The VAWP Certifications Committee continues to monitor and support issues affecting the Certified Professional Wetland Delineator (PWD) program in Virginia. Several key updates and data trends have emerged in 2025.
PWD Regulatory Updates
The Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists (BPSSWPG) at DPOR has nearly completed its general review of the Regulations Governing Certified Professional Wetland Delineators (18VAC145-30). As of August 1, 2025, the final stage was approved by the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Planning and Budget, and the Secretary of Labor. Once approved by the Governor’s Office, the revised regulations will be posted for public comment in the Virginia Register of Regulations before final adoption.
Key changes include:
- Removal of redundant or unnecessary regulations, in line with Executive Order 19
- Updated language on qualifications and universal license recognition
- Housekeeping edits to improve clarity
- Updated references to application and renewal forms
The final text can be reviewed on the Virginia Town Hall Website: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/ViewXML.cfm?textid=19607
Fee Increases & Revised Forms Finalized
DPOR has also finalized new fee increases and updated application forms for PWD certifications, effective August 1, 2025, via a separate Fee Adjustment action. These adjustments reflect administrative cost updates across all regulated professions under the Board.
| Fee Type | Old Fee | New Fee |
| Application | $90 | $110 |
| Renewal | $70 | $90 |
| Late Renewal | $25 | $50 |
| Reinstatement | $90 | $125 |
| Examination | $150 | No change |
New Appointment to the DPOR Board
On July 11, 2025, the Governor’s Office announced the appointment of Emily Drahos (Senior Project Environmental Scientist, Whitman Requardt and Associates, LLP) to the Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists. Drahos will serve a four-year term through June 30, 2029. She replaces Dr. Doug DeBerry, who recently completed his term representing teaching and research in wetland science. The Certifications Committee thanks Dr. DeBerry for his service and welcomes Ms. Drahos to her new role, where she will help guide regulatory oversight of the PWD program.
PWD Growth Accelerating – VSWD a Likely Driver
A recent analysis of certification trends reveals a notable increase in certified PWDs since the launch of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Virginia Statewide Wetland Delineator (VSWD) initiative (see Figure 1).
- From February 2012 to August 2023, the number of PWDs grew by only 10% over an 11.5-year span.
- From August 2023 to May 2025, the number of PWDs rose by 22%—more than double the growth of the previous decade in less than two years.
This growth strongly suggests that the launch of VSWD has positively influenced interest and participation in Virginia’s PWD certification program. The Certifications Committee sees this as a promising sign that regulatory credentialing remains relevant and valuable in today’s wetland permitting and delineation environment.
Figure 1 . Number of Certified Professional Wetland Delineators (PWDs) from January 2012 through July 2025 by date.
Universal License Recognition (ULR) Updates
As of May 1, 2025, DPOR staff administratively approved four individuals for PWD certification under Virginia’s Universal License Recognition (ULR) law, which went into effect in Summer 2023.
During the May 2025 Board meeting, VAWP Certification Committee members provided public comments expressing concerns about the approval process. DPOR staff confirmed that ULR applications for PWD certification had been approved administratively, without review or input from the BPSSWPG Board Members.
Committee members cited relevant provisions in the Code of Virginia from the URL law:
- § 54.1-205.B.1 allows Boards to determine whether an out-of-state license is in a “similar scope of practice.”
- § 54.1-205.E allows Boards to require a jurisprudence or qualifying exam as a condition of ULR certification.
Following a brief conversation, the Board agreed to add discussion of the ULR to the September 16, 2025, meeting agenda. The Certifications Committee will continue to monitor developments and provide updates.
PWD Stats
As of May 1, 2025, the Board reported:
Recent PWD Exam Results:
Total Certified PWDs: 147
| Exam Month | # Taken | # Passed | # Failed | % Pass |
| FEB. 2024* | 21 | 06 | 15 | 28.57 % |
| AUG. 2024** | 22 | 15 | 7 | 68.18% |
| FEB. 2025*** | 10 | 3 | 7 | 30.00% |
* Feb ‘24 Breakdown: 2 first-time passes, 4 repeat passes, 13 first-time fails, 2 repeat fails
** Aug ‘24 Breakdown: 5 first-time passes, 10 repeat passes, 4 first-time fails, 3 repeat fails
*** Feb ’25 Breakdown: 2 first-time passes, 1 repeat passes, 3 first-time fails, 4 repeat fails
Upcoming Board Meeting
The next general meeting of the DPOR Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists is scheduled for September 16th at 10 am at 9960 Maryland Drive Richmond, Virginia 23233. Meetings are open to the public, but dates and locations are subject to change. For the most current information on meetings, agendas, and minutes, visit: Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Board
The Certifications Committee remains committed to protecting the integrity of the PWD program and supporting improvements in professional credentialing. VAWP members with questions or suggestions are encouraged to contact the committee.
