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Re-certification Requirements

According to State law a certified individual shall be required to attend and participate in at least four hours of approved continuing education courses, as established by the Commission, every three years. (O.C.G.A. 12-7-19)

The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) in consultation with the Stakeholder Advisory Board have established the re-certification requirements.  Individuals will have the option of attending a GSWCC four hour course or third party approved courses totaling four hours of instruction.  There will not be an examination required for re-certification.  

GSWCC Continuing Education Courses

GSWCC will offer a four hour continuing education course for Level IA Fundamentals, Level IB Advanced Fundamentals and Level II Introduction to Design. 
GSWCC courses will be given by GSWCC and GSWCC approved trainers.

Third Party Approved Continuing Education Courses

GSWCC will allow third parties to develop training courses that may be used to satisfy continuing education requirements.  There are procedures that must be followed by continuing education course sponsors in order to obtain approval and credit hours from GSWCC.    

All approved courses both GSWCC and third party will be posted on the GSWCC website.  Continuing education courses will start being scheduled in early 2008.  The following third party courses have been approved by GSWCC:

Sampling and Monitoring Procedures Course
This course been approved for 4 hours of contiuning education hours for either the Level IA or Level IB.

The Sampling and Monitoring Procedures course is designed to train individuals involved in land disturbing activities to have the ability to sample and monitor their respective job sites.   This course will cover all aspects of sampling and monitoring such as reporting and record keeping, soil factors and stream dynamics, sampling requirements and techniques, turbidimeter use and calibration, and understanding topographical maps and contour lines.  Each attendee will prepare samples in the classroom.  Each attendee will be instructed how to properly prepare sample cells for turbidity measurements as well as the actual calibration and use of a turbidmeter.

Individuals that attend approved course(s) must present the instructor with government issued photo ID and current certification card or proof of valid certification (from GSWCC website).

Upcoming Course Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I become re-certified?
Individuals can begin taking continuing education courses 1 year before their certification expires.  Any course or courses taken prior to the 1 year mark will not be accepted.

What if I allow my certification to expire?
Those individuals that fail to obtain at least 4 hours of continuing education prior to their expiration date will be required to retake the course and pass the exam before certification will be reinstated.

How do I find an approved continuing education course?
Individuals may check the GSWCC’s website at www.gaswcc.georgia.gov for a list of approved continuing education courses.

How will I know if the course I’m registered for has been approved by GSWCC?
All approved continuing education courses are required to print the following statement on all advertisements and references:
(Course Title) meets the criteria for a Level ___________continuing education course for the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission and is approved for ________ hour(s) of instruction.

Will there be a re-certification exam?
There will be no exam for re-certification.  To become re-certified, individuals must attend a course or courses totaling four hours of continuing education.

What if I have multiple certifications?
Individuals must attend four hours of continuing education for every certification they wish to renew.  Example: If an individual is a Certified Inspector and Certified Plan Reviewer they would need at to take 4 hours for Level IB and 4 hours for Level II for a total of 8 hours of continuing education.

When will I receive my new certification card?
Individuals with 4 or more hours will receive a new certification card in the mail approximately two weeks before the initial certification expires.