Chapter GHSS 3

GHSS 3.09(1)(a) (a) The course or activity includes instruction in an organized method of learning contributing directly to the professional competency of the licensee and pertains to subject matters which integrally relate to the practice of the profession.

GHSS 3.09(1)(b) (b) The course or activity is conducted by individuals who have specialized education, training, or experience and are considered qualified concerning the subject matter of the course or activity.

GHSS 3.09(1)(c) (c) The course or activity provides proof of attendance or certificate of completion.

GHSS 3.09(2) (2) The professional hydrologist section may approve sponsors or providers for continuing education courses and activities, including the following:

GHSS 3.09(2)(a) (a) Technical or professional societies or similar organizations devoted to hydrologic, natural, or environmental sciences and education.

GHSS 3.09(2)(b) (b) Accredited colleges, universities, or other educational institutions and schools of higher education.

GHSS 3.09(2)(c) (c) Governmental units.

GHSS 3.09(2)(d) (d) Any other provider approved by the professional hydrologist section or its designee.

GHSS 3.09(3) (3) The professional hydrologist section or its designee may approve courses, credits, contact hour value for courses, and other methods of earning credit.

GHSS 3.09(4) (4) Contact hour credit for college or technical school courses approved by the professional hydrologist section shall be based on the definition of contact hour in s. GHSS 1.02 (4).

GHSS 3.09 History History: CR 24-079: cr. Register August 2025 No. 836, eff. 9-1-25.

GHSS 3.10 GHSS 3.10 Certification of completion, proof of attendance.

GHSS 3.10(1) (1) Each licensee shall certify on the renewal application their full compliance with the continuing education requirements in this chapter.

GHSS 3.10(2) (2) The professional hydrologist section may require additional evidence demonstrating compliance with the continuing education requirements, including a certificate of completion, proof of attendance, or documentation of completion or credit for the courses or activities completed.

GHSS 3.10(3) (3) A licensee may be subject to discipline by the board for failure to comply with sub. (2).

GHSS 3.10 History History: CR 24-079: cr. Register August 2025 No. 836, eff. 9-1-25.

GHSS 3.11 GHSS 3.11 Recordkeeping. It shall be the responsibility of the licensee to maintain records of continuing education hours for at least 2 biennia from the date on which the course or activity is completed. The recordkeeping may include any of the following:

GHSS 3.11(1) (1) The name and address of the sponsor or provider.

GHSS 3.11(2) (2) The title of the course or activity and a brief statement of the subject matter.

GHSS 3.11(3) (3) Printed program schedules, registration confirmations or receipts, certificates of completion, proof of attendance, examination scores, or other proof of participation.

GHSS 3.11(4) (4) The number of contact hours attended for each course or activity and the date and place of the course or activity.

GHSS 3.11 History History: CR 24-079: cr. Register August 2025 No. 836, eff. 9-1-25.

GHSS 3.12 GHSS 3.12 Waiver of continuing education.

GHSS 3.12(1) (1) A licensee may apply to the professional hydrologist section for a postponement or waiver of the continuing education requirements of this chapter on grounds of prolonged illness or disability, or on other grounds constituting extreme hardship. The professional hydrologist section shall consider each application individually on its merits, and the section may grant a postponement, partial waiver, or total waiver as deemed appropriate in the circumstances.

GHSS 3.12(2) (2) A renewal applicant seeking renewal of a license without having fully complied with the continuing education requirements shall file a renewal application, the required fee, a statement setting forth the facts concerning noncompliance, any supporting documentation, and a request for a waiver of the requirements. These materials shall be submitted prior to the renewal date. If the professional hydrologist section finds from the statement or any other evidence submitted that extreme hardship has been shown, the section may grant a postponement, partial waiver, or total waiver of the continuing education requirements for the applicable renewal period.

GHSS 3.12(3) (3) A licensee who receives a waiver for continuing education may be required to complete continuing education upon or before the licensee’s return to the active practice of professional hydrology as determined necessary by the professional hydrologist section to ensure the ability of the licensee to practice professional hydrology in a safe and competent manner.

GHSS 3.12 History History: CR 24-079: cr. Register August 2025 No. 836, eff. 9-1-25.

GHSS 3.13 GHSS 3.13 Late renewal.

GHSS 3.13(1) (1) A licensee who applies for renewal after the renewal date specified in s. 440.08 (2) (a) 63w., Stats., shall verify to the professional hydrologist section that the licensee has completed continuing education that meets the requirements of this chapter and shall meet the requirements for late renewal specified in s. 440.08 (3), Stats.

GHSS 3.13(2) (2) Continuing education hours submitted to satisfy this requirement for late renewal shall not be used to satisfy continuing education requirements for a subsequent renewal.

GHSS 3.13(3) (3) Subsections (1) and (2) pertain to a licensee applying for renewal of their license less than 5 years after its expiration, as stated in s. GHSS 1.05 (1). A licensee who applies for renewal more than 5 years after the expiration date shall still comply with subs. (1) and (2) and meet the requirements for reinstatement as described in s. 440.08 (3), Stats., and s. GHSS 1.05 (2) (a) and (b).

GHSS 3.13 History History: CR 24-079: cr. Register August 2025 No. 836, eff. 9-1-25; correction in (3) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register August 2025 No. 836.