Get Licensed in Minnesota
Seeking initial licensure as a professional soil scientist?
Find below information on the education, examination, experience requirements, as well as application details and forms.
Already licensed in another state?
See the sidebar "Licensure by Comity (Reciprocal Licensure)."
For general application information relevant to all professions, see Get Licensed.
You may now register direct with CSSE/SSSA to sit for the Fundamentals of Soil Science (FSS) Exam. If you specify Minnesota as your jurisdiction when you register, you may if you choose after passing the exam apply to the Board for the Soil Scientist-in Training (SSIT) designation. You will be required to present evidence that you meet the education requirement in MN Rule 1800.3910, Subp 5(B). An overview of SSIT education requirements is available.
Soil Scientist-in-Training (SSIT) ONLINE ApplicationWhile you must pass the Fundamentals of Soil Science Exam, as a requirement for licensure, the SSIT designation itself is not a requirement for licensure. Continue reading for information on the education, experience, and examination requirements for licensure.
To sit for the Principles of Soil Science (PSS) Exam and gain licensure, you must hold a bachelor's or higher degree in soil science or a bachelor's degree that includes a miniumum number of equivalent soil science credits.
If you hold a foreign degree, you must have your education evaluated. Request a Course-by-Course Evaluation. This evaluation type is required; other evaluation types will not be accepted. The original evaluation report must be sent directly from the evaluation service to the Minnesota Board, either by US mail or electronically.
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
For details on the above, see the (PSS) application (below) or MN Rule 1800.3910, Subp. 5(B).
When you apply for the PSS Exam, you must provide evidence that you meet the qualifying experience requirements. Qualifying experience consists of varied, progressive, nonrepetitive, practical experience in soil science and must be verified by a licensed geologist or soil scientist or by a licensed professional engineer who has qualified education and experience in the soil science discipline. See MN Rule 1800.3910 Subp 6 for details.
How much experience you need depends upon the type of education you earned. See MN Rule 1800.3910 Subp. 3(B) for details. Use the Experience Reference form, which is part of the PSS Application Form packet to document your experience. You must customize and send a copy to every supervisor verifying your experience. The completed form must be sent by the supervisor directly to the Board.
In most instances, applicants must first pass the FSS Exam and then the PSS to be considered for licensure. Both exams are developed by the Council of Soil Science Examiners (CSSE), a committee of the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).
If you have not yet passed the FSS exam, register directly with CSSE (no Board application required). Contact CSSE for all registration details.
To register for the PSS exam and approval for licensure, use the Board application below:
Practice of Soil Science (PSS) Exam Application
The FSS and PSS exams are computer-based and administered by remote proctoring for the exam administrator, CSSE/SSSA.
PSS Exam Window | Board Application Deadline | CSSE Exam Registration Window |
---|---|---|
02/05/2025 – 02/19/2025 | CLOSED | N/A |
04/02/2025 – 04/16/2025 | 01/30/2025 | 02/26/2025 – 03/24/2025 |
08/06/2025 – 08/20/2025 | 06/06/2025 | 07/02/2025 – 07/28/2025 |
11/05/2025 – 11/19/2025 | 09/05/2025 | 10/01/2025 – 10/27/2025 |
Exam | Board Application Fee | CSSE Exam Fee |
---|---|---|
PSS | $75 | Contact CSSE |
If you registered with CSSE as a Minnesota candidate and want a Soil Scientist-In-Training (SSIT) number, complete the online application at the top of this page.
If you have completed your required experience and education , you can apply to sit for the PSS Exam.
Once you pass the PSS exam, you will be instructed by mail how to apply for your license. The license fee is $120.
Note: You are not licensed and cannot practice or hold out as licensed until the Board processes your license.
Regardless of when obtained, your license expires June 30th of every even-numbered year.
Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design (AELSLAGID)
85 E. 7th Place Suite 160, St. Paul MN 55101 USA
8:00 am–4:30 pm, Monday-Friday
(651) 296-2388
TTY (800) 627-3529
aelslagid@state.mn.us
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