SACNASP registration: Cand.Sci.Nat to Pr.Sci.Nat, with 2026/27 fees

How geologists and other natural scientists register with SACNASP as Candidate, Certificated or Professional Natural Scientist, and what it costs.

Geologists, environmental scientists, hydrogeologists and other natural scientists register with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions. Mining houses and consultancies ask for Pr.Sci.Nat because a registered person is needed to sign off many reports, including competent person work under the SAMREC Code.

Categories and requirements

• Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat): a four-year BSc, BSc Honours or postgraduate diploma at NQF 8 plus three years of appropriate work experience; or a Master's plus two years; or a doctorate plus one year. Natural science content must average at least 70% of the four-year qualification.
• Certificated Natural Scientist: a three-year qualification at NQF 7 with at least 50% natural science credits plus one year of experience, with other routes for lower qualifications.
• Candidate Natural Scientist (Cand.Sci.Nat): a qualification good enough for one of the above, with no experience required yet.
• An RPL route exists for people with at least ten years of natural science experience and no formal qualification.

The steps

1. Register as a Candidate when you graduate.
2. Build the required experience under the supervision of a registered professional and keep evidence of your scientific responsibility.
3. Apply for Professional (or Certificated) registration in your field of practice, with referees.
4. Pay the annual fee by 31 March each year.

Costs

As published on the SACNASP fee structure page for 2026/27. Annual fees are due by 31 March. Checked 02/10/2026.

Keyword lists for these roles: Geologist

Sources

• SACNASP: Requirements for registration
• SACNASP: Fee structure

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