An applicant for licensure as a geologist shall have all the following qualifications:

(a) Not have committed any acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of licensure under Section 480.

(b) Meet either of the following educational requirements fulfilled at a school or university whose curricula meet criteria established by rules of the board:

(1) Graduation from a college or university with a major in geological sciences or any other discipline that, in the opinion of the board, is relevant to geology.

(2) Completion of a combination of at least 30 semester hours, or the equivalent, in courses that, in the opinion of the board, are relevant to geology. At least 24 semester hours, or the equivalent, shall be in upper division or graduate courses.

(c) Have a documented record of a minimum of five years of professional geological experience of a character satisfactory to the board, demonstrating that the applicant is qualified to assume responsible charge of this work upon licensure as a geologist. This experience shall be gained under the supervision of a geologist or geophysicist licensed in this or any other state, or under the supervision of others who, in the opinion of the board, have the training and experience to have responsible charge of geological work. Professional geological work does not include routine sampling, laboratory work, or geological drafting.

Each year of undergraduate study in the geological sciences shall count as one-half year of training up to a maximum of two years, and each year of graduate study or research counts as a year of training.

Teaching in the geological sciences at college level shall be credited year for year toward meeting the requirement in this category, provided that the total teaching experience includes six semester units per semester, or equivalent if on the quarter system, of upper division or graduate courses.

Credit for undergraduate study, graduate study, and teaching, individually, or in any combination thereof, shall in no case exceed a total of three years towards meeting the requirement for at least five years of professional geological work as set forth above.

The ability of the applicant shall have been demonstrated by the applicant having performed the work in a responsible position, as the term “responsible position” is defined in regulations adopted by the board. The adequacy of the required supervision and experience shall be determined by the board in accordance with standards set forth in regulations adopted by it.

(d) Successfully pass a written examination that incorporates a national examination for geologists created by a nationally recognized entity approved by the board, and a supplemental California specific examination. The California specific examination shall test the applicant’s knowledge of state laws, rules and regulations, and of seismicity and geology unique to practice within this state.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 236, Sec. 12. (SB 1165) Effective January 1, 2017.)