FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Where can I find the law regarding licensing requirements for geologists?

The Utah Geologist Practice Act is Title 58 Chapter 76. The “Umbrella” Licensing Act, Title 58 Chapter 1, also applies to geologists and is referred to in 58-76. In addition, the rules associated with each of these laws serves to clarify them and are applicable to geologists. The applicable rules are the Professional Geologist Licensing Rules (R156-76) and the General Rules of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (R156-1). The two laws and the two rules are available through the hot links on the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) URL:
www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/geologist.html

2. Is an examination required as a qualification of licensure?

Not yet. Successful passage of the National American State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) examination will be required for applications received after January 1, 2004. Currently, applicants may qualify without an exam.

3. Is there a provision for reciprocity?

Yes and no. The reciprocity-type language contained in the “umbrella” law (Title 58-1-302) applies to geologists, engineers, and everybody. Note that the Utah never uses the word “reciprocity,” which has other legal meanings. Rather, it is called “license by endorsement.” The benefit of endorsement to applicants is to rely on the results of a licensure exam taken in another jurisdiction to fulfill the requirements in Utah. An examination will be required after January 1, 2004. Thus, using endorsement is moot until then.

4. How can I get a licensure application?

The most up-to-date licensing information and the application are available on the geologist licensure website created by DOPL
www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/geologist.html
Licensure applications are now being reviewed and licenses are being awarded by DOPL.

5. When can I take the exam?

An applicant may qualify without exam until January 1, 2004, but Utah hopes to join ASBOG as a member soon to be able to offer the ASBOG exam in 2003.

6. What are the minimum requirements for licensure?

The minimum requirements for geologist licensure in Utah include a bachelors degree in the geosciences with 5 years experience in geologic practice; a masters degree with 3 years experience, or a doctorate degree with 1 year experience; successful completion of an exam; a demonstrated record of active professional practice in geologic work of a character satisfactory to the board; and submission of written endorsements attesting to the applicant’s professional competency.

7. Is there a grandfather period?

A 1-year grandfather period ends December 31, 2003. Those who apply during the grandfather period will still need to meet the requirements of experience and education, but will not be required to pass an examination.

8. Are subdisciplines of geology required to be licensed?

Yes, the proposed program includes licensure for all geologists if they are practicing geology before the public. Subdisciplines of geology will not require a separate license.

9. Is a license required for all geologists practicing in Utah?

No. The program requires licensure only for geologists whose practice may affect the health and safety of the public. This would include those performing many types of environmental work, siting of facilities, land development, and water resource development. Specific exemptions are included within the law. Some exempt geologists may still want to become licensed to enhance their marketability.

10. Is continuing education a requirement for renewal?

Continuing education is not required for renewal.

11. Why was licensure of geologists implemented in Utah?

Licensure was implemented for a variety of reasons. These include —

Utah has experienced several instances where adequate geological analysis was not performed and the public safety and health have been compromised or funds wasted.
A benefit of minimum standards of practice statutory requirements for certain geologic practice in Utah provides legal recourse to an injured consumer and enforceability of the regulations. In contrast, it is difficult to rely on regulatory programs in other states to ensure quality geologic work is performed that protects the safety and health of Utah’s citizens.
Certain municipal and government (including federal) projects require geologists providing services to such projects are licensed in one of the 50 states.
Though certification through the national organizations (AIPG, SIPES, AAPG-DPA) is desirable, they cannot effectively enforce their codes locally and most states do not recognize their certification for purposes of licensure.

12. What are the differences between registration, certification, and licensure?

Generally, states use the term "registration" to refer to an exam-based formal program that regulates the practice of geology. To be consistent with state laws, some states like Utah and Indiana use the term "licensure," which means essentially the same thing. In contrast, "certification" by states and professional organizations typically implies a minimum standard of qualifications, but is not exam-based.