Contact Information
(866) 465-6206
The Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists is composed of three professional soil scientists, three wetland delineators, three geologists, two citizen members, and the State Geologist.
- Go to: Most Requested Forms (address change, criminal conviction reporting, certification request, etc.)
Applicants must read and understand the Board Regulations. Application fees are not refundable.
DPOR Boards only accept the most recent versions of the applications provided below. DPOR Boards are not responsible for processing delays associated with forms that do not conform to this requirement.
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Professional Soil Scientists
License Application (for NEW applicants) | Interactive | Static |
Universal License Recognition | Interactive | Static |
Experience Log | Interactive | Static |
Renewal Form | Interactive | Static |
Wetland Delineators
Application for Certification | Interactive | Static |
Universal License Recognition | Interactive | Static |
ULR Wetland Experience | Interactive | Static |
Experience Log | Interactive | Static |
Reference Form | Interactive | Static |
Geologists
Core Requirements Information Sheet | Static | |
Application for Certification/Reinstatement | Interactive | Static |
Universal License Recognition | Interactive | Static |
Geologist-In-Training Designation Application | Interactive | Static |
Experience Log | Interactive | Static |
Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
Statutes
- Chapter 22 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia
Regulations
Pending regulatory action (proposed changes, public hearings, etc.)
Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
The Virginia Regulatory Town Hall provides access to the board's meeting schedule, agendas, and past meeting minutes.
Visit the Town Hall: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/Meetings.cfm?BoardID=15
Soil Scientists and Wetland Delineators Exams | Geologist Exam
Soil Scientists and Wetland Delineators
Applicants must obtain approval from the Board prior to taking the exam.
SOIL SCIENTISTS | WETLAND DELINEATORS | |
Exam Administrator | Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) | DPOR Examinations Section |
Frequency and Dates of Exams | Information about frequency and dates here. |
February 7, 2025 |
Application and Fee Deadlines |
No application deadline. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. |
For February 2025 exam:
|
Application Fee | $90 application fee | $90 application fee |
Exam Fees | $260 for each exam | $150 |
Exam Location | Internet based testing with remote proctoring | Dept. of Professional & Occupational Regulation Perimeter Center, Suite 400 9960 Mayland Drive Richmond, VA 23233 |
Questions About Exam Scheduling or Registration? |
Additional exam information is available here. Only applicants approved by the Board should contact the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) at (608) 273-8085 or certification@soils.org. Exam FAQs are available here. Remote proctor information is available here. |
Candidate Information Bulletin (PDF) Only applicants approved by the Board should contact the DPOR Examinations Section at (804) 367-8544 or exams@dpor.virginia.gov. |
Other Questions? | For application information, contact the Board's Licensing Section at (804) 367-8506. | For application information, contact the Board's Licensing Section at (804) 367-8506. |
Geologists
The Virginia Board uses the national examination developed by the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG).
Applicants must obtain approval from the Board prior to taking the exam.
Exam Administrator | Prometric |
Frequency and Dates of Exams | 2025
Information about dates here. |
Application and Fee Deadline |
For Spring 2025 exam: Submit application and application fee directly to Board before registering with Prometric for the exam. |
Exam Fees and Deadlines* Payable to Prometric |
Prometric will send an email approximately 6 weeks before the exam administration with payment and scheduling information. |
Exam Locations | All Prometric test sites in Virginia |
Questions About Exam Scheduling or Registration? | Only applicants approved by the Board will register with Prometric. Contact the Board for information at 804-367-8506 or Geology@dpor.virginia.gov. |
New Online Prep Course |
ASBOG introduces a new online preparatory course designed to aid candidates in their preparations for the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology (FG) exam. The 8-hour modular program was developed by a distinguished panel of licensed academic professional geologists from across the nation. The course provides an overview of topics tied to FG exam domains as well as interactive quizzes. Participants will have the flexibility to select one of three course packages to best suit their individual needs. Options include the Full Course (including all eight study modules), or one of the more focused study courses - the Core Domain Bundle (including five study modules) or the Applied Domain Bundle (four study modules). Candidates interested in the Prep Course can view a free comprehensive overview video of the FG Prep Course contents. Additional information can also be found on the ASBOG website. |
Other Questions? | To check on application status or for other questions, contact the Board's Licensing Section at (804) 367-8506 or Geology@dpor.virginia.gov. |
Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
Board News
- The Geology of Virginia is now available for purchase from the Virginia Museum of Natural History's online store for $35 each. The 538-page book is the first comprehensive review of Virginia's geology published in more than a century and describes, in depth, the geological features and history of all regions of the Commonwealth. Learn more at the VMNH website.
- Information about VDH Stakeholder Facilitation (SHIFT): Overview, meetings, and documents related to transition and private-sector participation in onsite sewage program administration and oversight.
BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL SOIL SCIENTISTS,
WETLAND PROFESSIONALS and GEOLOGISTS
FAQS
SOIL SCIENTISTS FAQS
Question: I’ve already taken the Fundamentals exam (or both the Fundamentals and the Professional Practice Exam), how do I get my exam scores to you?
Answer: Please send confirmation of your exam scores from the Soil Science Society of America in with your completed application.
Question: I teach a college course or give seminars where CE is earned, can I use that towards my eight contact hours of continuing education per year requirement for renewal?
Answer: Most likely, please submit any documentation you have showing you were the lecturer and how much credit students or persons otherwise instructed received and it will be reviewed.
Question: I have a degree but I don’t know if it counts as a soil science curriculum or related natural science degree. Will my education be enough?
Answer: Your degree may meet the requirements if a certain amount of semester hours have been earned in certain areas, please check regulation 18VAC145-20-91 for more information.
WETLAND PROFESSIONALS FAQS
Question: Do all of my references have to be certified wetland delineators?
Answer: While all 3 references have to be wetland professionals, only one has to be certified.
Question: Can a reference also verify my experience?
Answer: No. References may not verify experience and vice versa.
Question: I have a degree but I do not know if it counts as a similar biological, physical, natural science, or environmental science degree. Will my education be enough?
Answer: Your degree may meet the requirement if it has a certain number of semester hours earned in certain areas, please check regulation 18VAC145-30-60 for more information.
Question: Does the course in state and federal wetland delineation methods need to contain an instructor-led field component?
Answer: The course must have a field component. It is strongly recommended that a course with an instructor-led field component is taken to ensure appropriate procedures are learned.
GEOLOGISTS FAQS
Question: Do I actually need the GIT Designation?
Answer: The designation itself is optional and not a requirement for PG certification
Question: Should I submit both the GIT Designation Application and the PG Certification Application at the same time?
Answer: If you only qualify for the GIT Designation, please only submit the Designation Application. If you qualify for the PG Certification, please only submit the Certification Application. Because the GIT Designation is not a requirement, there is no need to submit both applications at the same time if you qualify for the PG Certification.
Board Executive Director
Kathleen (Kate) R. Nosbisch
Licensing Operations Administrator
Ecila R. Williams
Administrative Coordinator
Vacant
Member Roster
Board Member Roster
Michael D. Lawless
- Blacksburg
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2025
- Certified Professional Geologist
Douglas A. DeBerry
- Williamsburg
- Second four-year term ends June 30, 2025
- Wetland Professional | Teaching & Research
Nathan Kuhn
- Richmond
- Second four-year term ends June 30, 2028
- Wetland Professional | Delineation & Description
Justin T. Brown | Chair
- Glen Allen
- Second four-year term ends June 30, 2026
- Wetland Delineator
Shannon George
- Harrisonburg
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2026
- Certified Professional Geologist
Steven Yob
- Glen Allen
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2026
- Citizen Member
Cayman Lowe
- Powhatan
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2028
- Citizen Member
Larry J. Giannasi
- Mechanicsville
- Second four-year term ends June 30, 2025
- Professional Soil Scientist | Soil Suitability and Land Use
Jay Conta
- North Chesterfield
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2028
- Professional Soil Scientist
Matt Heller
- State Geologist (ex officio member)
David Johnson
- Reston
- Second four-year term ends June 30, 2028
- Citizen Member
Alexis E. Jones | Vice Chair
- Greensville County
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2028
- Professional Soil Scientist
Ernest "Bubba" Beasley
- Charlottesville
- First four-year term ends June 30, 2028
- Geologist
Board members are appointed by the Governor. To learn more about the gubernatorial appointment process, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website.
DPOR stands ready to assist veterans and active-duty military personnel as they maintain or transition to civilian careers requiring professional credentials.
Active-duty military personnel and their spouses having served outside the U.S., as well as certain diplomatic service members and veterans, may be eligible to receive up to a five-year extension for meeting license renewal requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-117 of the Code of Virginia).
Spouses of active-duty military personnel assigned to a duty station in Virginia are eligible for expedited processing using the Military Spouse Expedited License Application (Interactive | Static). A temporary, non-renewable 12-month license for certain military spouses licensed in another state who need more time to meet Virginia-specific requirements is also an option if necessary. [Section 54.1-119]
- Military spouses also can get help covering the costs of transferring their professional licenses or certifications when they experience a permanent-change-of-station move with their service member spouse
For honorably discharged veterans, “substantially equivalent” military training, education, or experience may be credited toward certain license requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-118). The Virginia Department of Veteran Services does not reimburse for exam costs. However, Veterans can be reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The link for the information is here: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/test-fees.
(Please check back periodically as we modify transactions in the future.)
Address change
ALL license/certificate types
Renew a credential
ALL license/certificate types