Top 11 Hydrologist Certifications

Certifications are important for a hydrologist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in their area of specialty. Certification is a way to show employers that you have the experience and qualifications necessary to perform the job effectively. Certifications also provide evidence that an individual has taken the time to learn about their field, which can give them an edge over other applicants. Additionally, certifications can help hydrologists stand out from other applicants with similar levels of experience. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.

The purpose of the article is to review some of the top certifications for Hydrologists and explain how they can contribute to a hydrologist's career, so that they can make informed decisions about their professional development.

What are Hydrologist Certifications?

Hydrologist certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of hydrology. Hydrologists are professionals who specialize in the study of water and its movement, distribution, and quality. This certification ensures that individuals have met certain standards of competency and education in their field, as set forth by the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH). It also serves to provide recognition for those who demonstrate proficiency in this area.

Having hydrologist certification can be beneficial to both employers and potential employees alike. Employers can be assured that any individual with this certification has received proper training and has been tested on their knowledge of the subject matter. Individuals with hydrologist certification can stand out from other applicants when seeking employment, as it shows they have taken initiative to become proficient in their chosen profession. Furthermore, having this certification may open up more opportunities for advancement or higher-level positions within an organization. Finally, being certified can provide assurance to employers that these individuals will be able to handle complex tasks associated with water management or related fields.

Pro Tip: When considering hydrologist certification, make sure to research the requirements for each certifying body and understand what type of experience is needed to obtain a certification. Additionally, look into any additional continuing education courses or seminars you may need to maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Hydrologist do?

Top 11 Hydrologist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Hydrologists today.

1. Certified Hydrologist (CH)

A Certified Hydrologist (CH) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of hydrology. The certification is granted by the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of hydrology.

To become a Certified Hydrologist, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, as well as pass an examination administered by AIH. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in hydrology or related field and have at least five years of professional experience in hydrology-related activities. In addition, applicants must demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in various areas including water resources management, surface water hydrology, groundwater hydrology, and environmental/ecological hydrology.

The process to become a Certified Hydrologist typically takes 6-12 months from start to finish. After submitting an application to AIH, applicants will be required to complete an online course covering topics such as water resources management, surface water hydrology, groundwater hydrology, and environmental/ecological hydrology. Once the course is completed successfully, applicants must then take the AIH certification exam which consists of multiple choice questions based on the material covered in the course.

The cost for becoming a Certified Hydrologist varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or through your employer. For individuals applying independently, there is an application fee of $150 plus additional fees for taking the online course and certification exam which range from $200-$400 depending on location. Employers may also apply for group certifications which can reduce costs significantly.

2. Certified Professional Hydrologist (CPH)

Certified Professional Hydrologist (CPH) is a professional certification program offered by the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of hydrology. The CPH certification is based on a combination of education, experience, and performance on an examination.

To become certified as a CPH, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having at least five years of professional experience in hydrology or related fields, possessing a bachelor’s degree in hydrology or related field from an accredited university, and passing the AIH CPH Examination. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hydrologic processes, water resources management, and environmental regulations.

The cost for taking the exam is $350 USD. The AIH also offers study materials to help prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application to be approved by the AIH Board of Directors before they can receive their CPH certification.

The CPH certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years with continuing education credits earned through attending conferences or workshops related to hydrology.

3. Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)

Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program administered by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). The CFM program provides recognition to individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of floodplain management principles and practices. It is designed to ensure that those who are responsible for managing floodplains have the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to do so effectively.

To become a Certified Floodplain Manager, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having a minimum of three years of experience in the field, completing an approved training course, passing an exam, and maintaining continuing education credits. The application process typically takes between two and four months to complete.

The cost of becoming a Certified Floodplain Manager varies depending on the state or region you are applying from. Generally speaking, applicants can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$500 for their application fee plus any additional fees associated with their training course or exam.

4. Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ)

Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ) is a certification program offered by the National Environmental, Safety and Health Training Association (NESHTA). The program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand stormwater quality issues and develop effective solutions. The CPSWQ certification emphasizes the importance of understanding stormwater quality issues, developing best management practices for stormwater runoff, and implementing pollution prevention strategies.

