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How to become a licensed soil scientist in Tennessee. No state licensure required. Experience: 3 years. Total initial fees: $0. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Soil Scientist — CSS/PSS
Governing Authority
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
No
License Required
Voluntary
ARCPACS/SSSA Cert
3 yrs
Experience Years
In Scope
Wetland Delineation
None
CE Hours
$0
Total Initial Fees
Degree & Coursework Requirements
VerifiedBachelor's Required
Required
Degree Field
Bachelor's degree in soil science, agronomy, earth science, or a closely related natural science field with significant coursework in soil science
Graduate Degree
A graduate degree (MS or PhD) in soil science or a related field is accepted; SSSA CPSS requires a bachelor's minimum with 5 years of experience
Required Coursework
Required coursework typically includes pedology, soil morphology, soil chemistry, soil physics, soil fertility, soil classification, and hydric soils; most licensing states require 15+ semester hours in soil science
Soil scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in soil science, agronomy, earth science, or a related natural science. Programs should include significant coursework in pedology, soil morphology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil classification. A graduate degree may reduce experience requirements in some states.
Professional Certification Requirements
VerifiedARCPACS Required
Not Required
SSSA Certification
Not Accepted
Exam
SSSA CPSS certification examination (voluntary)
Maintenance
SSSA CPSS certification requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years for maintenance
The American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy, Crops, and Soils (ARCPACS), now administered by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), provides the primary national certification for soil scientists. SSSA offers the Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) credential. Many licensing states accept or require ARCPACS/SSSA certification as part of the licensure process.
Professional Experience
Verified3 Years
Years Required
Professional experience in soil mapping, classification, interpretation, investigation, or evaluation; SSSA CPSS requires 5 years of qualifying soils experience
Qualifying Experience
SSSA CPSS requires 5 years of professional soil science experience with a bachelor's degree; no state-specific experience requirements in Tennessee
Supervised Experience
Professional experience requirements for soil scientists typically range from 3 to 5 years depending on the state. Qualifying experience includes soil mapping, classification, interpretation, investigation, and evaluation. A graduate degree may reduce the required years of experience by 1-2 years in some jurisdictions. At least a portion of the experience must be under supervision of a qualified soil scientist.
State Licensure Requirements
VerifiedNot Required
State Licensure
No state licensure required; SSSA CPSS/ARCPACS certification voluntary
License Title
Approximately 15 states require licensure or certification for soil scientists. In states without licensure requirements, soil scientists may still practice but often obtain ARCPACS/SSSA certification for professional credibility. The specific credential title varies by state (CSS, PSS, PSC, SE, or PG-SS).
Practice Areas & Authority
VerifiedSoil Mapping
In Scope
Wetland Delineation
In Scope
Septic Design
Soil evaluation for septic systems may be performed; some jurisdictions may require additional certification
Environmental Assessment
Environmental site assessment including soil contamination evaluation, soil remediation planning, and environmental impact analysis
Land Use Planning
Soil-based land use planning including agricultural suitability assessment, development feasibility, stormwater management, and conservation planning
Erosion Control
Erosion and sediment control planning including construction site soil management, vegetative stabilization, and post-construction best management practices
Soil scientists provide expertise in soil mapping and classification, wetland delineation, septic system site evaluation, environmental site assessment, land use planning, and erosion control. The specific scope of practice varies by state and may overlap with other licensed professions such as geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $0 |
License Fee | $0 |
Renewal Fee | $0 |
Total Initial Fees No state licensing fees; SSSA CPSS certification fees are approximately $400 (application + exam) | $0 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedN/A
Renewal Period
None
CE Hours Required
$0
Renewal Fee
CE Details
No state CE requirements; SSSA CPSS certification maintenance requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years
Soil scientist licenses must be renewed on schedule with the governing authority. Continuing education requirements vary by state, typically ranging from 10-24 hours per renewal period. Some states require specific topics such as soil science advances, environmental regulations, or wetland science. Maintaining SSSA certification may also require ongoing professional development.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
N/A
Reciprocity Requirements
States with soil scientist licensure may offer reciprocity or endorsement for practitioners holding licenses in other states. ARCPACS/SSSA certification is nationally recognized and portable across all states, providing a baseline of professional credibility regardless of state licensure requirements.
Tennessee does not require state licensure specifically for soil scientists. The state regulates related environmental and soil evaluation activities through the Department of Environment and Conservation.
Tennessee does not require state licensure for soil scientists.
SSSA CPSS certification is voluntary but strongly recommended for professional credibility.
A bachelor's degree in soil science or a related field is the standard educational requirement.
SSSA CPSS requires 5 years of professional experience and 15 semester hours of soils coursework.
Soil scientists may still be subject to related regulatory requirements for specific activities (e.g., septic evaluations, wetland delineation).
Wetland delineation is commonly practiced by soil scientists in this state.
There is no interstate compact for soil scientists. Only approximately 5-8 states license soil scientists.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Tennessee.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#3 of 51
Salary
#36 of 51
Cost
#1 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Soil and Plant Scientists (SOC 19-1013)
Entry Level
$40,440
25th percentile
Median
$63,420
-11% vs. national avg ($71,410)Experienced
$77,940
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
260 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Soil and Plant Scientists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+5.8%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+1,100
over 10 years
Annual Openings
2,100
per year (avg.)
18,900 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Estimated total: 370–386 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation — Licensing Requirements
Study materials for soil science certification exams.
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Tennessee does not require state licensure for soil scientists, but SSSA certification is recommended. 3 years of experience are required. All licensing is managed through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.