307 IAC 1 — ARTICLE 1. INDIANA REGISTRY OF SOIL SCIENTISTS

TITLE 307 INDIANA BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR SOIL SCIENTISTS

ARTICLE 1. INDIANA REGISTRY OF SOIL SCIENTISTS

Rule 1

307 IAC 1-1-1 307 IAC 1-1-1 Applicability

Rule 1. Definitions

307 IAC 1-1-1 Applicability

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5

Sec. 1. The definitions in this rule apply throughout this article.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-1-1; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 53; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-1-2 307 IAC 1-1-2 "ARCPACS" defined

307 IAC 1-1-2 "ARCPACS" defined

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5

Sec. 2. "ARCPACS" means A Federation of Certifying Boards in Agriculture, Biology, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences. Its acronym was derived from its previous name, American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy Crops and Soils.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-1-2; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 53; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-1-3 307 IAC 1-1-3 "Board" defined

307 IAC 1-1-3 "Board" defined

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5

Sec. 3. "Board" means the Indiana board of registration for soil scientists.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-1-3; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 53; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-1-4 307 IAC 1-1-4 "IRSS" defined

307 IAC 1-1-4 "IRSS" defined

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5

Sec. 4. "IRSS" means the Indiana registry of soil scientists.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-1-4; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 53; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-1-5 307 IAC 1-1-5 "RASS" defined

307 IAC 1-1-5 "RASS" defined

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5

Sec. 5. "RASS" means a registered associate soil scientist.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-1-5; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 53; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-1-6 307 IAC 1-1-6 "RPSS" defined

307 IAC 1-1-6 "RPSS" defined

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5

Sec. 6. "RPSS" means a registered professional soil scientist.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-1-6; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 53; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-1-7 307 IAC 1-1-7 "RSS" defined

307 IAC 1-1-7 "RSS" defined

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5

Sec. 7. "RSS" means a registered soil scientist (RASS or RPSS).

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-1-7; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 53; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-1-8 307 IAC 1-1-8 "Soil taxonomy" defined

307 IAC 1-1-8 "Soil taxonomy" defined

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5

Sec. 8. "Soil taxonomy" means the current soil classification system used in the United States as described in the book, Soil Survey Staff, 1999. Soil Taxonomy: A basic method for making and interpreting soils surveys, Second Edition USDA, NRCS Aric. Handb. 436, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., and in revisions to that book accepted by the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-1-8; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 53; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

Rule 2

307 IAC 1-2-1 307 IAC 1-2-1 Board and officers

Rule 2. Administration

307 IAC 1-2-1 Board and officers

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-2-1; IC 25-31.5-2-8

Sec. 1. (a) The board administers this article with the assistance of the office of state chemist.

(b) The board consists of the following five (5) members:

(1) Four (4) soil scientists who, at the time of appointment, include:

(A) one (1) member from federal, state, or local government;

(B) one (1) member involved in education in a teaching, a research, or an extension context; and

(C) two (2) members from industry or the private practice of soil science who are registered professional soil scientists in Indiana.

(2) One (1) member who represents the public at large and is not associated with soil science other than as a consumer.

(c) Each year the board shall elect from its members a chairperson and a secretary. The board may elect a vice chair.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-2-1; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 53; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-2-2 307 IAC 1-2-2 Administration; support

307 IAC 1-2-2 Administration; support

Authority: IC 35-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-3-6; IC 25-31.5-3-9; IC 25-31.5-4-10; IC 25-31.5-6-3

Sec. 2. (a) The state chemist will appoint an administrative advisor who is employed by the office of the state chemist. The administrative advisor will provide the following:

(1) Clerical and administrative support for the soil science registration fund.

(2) Record keeping services.

(3) Other support as needed.

(b) The contract between the board and the state chemist will consist of mutual agreements, as recorded in the minutes of board meetings. A written contract will be developed upon the request of the board or the administrative advisor.

