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NSCSS: Registered Professional Soil Scientist

PBordenave's picture
Submitted by PBordenave on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 15:32

Five years ago, the Board of Examiners eliminated the NSCSS test as part of the RPSS application process. (Download RPSS application) Current requirements are that one be tested (written exam) through a recognized state licensing program or be ARCPACS certified. Additionally, unique to the NSCSS / RPSS program is the requirement that one attend a NSCSS Board of Examiners Professional Ethics Seminar at least once every 3 years as well. Ethics Seminars are held at the NSCSS Annual Meeting, the SSSA Annual Meeting, and at other peer professional meetings on occasion.

This process maintains a high level of integrity to our Registry, while reducing unnecessary barriers to becoming an RPSS. The RPSS designation states that you have demonstrated the level of professional experience in the field and have been vetted by your professional peers. And the NSCSS Ethics program is unique in our professional field of practice. After 26 years in business, it is the first stamp on my work, because it is the one that required me to have the greatest level of proof of my professional capability.

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PSmall's picture

RPSS: References

Submitted by PSmall on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 17:38.

Question: On page 6, Form R-4 – References instructs:

Please list four references below that are familiar with your soil science work. Two of the references must be soil scientists having long-term knowledge of your soils capabilities. In addition, one reference must be a current Regular Member of the NSCSS, and another reference must be a current or inactive RPSS. Overall, no more than two may be from the same institution, agency or company.

The soil scientists familiar with my work do not include current or inactive RPSS. How should I meet this requirement?

Answer:  To satisfy this requirement, you will need to attend one of the ethics seminars required to maintain registrant proficiency.  They will be able to use the seminar format to elicit information about your soil science work.  They can opt to serve as your required RPSS reference on that basis. Please alert the Examiners before the seminar begins.

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PSmall's picture

RPSS: Grandfathering Q&A

Submitted by PSmall on Tue, 12/01/2009 - 08:19.

Question: On page 4, Form R-2B, a-c (lower case) is confusing to some RPSS applicants. States normally require an exam. However, many were not required to take the exam due to a grandfathering clause. This clause was not in lieu of anything other than exam requirements. It was required that grandfathered professionals meet all requirements associated with B (coursework) and C (experience). Can you answer "Yes" to "a" when you didn't have to take the exam due to grandfathering? How should an applicant answer b) when they are grandfathered as to the exam requirement but not in regard to B or C?

Answer: When state requires an exam, and, at its inception, accommodated grandfathering in place of that exam, grandfathering does not break the fact of that requirement. In these cases, you must clearly answer "Yes" to "a)" State's grandfathering accommodation are not ever, to our knowledge, used in place of coursework or experience. Under these normal circumstances, you can answer "No" to "b)". Should experience and education grandfathering ever occur, it would trigger a "Yes" response, a red flag that the requirements of the Registry Code of Professional Conduct may not be met, and the applicant is then directed to consider the Form R2-B recommendation:

"If you have the requisite soil science curriculum and 5 years of professional experience, then consider obtaining a CPSS or CPSC certificate, then apply for RPSS."
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