Geologist Licensing
In June 2000, Governor Jeanne Shaheen signed house bill HB-1510 which established the board of professional geologists in New Hampshire and authorized the regulation of the practice, examination, licensure, and discipline of professional geologists. The New Hampshire statute relative to the licensure of geologists, RSA 310-A:118-139, became effective August 20, 2000. The New Hampshire Professional Geologist Board developed administrative rules and the licensing of geologists in New Hampshire commenced on July 1, 2001.
In summary, to qualify as a candidate for licensure in New Hampshire, you must have:
The Professional Geologist Statute is available at: www.state.nh.us/jtboard/geolaw.htm.
We have heard from potential licensees that the examinations are only offered by the Joint Board every 6 months, and that there are application deadlines in advance of each examination date. Please contact the Joint Board directly to obtain specific N.H. Professional Geologist license application information.
Licenses must be renewed every two years. Licenses may now be renewed on-line. The board must verify that the licensee has met all conditions and requirements of renewal before the license is renewed. Continuing education is required for license renewal. Each licensee must have at least 24 hours of continuing education activities during the biennial renewal period. New licensees must have at least 12 hours for their first biennial renewal period. Some opportunities for continuing education can be found on this website: click on the Continuing Education button to the left. Our list is not all-inclusive of continuing education opportunities. Licensees are responsible for seeking out and completing their own continuing education. Continuing education requirements are detailed in the Licensing Rules in Part 403.
In summary, to qualify as a candidate for licensure in New Hampshire, you must have:
- A Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral degree in geology or a related field; and
- At least five years of experience in the practice of geology, three of which were under the supervision of a licensed professional geologist or a geologist who otherwise would meet the requirements of a licensed professional geologist in New Hampshire.
The Professional Geologist Statute is available at: www.state.nh.us/jtboard/geolaw.htm.
We have heard from potential licensees that the examinations are only offered by the Joint Board every 6 months, and that there are application deadlines in advance of each examination date. Please contact the Joint Board directly to obtain specific N.H. Professional Geologist license application information.
Licenses must be renewed every two years. Licenses may now be renewed on-line. The board must verify that the licensee has met all conditions and requirements of renewal before the license is renewed. Continuing education is required for license renewal. Each licensee must have at least 24 hours of continuing education activities during the biennial renewal period. New licensees must have at least 12 hours for their first biennial renewal period. Some opportunities for continuing education can be found on this website: click on the Continuing Education button to the left. Our list is not all-inclusive of continuing education opportunities. Licensees are responsible for seeking out and completing their own continuing education. Continuing education requirements are detailed in the Licensing Rules in Part 403.