Trust me, I’m a Statistician – European Accreditation for Statisticians (AEUStat)

“Statistician” is not a protected professional title in Germany. Anyone who works with data, prepares analyses, or supports decision-making based on statistics can call themselves one, regardless of training, experience, or ethical standards. For clients, employers, authorities, and the public, it is therefore often difficult to recognize who they can trust when it comes to statistical statements.

The Federation of European National Statistical Societies (FENStatS) has therefore developed a way to demonstrate the trustworthiness of statisticians: European accreditation as an Accredited European Statistician (AEUStat). The German Statistical Society (DStatG), as a member society, participates in this system and enables its members to obtain accreditation.

What does the accreditation mean?

The AEUStat title confirms that someone practices statistics with professional competence, responsibility, and according to recognized ethical principles. Accreditation makes qualifications visible and comparable across national borders. It is modeled on established systems such as the Chartered Statistician of the Royal Statistical Society and the PStat of the American Statistical Association. A mutual recognition agreement exists with the Statistical Society of Australia.

FENStatS defines the European standard and oversees it. National societies like the DStatG review applications locally with their own auditors. The process is based, among other things, on the Code of Ethics for Statistical Practice in Europe, which FENStatS adopted in 2024.

Requirements for AEUStat

• A master’s degree in statistics or an equivalent degree with a substantial component of statistics
• At least five years of professional experience (full-time equivalent) in applying statistical methods
• Continuous professional development
• Demonstrated communication skills
• Commitment to ethical standards
• Membership in a FENStatS member society, for example the DStatG

How does the application process work?

The application is submitted via the FENStatS online portal. It includes a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, two examples of your own statistical work, an overview of professional development activities over the last three years, and two letters of recommendation. Work samples are treated confidentially and can be submitted in German or English.

The application fee is 100 euros and is paid to FENStatS. To maintain accreditation, an annual fee of 20 euros applies, which goes to the DStatG.

Junior Accreditation (JEUStat)

Those at the beginning of their professional career who hold a master’s degree in statistics or a comparable field and are members of the DStatG can register as a Junior free of charge. Professional experience, training, and work samples can then be documented step-by-step in the portal. As soon as all requirements are met, this turns into the full AEUStat application—making the path to accreditation visible and planable right from the start.

Why accreditation is worth it

Statistics shape decisions in politics, business, medicine, and society. Especially in times of AI, data overload, and disinformation, we need people who stand up for the quality and integrity of statistical statements. Accreditation is a public commitment to this responsibility and, at the same time, a signal to employers and clients that they can rely on your work. The first members of the DStatG are already accredited.

Contact and further information

Contact person at the DStatG: Dr. Katharina Schüller, katharina.schueller@stat-up.com
FENStatS Accreditation Committee: accreditation@fenstats.eu
Information, statutes, and application portal: www.fenstats.eu/accreditation
List of Accredited European Statisticians: www.fenstats.eu/accreditations_list