GEOLOGIC LICENSURE AND PRACTICE IN AN INTERNATIONAL SETTING

To practice geology as a professional overseas requires certain credentials and certifications that differ from those in the United States. The level of recognition depends on whether you are working independently as an individual or consultant or as an employee for a larger consulting firm. It also matters in what country your expertise is being put to practice and whether the scope of work is of sufficient level of complexity to warrant a license from a recognized governing body.

In general, most countries that were previously part of the British Commonwealth recognize accreditation as a Chartered Geologist. Most countries in Europe recognize licensure as a Professional Geologist. In the United States the Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) has reciprocity with the Geological Society of London for the Chartered Geologist status.

I will share some of my experiences working as a professional geologist in countries of Israel, New Zealand, Republic of the Philippines and United Arab Emirates and the special administrative region (SAR) of Hong Kong.