Top 10 Chemistry Professor Certifications

Certifications are important for a chemistry professor in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the professor has expertise in the field. Certifications can also help professors stand out from other applicants and can be used to show that the professor is knowledgeable about current trends and best practices in the field. They also demonstrate that the professor has taken the time to stay up-to-date on their knowledge and is committed to continuing education. Finally, certifications may be required by certain employers or universities, making them an essential part of getting hired.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Chemistry Professors and explain how they can help to advance a chemistry professor's career.

What are Chemistry Professor Certifications?

Chemistry professor certification is an important certification for those who wish to teach chemistry at the college level. This certification is administered by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and requires a significant amount of coursework, research, and experience in order to be approved. By obtaining this certification, chemistry professors demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter and their ability to effectively teach it. The certification can help chemistry professors by providing them with recognition from their peers, as well as helping them stand out in the job market. It also provides employers with assurance that those who have achieved this certification are highly qualified to teach college-level chemistry courses. Additionally, holding this certification can open up opportunities for professional advancement or higher pay levels.

Pro Tip: When considering a chemistry professor certification, look for programs that are accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards of quality and provides students with a well-rounded education in chemistry.

Related: What does a Chemistry Professor do?

Top 10 Chemistry Professor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Chemistry Professors today.

1. American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Professional Chemist

American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Professional Chemist is a professional certification program for chemists and chemical engineers. It is designed to recognize those with the highest levels of knowledge, experience, and professional achievement in the field of chemistry.

It takes approximately three years to obtain the ACS Certified Professional Chemist designation. To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in chemistry or chemical engineering and must pass an examination that covers topics such as safety, ethics, laboratory techniques, analytical methods, and more. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation from colleagues or employers who can attest to their expertise in the field.

The cost to become an ACS Certified Professional Chemist varies depending on the applicant's level of experience and education. The initial fee is $400 for members and $500 for non-members. There is also an annual renewal fee of $50 for members and $75 for non-members.

Overall, becoming an ACS Certified Professional Chemist demonstrates mastery in the field of chemistry and provides recognition from one’s peers. This certification can be beneficial when seeking employment or advancement opportunities within the field.

2. Royal Society of Chemistry Chartered Chemist

The Royal Society of Chemistry Chartered Chemist (RSC-CC) is a professional accreditation for chemists. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of professional competence and ethical conduct in the practice of chemistry.

To become an RSC-CC, applicants must have a minimum of five years' experience in the practice of chemistry, including at least three years in a senior role. They must also demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of professional chemistry by passing an examination set by the RSC.

The process typically takes around six months to complete, depending on when applications are received and how quickly they can be assessed. Applicants will need to submit evidence of their qualifications, experience and training, as well as references from two referees who can attest to their professional competence and ethical conduct.

The cost for applying for RSC-CC status is £100 (or £50 for members of the Royal Society of Chemistry). This fee covers the cost of processing applications, administering examinations and awarding certificates.

3. American Institute of Chemists (AIC) Certified Professional Chemist

The American Institute of Chemists (AIC) Certified Professional Chemist (CPC) is a professional certification that recognizes the highest level of professional achievement in the field of chemistry. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills required for competent practice as a chemist. To be eligible for the CPC, an individual must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum of five years of experience in the chemical sciences, a master's degree or higher in chemistry or related field, and passing an extensive examination covering all aspects of chemistry.

It typically takes approximately two years to complete the requirements for AIC CPC certification. The first step is to submit an application to AIC and pay the initial application fee. Once accepted, candidates must complete a series of courses designed to prepare them for the CPC examination. These courses include topics such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry and physical chemistry. Upon successful completion of these courses, candidates can then take the CPC exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering all areas of chemistry.

The cost for AIC CPC certification varies depending on how many courses are taken and how long it takes to complete them. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 to become certified. Additionally, there is an annual fee associated with maintaining your certification status which must be paid each year.

4. National Certification Commission for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (NCCL) Certified Clinical Chemist

The National Certification Commission for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (NCCCL) Certified Clinical Chemist is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to practice as a clinical chemist. The NCCCL Certified Clinical Chemist credential is granted to individuals who have met rigorous standards of professional competence through education, experience, and examination.

