The National Certification Commission in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering was formed in 1977 to recognize practitioners who strive to maintain their professional competence through participation in continuing education and related professional development activities. Those who qualify are issued certificates as Certified Professional Chemists or Certified Chemical Engineers. Recent graduates can also qualify as Certifees-in-Training, and those who may not yet have sufficient credits for certification can be enrolled annually for up to three years until they do.
Certification is voluntary and is valid for a three-year interval, during which time certifees are expected to continue their professional development and submit annual applications in order to qualify for recertification thereafter. Membership in any organization is not required. Register of participants is printed annually.