Overview of Program
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Certification Information |
| Overview of Program |
| The Society of Wetland Scientists was formed to further non-profit
scientific and educational objectives related to wetland science. Encouraging and
strengthening professional standards in all activities related to wetland science is
consistent with these objectives. The Society developed a program for certification of
wetland science training and experience as a separate not-for-profit corporation, The SWS
Professional Certification Program, Inc., to meet the needs of professional ecologists,
hydrologists, soil scientists, educators, agency professionals, consultants, and others
who practice wetland science. This program is aimed at serving the public's need to
identify qualified individuals to assess and manage the Nation's wetland resources. Although the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program includes among its members representatives of many local, state, provincial, and federal agencies, certification is not required by any agency and has no official or legal standing. Certification signifies that the academic and work experience of a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) meets the standards expected by his or her peers of a practicing wetland professional and provides acknowledgment to his or her peers of adherence to standards of professional ethics with regard to the conduct and practice of wetland science. Certification will enhance recognition of wetland science within other disciplines, especially in multi-disciplinary work environments. Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT) is considered a preliminary step for persons who meet the requirements for either (but not both) education and experience. Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification is awarded for those meeting both educational and experience requirements. Minimum degree requirements for WPIT and PWS are the BA or BS degrees, with course distribution of 15 semester hours each in biological and physical sciences and 6 hours in quantitative areas. For certification as a PWS, an additional 15 semester hours in wetland-related courses are required. In addition to comprehensive training in wetland science, a PWS is expected to have professional experience of at least 5 years as a wetland scientist, demonstrating the application of current technical knowledge dealing with wetland resources and activities. At the current time, there are no other international or national wetland-specific certification programs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a certification program that is specific to wetland delineation and is intended to reduce the level of effort required by this agency in verifying delineations under the Section 404(b)(1) requirements of the U. S. Clean Water Act. Several states have individual certification programs. The Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program is broad in scope and is intended to provide international recognition as a practicing professional in wetland science. The Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program should complement and greatly augment similar federal, state, provincial, and local programs. Application forms are available on this website. Further information and application materials for Professional Wetland Scientist Certification may also be obtained from: Society of
Wetland Scientists |
© Copyright 2006 Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification
Program 2/13/08