Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Must I become certified?
A: No. As stated in the plan for certification, certification is
voluntary. The BWSR has reaffirmed that point. Although BWSR staff
involved with the Wetland Conservation Act will become certified,
local government staff will not be required by BWSR to become certified.
We hope, however, that the benefits of certification will be realized
and they, too, will become certified.
Q:I completed a five-day wetland delineation course and
received a certificate of completion. Will this certificate suffice
as being “certified”?
A: No. As stated in the plan for certification, relevant experience
and either a delineation course, broad coursework or a four-year
degree is needed before the exam can be taken. A course completion
certificate or other proof that these requirements have been met
may be part of the documentation requirements necessary to register
for the certification exam.
Q: The delineation course I completed concerned the 1989
Interagency Manual. Do I need to take a course involving the 1987
CORPS Manual to qualify for the exam?
A: No. There are enough similarities between the two methodologies,
and the NFSAM (National Food Security Act of the USDA), to accept
all three courses as meeting the training requirement. There are
a few differences, however, and this certification involves the
1987 CORPS Manual.
Q: What does it take to become certified and how much does
it cost?
A: An application for certification is posted on this website under
Exam Registration .
Procedures follow:
1) The completed application must be returned to the UM at the
address listed on the bottom of the application. Please note: If
documentation to support the application is needed, we will request
it. Do not send documentation with the application!
2) If the applicant complies with requirements stated on the amended
plan, a letter will be sent requesting payment of the certification
fee and a preference of testing locations. A letter may also be
sent requesting more information or denying the application for
certification.
3) The fee to take the exam is $200.00. If the exam must be retaken,
the examination fee is reduced to $100.00 for each of up to two
additional tries. After three unsuccessful attempts, the applicant
must wait one year from the date of the third unsuccessful attempt
to retake the exam.
4) A letter acknowledging receipt of payment, location of testing
site and other information will be sent.
5) After completion of the exam, a letter will be sent to all applicants.
Successful applicants will be asked to submit $75, the certification
fee, which will be an annual cost.
6) The University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water and Climate
will issue a wallet-sized card indicating “Minnesota Certified
Wetland Delineator”.
7) Continuing education requirements apply as stated on the amended
plan to certify wetland delineators in Minnesota. (More information
regarding this will be posted as it becomes available)
Q: What is the rationale for the cost of the exam and certification
fee?
A: The program must be self-supporting. Start-up costs, including
test development, are significant. Revenue that exceeds expenses
will be used to support continuing education and other delineation
related courses and seminars sponsored by the UM beginning in 2006.
Q: When can applications be submitted?
A: Applications can be submitted at anytime. Once your application
has been accepted you are then able to register for the exam date/location
of your choice.
Q: If I should fail my exam, will I be able to go over the exam or the questions I missed in order to improve my score next time?
A: No. Due to the nature of the exam we are not able to let you view the actual exam questions. The reason is due to the fact that we do not have an unlimited amount of questions we can ask. Also, if we let participants view the exam or actual exam questions there is a possibility of the material becoming known to the public; therefor, aiding in passing grades without knowing the material. Our goal is to uphold the integrity of the exam and ensure the certification is significant and just to the people who have chosen to become certified.
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