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American Institute of Professional Geologists

AIPG

Who We AreWhat We Stand For

How We Are OrganizedWhat We Do

Membership BenefitsPractical Value of the CPG Title

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AIPG- Who We Are• The AIPG was founded in 1963 for the

purposes of:

– Promoting the geological profession.

– Providing “Certification” for geologists in order to establish standards of excellence in the practice of the geological sciences.

• Currently, the AIPG is composed of over 5,500 members from all across the United States and from every geological discipline.

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What AIPG Stands For

• Specifically, the AIPG stands for the:

– Advancement of the geological sciences and of the geological profession.

– Promotion of the profession of geology in the eyes of the government and of the general public.

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AIPG – What We Stand ForProfessionalism and Credentials

• In addition, the AIPG also stands for the:

– Definition of the standards of professionalism as they pertain to geological practice.

– Certification of the credentials, experience and adherence to a code of ethics required of its membership.

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AIPG - The CPG Title

• The “Certified Professional Geologist” (CPG) title is the flagship of the institute.

• It is a testimony of:

– Academic credentials.– Professional practical experience.– Commitment to a code of professional

ethics.

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AIPG Membership

• AIPG members come from all disciplines across the entire spectrum of the geological sciences.

•Petroleum

•Environmental

•Teaching

•Engineering

•Research

•Hydrogeology

•Mining

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AIPG’s Organization

• The organization is composed of 36 individual state sections representing the entire geographical diversity of our great country.

• Representatives from these sections serve as part of the National Executive Committee.

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The National Executive CommitteeIt’s composed of the:

• President• Past President• President-Elect• Vice President• Secretary• Treasurer• Editor• Advisory Board

Representatives (4)

Administrative Support• Executive Director• Headquarters Staff

The National Executive Committee is composed of 7 elected officers, 4 elected advisory board representatives & is supported by the Institute’s Executive Director, and headquarters staff.

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AIPG – What We Do

• AIPG presents testimony and position papers to Federal and State legislators and agencies on matters affecting geologists and the geological profession.

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AIPG – What We Do

• Advocacy and Representation:– The AIPG provides support for its

members and intervenes with state and federal regulatory boards and agencies on behalf of individual geologists, at the individual’s request.

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AIPG- What We Do

• Publications:

– The AIPG publishes a quarterly magazine, “The Professional Geologist”, and a variety of publications for both the profession and the general public.

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AIPG’s International Recognition

• Through agreements with professional societies in other countries, AIPG provides its CPG members with access to professional certification and registration in those countries.

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AIPG’s Commitment to Students

• The AIPG recognizes that students in the geological sciences are the future of the organization.

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• A great commitment to student membership is evidenced by the sponsorship of individual students into the AIPG by professional members, by the establishment of student chapters at universities across the country and by the granting of selective scholarships to deserving students.

Commitment to Students

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• Bowling Green University• Central Michigan University• Colorado School of Mines• Columbus State University• Eastern Illinois University• Eastern Michigan University• Florida State University• Georgia Southwestern State

University• Georgia State University• James Madison University• Metropolitan State University

of Denver• Ohio State University

AIPG is proud of its Student Chapters at:

• Temple University• University of California - Davis • University of Georgia• University of Nevada-Reno• University of South Dakota• University of West Georgia• Wayne State University• Wright State University

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AIPG – Membership Benefits

• Benefits of membership include:

– Exposure to highly qualified professionals from all geological disciplines.

– The opportunity to network and establish valuable business contacts.

– The development of unique camaraderie and of lasting friendships.

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AIPG - Insurance Protection

• AIPG provides its members with access to professional liability insurance, as well as health, life, accident, car, home, and supplemental insurance.

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The American Institute of Professional Geologists

Practical Advantages of the CPG Title

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Practical Advantages of the CPG Title

• In practical terms, what can our CPG title holders do that our regular members can’t?

• By practical terms, we emphasize:

– Better possible job opportunities and compensation concerning the national (domestic) front.

– Better possible job opportunities and compensation in the international marketplace.

– The achievement of monetary savings.

– Additional national and international professional recognition.

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Better Possible Job Opportunities and Compensation Concerning the National Front

The CPG credential is recognized by the state of Alaska as an acceptable professional credential that allows those who hold it to practice as “Professional Geologists” in the state.

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Better Possible Job Opportunities and Compensation Concerning the National Front

Attorneys often value the CPG credential in “expert witness” work and litigation support, since they can equate it to technical expertise, experience and ethical practice. This is probably most valuable in those states where registration is not in place.

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AIPG’s Code of Ethics

• The AIPG code of ethics is recognized and valued by many potential employers and/or clients.

– The AIPG actively investigates allegations of misconduct by its members and publishes a summary of the results annually in its website.

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Better Possible Job Opportunities and Compensation in the International Marketplace

• The Australian Stock Exchange accepts the AIPG as a “ROPO” or “recognized overseas professional organization.”

– Australia recognizes AIPG CPG title holders as “Competent Persons” for Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) reporting. The JORC code is an internationally accepted mining standard.

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Better Possible Job Opportunities and Compensation in the International Marketplace

• The Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists (CCPG) accepts CPG title holders as “qualified persons” with the Canadian Securities Administration.

– The Canadian Securities Administration recognizes AIPG CPG title holders as qualified for the purposes of National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities and National Instruments 43-101 Mining Resource and Reserve Reporting.

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Better Possible Job Opportunities and Compensation in the International Marketplace

• Various international stock exchanges, such as Toronto, Sydney, etc.) recognize AIPG CPG title holders as “Qualified Persons”, capable of writing qualifying reports.

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Monetary Savings

• AIPG CPGs:

All AIPG Members receive discounts on:

• Registration for annual national meetings.

• Purchase of any AIPG publication.

• Purchase of any promotional item sold by the AIPG.

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Additional National and International Professional Recognition

• CPGs can apply for and obtain the title of:

– “European Geologist”, as recognized by the European Federation of Geologists (i.e., the “EFG” is currently composed of over 20 member countries and various other observer countries).

• In the future, this title may allow American geologists:

– A better opportunity to practice in Europe.

– To enjoy a greater degree of “portability” of professional credentials across countries belonging to the European Union.

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Additional National and International Professional Recognition

• CPGs can apply for and obtain the title of:

– “Chartered Geologist”, as recognized by “The Geological Society of London.”

• Similar professional recognition can be attained in Ireland.

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Four Basic Membership Categories

• Certified Professional Geologist – Applicants for certification have a bachelor’s degree or higher in the geological sciences plus 8 years of professional geological work experience. CPG shall affirm adherence to applicable professional and ethical standards.

• Professional Member – Applicants must have attained a degree in the geological science and affirm adherence to applicable professional and ethical standards.

• Young Professional Member – Applicants must apply during the first three years upon earning a baccalaureate.

• Student – Applicants must be currently enrolled in a geological science degree program.

• Associate – Applicants must have an avocational or general interest in the geological sciences.