Society of Wetland Scientists
Professional Certification Program
WE ARE THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT HAS BEEN
CERTIFYING PROFESSIONAL WETLAND SCIENTISTS SINCE 1994

Home

Body Of Knowledge - 2021 Survey

The Professional Certification Program (PCP) of the SWS is accredited by the Council of Engineering & Science Specialty Boards (CESB). CESB accreditation requires that the PCP create and maintain a Body of Knowledge (document) that outlines specific skills, knowledge, and abilities that a Professional Wetland Scientist should possess. The Body of Knowledge (BoK) must be solicited from all who are certified by the program and be updated every five years. The BoK is a living guidance document for knowledge and skill requirements to be used by the PCP Certification Review Panel in assessing an applicant's experience towards certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist.

The Certification Standards Committee developed a questionnaire that was sent to all PWSs. The questionnaire consisted of a list of skills, abilities and knowledge all PWSs could potentially possess in order to be certified as a Professional. All PWSs were asked to rank each area relative to their importance for being a certified Professional Wetland Scientist. Ranking was from 1 to 5, with 1 being not important and 5 being most important.

The survey results given here represent the full current assessment of the PWS Body of Knowledge as of 2021 to be updated in five years. These results will be developed into a hierarchy of knowledge and skills used by the Certification Review Panel as part of an objective method to assess an applicant's experience.

Ratings are 1 being not important to 5 being most important.

General Science
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
1) Knowledge of statistics	27	61	115	44	13	2.83	260
2) Knowledge of general biology and ecology	1	2	10	49	198	4.7	260
3) Knowledge of general and organic chemistry	13	45	106	82	14	3.15	260
4) Knowledge of general physics	27	92	107	32	2	2.58	260
5) Knowledge of general calculus	91	94	64	11	0	1.98	260

Landscape and Watershed
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
6) Knowledge of watershed dynamics	0	10	39	104	107	4.18	260
7) Ability to identify watershed boundaries	2	6	49	93	110	4.17	260
8) Knowledge of watershed hydrology and water resources planning	3	17	50	105	83	3.96	258
9) Ability to understand the concept of a floodplain, find a source for floodplain maps and understanding of relationship between waterways, wetlands and floodplains	1	4	18	75	162	4.51	260
10) Ability to identify climate induced stresses, including climate change (greater extremes and projected regional changes in precipitation and temperature) on the watershed and their impacts to wetlands, streams and water bodies	10	24	80	97	48	3.58	259
11) Knowledge of historic land use and land cover types	4	12	57	100	85	3.97	258

Geology
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
12) Ability to identify geological and geomorphological features	2	23	96	80	56	3.64	257
13) Knowledge of geochemical affects on soils, wetland hydrology, and plant communities	0	18	65	112	62	3.85	257
14) Ability to recognize location of local bedrock depth	29	71	90	51	17	2.83	258
15) Knowledge of the nature and impacts of natural seismic events and processes	54	84	90	20	7	2.38	255
16) Knowledge of stratigraphy and soils and how they influence and are influenced by near-surface water movement	4	28	60	91	74	3.79	257
17) Knowledge of groundwater hydrology and how to locate water table(s)	1	15	48	83	110	4.11	257
18) Ability to identify physiographic region and geological formations using geological maps	7	36	108	67	39	3.37	257

Soils
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
19) Knowledge of basic soil science (e.g., soil morphology and taxonomy)	1	5	21	95	138	4.4	260
20) Ability to describe a soil profile	2	4	20	74	160	4.48	260
21) Ability to use soil color charts	3	3	14	51	189	4.62	260
22) Knowledge of hydric soil indicator processes	0	6	9	54	189	4.65	258
23) Ability to identify hydric soil indicators according to national guidance such as, in the United States, USDA NRCS manuals, regional soil indicator handbooks, and Regional Supplements to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual.	1	3	18	45	193	4.64	260
24) Ability to use local soil surveys and/or locate and use soil survey data resources on the internet (e.g., Web Soil Survey)	3	3	22	61	167	4.51	256
25) Ability to classify soils according to national classifications such as in the United States the USDA classification.	7	26	90	77	59	3.6	259
26) Knowledge of the interactions between soils and surface water, and soils and groundwater (water movement within, through, and over soils)	1	4	32	93	127	4.33	257

