Chapter GHSS 3

GHSS 3.05(5) (5) Examination and refund fees. The fee for the examinations for professional hydrologists and the requirements for refund of fees are specified in s. 440.05, Stats., and ch. SPS 4, respectively.

GHSS 3.05(6) (6) Place and time of examinations. The examinations required by this section shall be held at sites and on dates designated by the professional hydrologist section.

GHSS 3.05(7) (7) Passing scores.

GHSS 3.05(7)(a) (a) The passing scores set by the professional hydrologist section represent the minimum competency required to protect public health and safety.

GHSS 3.05(7)(b) (b) The fundamentals of hydrology and the principles and practice of hydrology examinations are scored separately. An applicant shall achieve a passing score on each of the required examinations to qualify for licensure.

GHSS 3.05(7)(c) (c) The professional hydrologist section shall make the determination of the passing score on each required examination after consultation with subject matter experts who have reviewed a representative sample of the examination questions and available candidate performance statistics.

GHSS 3.05(8) (8) Cheating. The professional hydrologist section may deny release of scores or issuance of a credential if the board determines that the applicant violated rules of conduct of the examination or otherwise acted dishonestly.

GHSS 3.05 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1999, No. 528, eff. 1-1-00, am. (2) (b) and (7) (b), Register, November, 2000, No. 539, eff. 12-1-00; correction in (5) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register November 2011 No. 671.

GHSS 3.06 GHSS 3.06 Application contents. An application for licensure as a professional hydrologist shall include:

GHSS 3.06(1) (1) Either of the following:

GHSS 3.06(1)(a) (a) Official transcripts of graduate and undergraduate training, properly attested to by the degree granting institution and submitted by the institution directly to the professional hydrologist section establishing that the applicant has been granted a bachelor degree in hydrology or water resources or a degree with a hydrology or water resources major meeting the requirements under s. 470.04 (3) (b), Stats., granted by a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency approved by the state board of education in the state in which the college or university is located, or accredited by a Canadian accrediting agency satisfactory to the board, or

GHSS 3.06(1)(b) (b) A chronological history of the applicant’s employment or other qualifying experience in satisfaction of s. 470.04 (7), Stats.

GHSS 3.06(2) (2) A chronological history of the applicant’s employment or other qualifying experience in satisfaction of s. 470.04 (3) (c) 1. or 2., Stats.

GHSS 3.06(3) (3) For applicants applying under s. 470.04 (3) (c) 1., Stats., a completed “supervised hydrologic experience” form completed by a supervisor relating to professional hydrology and who is one of the following:

GHSS 3.06(3)(a) (a) A professional hydrologist who, during the time of the supervised practice, was licensed in this state.

GHSS 3.06(3)(b) (b) A professional hydrologist who, during the time of the supervised practice, was licensed in another licensing jurisdiction that has licensure requirements not lower than the requirements for licensure in this state.

GHSS 3.06(3)(c) (c) A person who the professional hydrologist section determines is qualified to have responsible charge of hydrologic work.

GHSS 3.06(4) (4) For applicants applying under s. 470.04 (3) (c) 2., Stats., submission of at least 3 “peer evaluation” forms satisfactory to the professional hydrologist section completed by licensed professional hydrologists who have had professional contact with the applicant’s practice and who certify that the applicant is qualified to assume responsible charge of hydrologic work.

GHSS 3.06(5) (5) References from at least 5 individuals, at least 3 of whom shall be professionally competent to evaluate the applicant’s practice.

GHSS 3.06(6) (6) The fee required under s. 440.05 (1), Stats.

GHSS 3.06(7) (7) For applicants previously licensed in another state, territory or possession of the United States or in another country, verification of the applicant’s licensure in the licensing jurisdiction of original licensure or, if the applicant has permitted his or her licensure in the jurisdiction of original licensure to lapse, verification of licensure in the licensing jurisdiction where the applicant is currently licensed and where the applicant was last engaged in the practice of professional hydrology.

GHSS 3.06(8) (8) For applicants who have a pending criminal charge or have been convicted of a crime, all related information necessary for the professional hydrologist section to determine whether the circumstances of the pending criminal charge or criminal conviction are substantially related to the circumstances of the practice of hydrology.