To become an NCCCL Certified Clinical Chemist, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam. Applicants must have earned a doctoral degree in clinical chemistry or a related field from an accredited institution, completed at least two years of post-doctoral training in clinical chemistry or a related field, and passed the NCCCL's written examination.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the application process for the NCCCL Certified Clinical Chemist credential. After submitting all required documents and fees, applicants will receive notification of their eligibility status within four weeks. Once approved, applicants will be scheduled for the written examination within six months of approval.

The cost of obtaining the NCCCL Certified Clinical Chemist credential varies based on whether you are already certified by another organization or not. If you are certified by another organization such as ASCP or AMT, then you may be eligible for discounted rates when applying for the NCCCL certification. The cost of the application fee is $100 plus any applicable discounts; the cost of taking the exam is $400 plus any applicable discounts; and there may be additional fees associated with maintaining your certification over time.

5. International Association for Chemical Education (IACE) Certified Teacher of Chemistry

The International Association for Chemical Education (IACE) Certified Teacher of Chemistry is a professional certification that recognizes teachers who have demonstrated excellence in teaching chemistry. This certification is designed to recognize and reward teachers who have achieved a high level of proficiency in teaching chemistry, and it is open to both K-12 and college/university instructors.

To become an IACE Certified Teacher of Chemistry, applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Submit an application form with a current resume or curriculum vitae, including at least three years of teaching experience.

2. Pass the IACE Certification Exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical education.

3. Participate in an interview with an IACE Certification Board member.

4. Provide evidence of participation in professional development activities related to teaching chemistry within the past three years.

5. Receive approval from the IACE Certification Board for certification status.

The entire process typically takes between two and four months to complete and costs $250 USD for members of the International Association for Chemical Education (IACE). Non-members may also apply but will be charged a higher fee ($400 USD).

6. American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) Board Certified Forensic Toxicologist

The American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) is a professional organization that certifies individuals as Board Certified Forensic Toxicologists (BCFT). This certification is the highest level of recognition for forensic toxicologists and demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field.

To become a BCFT, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having a doctoral degree in forensic toxicology or related field from an accredited university, having at least five years of experience in the field, and passing an exam administered by ABFT. The exam consists of two parts: written and oral. The written portion covers topics such as pharmacokinetics, analytical chemistry, drug metabolism and toxicology. The oral portion covers topics such as legal aspects of toxicology, laboratory management and quality assurance/quality control.

It typically takes about two years to complete the process of becoming board certified. During this time applicants must complete all educational requirements, pass the required exams and submit their application to ABFT for review. Once approved by ABFT, applicants will receive their certification as a BCFT.

The cost of becoming board certified varies depending on individual circumstances but generally ranges from $500-$2500 USD. This cost includes application fees, examination fees and any other costs associated with obtaining the necessary credentials for certification.

7. American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Diplomate in Clinical Chemistry

The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Diplomate in Clinical Chemistry is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of clinical chemistry. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of laboratory testing, quality assurance, and laboratory management.

To become an AACC Diplomate in Clinical Chemistry, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an examination. Eligibility requirements include having a doctoral degree from an accredited institution in clinical chemistry or related field, at least five years of experience as a clinical chemist or related field in the United States or Canada, and current certification as a medical technologist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

The AACC Diplomate Exam consists of two parts: Part I is composed of multiple-choice questions that cover general topics such as laboratory safety and quality assurance; Part II is composed of essay questions that focus on specific topics such as laboratory instrumentation and techniques. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the AACC Diplomate Exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it costs $500-$600 for both parts of the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations.

Once you have successfully passed the AACC Diplomate Exam, you will receive your official certificate from AACC within four to six weeks after completing all requirements.

8. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Certified Professional Chemist

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Certified Professional Chemist (CPC) is a professional certification program for chemists. It recognizes the competence and experience of individuals who have achieved a high level of professional development in chemistry. The IUPAC CPC program is aimed at providing recognition to those chemists who have achieved a certain level of expertise, knowledge, and experience in their field.

The process to obtain IUPAC CPC certification involves completing an online application form, submitting supporting documents such as transcripts, references, and work samples, and passing an assessment exam. The assessment exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as general chemistry principles, analytical techniques, laboratory safety procedures, chemical nomenclature, and more.

