Soil Scientist
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About
A soil scientist is a professional licensed in the practice of soil science, which is the study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the Earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils.
Requirements
To be eligible for a certificate of licensure as a professional soil scientist, an applicant shall:
(1) Be a graduate of an accredited college or university with a bachelor of science degree or higher in soils, agronomy or a closely related field, with successfully completion of 15 hours of course work in soil science;
(2) Have at least 3 years of soil science professional experience. Any combination of the following kinds of education and experience qualify toward accumulating the required 3 years:
(A) Masters of science degree in soils, agronomy or a closely related field and 2 years professional experience;
(B) Doctor of philosophy degree in soils, agronomy or a closely related field and 1 year professional experience; or
(C) Each year of teaching or soil science research by persons teaching upper-level soil science courses at the college level; provided, that teaching or research can be demonstrated to be of a sufficiently responsible nature to be equivalent to a year of professional experience; and
(3) Have successfully passed the examinations.
Fees
Application and Initial License: $400
Renewal Fee for Active License: $400
Renewal Fee for Inactive License: $200
Inactive to Retirement Status: $25
Reinstatement to Active Status: $25
Late Renewal Penalty: $25
Duplicate License: $25
Additional
You are required to submit the following with your application to practice as Professional Soil Scientist in Tennessee:
- A $400 application/licensure fee
- A certified copy of college transcripts, along with a course reporting form
- Current employment information
- Sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations form
- Out of state verification of licensure/examination form if licensed in another state
Examination information can be found here.
Grace Period:
The grace period is 6 months. The late fee is $25 per month.
After grace period must send an email requesting reinstatement. Then will be required to reapply for licensure and fulfill all of the requirements for initial licensure OR apply through reciprocity.
Continuing Education: How many education hours do I need?
12 hours of continuing education - 1 of the 12 hours being in ethics.