State licensing and registration updates during the COVID-19 crisis

NGWA has created this page as a reference to provide access to updated information regarding licensing or registration of groundwater professionals during the COVID-19 crisis of which we are aware. Always seek guidance from your state regulatory body for any concerns relating to licensure or registration. A list of links to state regulatory bodies for each state can be found on NGWA’s State Resources page.

As of July 20, 2020 we are aware of the following changes (updates as provided by the states are noted in parentheses).

IOWA: Iowa Department of Natural Resources amends required number of continuing education unit credits for the 2020-2022 renewal period for Iowa Certified Well Contactors (information updated as of 03-29-2021)

NEVADA: Nevada’s State Engineer extends continuing education requirement by 90 days, now due by 5:00 pm on September 30, 2020

OKLAHOMA: Governor Stitt signed Executive Order 2020-07 that extends occupational licenses so long as the order is in effect

RHODE ISLAND: Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration & Licensing Board amends regulation for emergency rule relating to registrations and licenses including extending licenses by 60 days and limiting person-to-person contact

SOUTH CAROLINA: Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation extends license renewal period through September 30, 2020

TEXAS: TDLR waives continuing education requirements for individual licenses expiring in March, April, and May 2020; renewal is still required

VIRGINIA:

• DPOR extends the validity of licenses that would otherwise expire during the state of emergency and be eligible for renewal or reinstatement during the state emergency until 30 days after the date by which the state of emergency is lifted
• DPOR waives regulations that prohibit or limit online, electronic, or distance theoretical instruction through June 10, 2020 unless amended or rescinded

WASHINGTON: Washington Department of Ecology provides regulatory flexibility

WEST VIRGINIA:

• West Virginia Office of Environmental Health Services, Certification and Training Program extends all operator licenses until July 2020
• West Virginia Office of Environmental Health Services Certification and Training Program has extended all operator (WV Well Driller and Pump Installer) licenses until July 31, 2021

NGWA is working to provide the most up-to-date information regarding any changes in licensure of groundwater professionals during this time. If you are aware of a change not listed here, please contact certification@ngwa.org.