Section 0780-05-07-.04 - APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS(1) Beginning January 1, 2008, any person who desires to obtain a license as a professional geologist shall submit an application to the commissioner, along with the required application fee and all required documentation.(2) On or after January 1, 2008, but before January 1, 2009, an applicant for licensure shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant:(a) Has graduated from an accredited college or university; and(b) Has successfully completed a minimum of thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter hours of course work in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology or their subdivisions.(3) On or after January 1, 2008, but before January 1, 2009, the commissioner may waive the academic requirements for licensure, if the applicant can demonstrate that the applicant has performed the following for five (5) consecutive years immediately prior to submitting a completed application to the commissioner: (a) engaged in the practice of geology;(b) taught geology at the college or university level; or(c) engaged in geology research at the college or university level.(4) On or after January 1, 2009, an applicant for licensure shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant:(a) Has graduated from an accredited college or university;(b) Has successfully completed a minimum of thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter hours of course work in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, engineering geology or their subdivisions;(c) Has passed an examination approved by the commissioner;(d) Has at least five (5) years of geological education and professional experience. In addition to the education and experience described in T.C.A. § 62-36-109(a)(2), the following shall qualify as professional experience: 1. Experience as a registered or licensed professional geologist;2. Experience as a subordinate or geologist in training working under the supervision of a registered or licensed professional geologist; or3. Experience practicing geology while in responsible charge of work.(5) Reciprocity. The commissioner may grant a license as a professional geologist to a individual who holds a like, unexpired license as a professional geologist issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any foreign country if such jurisdiction's requirements for licensure are at least equivalent to the requirements for licensure in Tennessee. Such applicant shall file with the commissioner the required application form and fee, along with proof that the applicant holds a current, valid license as a professional geologist.(6) A sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation that provides geological services as its primary activity shall file with the commissioner, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, a list of the names and addresses of all resident principals or officers who are licensed as professional geologists in Tennessee and are in responsible charge of the services provided. For the purposes of this rule, the term "geological services" means the same as provided in Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-36-103 under the term "practice of geology".Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-05-07-.04
Public necessity rule filed November 21, 2007; effective through May 10, 2008. Rule expired May 11, 2008; reverted back to its prior status. Original rule filed March 26, 2008; effective June 9, 2008.Authority: Chapter 495 of the Public Acts of 2007, §§ 8, 10, 11, and 15 and T. C. A. §§ 62-36-107, 6236-109, 62-36-110, and 62-36-114 [effective January 1, 2008].