Complete both of the required examination components below:
- Fundamentals of Soil Science Examination
- Principles and Practice of Soil Science Examination
Fundamentals of Soil Science Examination
To be eligible to take the fundamentals of soil science examination, meet one of the following criteria:
- Be not less than second semester senior standing in a bachelor program in soil science meeting the requirements of
ch. GHSS 4.04, Wisc. Administrative Code;
- Have completed at least 24 semester hours or 36-quarter hours in soil science and be of not less than second semester senior in a bachelor program meeting the requirements of ch. GHSS 4.04, WIsc. Administrative Code;
- Have a bachelor's degree and have completed at least 5 years of experience, at least one year of which must have been performed under the supervision of a person who is at the time of the application registered as a professional soil scientist.
Principles and Practice of Soil Science Examination
To be eligible to take the principles and practice of soil science examination, meet one of the two options below:
- Option 1
- Have a bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in soil science meeting the requirements in ch. GHSS 4.04, Wisc. Administrative Code or have at least 5 years of professional experience in addition to the qualifying experience which is determined by the Section to be equivalent; and
- Have completed at least 4 years of professional experience in soil science work or completed at least 3 years of professional experience in soil science work if the applicant has 1 or more advanced degrees relevant to the practice of professional soil science demonstrating the applicant is qualified to assume responsible charge of soil science work. At least 1 year of the qualifying professional experience must have been performed under a supervisor who is a registered professional soil scientist either in this state or in any other state, or who is deemed qualified by the Section to have responsible charge of soil science work.
- Option 2
- Have a bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in soil science meeting the requirements in ch. GHSS 4.04, Wisc. Administrative Code or have at least 5 years of professional experience in addition to the qualifying experience which is determined by the Section to be equivalent; and
- Have completed at least 6 years of professional experience in soil science work or completed at least 5 years of professional experience in soil science work if the applicant has 1 or more advanced degrees relevant to the practice of professional soil science demonstrating the applicant is qualified to assume responsible charge of soil science work. At least 1 year of the qualifying professional experience must have been performed under a peer review system.
Examination Dates
Online continuous testing is being phased out beginning in September 2023.. Applicants must be still be approved to test by Credentialing to register and will be provided with the link to register for the examination once paperwork is reviewed and approved by the Board. Exam fees are paid directly to the Soil Science Society of America.
The examination will be offered during 4 window periods throughout the year that offer a 2 week time period for candidates to take the examination. Registration and examination fees are handled directly with the Soil Science Society of America. The examination windows for 2024 are:
WINDOW TESTING IS BEING REINSTATED 4 TIMES PER YEAR
Quarterly Exam Calendar
Exam Registration Dates
2025
Q3. July 2 - July 28, 2025
Q4. October 1 - October 27, 2025
Available Exam Dates
Exams will be conducted during this time frame.
2025
Q3. August 6 - 20, 2025
Q4. November 5 - 19, 2025
Exam Registration is only available during the dates listed above, and only for the corresponding Available Exam Date. For example, if you want to take your exam in the November 5 - 19, 2025 exam period, you would register in the October 1 - 27, 2025 period.