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Professional License Review Act in 2025
Geologists Listening Session
November 7, 2024
The Department of Licensing (DOL) would like to invite you to participate in a virtual listening session to assist us in complying with the 2023 Professional License Review Act and your professional license.
The intent of the listening session will be to gather feedback on any barriers or concerns facing licensees when getting licensed, why it is working as is, and hear from larger organizations related to the profession.
These sessions will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. We have included the meeting date, time, and link information. We hope to see you there!
Geologists Listening Session
DATE: December 17, 2024
TIME: 11:00am – 12:00pm
DURATION: 60 minutes
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 270 836 821 365
Passcode: A25Db7
Dial in by phone
+1 564-999-2000,,306424021# United States, Olympia
(833) 322-1218,,306424021# United States (Toll-free)
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 350 008 868#
What is the professional license review act?
The 2023 Professional License Review Act requires the Department of Licensing (DOL) to submit an annual report reviewing 10 percent of our professional and business licenses. It is recognized by the legislature that:
“Requirements, such as educational requirements, fees, and training hours, which an individual must fulfill before receiving a license to practice in a profession, can create barriers to an individual's upward mobility and freedom to pursue their profession of choice.”
Why is DOL holding listening sessions?
It is the intention of this listening session to hear from our licensees about any barriers they may face to licensure, so that future recommendations may be made,
“To ensure that the rights and well-being of current and future practitioners of the profession be given full protection from unnecessary regulatory burden and that regulations meant to safeguard public health and safety are still warranted.”
DOL has also sent an initial awareness email to license holders of identified professions under review, following the professional license review act compliance. The email content is copied below for your convenience. We highly encourage you to sign up to receive communications via DOL listserv for your profession.
Professional License Review Act in 2025
Auctioneers, Geologists, Tattoos, Body Piercing, Body Art, and Permanent Cosmetics
November 7, 2024
What is the professional license review act?
The 2023 Professional License Review Act requires the Department of Licensing (DOL) to: “annually review and analyze approximately 10 percent of the professional licenses regulated by the department and prepare and submit an annual report”. This process will provide a review of all business and professional licenses in 10-year cycles.
What professions are being reviewed?
For the 2025 reporting cycle, DOL will be reviewing the following professions:
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Auctioneers
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Geologists
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Tattoos, Body Piercing, Body Art, and Permanent Cosmetics
What are we doing?
DOL is beginning the review of the indicated professions, which includes stakeholder outreach. This notification is serving as a beginning awareness of the review. We will send further communications as needed. For the detailed requirements of the review, please read HB 1301 “Professional License Review”.
When will these changes be implemented?
The research and planning for the report are currently being conducted. The report is due to the legislature August 31, 2025.
What’s next?
Licensees should expect minimal to no impact while DOL conducts the review. As stated, further communications will be provided as needed.
Once complete, the report will be made available to the public on the Department of Licensing Reports to the legislature webpage starting in late 2025.
Questions?
Please direct any questions or concerns to: DOL-BPDPLRA@dol.wa.gov
New resource for the Fundamentals of Geology exam
September 24, 2023
If you're getting ready to take the Fundamentals of Geology (FG) exam, there's a new resource for you! The National Association of the State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) has a new online course to help you prepare. The course provides an overview of topics tied to the FG exam, as well as interactive quizzes.
Licensed academic professional geologists from across the nation developed the 8-hour modular program. You'll have the flexibility to select 1 of 3 course packages to best suit your needs.
You can find more information on the ASBOG website.
To get the latest updates and rule changes, sign up to get email updates below.