Virginia Law

A. The licensing of professional geologists as set forth in this article shall serve any or all of the following purposes:

1. The maintenance of educational, experiential, and ethical standards in the practice of geology;

2. The maintenance of standards of objectivity, truthfulness, and reliability in the practice of geology;

3. The restriction of the professional geologist from association with any person engaging in illegal or dishonest activities in the practice of geology; and

4. The limitation of the practice of geology and any offer of the practice of geology to those persons licensed pursuant to this article.

B. This article shall not be construed to prevent or affect:

1. The practice of any profession or trade for which licensing, certification, or registration is required under any other Virginia law, including the practice of licensed professional engineers lawfully practicing engineering in its various specialized branches;

2. The work of any archeologist, chemist, geographer, or oceanographer who is in responsible charge of geological work or the drawing of geological conclusions and recommendations, provided such work does not include the design and execution of geological investigations;

3. The practice of geology by any person under the direct supervision and control of a professional geologist licensed pursuant to this article, provided such practice does not include being in responsible charge of final geological reports or decisions; or

4. The practice of geology by any person certified as a professional geologist before July 1, 2025.

1981, c. 132, § 54-968; 1988, c. 765, § 54.1-1401; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2025, c. 722.