(2) To be eligible for a certificate of registration, an applicant shall meet each of the following minimum qualifications:

(a) Have either:

(A) Graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in geology, engineering geology, geological engineering or related geological science approved by the State Board of Geologist Examiners; or

(B) Completed and passed 45 quarter hours or the equivalent in geological science courses.

(b) Have at least seven years of geological work that includes a minimum of three years of geological work under the supervision of a registered geologist or a minimum of five accumulative years’ experience in responsible charge of geological work. The applicant may demonstrate or receive credit for the required seven years of professional geological work in the following ways:

(A) Each year of completed undergraduate study in the geological sciences shall count as one year of training up to a maximum of two years, and each year of completed graduate study shall count as one year of training up to a maximum of three years.

(B) Total credit for undergraduate and graduate study may not exceed a total of four years toward meeting the requirement for at least seven years of geological work.

(C) The board may consider in lieu of geological work required, the cumulative total of geological work or geological research completed by persons teaching at the college or university level, provided such work or research is equivalent to the professional requirements specified in this subsection.

(D) The board shall determine the applicability of geological work by reviewing the applicant’s documented and referenced geological work history in a responsible position. The board shall determine the adequacy of the required supervision and experience in accordance with standards adopted by rule by the board.

(c) Have successfully fulfilled the examination requirements, established by the board, designed to demonstrate that the applicant has the necessary knowledge and skill to exercise the responsibilities of the public practice of geology.

(3) A certificate of registration as a "geologist in training" may be granted to a person who has fulfilled the requirements described in subsection (2)(a) and (c) of this section.

(4) The board shall, by rule, adopt the minimum coursework requirements that an applicant must meet in order to satisfy subsection (2)(a) of this section. [1977 c.612 §§6,7; 1981 c.295 §2; 2005 c.9 §1]