Become a Geoscientist

Who should apply for membership?

Any individual who is practicing or intends to practice geoscience in Nova Scotia.
Residents may apply for membership and non-residents may apply for a license to practice.
Professional Geoscientists typically work in consulting firms, government, private companies, universities, the oil and gas and mining industries.

Members of Geoscientists Nova Scotia

Are licensed professionals
Apply high standards of knowledge, good character and integrity to their work
Endorse ethical professional practice within the geoscience community
Promote and advance the geoscience profession, and
Enjoy the ease of job mobility across Canada along with enhanced public respect

What does it mean to “Practice Geoscience”?

The Practice of Geoscience is defined in the Nova Scotia Geoscience Profession Act.
Geoscience is any activity that requires application of the principles of geological sciences which:

1. concerns the safeguarding of public welfare, life and

2. concerns the safeguarding property and economic

This can include, but is not limited to:

- Investigations;
- Interpretations;
- Evaluation
- Consultations; and
- Management.

These activities are often related to the discovery, identification or development of minerals, rocks, nuclear or fossil fuels, precious stones, or water resources. They can also be related to determination of geoscientific properties, preservation of the natural environment, and other conditions/processes that may affect the well-being of the general public.

How do I know if I’m qualified?

Read the Canadian Geoscience Standards Board, Geoscience Knowledge and Experience Requirements for Professional Registration in Canada (GKE). This document will give you a detailed description of the requirements for professional registration.

Complete the Geoscientists Nova Scotia, Self Evaluation Worksheet. (see also Knowledge Requirements section)

Applicants typically will have completed a Bachelor of Science degree program in Earth Science. Applicants are also required to demonstrate a minimum of 48 months of cumulative and progressive geoscience work experience, at least 12 months of which must be Canadian or Canadian equivalent. If you meet the academic requirements but you don’t have enough work experience, you may be accepted as a Member in Training. Registration as an MIT allows an individual to legally work on geoscience projects, under the supervision of a registered professional, to gain the required experience.

You will also need to demonstrate good character, reputation and conduct, English proficiency in written and verbal communication, and knowledge of professional practice issues, including law and ethics.
This last item is accomplished by preparing for and writing the National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE).

Ask a Geoscientist

Do you have a question about Geoscience or the practice of Geoscience?

Are you interested in becoming a Geoscientist?

Find out more.

Geoscientists Canada

Geoscientists Canada is the national organization of the provincial and territorial regulatory bodies that govern Canada’s professional geoscientists and geoscientists-in-training. Geoscientists Canada co-ordinates development of high national standards of admissions, competency, practice and mobility to ensure that Canada is served by a skilled, versatile, reputable and accountable geoscience profession.