GHSS 3.06(9) (9) Any additional data, exhibits or references showing the extent and quality of the applicant’s experience that may be required by the professional hydrologist section.

GHSS 3.06(10) (10) Evidence of successful completion of fundamentals of hydrology and the principles and practice of hydrology examinations.

GHSS 3.06 Note Note: Application forms, including the “Supervised Hydrologic Experience” form and the “Peer Evaluation” form are available on the department’s website at http://dsps.wi.gov.

GHSS 3.06 History History: Cr. Register, December, 1999, No. 528, eff. 1-1-00.

GHSS 3.07 GHSS 3.07 Continuing education requirements.

GHSS 3.07(1) (1) Initial applicability. Continuing education requirements will begin in the renewal period that starts on August 1, 2026, and ends on August 1, 2028, as specified in s. 440.08 (2) (a) 63w., Stats. Renewal applications due on August 1, 2028, will require continuing education.

GHSS 3.07(2) (2) General requirements. Except as outlined in sub. (3), or if granted a waiver under s. GHSS 3.12, every licensee shall complete at least 4 hours of approved contact hours each biennium. The contact hours shall be pertinent to the practice of professional hydrology, which may include scientific, technical, ethical, or relevant managerial content.

GHSS 3.07(3) (3) New licensees. Between the date of initial licensure and the following renewal date specified in s. 440.08 (2) (a) 63w., Stats., a new licensee shall not be required to comply with the continuing education requirements. A new licensee is required to comply with continuing education requirements beginning in the licensee’s first full biennium.

GHSS 3.07(4) (4) Types of courses and activities. Continuing education credit may be obtained from any of the following courses or activities that are offered by acceptable sponsors or providers under s. GHSS 3.09 (2):

GHSS 3.07(4)(a) (a) Successful completion of hydrology, natural science, or environmental science related courses, presented by correspondence, internet, television, or video, and ending with examination or other verification processes. These may earn a varying number of contact hours depending on the course duration and course content.

GHSS 3.07(4)(b) (b) Successful completion of a college or university course in the area of hydrology, natural sciences, environmental sciences, or ethics.

GHSS 3.07(4)(c) (c) Successful completion of professional hydrology, natural science, or environmental science courses or activities offering contact hours on those topics.

GHSS 3.07(4)(d) (d) Active participation and successful completion of professional hydrology, natural science, or environmental science programs, seminars, tutorials, workshops, short courses, or in-house courses.

GHSS 3.07(4)(e) (e) Attending presentations at related technical or professional meetings at which at least 50 minutes is spent discussing professional hydrology, natural science, or environmental science issues, or attending a lecture on those topics, or both.

GHSS 3.07(4)(f) (f) Teaching courses, activities, or programs on a professional hydrology, natural science, or environmental science topic. Teaching credit is counted for teaching a course or seminar for the first time only and does not apply to faculty in the performance of their regularly assigned duties. Two contact hours will be awarded for every 50 minutes of teaching.

GHSS 3.07(4)(g) (g) Authoring professional hydrology, natural science, or environmental science related papers, articles, or maps that appear in circulated journals, trade magazines, or published textbooks. Credit is earned in the biennium of publication.

GHSS 3.07(4)(h) (h) Field trips organized and run by professional or technical societies or in conjunction with meetings, conventions, or conferences. These shall be awarded one contact hour for every 50 minutes of duration.

GHSS 3.07 History History: CR 24-079: cr. Register August 2025 No. 836, eff. 9-1-25.

GHSS 3.08 GHSS 3.08 Compliance. A licensee who fails to meet the continuing education requirements by the renewal date, as specified in s. 470.07, Stats., may not engage in the practice of professional hydrology until the license is renewed based upon verification of compliance with the continuing education requirements.

GHSS 3.08 History History: CR 24-079: cr. Register August 2025 No. 836, eff. 9-1-25.

GHSS 3.09 GHSS 3.09 Standards for approval.

GHSS 3.09(1) (1) To be approved for credit, a continuing education course or activity shall meet all of the following criteria

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.