Hydrology
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
27) Knowledge of wetland hydrology processes	0	2	15	45	197	4.69	259
28) Ability to identify field indicators of wetland hydrology	1	0	7	31	219	4.81	258
29) Knowledge of groundwater hydrology concepts	0	3	47	101	106	4.21	257
30) Ability to install, maintain, and interpret water table monitoring devices and data	20	33	86	89	30	3.29	258
31) Ability to estimate streamflow, baseflow and water budgets to classify streams accordingly as perennial, ephemeral, intermittent.	9	23	75	95	56	3.64	258
32) Knowledge and ability to estimate seasonal high and normal pool elevations in coastal and freshwater wetland systems or a waterway	4	15	53	97	89	3.98	258
33) Ability to use techniques to investigate wetland hydrology and mitigation wetland design such as WETS Tables and Antecedent Precipitation Tool (APT), commonly used in the United States.	10	29	61	92	66	3.68	258
34) Ability to use water budget calculations/models, or other science-based industry approved models to investigate wetland hydrology and mitigation wetland design.	14	29	103	80	33	3.34	259
35) Knowledge of projected regional/local rates of relative sea level rise from climate change for coastal wetland investigations.	30	46	102	55	25	3	258

Plants
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
36) Ability to identify plants to species level and determine their current wetland indicator status using approaches such as the USACE wetland plant lists used in the United States	2	4	18	49	187	4.6	260
37) Ability to identify and to differentiate plant community types	1	1	13	50	195	4.68	260
38) Ability to measure plant species dominance	2	4	21	51	177	4.56	255
39) Ability to develop and execute an efficient plan for monitoring components of natural or created wetland systems in accordance with regulatory requirements or for establishing changes in wetlands/uplands/transition zones	9	7	51	81	110	4.07	258
40) Ability to identify wetland plant morphological adaptations	6	9	34	87	123	4.2	259
41) Ability to determine dominant or contributing influencing factors on species occurrence (e.g., wetland hydrology vs. salinity)	8	8	51	99	94	4.01	260
42) Knowledge of metabolic and adaptive physiological changes caused by prolonged soil saturation and inundation	12	25	66	91	62	3.65	256

Fish and Wildlife
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
43) General knowledge of plant and animal kingdoms, and the ability to place organisms in proper taxonomic groups	6	10	70	95	77	3.88	258
44) Ability to identify fish and wildlife species, both terrestrial and those adapted to wetlands during some portion of their life history	5	8	89	102	51	3.73	255
45) Knowledge of fisheries biology	15	70	120	44	9	2.85	258
46) Ability to identify freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrates	13	46	108	61	28	3.18	256
47) Knowledge of and ability to formulate means to measure population dynamics	42	76	97	34	8	2.57	257

Protected and Invasive Species
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
48) Knowledge of current National/State/Provincial/Territorial regulations related to protected species	3	14	60	91	85	3.95	253
49) Ability to obtain information related to the natural history of protected species and their habitat	3	12	61	89	87	3.97	252
50) Ability to identify invasive species and general knowledge of their means of invasion and methods to manage	6	6	51	99	91	4.04	253
51) Knowledge of management and control of protected and invasive species	5	16	73	98	60	3.76	252

Ecology and Function
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
52) Knowledge of wetland ecology principles	1	0	11	49	193	4.7	254
53) Knowledge of the role of wetlands in nutrient cycling	1	4	52	104	93	4.12	254
54) Knowledge of biogeochemical processes in wetlands including carbon sequestration	5	16	60	99	73	3.87	253
55) Knowledge of the role of wetlands in wildlife habitat	1	5	18	99	130	4.39	253

Classification and Assessment
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
56) Knowledge of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Wetland Classification	42	49	88	56	17	2.83	252
57) Knowledge of wetland functional assessment methods	2	10	41	99	99	4.13	251
58) Ability to use and interpret output from wetland assessment methods	3	13	35	109	88	4.07	248
59) Ability to determine wetland functions and values using approaches such as the Highways Wetland Methodology (FHWM) used in the United States	16	24	72	82	55	3.55	249
60) Knowledge of Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) wetland classification & functional assessment	15	20	65	82	70	3.68	252
61) Knowledge of approaches to assess the replacement of wetland function such as the Evaluation of Planned Wetlands (EPW) used in the United States	21	31	90	79	28	3.25	249
62) Ability to use Wetland Evaluation Technique (WET) or equivalent methodologies to assess wetland functions	14	28	82	75	53	3.5	252
63) Knowledge of Cowardin, et al or other accepted wetland classification systems	5	8	38	68	133	4.25	252
64) Knowledge of local/regional wetland assessment methods or rating systems	4	9	51	75	112	4.12	251
65) Ability to undertake a wetland ecosystem service/benefit assessments such as the Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services technique	11	18	78	85	60	3.65	252
66) Ability to undertake a wetland benefits economic evaluation	30	53	114	42	12	2.81	251

