Professional Pathway
The Professional Pathway will guide you through the early years of your career.
What is the Professional Pathway?
Set your feet firmly on the path to a fulfilling career. The Professional Pathway offers you a structured development route through the early years of your career. The Professional Pathway will set you on course for Chartered Geographer.
You can join at any career stage that precedes CGeog eligibility. You will receive advice and resources tailored for the current point in your career journey and we will guide you on the best activity phase to begin based on your experience.
The Pathway offers opportunities that build and enhance your professional skills and competencies, ensuring your continual growth within the geographical profession, whilst supporting you in planning, recording and reflecting on your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Why become Chartered?
Accreditation from a professional body is valuable for everyone throughout their career. It demonstrates a commitment to your career, and provides opportunities to get involved with networks and activities.
Chartered Geographer status is the most respected professional recognition within our sector, demonstrating your dedication, professional worth and employability. If you have been studying or working within the geographical arena, you’re already eligible and we’d be delighted to welcome you as a valued member of our growing community.
I was at a point in my career where I wanted to demonstrate that I was both academically and professionally competent. Chartership helps describe to others, who you are and how you act as a geographic professional.Chartered Geographer
Am I eligible for the Professional Pathway?
You must first become a Fellow or an Associate Fellow. You can register on the Pathway at any stage before eligibility for Chartered Geographer. Previous years of study or work will count towards your pathway progression and allow you to begin with activities tailored to your current stage.
Limited time offer
As part of our mission to help the geographical community thrive in a challenging and changeable world, we are offering a year’s free Associate Fellowship to early career professionals when you sign up to our Professional Pathway.
You’ll enjoy all the benefits of RGS membership, from peer networking opportunities and CPD to our iconic Monday night lectures (in-person or online).
Once your year of free membership ends, you will need to continue with your membership (£64 per annum for Associate Fellow / £144 for Fellow) in order to progress along the Professional Pathway towards Chartered Geographer. The offer ends 31 July 2026.
How to Join
Please complete this application form and send it to cgeog@rgs.org
Professional Pathway application form (DOC)
Our team is always happy to answer questions, discuss the process and support you in any way we can – please don’t hesitate to contact l.fox-tucker@rgs.org
Professional Pathway tasks
By registering on the Professional Pathway you are committing to professional development, which may differ according to your expertise, experience and opportunity.
The framework below outlines activities on the Pathway, staged by year, which should be supplemented by activities tailored to your specific circumstances.
Years 1–2
- Apply for Fellowship or Associate Fellowship
- Register on the Professional Pathway
- Receive Professional news and events
- Receive Professional Pathway emails with resources and tips. These will continue throughout your time on the Pathway
Years 3–4
- Record CPD throughout the year, aiming for 35 hours a year. This will be submitted to the Society annually and will form a crucial part of your Chartered Geographer application
- Attend a Chartered Geographer introductory webinar
- Attend Professional Insights events
- Join a professional network such as a Professional Practice Group
- Attend professionally-orientated Society events or sector-specific events
Years 5–6
- Start preparation for a Chartered Geographer application by attending an Application Accelerator
- You will be assigned a CGeog Application Mentor to support you through the application process
- Continue to maintain and submit CPD records
- Take opportunities such as presenting at a networking event or taking an active role within a Professional Practice Group or network
- Submit your CV for a review by the Professional Officer: Chartered Geographer
Year 7
- Apply for Chartered Geographer
For employers
Find out more about supporting your staff on the Professional Pathway to Chartered Geographer.
Professional Pathway to Chartered Geographer Analysis Function
Find out more about the Professional Pathway to CGeog for those working in public sector analytical roles.
Chartered Geographer
Find out how professional accreditation can help your career.