The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) is a statutory body, reporting to the Department of Science and Innovation. SACNASP was established as a juristic person in terms of the Natural Scientific Professions Act 27 (Act 27 of 2003). The core business of the Council is the professional registration of natural scientists. It also promotes the practice of natural science professions in South Africa, exercises control over the standard of professional conduct of professional natural scientists, monitors the standard of education and training of natural scientists and recognises education and training which is a prerequisite for registration in terms of the Act. SACNASP has 24 fields of practice and it is represented by 42 voluntary associations (VAs).