The CPSWQ certification requires completion of a two-day training course followed by an exam. The course covers topics such as water quality regulations, stormwater monitoring, best management practices for stormwater runoff, and pollution prevention strategies. Upon successful completion of the training course and exam, individuals are awarded their CPSWQ certification.

To get your CPSWQ certification you must complete the two-day training course offered by NESHTA. The cost of the training course varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. After completing the training course you must pass an exam in order to receive your CPSWQ certification. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that test your knowledge of stormwater quality issues and best management practices. Once you have passed the exam you will be awarded your CPSWQ certification.

The cost of taking the exam is approximately $200 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. It typically takes about one week to receive your results after taking the exam.

5. Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC)

Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of erosion and sediment control. The CPESC certification is administered by the International Erosion Control Association (IECA).

The CPESC certification requires applicants to demonstrate a level of competency in the principles, practices, regulations, and techniques associated with erosion and sediment control. In order to become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as hydrology, soils, vegetation management, stormwater management, regulatory compliance, construction site best management practices (BMPs), and more.

It typically takes 4-6 months for an individual to prepare for the CPESC exam. This includes completing a pre-qualification application form, studying for the exam using IECA’s recommended study materials, attending review sessions or workshops offered by IECA chapters or other organizations, and taking practice exams.

In order to take the CPESC exam, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of education/training/experience in erosion and sediment control. The application fee is $295 USD for members of IECA ($395 USD for non-members). The exam fee is $195 USD for members ($295 USD for non-members).

6. Certified Water Resources Specialist (CWRS)

Certified Water Resources Specialist (CWRS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of water resources management. The certification is offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of safe drinking water.

To become certified, applicants must meet specific educational and experience requirements, as well as pass a comprehensive exam. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as engineering, hydrology or environmental science; or five years of relevant work experience in water resources management.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as water resource planning and management, hydrology, hydraulics, public health and safety, economics and finance, law and regulations, operations and maintenance, and communication. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

The cost for the CWRS certification program is $595 for AWWA members or $695 for non-members. This fee includes access to online study materials, registration for the exam and one year of membership with AWWA.

7. American Institute of Hydrology Certification (AIH-CERT)

The American Institute of Hydrology Certification (AIH-CERT) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of hydrology. The AIH-CERT is designed to provide a standard of excellence for those working in the hydrologic sciences and to promote professionalism, integrity, and ethical practices.

To become certified, an individual must meet certain criteria and pass an examination administered by the American Institute of Hydrology. The exam consists of two parts: a written section covering topics such as hydrological processes, water resources management, and watershed management; and a practical section which tests the applicant's ability to apply hydrological principles to real-world problems.

It typically takes about six months to complete the process from application to certification. To obtain AIH-CERT certification, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or diplomas from accredited universities or colleges. Applicants must also pass both parts of the examination with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for AIH-CERT certification varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or through an organization. For individuals, the fee is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes. For organizations, there is an additional fee for each member being certified which ranges from $50 USD to $200 USD depending on how many members are being certified at once.

8. Certified Groundwater Modeler (CGW-CERT)

Certified Groundwater Modeler (CGW-CERT) is a certification program offered by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA). The program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the use of groundwater modeling software.

The CGW-CERT program requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of groundwater modeling principles, processes, and software applications. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also submit proof of at least two years of experience using groundwater modeling software.

To obtain the CGW-CERT certification, applicants must first register for the exam and pay a fee of $250 USD. Once registered, applicants can take the exam at any NGWA-approved testing center. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CGW-CERT certificate within four to six weeks.

The CGW-CERT certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking a refresher course or re-taking the exam.

9. Certified Water Resources Engineer (CWRE-CERT)

Certified Water Resources Engineer (CWRE-CERT) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE). The CWRE-CERT program is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of water resources engineers. It is intended to provide assurance that individuals certified as CWREs have met rigorous standards for professional practice in water resources engineering.

To become a Certified Water Resources Engineer, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering from an ABET accredited university;
• Have at least four years of relevant experience in water resources engineering;
• Have passed the AAWRE Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam;
• Pass the AAWRE Certified Water Resources Engineer exam.