Mapping/Imaging/Remote Sensing
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
67) Ability to identify the physical boundaries of a watershed on topographic maps and in the field	1	9	36	77	129	4.29	252
68) Ability to use topographic maps and soils maps to identify potential wetland areas	1	1	12	63	173	4.62	250
69) Ability to find and use wetland maps, and other relevant State/Provincial/Territorial/National mapping datasets such as in the United States USFWS and EPA resources	2	5	24	75	144	4.42	250
70) Ability to identify and classify wetlands using aerial photographs	4	6	45	96	100	4.12	251
71) Ability to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to gather ecologically related information for purposes of identifying or managing wetland and watershed systems	1	14	65	84	86	3.96	250
72) Ability to interpret remote sensing images/data (other than aerial photos, e.g., LiDAR)	8	14	66	85	78	3.84	251
73) Ability to use historic and current aerial photographs to detect changes in wetland, stream or water body signatures or land use practices	2	2	40	88	119	4.27	251
74) Knowledge of the discipline of Geomatics* in recognizing wetlands as an integral part of most global landscapes	30	52	72	55	42	3.11	251

Delineation
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
75) Ability to identify and delineate a wetland using national, federal, and, if applicable, State/Provincial and local methodologies	3	1	15	40	192	4.66	251
76) Ability to define basic wetland delineation criteria, field indicators and methodology for delineation	2	2	10	31	205	4.74	250
77) Demonstrate knowledge of national wetland delineation guidance and manuals, such as, in the United States, USACE manuals and regional supplements, Automated Wetland Determination Data Regional Forms, and relevant guidance	4	1	23	45	178	4.56	251
78) Demonstrate experience in field wetland delineation.	3	4	28	40	175	4.52	250


Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
79) Knowledge of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the obligations of Contracting Parties	46	63	91	38	14	2.65	252
80) Knowledge of national, state, provincial and local wetland regulations relevant to your jurisdictional area	3	1	19	53	172	4.57	248
81) Specific to the United States - Ability to differentiate between a jurisdictional and a non-jurisdictional wetland and wetland (Army Corps of Engineers/Environmental Protection Agency Section 404) other non-wetland Waters of the US (USACE/EPA Section 10) under current regulations and guidance	3	8	39	67	135	4.28	252
82) Specific to the United States - Knowledge of terms related to USACE jurisdiction, like Navigable waters, Traditional Navigable Waters, contiguous, adjacency, isolated, connected, normal circumstances, atypical situations, water dependency, fill, dredge, activities, structures, sufficient nexus, etc.	4	9	28	77	133	4.3	251
83) Specific to the United States - Knowledge of USACE Regulatory Guidance Letters (RGLS)	6	15	68	69	92	3.9	250
84) Specific to the United States - Knowledge of the different Nationwide Permits (NWPs) versus Individual Permit	4	15	63	65	105	4	252
85) Specific to the United States - Knowledge of the Clean Water Act and the regulatory responsibilities of Federal agencies and State/Provincial/Territorial/National agencies under it	3	3	35	86	123	4.29	250
86) Specific to the United States - Knowledge of National Environmental Policy Act	5	28	65	83	66	3.72	247
87) Specific to the United States - Knowledge of Endangered Species Act and the Cultural Resources Act, as well as other Acts and how they impact the Section 404 regulatory process	2	21	59	91	78	3.88	251
88) Specific to the United States - Knowledge of other Federal/State/Provincial/tribal regulations that influence jurisdiction of wetlands and waters of the U.S.	3	14	50	82	98	4.04	247

Environmental Impact Assessment
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
89) Knowledge of national Environmental Impact Assessment regulation, for example in the USA knowledge of NEPA and its relationship to the Section 404 Program	8	29	86	80	45	3.5	248
90) Ability to identify human activities that impact wetlands and waterways	3	1	36	103	107	4.24	250
91) Ability to describe alternatives to impacts or how to minimize impacts to wetlands	4	2	35	90	119	4.27	250
92) Ability to name examples of water dependent projects.	17	14	75	73	69	3.66	248
93) Ability to design and conduct a monitoring protocol	15	16	63	77	76	3.74	247
94) Ability to prepare an Environmental Assessment document	16	43	82	62	46	3.32	249
95) Ability to prepare the Natural and Water resources sections of an Environmental Impact Statement	13	29	79	72	57	3.52	250

Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Restoration, Creation and Enhancement
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
96) Knowledge of National, Federal, State/Provincial/Territorial and local government guidance regarding aquatic resource mitigation and compensation	8	6	49	94	93	4.03	250
97) Ability to describe alternatives to impacts or how to minimize impacts to wetlands	3	3	36	80	128	4.31	250
98) Knowledge of compensatory mitigation design and construction techniques	8	9	66	78	87	3.92	248
99) Ability to develop and interpret a conceptual engineering and ecological design	11	22	67	82	67	3.69	249
100) Ability to set up a multiple year monitoring plan for a mitigation site	14	12	61	93	70	3.77	250
101) Ability to read and use an engineering plan	7	14	61	74	93	3.93	249
102) Ability to generate a sketch of a cross section and plan view to express a wetland mitigation design grading plan	17	23	75	68	66	3.57	249
103) Knowledge of the professional skills required for wetland and stream mitigation design	12	6	69	90	73	3.82	250
104) Ability to use and interpret data from monitoring tables	5	9	65	88	83	3.94	250
105) Ability to interpret data from a graph	4	2	34	83	126	4.31	249
106) Ability to develop a scope of work/plan for data gathering to develop a mitigation design	16	15	78	77	63	3.63	249
107) Use of water budget calculations in wetland creation/enhancement/restoration design.	14	32	89	70	44	3.39	249
108) Knowledge of current assessment/issues/problems in wetland mitigation design.	12	11	75	87	64	3.72	249
109) Knowledge of climate change (greater extremes and projected regional changes in precipitation and temperature) in wetland mitigation design.	13	40	82	77	35	3.33	247

Stream Assessment and Restoration
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
110) Knowledge of Stream Channel Assessment methodologies	6	20	89	77	58	3.64	250
111) Knowledge of Stream Classification Systems	3	13	75	90	69	3.84	250
112) Knowledge of the components necessary for a stable but Natural Stream Design	17	32	100	71	31	3.27	251
113) Knowledge of stream classification approaches/methods.	5	20	87	94	45	3.61	251
114) Knowledge of streamflow modeling methodologies	21	60	108	41	17	2.89	247
115) Knowledge of stormwater and erosion control best management practices (BMPs)	6	20	70	84	68	3.76	248

Wetland Education
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
116) Ability to develop educational materials to inform the public about basic wetland science principles, wetland values, regulations as well as impact avoidance and minimization	12	31	91	80	37	3.39	251
117) Ability to develop basic curriculum to inform individuals in other disciplines regarding important points which should be considered in planning for projects around wetlands, resources, values, impacts, regulations and mitigation.	12	49	91	59	40	3.26	251
118) Ability to undertake stakeholder consultation in relation to a wetland project	10	20	72	91	58	3.67	251
119) Ability to undertake a stakeholder conflict resolution process in relation to a wetland project	13	35	81	76	45	3.42	250
120) Ability to undertake community engagement in relation to a wetland project	11	37	84	75	43	3.41	250

Professional Ethics
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
121) Knowledge of Current Ethics Issues in Wetland Science	8	5	36	65	137	4.27	251
122) Knowledge of the SWSPCP's Code of Ethics	8	4	18	56	164	4.46	250
123) Knowledge of the importance of adhering to SWSPCP's Code of Ethics	5	4	16	55	172	4.53	252
124) Knowledge of what to do when someone violates SWSPCP's Code of Ethics	6	9	40	64	131	4.22	250

Publications/Products
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
125) Experience in writing scientific papers for publication	27	62	85	47	30	2.96	251
126) Experience in writing/preparing technical reports and papers	7	9	30	85	120	4.2	251
127) Experience in presenting an oral presentation on Knowledge Points of wetland science and management	13	32	72	86	45	3.48	248
128) Knowledge of the scientific method and how to present data for publication	8	23	54	79	86	3.85	250
129) Ability to compile and organize a bibliography for scientific review	15	30	75	73	58	3.51	251
130) Knowledge of the peer review process	12	28	81	77	52	3.52	250
131) Knowledge of the current high quality technical journals and especially the Wetlands Journal	15	30	79	78	49	3.46	251
132) Membership in and active participation in professional societies and associations	13	20	83	73	62	3.6	251
133) Active participation in Continuing Professional Development courses, seminars, webinars, workshops, and conferences for currency in Professional Wetland Sciences.	7	11	54	81	98	4	251
134) Experience in researching scientific publications related to wetland science	13	31	65	80	61	3.58	250

Wetland Law
Knowledge Points	1	2	3	4	5	Ave	Count
135) Knowledge of how to provide Expert witness in legal proceedings	24	43	103	50	31	3.08	251
136) Knowledge of recent legal decisions affecting wetlands/water regulations	13	16	62	76	81	3.79	248

Certification Information

ProfessionalWetland Scientist

Resources

Body Of Knowledge - 2021 Survey

Professional
Wetland Scientist