Virginia Law

A. Certification may be achieved by:

1. Obtaining a total of 800 hours of experience as an ESC, SWM, or a dual program administrator, plan reviewer, inspector, or combined administrator and obtaining a passing score on the certification examination administered by the department in the applicable ESC or SWM area; or both ESC and SWM for the dual certification; or

2. Completing a department-approved training program in the classifications of program administrator, plan reviewer, inspector, or combined administrator and, within one year of completing the training program, obtain a passing score on the certification examination administered by the department in the applicable ESC or SWM area, or both ESC and SWM for the dual certification.

a. Combined administrators must complete the training program for program administrator, inspector, and plan reviewer within the applicable area of ESC or SWM.

b. Dual combined administrators must complete the training program for program administrator, inspector, and plan reviewer within both areas of ESC and SWM.

B. Certification and recertification shall be valid for three years except as otherwise set out in 9VAC25-875-400 D or 9VAC25-875-460.

C. Recertification may be obtained for classifications outlined in 9VAC25-875-400 of this part prior to the expiration date of a certification by:

1. Completing continuing education contact hours in accordance with department guidance and paying the required fee for recertification;

2. Being a professional registered in the Commonwealth pursuant to Article 1 (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia or a professional soil scientist as defined in Chapter 22 (§ 54.1-2200 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia, and paying the required fee for recertification. Such professionals shall be deemed to satisfy the provisions of this subsection for ESC classifications in subdivisions A 1 through A 4 of 9VAC25-875-400. However, such professionals when in the classification of plan reviewer for ESC shall be exempt from the recertification requirements and fees of this part provided they maintain their professional license;

3. Being a professional registered in the Commonwealth pursuant to Article 1 (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and paying the required fee for recertification. Such professionals shall be deemed to satisfy the provisions of this subsection for SWM and dual classifications in subdivisions A 5 through A 12 of 9VAC25-875-400;

4. Successfully completing a department-approved training program and paying the required fee for recertification; or

5. Obtaining a passing score on the recertification examination.

D. Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) Certificate may be obtained by completing a department-approved training program for RLDs for ESC.

1. The RLD Certificate and any renewal thereof shall be valid for three years.

2. Renewal of the RLD Certificate may be obtained by completing a department-approved training program for RLDs.

3. Being a professional registered in the Commonwealth pursuant to Article 1 (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia or a professional soil scientist as defined in Chapter 22 (§ 54.1-2200 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia shall be deemed to satisfy the provisions of this subsection for an RLD Certificate in subsection C of 9VAC25-875-400 or any renewal thereof.