(225 ILCS 745/20)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2026)

Sec. 20. Exemptions. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to restrict the use of the title "geologist" or similar words by any person engaged in a practice of geology exempted under this Act, provided the person does not hold himself or herself out as being a Licensed Professional Geologist or does not practice professional geology in a manner requiring licensure under this Act. Performance of the following activities does not require licensure as a licensed professional geologist under this Act:

(a) The practice of professional geology by an employee or a subordinate of a licensee under this Act, provided the work does not include responsible charge of geological work and is performed under the direct supervision of a Licensed Professional Geologist who is responsible for the work.

(b) The practice of professional geology by officers and employees of the United States government within the scope of their employment.

(c) The practice of professional geology as geologic research to advance basic knowledge for the purpose of offering scientific papers, publications, or other presentations (i) before meetings of scientific societies, (ii) internal to a partnership, corporation, proprietorship, or government agency, or (iii) for publication in scientific journals, or in books.

(d) The teaching of geology in schools, colleges, or universities, as defined by rule.

(e) The practice of professional geology exclusively in the exploration for or development of energy resources or base, precious and nonprecious minerals, including sand, gravel, and aggregate, that does not require, by law, rule, or ordinance, the submission of reports, documents, or oral or written testimony to public agencies. Public agencies may, by law or by rule, allow required oral or written testimony, reports, permit applications, or other documents based on the science of geology to be submitted to them by persons not licensed under this Act. Unless otherwise required by State or federal law, public agencies may not require that the geology-based aspects of testimony, reports, permits, or other documents so exempted be reviewed by, approved, or otherwise certified by any person who is not a Licensed Professional Geologist. Licensure is not required for the submission and review of reports or documents or the provision of oral or written testimony made under the Well Abandonment Act, the Illinois Oil and Gas Act, the Surface Coal Mining Land Conservation and Reclamation Act, or the Surface-Mined Land Conservation and Reclamation Act.

(f) The practice of professional engineering as defined in the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

(g) The practice of structural engineering as defined in the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

(h) The practice of architecture as defined in the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989.

(i) The practice of land surveying as defined in the Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act of 1989.

(j) The practice of landscape architecture as defined in the Landscape Architecture Registration Act.

(k) The practice of professional geology for a period not to exceed 9 months by any person pursuing a course of study leading to a degree in geology from an accredited college or university, as set forth in this Act and as established by rule, provided that (i) such practice constitutes a part of a supervised course of study, (ii) the person is under the supervision of a geologist licensed under this Act or a teacher of geology at an accredited college or university, and (iii) the person is designated by a title that clearly indicates his or her status as a student or trainee.

(Source: P.A. 102-284, eff. 8-6-21.)