Membership Categories
Professional Hydrologist (Certified)
The Professional Hydrologist certification is conferred by AIH on professionals who demonstrate competence in the field of hydrology and commit themselves to a certain ethical conduct. Interested individuals are required to provide evidence through an application submitted to AIH that they meet the minimum education, personal integrity, and experience requirements, and have passed the appropriate examination(s) administered by AIH. Once certified by AIH as a Professional Hydrologist, such members can represent themselves as Certified Professional Hydrologists and include their area of specialization (Surface Water, Groundwater, Water Quality).
Annual Cost: $150
Education: Five semester or 8 quarter hours in Chemistry and Physics and Calculus. An additional 25 semester or 37 quarter hours in Hydrology coursework of which at least 10 semester or 15 quarter hours come from Hydrology courses; 10 semester or 15 quarter hours come from Hydrology Allied courses; and 5 semester or 7 quarter hours come from Hydrology Supplemental courses (courses categories are found in this attached PDF form).
Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of experience having significant responsibility and experience in hydrology after the award of a Bachelor’s degree, or four (4) years after the award of a Master’s degree, or three (3) years after the award of a Doctoral degree.
Examination: The applicant must pass both examination Part I (Hydrology Fundamentals) and Part II (Specific Discipline—Practical) with a minimum score of 70%.
Application Fee: $100 (This covers the Institute’s cost to process and review application.)
Examination Fee: Part I exam is $200 and Part II Exam is $250. Both Parts I and II may be paid for at the same time discounting the total fee to $300. Examination may be waived at the discretion of the Board of Registration and Executive Committee.
Initial Certificate Fee: $35
Annual Dues: $150 (first year is pro-rated)
Hydrologic Technician (Certified)
The Hydrologic Technician has an emphasis on hands-on knowledge and field experience. The certification is conferred by AIH on professionals who demonstrate, through an application submitted to AIH, that they meet the minimum education, personal integrity, and experience requirements and have passed the appropriate examination(s) administered by AIH. Once certified, certified Hydrologic Technicians may represent themselves as HT I, HT II, or HT III reflecting their level of certification.
Annual Cost: $90
Hydrologic Technicians at all levels work closely with Project Professionals, usually a certified Professional Hydrologist, a Professional Engineer, or Professional Hydrogeologist in planning and conducting their project activities. The value of the Hydrologic Technician to the hydrology profession is demonstrated everyday as they collect data in all weather conditions and environments, ensure representative procedures are used, ensure the proper collection of more uniform and reliable data, and follow proper quality assurance procedures.
Individual applicants who have one year practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior level hydrologic technician, or have an Associate or Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum of 12 hours of water related coursework will qualify for certification under level one of the Hydrologic Technician Certification Program. Individuals with progressively more experience and education can qualify for additional levels of certification within the specific fields of surface-water, ground-water, and water quality.
Education: Level I—no educational requirement with experience; Level II—must have at least 12 continuing education credits, coursework, or training certificates that show progressive learning in the area of field hydrology; Level III—must have 24 continuing education credits, coursework, or training certificates that show progressive learning in the area of field hydrology. Education will be subjectively reviewed by the board of registration for content related to the area of field hydrology. Training in first aid, boat and water safety, and HAZWOPER count toward the total requirement.
Experience: Level I—one year practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior-level hydrologic technician; Level II—five years of practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior-level hydrologic technician; Level III—twelve years of practical experience under the supervision of a professional hydrologist or senior-level hydrologic technician.
Examination: All Levels of certification must pass a 100 question multiple choice test with a minimum score of 70%.
Letters of Reference: All applicants are required to submit with their application, or have sent separately, at least three letters from supervisors and peers in the industry that can validate their qualifications for the specified Level of certification.
Application Fee: $50 (This covers the Institute’s cost to process and review application.)
Examination Fee: $200– Examination may be waived at the discretion of the Board of Registration and Executive Committee.
Initial Certificate Fee: $25
Annual Dues: $90 (first year is pro-rated)
Hydrologist-In-Training
The Hydrologist-In-Training (HIT) membership is for new college graduates who have passed the Fundamentals Examination. HIT members remain in status until they have met the required minimum years experience and have successfully passed the Principles and Practice Examination. An HIT member has all the same benefits as the other member categories; however, an HIT cannot represent him/herself as a certified Hydrologist.
Annual Cost: $100
Student
AIH recognizes that students are the future of the hydrologic sciences. A Student Member is a person who is enrolled in a full-time curriculum pursuing a degree in hydrology, earth sciences, and engineering. Endorsement by a faculty member of the institution that will grant the degree is required attesting to student status and that the student’s degree plan includes hydrologic subjects. Student membership is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
By joining AIH, you will have the opportunity to:
- Interact with fellow hydrologists. Network with other professionals in your field for mentoring, sharing project ideas and research, and career advice.
- Engage with the AIH Bulletin. Access the most current topics and news related to hydrology, or submit your own articles for consideration.
- Benefit from career services. Use our platform to search for jobs all over the U.S.
- Participate in free professional webinars.
- Take the first step towards a professional certification in hydrology.
- Represent AIH at conferences.
Become a student member for only $20/year.
Emeritus
This is a category for members who have maintained active member status for 15 years and are now retired to an inactive status. Emeritus members maintain their certification but it is assumed they no longer generate an income through the practice of applied hydrology. Emeritus status may be arranged by contacting the AIH office at admin@aihydrology.org.
Annual Cost: $50