Soil Survey and Land Evaluation is a specialty of Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) accreditation.
This specialty is recognised in abbreviated form as CPSS-SSLE.
A person who holds CPSS-SSLE accreditation is deemed to have the broad soil science knowledge required to gain CPSS, as well as specialist expertise in soil survey.
A soil surveyor undertakes the systematic examination, description and delineation of the distribution of soils and evaluates soil and landscape characteristics for a range of potential land uses.
Soil survey and land evaluation is used across many land-based industries such as agriculture and in particular, industries where land may to be impacted by disturbance such as transport, pipelines, cables and other infrastructure projects, as well as urban developments, solar farms and mining projects.
Often State regulatory guidelines specifically state that surveys as above must be undertaken by a suitably qualified professional.
All Certified Professional Soil Scientists, including those who hold SSLE, maintain their professional skills and competencies through ongoing professional development that keeps them up to date with recent scientific and technological advances. In addition, they commit to uphold a Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct as part of their accreditation.
Once successfully accredited, CPSS-SSLE applicants may use the post nominals after their name. They will receive an e-certificate and e-seal and can use the seal with their signature in email and other correspondence, and on business cards and printed stationery.
CPSS-SSLE accreditation is available to members and non-members. (Find out more about Soil Science Australia membership).
All applications are confidential.
Information about accreditation fees can be found here.
If successful, applicants will pay the remainder of the annual CPSS fee and your contact details will be added to the “Find a CPSS” page.
CPSS-SSLE regularly demonstrate they have gained sufficient professional development hours to ensure their professional skills and competencies continue to develop in line with recent scientific and technological advances.
CPSS-SSLE are required to provide evidence of 50 hours of ongoing professional development every two years with at least half the hours directly related to the Standards.
Soil Science Australia is the national soil science body and a not-for-profit professional incorporated association for soil scientists and people interested in the responsible management of Australia’s soil resources.
