Alabama Administrative Code Title 364 - ALABAMA BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGISTS
Here’s a refined and detailed overview of Alabama Administrative Code – Title 364, which governs the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists:
📘 Structure & Chapters
Title 364 outlines the full regulatory framework for geologist licensure and professional conduct via the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists (regulations.justia.com).
Major chapters include:
Chapter 364‑X‑1: Organization & Administrative Procedures
Chapter 364‑X‑2: Definitions
Chapter 364‑X‑3: Applications
Chapter 364‑X‑4: Fees
Chapter 364‑X‑5: Curricula Approved by the Board
Chapter 364‑X‑6: Experience
Chapter 364‑X‑7: References
Chapter 364‑X‑8: Examinations
Chapter 364‑X‑9: Classifications & Specialties of Geology
Chapter 364‑X‑10: Licensure
Chapter 364‑X‑11: Seals
Chapter 364‑X‑12: Interim Permits
Chapter 364‑X‑13: Expiration & Renewals
Chapter 364‑X‑14: Professional Conduct (Code of Ethics)
Chapters 364‑X‑15 to X‑21: Compliance, Disciplinary Actions, Hearings, Judicial Review, Rulemaking, Severability & Amendments
Appendix I: Forms for application, renewals, etc. (regulations.justia.com, law.cornell.edu)
Key Highlights
🏛️ Board Composition (§ 364‑X‑1‑.02)
7-member board composed entirely of licensed geologists — includes at least one minority member.
Balanced representation across academia, government, industry, consulting sectors.
Terms are 3 years; max of two consecutive terms. Appointments made by the Governor. (regulations.justia.com)
🎓 Educational Criteria (§ 364‑X‑5‑.01)
Degree from accredited institution in geology or related field, with at least 30 semester hours of geology coursework.
Preferred coursework: physical/geologic subjects + field geology.
Official transcripts submitted directly from institutions. (admincode.legislature.state.al.us, admincode.legislature.state.al.us)
🛠️ Professional Experience (§ 364‑X‑6‑.01)
Minimum of 5 years of full‑time professional geology work post-degree, progressive in responsibility.
Credit may include Geologist‑in‑Training roles, supervisory geologic work, professional research/teaching.
Up to one year recognised for graduate degrees. (admincode.legislature.state.al.us)
📝 Application Procedures (§ 364‑X‑3‑.02)
Must use official Board forms, submitted typed, notarized and complete.
Deadlines: 45 days before exam for GIT; 90 days before for Professional Geologist applications.
Out-of-state geologists may apply via comity if meeting or exceeding Alabama standards; ASBOG scores accepted. (regulations.justia.com)
📚 Examinations (§ 364‑X‑8)
ASBOG exams required: Fundamentals (for GIT) and Practice of Geology (for licensure).
Additional details (exam schedule, scoring, retakes) are specified within Chapter 8. (en.wikipedia.org)
🏷️ Seals & Intermediate Permits
Licensed geologists must use an official seal (Chapter 11).
Interim “temporary” permits may be issued under specified conditions (Chapter 12).
⏳ Renewals & Continuing Education (§ 364‑X‑13)
Licenses expire biennially.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD): at least 30 PDHs required per two-year cycle, with carryover options. (law.cornell.edu, aipg.org, admincode.legislature.state.al.us)
⚖️ Ethics & Discipline (§ 364‑X‑14)
Code of ethics mandates safeguarding public welfare, property, and health.
Applies to all licensed geologists, partnerships, and Geologists‑in‑Training.
Rules prohibit misconduct and false statements; disciplinary procedures are detailed in Chapters 15–16. (law.cornell.edu)
✅ Why It Matters
Protecting Public Safety: Standards ensure qualified professionals oversee critical geologic services.
Transparent Licensing Path: Clear educational, experiential, and examination criteria support fair licensure.
Consistent Oversight: Continuing education and ethics rules promote ongoing professional integrity.
Equitable Governance: The board’s diverse composition and structured terms enhance accountability.
🌟 Next Steps
Would you like:
Full text or deeper summaries of specific chapters (e.g. Experience, Exams, Ethics)?
Guidance on the path from Geologist‑in‑Training to Professional Geologist?
Comparisons of Alabama’s licensure standards to those of other states?
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