{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/54.1-2205.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/54.1-2205.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/54.1-2205.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/54.1-2205.html"}],"law_id":368088,"edition_id":2,"section_id":368088,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2205","catch_line":"License required; application; requirements for licensure; continuing education","history":"1987, c. 626, \u00a7 54-975; 1988, c. 765; 1991, c. 181; 2011, cc. 777, 859.","full_text":"A\n\nNo person shall engage in, or offer to engage in, the practice of soil evaluation in the Commonwealth unless he has been licensed under the provisions of this chapter.\n\nB\n\nIn order to be licensed as a professional soil scientist, an applicant shall:\n\n1\n\nSubmit satisfactory evidence verified by affidavits that the applicant:\n\t\t\t\ta. Is 18 years of age or older;\n\n\t\t\t\tb. Is of good moral character; and\n\n\t\t\t\tc. Has successfully completed such educational and experiential requirements as are required by this chapter and the regulations of the Board.\n\n2\n\nAchieve a score acceptable to the Board on an examination in the principles and practice of soil evaluation and satisfy one of the following criteria:\n\t\t\t\ta. Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a soils curriculum which has been approved by the Board and have at least four years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist; or\n\n\t\t\t\tb. Hold a bachelor’s degree in one of the natural sciences and have at least five years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist; or\n\n\t\t\t\tc. Have a record of at least eight years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist; or\n\n\t\t\t\td. Have at least four years of experience in soil science research or as a teacher of soils curriculum in an accredited institution of higher education which offers an approved four-year program in soils and at least two years of soil evaluation experience, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist.\n\nC\n\nThe Board shall establish by regulation requirements for continuing education as a prerequisite to the maintenance and renewal of a license issued under this chapter, not to exceed eight contact hours per year.\n\nD\n\nIndividuals applying for a license as a professional soil scientist between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2015, who (i) have been certified as professional soil scientists by the Board or (ii) have achieved a score set by the Board on the examination required by this section shall be licensed by the Board if all other requirements of this chapter or Board regulations have been met, unless an applicant is found by the Board to have engaged in any act that would constitute grounds for disciplinary action.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1370144,"text":"No person shall engage in, or offer to engage in, the practice of soil evaluation in the Commonwealth unless he has been licensed under the provisions of this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1370145,"text":"In order to be licensed as a professional soil scientist, an applicant shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":1370146,"text":"Submit satisfactory evidence verified by affidavits that the applicant:\n\t\t\t\ta. Is 18 years of age or older;\t\t\t\tb. Is of good moral character; and\t\t\t\tc. Has successfully completed such educational and experiential requirements as are required by this chapter and the regulations of the Board.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":1370147,"text":"Achieve a score acceptable to the Board on an examination in the principles and practice of soil evaluation and satisfy one of the following criteria:\n\t\t\t\ta. Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a soils curriculum which has been approved by the Board and have at least four years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist; or\t\t\t\tb. Hold a bachelor’s degree in one of the natural sciences and have at least five years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist; or\t\t\t\tc. Have a record of at least eight years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist; or\t\t\t\td. Have at least four years of experience in soil science research or as a teacher of soils curriculum in an accredited institution of higher education which offers an approved four-year program in soils and at least two years of soil evaluation experience, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"C"},"4":{"id":1370148,"text":"The Board shall establish by regulation requirements for continuing education as a prerequisite to the maintenance and renewal of a license issued under this chapter, not to exceed eight contact hours per year.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"D"},"5":{"id":1370149,"text":"Individuals applying for a license as a professional soil scientist between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2015, who (i) have been certified as professional soil scientists by the Board or (ii) have achieved a score set by the Board on the examination required by this section shall be licensed by the Board if all other requirements of this chapter or Board regulations have been met, unless an applicant is found by the Board to have engaged in any act that would constitute grounds for disciplinary action.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":52469,"edition_id":2,"name":"Soil Scientists and Wetland Professionals","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":2,"parent_id":52467,"metadata":{"child_laws":10,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:59:14","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:59","permalink":{"id":1467165,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52469,"identifier":"2","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2","url":"\/54.1\/II\/22\/2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52467,"edition_id":2,"name":"Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists","identifier":"22","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":25,"parent_id":52439,"metadata":{"child_laws":17,"child_structures":3},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:59:14","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:58","permalink":{"id":1467149,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52467,"identifier":"22","token":"54.1\/II\/22","url":"\/54.1\/II\/22\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52439,"edition_id":2,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and Boards Within the Department","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":2,"parent_id":52436,"metadata":{"child_laws":392,"child_structures":60},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:58:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:52","permalink":{"id":1466417,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52439,"identifier":"II","token":"54.1\/II","url":"\/54.1\/II\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":52436,"edition_id":2,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":118,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":1282,"child_structures":163},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:58:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:34:51","permalink":{"id":1466315,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":52436,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":368084,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2201","catch_line":"Exceptions","url":"\/54.1-2201\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2201","metadata":false},{"id":368085,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2202","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2202\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2202","metadata":false},{"id":368086,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2203","catch_line":"Certification as wetland delineator","url":"\/54.1-2203\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2203","metadata":false},{"id":368087,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2204","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2204\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2204","metadata":false},{"id":368088,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2205","catch_line":"License required; application; requirements for licensure; continuing education","url":"\/54.1-2205\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2205","metadata":false},{"id":368091,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2206","catch_line":"Waiver of examination","url":"\/54.1-2206\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2206","metadata":false},{"id":368089,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2206.1","catch_line":"Requirements for application for professional wetland delineator certification","url":"\/54.1-2206.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2206.1","metadata":false},{"id":368090,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2206.2","catch_line":"Requirements for professional wetland delineator certification","url":"\/54.1-2206.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2206.2","metadata":false},{"id":368092,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2207","catch_line":"Unprofessional conduct","url":"\/54.1-2207\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2207","metadata":false},{"id":368097,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2208","catch_line":"Unlawful representation as a licensed professional soil scientist or certified wetland delineator","url":"\/54.1-2208\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2208","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":368087,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2204","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2204\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2204","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":368091,"structure_id":52469,"section_number":"54.1-2206","catch_line":"Waiver of examination","url":"\/54.1-2206\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2206","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-2205\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1987. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 626 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1987 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1988, chapter 765; in 1991, chapter 181; in 2011, chapters 777<\/a> and 859<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":368091,"section_number":"54.1-2206","catch_line":"Waiver of examination","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2206\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1467183,"object_type":"law","relational_id":368088,"identifier":"54.1-2205","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2205","url":"\/54.1-2205\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-2205\/","token":"54.1\/II\/22\/2\/54.1-2205","dublin_core":{"Title":"License required; application; requirements for licensure; continuing education","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-2205","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> No person shall engage in, or offer to engage in, the practice of soil evaluation<\/span> in the Commonwealth unless he has been licensed under the provisions of this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> In order<\/span> to be licensed as a professional soil scientist<\/span>, an applicant shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Submit satisfactory evidence<\/span> verified by affidavits<\/span> that the applicant:\n\t\t\t\ta. Is 18 years of age or older;