The process typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete. The cost of obtaining the certification varies depending on whether you are taking the FE exam and/or the CWRE exam. The fee for taking both exams is $1,000 USD.

10. American Society of Civil Engineers – Water Resources Engineer Certification (ASCE-WRECERT)

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Water Resources Engineer Certification (ASCE-WRECERT) is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise of individuals in the field of water resources engineering. This certification is intended to demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge and skills required to practice in this field.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for ASCE-WRECERT. To get certified, individuals must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, and stormwater management. After passing the exam, applicants must then submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience and knowledge in the water resources engineering field. The portfolio should include examples of projects completed as well as any research papers or publications related to water resources engineering.

The cost for ASCE-WRECERT varies depending on how many years’ worth of experience an applicant has in the field. For those with up to two years’ experience, it costs $150; for those with three to five years’ experience, it costs $250; and for those with more than five years’ experience, it costs $350.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their certification from ASCE. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing education courses or taking additional exams.

11. Institute of Hazardous Materials Management – Hydrogeologist Certification Program (IHMM-HCert).

The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) Hydrogeologist Certification Program (IHMM-HCert) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of hydrogeologists who work in the field of hazardous materials management. The program is designed to help ensure that hydrogeologists have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage hazardous materials.

The IHMM-HCert program requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as hydrology, geology, chemistry, toxicology, environmental law and regulations, risk assessment, and hazardous material management. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in a practical setting by completing a portfolio project. The exam and portfolio project must be completed within 18 months of starting the program.

To get certified through the IHMM-HCert program, applicants must first submit an application along with proof of education credentials and experience in hazardous materials management or related fields. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to study materials and instructions on how to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam and completing the portfolio project, applicants are eligible for certification as a Hydrogeologist Certified Professional (HCP).

The cost for the IHMM-HCert program varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or as part of a group. For individuals, it costs $750 to apply plus $400 for each year of participation in the program. For groups, it costs $1,500 to apply plus $400 per person per year for up to five people in a group.

Do You Really Need a Hydrologist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career aspirations. For some, a hydrologist certificate is not necessary, as it can be difficult to obtain and may not be necessary for certain jobs. However, for others, the certificate can provide valuable credentials that open up more opportunities in the field of hydrology.

A hydrologist is someone who studies water and its movement across the landscape. This includes understanding how water affects ecosystems, how climate change impacts water resources, and how to manage water resources in an efficient manner. A hydrologist certificate indicates that an individual has obtained advanced knowledge in this field through coursework or hands-on experience.

For those interested in pursuing a career as a professional hydrologist, obtaining a certificate can help demonstrate their commitment to the profession and give them an edge when applying for jobs. It also shows employers that they have taken the time to learn about their profession and are knowledgeable about the latest developments in the field. Additionally, having a certificate can make an individual more competitive when seeking promotions or higher-level positions within their organization.

On the other hand, if someone is only looking for general knowledge about water resources or does not plan on pursuing a career as a professional hydrologist, then it may not be necessary for them to obtain a hydrologist certificate. There are many books and online courses available that could provide adequate background knowledge without needing to go through formal certification programs.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide if they need or would benefit from obtaining a hydrologist certificate based on their own goals and interests.

Related: Hydrologist Resume Examples

FAQs About Hydrologist Certifications

1. What is a hydrologist certification?

Answer: A hydrologist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of hydrology. It is awarded by organizations such as the American Institute of Hydrology, the National Ground Water Association, and the International Association of Hydrogeologists.

2. What are the requirements for becoming certified?

Answer: The requirements for becoming certified vary depending on which organization you are applying through, but typically include having a Bachelor's degree in hydrology or related field, completing a specific number of hours of on-the-job training, and passing an examination.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified also varies depending on which organization you are applying through, but typically ranges from six months to two years.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining certification?

Answer: Yes, most organizations require that certified hydrologists participate in ongoing professional development activities such as attending conferences or taking courses in order to maintain their credentials.

5. How much does it cost to become certified?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified also varies depending on which organization you are applying through, but typically ranges from $300-$1,000 USD.