(c) Each year the board shall:

(1) determine the cost incurred in administering the program for the registration of soil scientists under this article; and

(2) if necessary, adjust the amount of the:

(A) registration fees charged under IC 25-31.5-4-10; and

(B) renewal fee charged under IC 25-31.5-6-3;

to ensure that the program is self-supporting.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-2-2; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 54; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-2-3 307 IAC 1-2-3 Code of professional conduct

307 IAC 1-2-3 Code of professional conduct

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Sec. 3. An applicant must agree to and sign a code of professional conduct to become registered. The code of professional conduct is adopted and reads as follows:

"Article I. Preamble

The privilege of professional practice imposes obligations of responsibility as well as professional knowledge. The Indiana Registry of Soil Scientists certifies the credentials of individuals who have met certain professional requirements and agree to this Code. The Registry was established in 2001 by state law (IC 25-31.5) and is administered by a Board of Registration for Soil Scientists appointed by the Governor of Indiana. Two (2) levels of registration are recognized. Fully qualified individuals are called Indiana Registered Professional Soil Scientists; those who meet all requirements except experience are Indiana Registered Associate Soil Scientists. Collectively, they are called Registered Soil Scientists.

Article II. Relation of Professional to the Public

1. Registered Soil Scientists shall hold paramount the health and welfare of the public and the protection of soil and water quality.

2. Registered Soil Scientists shall perform services only in the areas of their professional competence.

3. Registered Soil Scientists shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, and testimony.

4. Registered Soil Scientists shall not issue false statements or provide false information even though directed to do so by employer or client.

Article III. Relation of Professional to Employer and Client

1. Registered Soil Scientists, at the request of a client or employer, must disclose the information used to gain registration. Registered Soil Scientists who knowingly misrepresent their credentials will face disciplinary action.

2. A Registered Soil Scientist shall protect, to the fullest extent possible, the interest of his/her employer or client insofar as such interest is consistent with the law, the protection of public health, and the protection of soil and water quality.

3. A Registered Soil Scientist who finds that obligations to their employer or client conflict with their professional obligation or ethics should work to have such objectionable conditions corrected.

4. A Registered Soil Scientist shall not use, directly or indirectly, an employer's or client's information in any way that would violate the confidence of the employer or client.

5. A Registered Soil Scientist retained by one (1) client shall not accept, without the client's written consent, an engagement by another if the interests of the two (2) are in any manner conflicting.

6. A Registered Soil Scientist who has made an investigation for any employer or client shall not seek to profit economically from the information gained unless written permission to do so is granted or until it is clear that there can no longer be a conflict of interest with the original employer or client.

7. A Registered Soil Scientist shall not divulge information given in confidence.

8. A Registered Soil Scientist shall engage, or advise employer or client to engage, and cooperate with other experts and specialists including local, state, and federal officials.

9. A Registered Soil Scientist protects the interests of a client by recommending only products and services that are in the best interest of the client and public.

10. A Registered Soil Scientist protects his/her credibility by disclosing to clients how he/she will be compensated for providing recommendations to the client.

Article IV. Relation of Professionals to Each Other

1. A Registered Soil Scientist shall not falsely or maliciously attempt to injure the reputation of another.

2. A Registered Soil Scientist shall freely give credit for work done by others, to whom the credit is due, and shall refrain from plagiarism of oral and written communications and shall not knowingly accept credit rightfully due another person.

3. A Registered Soil Scientist shall not use the advantage of public employment (i.e., university, government) to compete unfairly with other registered or certified professions.

4. A Registered Soil Scientist shall endeavor to cooperate with others in the profession and encourage the ethical dissemination of technical knowledge.

Article V. Duty to the Profession

1. A Registered Soil Scientist shall aid in exclusion from registration those who have not followed this Code of Professional Conduct or who do not have the required education and experience.

2. A Registered Soil Scientist shall uphold this Code of Professional Conduct by precept and example and encourage, by counsel and advice, other Registered Soil Scientists to do the same.