\t\t\t\tb. Is of good moral character; and

\t\t\t\tc. Has successfully completed such educational and experiential requirements as are required by this chapter and the regulations of the Board<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Achieve a score acceptable to the Board<\/span> on an examination in the principles and practice of soil evaluation<\/span> and satisfy one of the following criteria:\n\t\t\t\ta. Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a soils<\/span> curriculum which has been approved by the Board<\/span> and have at least four years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board<\/span> that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist<\/span>; or

\t\t\t\tb. Hold a bachelor’s degree in one of the natural sciences and have at least five years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board<\/span> that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist<\/span>; or

\t\t\t\tc. Have a record of at least eight years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board<\/span> that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist<\/span>; or

\t\t\t\td. Have at least four years of experience in soil science<\/span> research or as a teacher of soils<\/span> curriculum in an accredited institution of higher education which offers an approved four-year program in soils<\/span> and at least two years of soil evaluation experience, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board<\/span> that the applicant is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Board<\/span> shall establish by regulation requirements for continuing education as a prerequisite to the maintenance and renewal of a license issued under this chapter, not to exceed eight contact hours per year. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Individuals applying for a license as a professional soil scientist<\/span> between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2015, who (i) have been certified as professional soil scientists<\/span> by the Board<\/span> or (ii) have achieved a score set by the Board<\/span> on the examination required by this section shall be licensed by the Board<\/span> if all other requirements of this chapter or Board<\/span> regulations have been met, unless an applicant is found by the Board<\/span> to have engaged in any act that would constitute grounds for disciplinary action. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLICENSE REQUIRED; APPLICATION; REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE; CONTINUING EDUCATION\n(\u00a7 54.1-2205)\n\nA. No person shall engage in, or offer to engage in, the practice of soil\nevaluation in the Commonwealth unless he has been licensed under the provisions\nof this chapter.\n\nB. In order to be licensed as a professional soil scientist, an applicant shall:\n\n 1. Submit satisfactory evidence verified by affidavits that the applicant:\n \t\t\t\ta. Is 18 years of age or older;\t\t\t\tb. Is of good moral character;\n and\t\t\t\tc. Has successfully completed such educational and experiential\n requirements as are required by this chapter and the regulations of the Board.\n\n 2. Achieve a score acceptable to the Board on an examination in the principles\n and practice of soil evaluation and satisfy one of the following criteria:\n \t\t\t\ta. Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher\n education in a soils curriculum which has been approved by the Board and have\n at least four years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality of which\n demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice as a\n professional soil scientist; or\t\t\t\tb. Hold a bachelor’s degree in one of\n the natural sciences and have at least five years of experience in soil\n evaluation, the quality of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant\n is competent to practice as a professional soil scientist; or\t\t\t\tc. Have a\n record of at least eight years of experience in soil evaluation, the quality\n of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to practice\n as a professional soil scientist; or\t\t\t\td. Have at least four years of\n experience in soil science research or as a teacher of soils curriculum in an\n accredited institution of higher education which offers an approved four-year\n program in soils and at least two years of soil evaluation experience, the\n quality of which demonstrates to the Board that the applicant is competent to\n practice as a professional soil scientist.\n\nC. The Board shall establish by regulation requirements for continuing education\nas a prerequisite to the maintenance and renewal of a license issued under this\nchapter, not to exceed eight contact hours per year.\n\nD. Individuals applying for a license as a professional soil scientist between\nJuly 1, 2013, and July 1, 2015, who (i) have been certified as professional soil\nscientists by the Board or (ii) have achieved a score set by the Board on the\nexamination required by this section shall be licensed by the Board if all other\nrequirements of this chapter or Board regulations have been met, unless an\napplicant is found by the Board to have engaged in any act that would constitute\ngrounds for disciplinary action.\n\nHISTORY: 1987, c. 626, \u00a7 54-975; 1988, c. 765; 1991, c. 181; 2011, cc. 777,\n859.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}