Geologist

A geologist is an expert in the field of geology, a science that studies rocks, layers of soil, land and processes of land formation, in order to learn about the history of the Earth and its life.

The practice of geology in this state is declared to be subject of regulation to be practiced and regulated as such, and practitioners in this state shall be held accountable to the state and members of the public by high professional standards.

To be eligible for a certificate of licensure as a professional geologist, an applicant shall:

(1) Be a graduate of an accredited college or university, with successful completion of a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of course work in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology or their subdivisions.

(2) Have 5 years of geological education and professional experience. Any combination of the following kinds of education and experience qualify toward accumulating the required 5 years:

(A) Each year of graduate study shall count as 1 year of experience; provided, that credit for graduate study or graduate courses, individually or in any combination of graduate study and courses, shall in no case exceed 2 years toward meeting the 5-year requirement;

(B) Each year of teaching or geological research by persons teaching upper-level geology courses at the college or university levels; provided, that the teaching or research can be demonstrated to be of a sufficiently responsible nature to be equivalent to a year of professional experience; and

(C) The geologic ability of an applicant shall be demonstrated by the applicant performing professional geologic work in a responsible position as determined by the department.

(3) Has successfully passed any examination developed or determined by the department to assess adequately the knowledge and skills common to the competent practice of geology as a profession.