3. A Registered Soil Scientist having positive knowledge of deviation from this Code by another Registered Soil Scientist shall bring such deviation to the attention of the Board.".

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-2-3; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 54; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-2-4 307 IAC 1-2-4 Roster

307 IAC 1-2-4 Roster

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-3-7

Sec. 4. The board will produce a roster of the RSS that will contain, at a minimum, the following information for each RSS:

(1) Name.

(2) Business name, if any.

(3) Kind of registration (professional or associate).

(4) Registration number.

(5) Address.

(6) Phone number.

An electronic copy of the roster will be maintained on the Web site at the office of state chemist. It will be updated at least twice a year. A hard copy of the roster will be provided for a fee established in 307 IAC 1-4.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-2-4; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 55; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

Rule 3

307 IAC 1-3-1 307 IAC 1-3-1 Kinds of registration

Rule 3. Registration; Education; Continuing Education

307 IAC 1-3-1 Kinds of registration

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-4

Sec. 1. (a) There are two (2) kinds or levels of registration:

(1) a RPSS; and

(2) a RASS.

(b) The requirements for both a RPSS and a RASS are similar except for the work experience requirement. When a RASS meets the work experience requirement, they can become a RPSS.

(c) This article applies to a RPSS and a RASS unless otherwise stated.

(d) There is no limit in the time a person can be a RASS.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-1; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 55; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-3-2 307 IAC 1-3-2 Exclusions; activities prohibited

307 IAC 1-3-2 Exclusions; activities prohibited

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-1-1; IC 25-31.5-7

Sec. 2. No one is prohibited from practicing soil science; however, an individual who is not a RSS may not use, assume, or advertise in any way a title or description tending to convey the impression that the individual is a RSS.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-2; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 55; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-3-3 307 IAC 1-3-3 Education

307 IAC 1-3-3 Education

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-4-2

Sec. 3. (a) To qualify for RSS under this article, an applicant must meet the following:

(1) Educational requirements as follows:

(A) Successful completion of a bachelor's degree or an advanced degree.

(B) Successful completion of course work requirements in the following:

(i) Soil sciences, fifteen (15) or more semester credit hours, including at least three (3) semester credit hours in soil morphology, genesis, classification, interpretation, or mapping.

(ii) Supporting sciences, forty-five (45) or more semester credit hours. The minimum number of semester credit hours in the various sciences are as follows:

(AA) Math, statistics, six (6).

(BB) Chemistry, six (6).

(CC) Biology, plant science (including crop science, forestry, and related courses), six (6).

(DD) Physics, engineering (including computer science, geographic information systems, and related courses), three (3).

(EE) Geology, three (3).

Within each class of science in this subdivision any combination of credits satisfies the requirement, for example, the requirement in clause (A) can be satisfied by six (6) credits of math, six (6) credits of statistics, three (3) credits of math, and three (3) credits of statistics, or other combinations of six (6) credits. The total credits in all the sciences listed in this subdivision and in other science course must equal or exceed forty-five (45) semester credit hours. The board has discretion whether a particular course fulfills the requirements in this subsection. An applicant must supply an official transcript showing that all required course work has been successfully completed. Three (3) quarter credit hours is the equivalent of two (2) semester credits.

(2) Pass the examinations described in section 4 of this rule.

(3) Pay the registration fee described in section 10 of this rule.

(b) There is no limit in the time a person can be a RASS.

(c) To qualify for RPSS under this article, an applicant must satisfy the work requirement described in section 5 of this rule.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-3; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 55; errata filed Oct 10, 2003, 1:30 p.m.: 27 IR 538; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-3-4 307 IAC 1-3-4 Examinations

307 IAC 1-3-4 Examinations

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-4-3

Sec. 4. (a) The board requires applicants for registration as a RPSS or a RASS to pass the following exams:

(1) Soil science fundamentals exam, which covers basic principles in all areas of soil science. The requirement can be met by passing either of the following:

(A) The Council of Soil Science Examiners soil science fundamentals exam, which is prepared by the Council of Soil Science Examiners of the Soil Science Society of America and administered through ARCPACS.