It typically takes around 12 months to complete the entire process from application submission to certification. Applicants are required to pay an application fee upon submission of the application form which covers the cost of processing the application and administering the assessment exam. The exact amount varies depending on the country where you are applying from but generally ranges between USD 100 - 200.

9. American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Certified Pharmaceutical Scientist

The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Certified Pharmaceutical Scientist (CPS) program is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of pharmaceutical scientists. The CPS credential is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in the field of pharmaceutical science and to provide assurance to employers, colleagues, and other stakeholders that the individual has met a minimum level of competency in the profession.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all requirements for the CPS credential. To become certified, individuals must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical sciences or related field, have at least three years' experience working in the pharmaceutical industry or academia, and pass an examination administered by AAPS.

The cost for taking the exam is $350 for members of AAPS and $450 for non-members. In addition, there is an application fee of $50 for members and $100 for non-members. Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every three years.

10. National Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (NASET) Fellow in Chemical Sciences

The National Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (NASET) is an organization that recognizes excellence in scientific research and engineering. The NASET Fellow in Chemical Sciences is an honorary title awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of chemical sciences.

To become a NASET Fellow in Chemical Sciences, one must demonstrate sustained excellence in research, teaching, and/or service within the field of chemical sciences. This includes contributions to the development of new knowledge and applications through research, publications, or other forms of scholarly activity. Additionally, candidates must have made significant contributions to the advancement of chemical sciences through professional activities such as leadership roles in professional societies or organizations.

It typically takes several years for a candidate to be considered for this honor. Candidates are usually nominated by their peers or colleagues who are already members of NASET. The nomination process requires that the candidate provide evidence of their accomplishments and contributions within the field of chemical sciences. After review by a selection committee, successful candidates will be invited to become Fellows in Chemical Sciences.

There is no cost associated with becoming a NASET Fellow in Chemical Sciences. However, once selected as a Fellow, there may be some associated costs for attending meetings or events sponsored by NASET.

Do You Really Need a Chemistry Professor Certificate?

No, you do not need a Chemistry Professor Certificate to be successful in the field of chemistry. A Chemistry Professor Certificate can be beneficial, as it shows that you have specialized knowledge and experience in the field of chemistry. However, this is not necessary for success in the field. Many chemists have achieved success without obtaining a certificate.

Chemistry is a broad field that encompasses many different disciplines and areas of expertise. Depending on your specialization, there are many paths to becoming an expert in your chosen area without obtaining a Chemistry Professor Certificate. You could pursue research at a university or industry lab, or take courses in specific areas such as analytical or organic chemistry. Additionally, some positions may require more hands-on experience than academic qualifications, such as teaching positions at community colleges or technical schools.

In addition to formal education, networking and developing relationships with colleagues can also be invaluable when advancing your career in chemistry. Participating in professional organizations and attending conferences can help to build relationships with other professionals who share similar interests and goals. These connections can open up opportunities for job openings or collaborations that would otherwise be unavailable without the Chemistry Professor Certificate.

Ultimately, having a Chemistry Professor Certificate can be helpful but is not essential for success in the field of chemistry. With hard work, dedication and determination any chemist can find success without it.

Related: Chemistry Professor Resume Examples

FAQs About Chemistry Professor Certifications

1. What certifications are available to chemistry professors?

Answer: Depending on the country, there are a variety of certifications available to chemistry professors, such as Certified Professional Chemist (CPC), Certified Chemistry Teacher (CCT), and Certified Chemical Educator (CCE).

2. How do I become certified as a chemistry professor?

Answer: Generally, you must have completed a degree in chemistry or related field and have teaching experience to be eligible for certification. You may also need to pass an examination or demonstrate mastery of certain topics in the field.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the specific certification and requirements for that program. It can range from several months to several years depending on your background and level of experience.

4. What are the benefits of being certified as a chemistry professor?

Answer: Being certified as a chemistry professor can help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field, gain recognition from peers and employers, improve job prospects, increase salaries and more.

5. Where can I find information about becoming certified as a chemistry professor?

Answer: There are numerous resources online that provide information about becoming certified as a chemistry professor, including websites for professional organizations such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) and National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).