I am one of the few and the proud, that is a Certified Professional Wetland Delineator in the Commonwealth of VA.  I have been certified for over 13 years but have been in the industry for over 25 years.  I have performed delineations in VA, NC, and SC.   I work and live in the Commonwealth and obtained this certification to put a higher standard/value in my profession and my area of expertise.  I was hopeful this certification would be elevated to be a federal or state requirement.  This certification took years of field experience, training, and it was extremely hard passing the DPOR exam.  

The comments regarding the industry not changing are very valid.  It is true that wetland delineations do not have to be performed and submitted by a CPWD to be approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers or the Virginia Department of VADEQ.  What this certification does for the individual (as a professional delineator), is it puts a value and a level of trust with state and federal agencies who are reviewing their work.  This is the first step that may impact project development and the budget (if mitigation is required).  This certified individual has proven/shown they have the experience, expertise, and the knowledge and are held to a high standard.  They show the agencies they are trustworthy and knowledgeable in their profession.  Their work is less likely to be scrutinized and depending on the complexity of project, they may get this project through the permitting process faster because of their reputation as a wetland professional.     

So, while the industry may not change, for me, it is a valuable certification to hold in the Commonwealth of VA.  For me, removing or reducing the requirements for anyone to obtain this certification without the current requirements or effort belittles our profession.  We are seen as "a necessary evil", not as valuable as an Engineer, Surveyor, Realtor, or an Architect and in our industry.  Reducing certification requirements is not the approach to take when we've work so hard to try to elevate our worth in this profession.  

Do not reduce the certification requirements.