(B) The IRSS soil science fundamentals exam, which is prepared for IRSS and approved and administered by the board.

(2) The Indiana soils and field skills exam, which is also prepared for IRSS and approved and administered by the board. The exam covers the following:

(A) Indiana soils, including soil geography and land use.

(B) Factors and processes of soil formation in Indiana, including relation of soils to parent (geologic) materials, topography and landforms, climate, vegetation, and time.

(C) Soil morphology, including the following:

(i) Describing soil color, texture, structure, and consistence.

(ii) Estimating the percent of sand, silt, and clay in a soil sample.

(D) Describing landforms and landform components.

(E) Understanding and using map projections, such as the following:

(i) The township-range-section system.

(ii) The Universal Transverse Mercator system.

(F) Interpreting pedon descriptions.

(G) Using Soil Taxonomy and recognizing major soil properties from a taxonomic classification and a pedon description.

(H) Other related topics.

(b) Dates and times when exams will be offered shall be available from the IRSS office located in the office of state chemist. Fees to take the IRSS exams the first time are included in the application fee. Additional fees are charged to retake the exams, see 307 IAC 1-4. Fees to take the Council of Soil Science Examiners exam are set by the Council of Soil Science Examiners.

(c) The passing grade for each IRSS exam is seventy percent (70%).

(d) Individuals may apply for "exam only" in which they take one (1) or both examinations administered by the board before completing the remaining application requirements. Credit for passing an exam lasts for five (5) years, from the date of the exam to the date of the application for RASS or RPSS.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-4; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 56; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-3-5 307 IAC 1-3-5 Work requirement

307 IAC 1-3-5 Work requirement

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-4-3

Sec. 5. (a) Three (3) years of work experience are required for registration as a RPSS. Credit will be allowed for regular work and for certain kinds of college course work as explained in this section. The board will decide how much work credit to allow for various kinds of work using the following guidelines:

(1) Unlimited credit for work experience will be granted for activities related primarily to evaluating soils and landscapes in their natural setting, as listed in this subdivision. Credit is granted for work done while a person is a college graduate or undergraduate student, intern, student trainee, or similar position. Some of this work can be part of field laboratory sessions of college courses. One (1) semester credit counts as forty (40) hours of work credit. Examples of these activities are as follows:

(A) Collecting soil samples from entire pedons (profiles) in the field.

(B) Describing soil morphology and explaining how soil morphology affects soil processes.

(C) Characterizing landscapes and explaining how they relate to soil processes.

(D) Mapping soils.

(E) Preparing soil reports that deal with soil morphology and landscapes.

(F) Collecting and preparing soil monoliths.

(G) Teaching college students to do those tasks and related tasks.

(2) A maximum of one (1) year of work experience will be allowed for soil science work other than that mentioned under subdivision (1). This work is primarily related to crop production, soil erosion control, wetland determination, and related activities. Specific tasks include the following:

(A) Interpreting soil surveys without doing field investigations.

(B) Sampling soils for fertility.

(C) Making fertilizer recommendations.

(D) Scouting for soil-borne disease.

(E) Planning soil erosion control practices.

(F) Conducting wetland investigations.

(G) Laboratory research.

(H) Teaching college students to do those tasks.

(I) Related tasks.

(b) Work as established in subsection (a)(1) done while a college student can contribute to the total work experience requirement according to the following limits:

(1) A bachelor of sciences (BS) candidate, up to one (1) year.

(2) A master of science (MS) candidate, up to one (1) year.

(3) A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) candidate, up to one (1) year beyond MS (up to two (2) years as a graduate student).

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-5; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 56; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-3-6 307 IAC 1-3-6 Documentation of competency and integrity

307 IAC 1-3-6 Documentation of competency and integrity

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-4-7

Sec. 6. The board requires that all applicants must document competency and integrity as follows:

(1) An applicant must agree to follow a code of professional conduct pursuant to IC 25-31.5-3-4 and 307 IAC 1-2-3.

