Examination
Individuals interested in becoming a professional soil classifier will take the Fundamentals and Professional Practice exams with the Soil Science Society of America.
Individuals must pass both sections of the exam 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).
Candidates can register for the exam directly with the Soil Science Society of America at https://www.soils.org/certifications/exam-information.
All examination fees are paid directly to SSSA. Please visit https://www.soils.org/certifications/exam-information to register.
SSSA offers performance objectives, an online prep course, and exam resources through their website at https://www.soils.org/certifications/exam-information.
Q. What examination must I complete in South Carolina?
A. Candidates for certification as a soil classifier-in-training must successfully complete the Fundamentals of Soil Science Examination, administered through the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).
Candidates for licensure as a professional soil classifier must successfully complete the Fundamentals of Soil Science and the Professional Practice of Soil Science Examination, administered by SSSA.
The exams are offered at Clemson University twice a year, in April and November. Candidates may register for the exam by visiting the Soil Science of Society of America website
Any person licensed in soil classifying or soil science by any other state or jurisdiction whose requirements are determined by the Council to be commensurate with the requirements of this state, may be registered to practice in this state without taking the examination. Comity is assessed on the individual basis and only once a complete application is submitted to the Council.