§ 7206-b. Requirements for a license as a professional geologist. 1. To qualify for a license as a professional geologist, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:

(a) Application: file an application with the department;

(b) Education: have received an education, including a bachelor's or higher degree in geological sciences, in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;

(c) Experience: have at least five years practical experience satisfactory to the board in appropriate geological work; up to one year of experience may be credited for an advanced degree (masters, doctorate or an equivalent thereof) in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;

(d) Examination: pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;

(e) Age: be at least twenty-one years of age;

(f) Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department; and

(g) Fees: pay a fee of two hundred twenty dollars to the department for an initial license, and a fee of two hundred ten dollars for each triennial registration period.

2. In lieu of the degree and experience requirements specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of subdivision one of this section, twelve years of practical experience in geological work of a grade and character satisfactory to the board may be accepted by the department.

3. For an identification card as an "intern geologist", an applicant shall fulfill the requirements of subdivision one of this section, except those in paragraphs (c) and (e) of such subdivision, provided that admission to the examination may be given when the applicant is within twenty credits of the completion of the requirements of the bachelor's degree or higher as prescribed in paragraph (b) of subdivision one of this section, or has completed the practical experience requirement of subdivision two of this section. The fee for the examination and identification card as an "intern geologist" shall be seventy dollars and the fee for each reexamination shall be seventy dollars.

4. An applicant who applies for licensure within one year after the effective date of this section shall be qualified for a license as a professional geologist without a written examination if the applicant has satisfied the requirements of education and experience described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of subdivision one or subdivision two of this section no later than one year after the effective date of this section.