(A) An applicant is eligible for registration as a registered professional geologist if the applicant:
(1) graduated in an approved geologic curriculum of four or more years with a minimum of thirty semester hours or forty-five quarter hours in geology or geophysics from a school or college approved by the board and furnishes a specific record of an additional five years or more of full-time experience as a geologist-in-training in geologic work or at least five years of geologic work germane to public practice satisfactory to the board indicating that the applicant is competent to practice geology and has passed written examinations required by the board. In counting years of experience the board may give credit, not in excess of one year, for each graduate degree in geology; or
(2) graduated in geology or a related science curriculum approved by the board of four years or more with a minimum of thirty semester hours or forty-five quarter hours in geology or geophysics in a school or college other than those approved by the board, furnishes a specific record of eight years or more of experience on geologic work of a character satisfactory to the board indicating that the applicant is competent to practice geology and has passed a written examination designed to measure knowledge and skill approximating that attained through graduation in an approved four-year geologic curriculum, and passes the examinations required of applicants in item (1).
(B) The minimum evidence that an applicant is qualified for registration as a geologist-in-training is proof that the applicant:
(1) graduated in an accredited geologic curriculum of four scholastic years or more with a minimum of thirty semester hours or forty-five quarter hours in geology or geophysics from a school or college approved by the board and passing a written examination required by the board; or
(2) graduated in a geologic or a related science curriculum of four scholastic years or more with a minimum of thirty semester hours or forty-five quarter hours in geology or geophysics from a school or college other than those approved by the board in item (1) with a specific record of five years or more of experience in geological work of a character satisfactory to the board or passing written examinations in geologic subjects designed to measure knowledge and skill approximating that attained through graduation in an approved geologic curriculum and passing the written examinations as required in item (1).
(C) The board shall issue a certificate of registration, upon payment of the registration fee, to an applicant who satisfactorily has met the requirements of this chapter. For a registered professional geologist, the certificate must authorize the practice of geology. For a geologist-in-training the registration card must be issued as the certificate of registration and must state that the applicant has been enrolled as a geologist-in-training. The registration cards must show the full name of the registrant, the board assigned serial number, and must be signed by the chairman of the board bearing the seal of the board.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 507, Section 1; 1998 Act No. 354, Section 1.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 40 - Professions and Occupations
Section 40-77-5. Application of chapter; conflict of law.
Section 40-77-20. Definitions.
Section 40-77-30. Submission of evidence of qualification to practice; requirement to register.
Section 40-77-60. Promulgation of rules and regulations; code of ethics.
Section 40-77-80. Complaints and violations of chapter; investigation.
Section 40-77-90. Investigation results; procedures to conduct hearing.
Section 40-77-100. Cease and desist order, temporary restraining order, and other equitable relief.
Section 40-77-110. Revocation of registration; grounds.
Section 40-77-115. Jurisdiction of board.
Section 40-77-120. Sanctions and disciplinary actions.
Section 40-77-130. Denial of license; grounds same as for disciplinary actions.
Section 40-77-140. Denial of license; prior criminal record.
Section 40-77-150. Voluntary surrender of license.
Section 40-77-170. Payment of costs for investigation and prosecution.
Section 40-77-180. Collection and enforcement provisions.
Section 40-77-190. Confidentiality of proceedings; privileged communications.
Section 40-77-200. Unlicensed practice of geology; submission of false information; penalty.
Section 40-77-210. Injunctive relief.
Section 40-77-230. Eligibility for registration; qualifications; certificate of registration.
Section 40-77-240. Establishment of fees; examinations.
Section 40-77-250. Reexamination; continuing education authorized for license renewal.
Section 40-77-260. University teaching and research considered work experience.
Section 40-77-270. Registration eligibility of nonpracticing geologists.
Section 40-77-280. Persons licensed in other states or countries; reciprocity.
Section 40-77-300. Reinstatement of expired or suspended certificate; replacement certificates.