PDFWAC 308-15-040
What are the minimum requirements to be eligible for a geologist license?
An applicant is eligible for a geologist license when a complete application is acceptable to the board, and demonstrates:
(1) Education. An applicant shall have graduated from a course of study satisfactory to the board as described in (a) of this subsection or satisfy educational equivalents as determined by the board on a case-by-case basis as described in (b) of this subsection:
(a) Bachelor degree program. An applicant shall have earned a bachelor's degree in geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology, or geological sciences, including successful completion of core classes approved by the board; or have a related bachelor's degree as approved by the board, which includes successful completion of coursework that is determined by the board to be educationally equivalent in content and rigor to that of a geological sciences degree program.
(b) Educational equivalency: The board may review and approve unique combinations of educational equivalents to a bachelor's degree. This may include advanced study pertinent to geology, nonmatriculated coursework, practical seminars, and/or on-the-job training acceptable to the board.
(2) Experience. An applicant must have at least five years of geologic experience satisfactory to the board after completing the educational requirements in subsection (1) of this section. At least three years of geological experience must be obtained under the supervision of state-licensed geologists or others who, in the opinion of the board, are qualified to have responsible charge, or have been in responsible charge, of the applicant's geologic work. The following may be considered qualifying experience:
(a) Geologic research or teaching at the university or college level, which, in the judgment of the board, is comparable to experience obtained in the practice of geology;
(b) Up to two years of credit for full-time graduate study in geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology or one of the related geological sciences approved by the board; and
(c) Applicants with military training or experience will be evaluated by the board on a case-by-case basis to determine if the experience or training meets the licensing requirements.
(3) Examination. An applicant must have passed the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology and the ASBOG Practice of Geology examinations or another examination acceptable to the board.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.220.040, 18.220.050, and 43.24.086. WSR 19-22-034, § 308-15-040, filed 10/31/19, effective 12/1/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.220.040, 18.220.050. WSR 05-01-174, § 308-15-040, filed 12/21/04, effective 1/21/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.220 RCW. WSR 01-12-023, § 308-15-040, filed 5/25/01, effective 6/25/01.]