Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 103 - Soil Classifiers, AR State Board of Registration for Pro
Here’s a comprehensive overview of Agency 103 — Soil Classifiers under the Arkansas Administrative Code, as regulated by the former State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers, now transitioned to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission:
⚖️ Regulatory Authority & Structure
Originally established by Act 460 of 1975, administered via the Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers, comprising five members—three classifiers, one public member, and one from a conservation district board (arkleg.state.ar.us).
In 2023, Act 691 abolished the Soil Classifiers Board, transferring its authority to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (agriculture.arkansas.gov).
📄 Rule 103.00 – Application for Registration
Section I: Outlines application procedures for Soil Classifier or Soil Classifier‑in‑Training:
References: Soil Classifier applicants must submit 5 references: 3 Professional Soil Classifiers and 2 character references; trainees need 3 character references (regulations.justia.com).
Transcripts: Certified academic transcripts from all college/university courses (regulations.justia.com).
Experience Records:
Trainees: detailed records of soil mapping experience, examples of work, and supervising classifier names (regulations.justia.com).
Professional Soil Classifier candidates: descriptive employment histories, soil-related reports/publications, affiliations .
The Board—or now, the Commission—may request additional info or waive requirements at its discretion (regulations.justia.com).
📚 Education & Experience Standards
Outlined by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Natural Resources Division), it includes:
Educational Requirements:
Bachelor's degree (or higher) with coursework in biological, physical, and earth sciences.
At least 15 credit hours in soil science, including field instruction and classification/genesis courses (agriculture.arkansas.gov).
Experience Requirements:
Soil Classifier‑in‑Training:
With approved curriculum: no experience required.
With non-approved curriculum: 1 year of supervised soil survey field mapping or work in National Cooperative Soil Survey (agriculture.arkansas.gov).
Professional Soil Classifier:
A minimum of 2 years of field mapping experience (via NCSS) and demonstrated independent productivity (agriculture.arkansas.gov).
📝 Examinations & Fees
Exams: Both trainee and professional candidates must pass written and field exams with ≥ 75% score .
Fees include:
Application – $20
Initial Soil Classifier Registration – $60
Initial Training Certification – $50 (4-year validity)
Re-examination – $20
Renewal – $20; Late Renewal – $30 + $2/month (max 3 years late)
Temporary Permits – $75 initial, $60 for renewal (agriculture.arkansas.gov).
🔁 Transition of Authority
Act 691 of 2023 formally shifted licensing, rulemaking, examinations, and enforcement duties to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, ending the Board’s independent operations (agriculture.arkansas.gov).
✅ Summary
Arkansas Agency 103 sets the framework for soil classifier licensing, covering application components, education, experience, examination, and fees. With the 2023 legislative change (Act 691), administrative oversight now falls under the Natural Resources Commission.
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