(2) An applicant must provide names of at least three (3) people who can evaluate their competency and integrity.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-6; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 57; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-3-7 307 IAC 1-3-7 Registration in other states; reciprocity

307 IAC 1-3-7 Registration in other states; reciprocity

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-4-8

Sec. 7. The board may waive the requirement to pass a soil science fundamentals exam for an applicant who passed a similar exam and is registered, certified, or licensed in another state on the date he or she applies for registration.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-7; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 57; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-3-8 307 IAC 1-3-8 Certificates; wallet cards

307 IAC 1-3-8 Certificates; wallet cards

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-5-1; IC 25-31.5-5-3

Sec. 8. (a) The board will issue a registration certificate to a newly registered RASS and RPSS. The board may issue a replacement certificate if the original certificate is lost, destroyed, or mutilated.

(b) The board will issue a wallet card to a registrant at the time of initial registration and after each renewal.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-8; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 57; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-3-9 307 IAC 1-3-9 Seal or stamp

307 IAC 1-3-9 Seal or stamp

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-5-4

Sec. 9. (a) The board authorizes a RPSS to use a seal or stamp that follows the design and size shown as follows:

The outside diameter must not be less than one and five-eighths (15/8) inches and not more than one and seven-eighths (17/8) inches.

(b) At the time of initial registration as a professional soil scientist, the board will issue a document that shows the design of the seal or stamp and authorizes a manufacturer or vendor to furnish a seal or stamp for the registered professional soil scientist. No seal or stamp is authorized for a RASS. If, subsequent to original registration, the RPSS needs a new seal or stamp, the board may issue another such document.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-9; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 57; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-3-10 307 IAC 1-3-10 Revocation of the use of seal or stamp

307 IAC 1-3-10 Revocation of the use of seal or stamp

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-5-5

Sec. 10. A RPSS may no longer use the seal or stamp if his or her registration is suspended or revoked.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-10; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 57; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

307 IAC 1-3-11 307 IAC 1-3-11 Continuing education

307 IAC 1-3-11 Continuing education

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-6-2

Sec. 11. (a) In order to renew registration, registrants are required to document completion of requirements as documented in this article for general skills continuing education units (CEUg) and field skills continuing education units (CEUf).

(b) During the three (3) year registration term, a registrant must complete at least forty-five (45) CEUg credits. One (1) CEUg credit is equivalent to approximately one (1) hour of activity. The kinds of CEUg credits and maximum credits for each kind are listed as follows:

(1) Professional meetings attended (not presented), no maximum, as follows:

(A) Professional conferences, such as the following:

(i) Soil Science Society of America.

(ii) Soil and Water Conservation Society.

(iii) Indiana Association of Professional Soil Classifiers.

(iv) Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association.

(v) Other professional conferences related to soil science.

(B) Short courses.

(C) Workshops.

(D) Seminars.

(E) Clinics.

(F) Distance education.

(G) Similar sessions.

(2) Public and professional education, thirty (30) CEUg credits maximum, as follows:

(A) Assisting in high school or college soil judging (evaluation) contests.

(B) Educating kindergarten through grade 12 students in soil and water sciences.

(C) Educating on-site wastewater professionals in soil and water sciences.

(D) Administering assessment of field skills sessions.

(E) Similar activities.

(3) Self-directed study in soil science, thirty (30) CEUg credits maximum, including the following:

(A) Books, journal articles, and other printed material.

(B) Videos.

(C) Educational television programs.

(D) Internet presentations.

(4) Community service that involves soil, water quality, land use, or similar topics, fifteen (15) CEUg credits maximum, including the following:

(A) Serving on boards.

(B) Serving on governmental committees.

(C) Participating in community organizations.

(5) Author or presenter (report time of preparation and of presentation), fifteen (15) CEUg credits maximum, as follows:

(A) Articles written.

(B) Presentations made.

(C) Conferences organized.

