(a) In addition to registering as a geologist, qualified persons may also be eligible for certification in a specialty. Specialties may be designated by the State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists by rule, with the rules to contain any required additional qualifications. Only a registered geologist is eligible for certification in a specialty. Application may be submitted for both registration as a geologist and certification in a specialty at the same time, but the applicant must be approved for registration as a geologist before being considered for certification in a specialty. The certification in a specialty is dependent, in every case, upon the approval of registration as a geologist.
(b) An applicant for certification in a specialty shall meet all of the requirements of a registered geologist and such other requirements as the board may establish by rule. In addition, his or her seven (7) years of professional geological work shall include one (1) of the following:
(1) A minimum of three (3) years performed under the supervision of a registered geologist who is certified in the specialty for which the applicant is seeking certification; or
(2) A minimum of five (5) years of experience in responsible charge of geological work in the specialty for which the applicant is seeking certification.