The start of this program nearly 2 decades ago put in place a rigorous requirement for testing and experience to ensure competency in understanding the complexities of performing wetland delineations across the widely varying ecosystems in Virginia.  If the requirements for certification are removed, it flies in the face of those individuals who worked hard as gaining the field experience under excellent mentors and passing a difficult test covering multiple scientific topics to obtain certification.  Furthermore, a certification program claiming "professional" status means nothing if a person is certified with little to no experience.  We would not ask our doctors, accountants, surveyors, or any other profession to do the same.