(c) During a three (3) year registration term, a RSS must complete at least three (3) CEUf credits, one (1) in each of the three (3) skill areas. The hours of activity required for CEUg credit do not apply to CEUf credit. To receive CEUf credit, a RSS must participate in an evaluation session and submit his or her answers on a form that will be numerically graded: The skill areas are as follows:

(1) Evaluation of the sand, silt, and clay contents of a soil sample compared to the contents determined in a laboratory.

(2) Evaluation of morphological characteristics of soil horizons, such as texture, color, structure, and consistence, using core or other undisturbed soil samples compared to the evaluation of RPSSs appointed by the board.

(3) Evaluation of pedon properties using a soil pit or similar exposure and evaluation of landscape position at the site, compared to the evaluation of RPSSs appointed by the board.

(d) The board will arrange for a minimum of one (1) CEUf session each year. The purpose of the CEUf sessions is to maintain and improve the field skills of registrants. To maximize the educational value of a CEUf session, the official answers will be given soon after registrants complete their evaluations and hand in their papers. Interaction between the participants and official judges will be encouraged. Details about the contents of the skill evaluation and how a session is to be scheduled and conducted can be obtained from the IRSS office at the office of state chemist.

(e) The board will tabulate the scores of each registrant and will periodically review the records. These scores are available only to the board. If the scores for a RSS are sufficiently low, in the judgment of the board, to hamper his or her professional work, the board may recommend that the RSS participate in more than the minimum number of CEUf sessions or do other remedial work.

(f) The board may delay the enforcement of CEUf requirements in this article during the initial term while materials and methods are under development.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-3-11; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 58; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)

Rule 4

307 IAC 1-4-1 307 IAC 1-4-1 Fees

Rule 4. Fees

307 IAC 1-4-1 Fees

Authority: IC 25-31.5-3-4

Affected: IC 25-31.5-3-2; IC 25-31.5-6-1; IC 25-31.5-6-3

Sec. 1. (a) All registration terms expire on June 30. An initial registration will expire three (3) years after the June 30 following the date the registration was approved. (The initial term will be three (3) to four (4) years.) The initial registration fee is two hundred forty dollars ($240).

(b) For "exam only" application, the cost is fifty dollars ($50) for the IRSS soil science fundamentals exam and fifty dollars ($50) for the Indiana soils and field skills exam. The exam costs will be deducted from the application fee when the individual applies for a RASS or a RPSS.

(c) Renewal terms are three (3) years, from July 1 to June 30. The renewal fee is two hundred forty dollars ($240) for three (3) years.

(d) These fees may be adjusted annually and apply to both a RPSS and a RASS.

(e) An individual can upgrade registration from a RASS to a RPSS without paying additional fees; the expiration date remains the same.

(f) The registration fee includes the cost of administering one (1) IRSS soil science fundamentals exam and one (1) Indiana soils and field skills exam. If an applicant does not pass an exam the first time, the cost of taking it again is fifty dollars ($50) for each exam. There is no limit to the number of times a registrant may take an exam. He or she must pass all exams within three (3) years of the date the application is received by the IRSS.

(g) A fee may be charged for printing, handling, and mailing rosters under 307 IAC 1-2-4. Currently the cost is five dollars ($5) for the first copy and one dollar ($1) each for additional copy. The board may waive the fee for certain kinds of distribution of the roster.

(h) Initial registration fees are not refundable if registration is denied or otherwise not granted by the board.

(Indiana Board of Registration for Soil Scientists; 307 IAC 1-4-1; filed Aug 29, 2003, 11:00 a.m.: 27 IR 58; readopted filed May 14, 2009, 1:12 p.m.: 20090610-IR-307090196RFA; readopted filed May 15, 2015, 10:58 a.m.: 20150610-IR-307150072RFA; readopted filed Nov 23, 2021, 1:44 p.m.: 20211222-IR-307210234RFA; readopted filed Nov 4, 2025, 2:51 p.m.: 20251119-IR-307240628RFA)