Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 155 - Board of Registration for Professional Geologists
Here’s a detailed overview of Agency 155 – Board of Registration for Professional Geologists under the Arkansas Administrative Code:
📌 Scope & Structure
Agency 155 governs licensing and oversight of professional geologists in Arkansas (§ 155.00.09‑001). The Board comprises five registered geologists (representing academia, government, industry, consulting, and general practice), one public member, and the Director of the Arkansas Geological Survey (or designee) as an ex‑officio member. All (except the ex‑officio member) are governor‑appointed (with Senate confirmation), serve five‑year terms (no consecutive re‑appointments), and must be Arkansas residents and U.S. citizens (regulations.justia.com).
🔧 Roles & Responsibilities
The Board meets at least twice annually, adhering to public notice and following Robert’s Rules of Order. Officers (Chair, Vice‑Chair, Secretary‑Treasurer) are elected annually; the Chair votes only to break ties (regulations.justia.com). The Secretary‑Treasurer handles application records, examination papers, renewal notices (45 days prior to expiration), fee collection, seals, and financial reporting .
🏛 Legal Authority
Established under the Registration of Geologists Act of 1987 (Act 701), the Board safeguards public health, safety, and property via licensing and regulation of geological practice (regulations.justia.com).
It defines “practice of geology” and has the power to impose civil fines for violations (§ 155.00.05‑001) (regulations.justia.com).
🎓 Licensing Pathways
Registration as a Professional Geologist requires:
An accredited geology or related degree (with sufficient geology coursework),
7 years of geological experience (3 years under a registered geologist);
education may count (up to 4 years: max 2 years undergrad, 2 years grad) (sos.arkansas.gov),
Passing the ASBOG exams (Parts I & II), replacing GRE for geology since 1997 (sos.arkansas.gov).
Geologist‑in‑Training requires:
A geology or related degree with ≥30 semester hours of geology,
Part I of ASBOG (Fundamentals) (transform.ar.gov).
Reciprocal registration is allowed for holders of comparable licenses in other states (regulations.justia.com).
💰 Fees & Administrative Details
Application: $20, Initial Registration: $60, and $10 for replacement certificates/seals (regulations.justia.com).
Fees are non‑refundable; payment via check, draft, or money order.
Registrants must sign/seal public work; address changes reported within 60 days; renewal notices sent 45 days before expiration .
🗂 Records & Enforcement
The Secretary maintains records of applications, certificates, renewals, and roster entries.
Routine and disciplinary matters are documented, with enforcement—including fines—handled according to § 155.00.05‑001 (sos.arkansas.gov).
📄 Where to Find the Rules
Rule 155.00.05‑001: Qualifications, definitions, disciplinary authority
Rule 155.00.09‑001: Board constitution, duties, fees, procedures (regulations.justia.com)
For official and up-to-date text, check the Arkansas Secretary of State or Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing websites.
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