Education and Certification

Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States – Effective January 1, 2013

Amendments to O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1, requires the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (Commission) to obtain a signed and sworn affidavit verifying the applicant’s lawful presence in the United States.  This document is to be accompanied by a copy of at least one “secure and verifiable document” O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1(e), for all individuals seeking certification or re-certification for land disturbing activities. 

Documentation Required

The Commission will require all individuals to submit a Checklist for Verification of Lawful Presence within the United States (checklist), along with one of three different affidavits from which the applicant must choose.  This will provide the basis for his or her lawful presence in the United States and a legible photocopy of one of the 16 secure and verifiable documents listed as defined by O.C.G.A. § 50-36-2.

This documentation must be completed and submitted each time an individual takes a certification and/or re-certification course. 

All documentation, including the list of secure and verifiable documents, can be found on the Commission's website at www.gaswcc.georgia.gov.

Submitting the Documentation

Documentation may be submitted to the Commission via mail, prior to attending a course or at the certification/re-certification course.    All Commission Approved Trainers will be Public Notaries.  Individuals who elect to take an online re-certification course must complete and submit documentation to the Commission via mail.  

An individual may attend a certification or re-certification course prior to having their citizenship verified.  However, in the event that citizenship cannot be verified, the individual must understand that certification/re-certification will not be granted and the course fee will not be refunded.

Please contact the Commission’s Education and Certification Program at 706-552-4474 or email certification@gaswcc.org with questions.

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