Soil Science Firm License
Learn about licensure requirements for soil science firms in all 50 states.
How to Start or Expand a Soil Science Firm
Soil science firms study the upper meters of the Earth’s crust in terms of its physical and chemical properties. Running a soil science firm is inherently complex, so owners of firms need to ensure they abide by state and local requirements when registering and expanding their businesses. Requirements revolve around the business registration and licensing process and continuing education.
Business Registration
The process to register your business will depend on your state’s requirements. In general, you will go through the following steps:
- Research your state’s business registration and licensing requirements.
- Choose your business name and entity structure.
- Obtain a federal tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Service and register with the Secretary of State.
- Obtain necessary types of insurance, including general liability, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation.
- Research license and registration renewal requirements and prepare to keep your business compliant.
If you are concerned about managing the business registration process on your own, you can seek guidance from the business licensing experts at Harbor Compliance. With our professional licensing services, we offer full support through all of the stages of the corporate life cycle and can provide access to expert software insights. We make preparing and filing applications easy and handle communication with government agencies on your behalf. With our software, you can track your registration status, license numbers, filing history, fees, and renewals 24/7.
State Licensure
Licensing requirements for soil science firms vary by state. It is essential to verify the process in your state to ensure you are prepared every step of the way. You will likely need to gather all relevant documentation, including financial statements, proof of a commercial activity license, a business plan, and more. You will also need to appoint a registered agent to receive notices of lawsuits and other legal or government notices. To manage those tasks more efficiently, Harbor Compliance offers licensing management software and managed services to help simplify the application process, allowing you to focus on other aspects of running your business.
Continuing Education
Some states require continuing education credits in engineering throughout the years you operate a business. This ensures business owners and employees keep up with new regulations, engineering methods, and more. The amount of training required and frequency varies by state.
Maintaining and Renewing Licensure as a Soil Science Firm
No matter what stage you are in with your business, you need to maintain your license’s status. Most states and cities require licenses to be renewed annually or biennially. Renewal ensures your business complies with all state and local regulations. Renewal fees vary, so it is a good idea to be aware of what you may owe to keep your business in good standing.
If you are currently operating a soil science firm and are looking to outsource your maintenance and renewal duties, Harbor Compliance can help. Harbor Compliance License Manager helps engineering professionals maintain their licenses by automating repetitive tasks such as tracking renewals and compliance deadlines. Through License Manager, you can also access LicenseIQ™ – our extensive, proprietary database of nationwide licensing requirements – to research the requirements for the states in which you work. Contact our licensing experts today to learn more.
Explore Licensing by State
Click on a link below to view licensing information in your state.
Design Firm - Engineering firm registration is sometimes grouped with architecture and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.
EI (Engineering Intern) - A term also used to describe an Engineer in Training.
EIT (Engineer in Training) - A professional designation granted upon having completed at least 3 years of school at an ABET-accredited university and having passed the FE exam.
FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) - An exam testing on basic engineering principles that is required to become an engineer in training.
PE (Professional Engineer or 'Principles and Practice in Engineering') - Means either Professional Engineer or refers to the Principles and Practice in Engineering exam that is a prerequisite for an engineering license.
Reciprocity - When a licensed engineer in one state can provide documentation (often an NCEES Record) to more easily apply for a license in another jurisdiction.
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Accrediting board that sets standards for university programs in a variety of applied science disciplines.
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
Engineering, architecture, and land surveying advocacy group.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Organization that provides continuing education, professional conferences, and advocacy efforts to the civil engineering community.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Mechanical engineering organization that focuses on education and professional development.
Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)
Reviews accreditation requirements and makes final decisions regarding the accreditation process.
National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying (NCEES)
Develops, administers, and scores the exams used for engineering licenses.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
NSPE is an advocacy group for professional engineers.
