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.
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.
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.

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):

   1. (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.
   2. (b) Successful completion of a college or university course in the area of hydrology, natural sciences, environmental sciences, or ethics.
   3. (c) Successful completion of professional hydrology, natural science, or environmental science courses or activities offering contact hours on those topics.
   4. (d) Active participation and successful completion of professional hydrology, natural science, or environmental science programs, seminars, tutorials, workshops, short courses, or in-house courses.
   5. (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.
   6. (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.
   7. (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.
   8. (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.

History

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