Soil Classifier
A current South Carolina Soil Classifier license is required to engage in professional soil classifying services in this state, as defined in S.C. Code of Laws, Section 40-65-20(3).
Individuals interested in becoming a Licensed Soil Classifier in South Carolina must meet specific education, experience, and examination requirements established by the South Carolina Soil Classifier's Council. These requirements ensure that all practicing soil classifiers possess the academic background, practical experience, and professional competence necessary to protect the public and uphold the standards of the profession.
Licensure by Examination is intended for individuals who are not licensed in any other states and wish to apply through South Carolina's education, experience and examination requirements.
All applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an approved curriculum, including at least 15 semester hours of acceptable soil science coursework, and must successfully pass both the Fundamentals of Soil Science Examination and the Professional Practice of Soil Science Examination. Applicants must also demonstrate at least two years of qualifying soil classification experience or training. This experience may be obtained under the supervision of a licensed soil classifier, as a certified Soil Classifier-in-Training, or through qualifying employment as an extension specialist, researcher, or teacher of soils at a college or university. In all cases, the applicant's education and experience must demonstrate competency to practice soil classification.
Licensure by Comity is intended for individuals who hold a current, valid license in any state/jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements as South Carolina. Applicants must meet the education, experience, and examination requirements and provide the necessary documentation for the Soil Classifier Advisory Council to evaluate their qualifications for licensure.
Licensure by Reinstatement is intended for individuals seeking to reinstate a lapsed or expired Soil Classifiers license in South Carolina. Applicants must meet all requirements established by the Council, including compliance with continuing education standards.
- For licenses expired for three (3) years or less, apply for reinstatement.
- For licenses expired for more than three (3) years, must reapply for licensure.
Applicants may not practice soil classifying until their reinstatement application has been approved by the Council.
Individuals interested in becoming a Soil Classifier must pass the Fundamentals and Professional Practice exams with the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).
Individuals must pass both exams in order to qualify for licensure. Please note that you must pass the Fundamentals exam before you can register for the Professional Practice exam (you are not allowed to take both exams on the same date).
The Council does not pre-approve candidates to sit for the exams. Candidates can go directly to SSSA's Exam Information Page to begin the examination process, review the examination schedule, fees, and study materials.
Please feel free to contact the Soil Council Office at (803)896-4580, or by email if you have any questions.
Individuals seeking licensure by examination must apply through South Carolina Soil Classifiers Advisory Council. Applicants must complete and submit the appropriate application, with all required documentation and fees to the Council. Once received, the Council will review the application to determine eligibility.
Individuals interested in becoming a Soil Classifier in South Carolina by Comity must hold a license to practice soil classifying or soil science issued by examination by a legally constituted board of examiners of another state or the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States, with requirements substantially equivalent to those of South Carolina.
- Submit Employment Verification Forms documenting two (2) years of work experience.
- Verification of Licensure/Registration forms must be forwarded directly to the Council's office from all states where you are licensed as a Soil Classifier or Soil Scientist.
- Official academic transcripts must be sent directly to the Board from the College or University. Transcripts must bear the seal of the institution and the signature of the Registrar. Transcripts may be emailed to Contact.Soil@llr.sc.gov or sent via US Mail.
Individuals seeking to reinstate a lapsed or expired Soil Classifier license in South Carolina must meet all requirements set by the South Carolina Soil Classifiers Advisory Council, including compliance with the Council's continuing education standards.
For licenses expired less than three (3) years, applicants must document thirty (30) hours of approved continuing education credits completed prior to reinstatement. For licenses expired three (3) years or more, applicants must re-apply for licensure.
The renewal period for Soil Classifiers for 2027-2029 will open in November 2026. Please visit our website regularly for the latest renewal information.
The deadline to renew a Soil Classifier license, without penalty was January 31, 2025. Licenses not renewed by that time have lapsed and are invalid. Licensees with lapsed licenses may apply for reinstatement until January 31, 2028. Licensees with a lapsed license are not authorized to engage in the public practice of soil classification until officially notified of reinstatement. Licensees applying for reinstatement after January 31, 2028 must meet all requirements for licensure in effect at the time of the reinstatement application.
To view the reinstatement application, please click here.
Initial Application Fee $40.00
Licensure Fee - Professional Soil Classifier $300
Renewal Fee $300.00
Late Fee (for delinquent renewals) $60.00
Reinstatement Fee $375.00
Q. How do I change my contact information with the Council?
A. Information changes can be made through online services by clicking “Change Your Address.” You will need the login information from your renewal reminder card, which is mailed in November of even numbered years. You can also send a change to the Board by email at Contact.Soil@llr.sc.gov.
Q. How do I change my name with the Board?
A. Email a copy of the appropriate documentation (marriage license, divorce decree, etc.) to the Board at Contact.Soil@llr.sc.gov.
Q. Can I get a list of soil classifiers licensed in the State?
A. The Council provides a roster of licensees on the Council website.
Q. How do I file a complaint with the Council?
A. Complaints can be filed online by clicking “File a Complaint.”
Q. How can I contact the Council?
A. You can contact the Council office at (803) 896-4580 or at Contact.Soil@llr.sc.gov