a Fellow of the RGS-IBG.
- Have 6 years minimum full time experience using geographical skills and knowledge in the workplace since graduation.
- Hold an Honours degree or BEd in Geography or related subject or have 15 years of geographical experience.
A detailed Professional Self Evaluation showing how the applicant is applying their geographical skills and knowledge to their work. This is the most important part of the application
Strong references that illustrate how the applicant is applying their geographical skills and knowledge.
Specific criteria used by the Assessors to review cases:
1) Sufficient professional context. Is the level of experience and professional responsibility demonstrated appropriate, i.e. does it extend beyond offering technical support under the supervision of other professionals?
2) Has the case been made for CGeog status? How does the applicant's experience and knowledge mean they are qualified for CGeog? Is there explicit evidence to indicate that the value of CGeog as a professional qualification will be understood through interaction with other professionals? Is there an explicit statement as to why the applicant wants to become a Chartered Geographer?
3) Is there enough evidence of professional impact? An applicant could be meeting the basic requirements of their job description well, but may not appear to have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to promoting geography (e.g. internally through mentoring, memberships, outreach programmes, and supporting colleagues, or through external activities). Examples of the way successful applicants have made reference to these activities can be found in the link on the right (PSE statements PDF).
4) Is enough information given? For example details of collaborative work undertaken; topics and audiences for external lectures and publications; and evidence of the quality and success of these activities. What form of engagement has there been with national or local geographically-related organisations, for example the RGS-IBG or AGI? Where applicants tell us that they have given lectures, we should be told dates, subject, organisations, locations, outcomes etc. However, not all of these activities are expected - these are just examples.
5) For those without formal geographical training, is there evidence of, through professional experience, an appreciation of the scope and significance of a geographical perspective beyond the technical requirements of their work? For example, a GIS specialist able to evaluate the limitations, as well as the potential, of applying GIS analysis and modelling to complex social or environmental problems. Also, has there been any specifically geographical CPD relevant to their work? How does the applicant keep up with current geographically-relevant research, through attendance at courses or conferences, or the use of publications? Does the applicant show clear evidence of involvement with a geographical or geographically-related community?
Applications that do not mention Geography or Chartered Geographer will not be accepted. Information about travel and hobbies is not appropriate.