@HH
Did you consider filing an appeal to board’s decision? If not, you should. Explain your circumstances and education, in person if at all possible, you may be surprised. 😎
It sounds to me your last course of action. I’m betting it will work. Most Boards are normal surveyors like us and you have an excellent chance, with your current credentials, to be approved right there (assuming you are present at a board meeting).I’m certain I don’t have to say this, but dress for success and be eloquent, but succinct, in verbal responses. Wish you the best. 😎
I have not looked at Colorado's regulations, but is it possible to get licensed in an adjoining state and then get licensed in Colorado through reciprocity?
Many states look at the rules that were in effect at the time you first got licensed. So, if he'd been licensed for 20 years, some states will waive the education requirement if they didn't have it 20 years ago.
That wouldn't be the case now. But, I don't know Co rules either.
Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your point of view, states vary quite a bit on the education requirement.
I know nothing of CO rules but it seems reasonable to me that already having a 4 year degree in an earth science, but no focus on geomatics, the board would likely accept a 2 year ABET accredited geomatics program degree in lieu of a 4 year geomatics degree, which you could likely complete remotely while not giving up your day job. One thing I've found in working with our BOR is that they are flexible and do have discretion, but are hesitant to set precedents they might later regret. Was me I would fully explore all options with your BOR before pulling up roots. Some companies will also offset part of the costs of additional education if they would stand to benefit which might offset some of the cost of out of state tuition. Good luck.
Everyone advising to fight the board is wrong. The board does have discretion, and you can use it to your advantage, but asking them to licence you at this point is asking them to not follow their regulations. They wont do that.
But...you don't need another degree. See option four for qualifying. You already have a science degree, you just need 24 credits in surveying classes.There are many online programs that don't charge full out of state rates for part time online study. If you pick your courses wisely you may actually learn something useful.
This option is there for people just like you. It meets the NCEES model law requirements, so will be accepted as a qualification to sit for the state exam in almost every state.
What I want to say:
Complaining about following the rules that say you must have a college degree to practice as a professional in the state does not bolster faith that the complainer will follow the rules if given a license.
but won't.
What I will say, is that in my state, you are not considered a professional unless your licensure requires a disagree. Geodesy, application of statutes, error analysis and proofing technological suggestions are not easily tested. Besides, ALL of the jacklegs in my area were grandfathered in.
Most surveyors, really, really want to be surveyors; it would have been easier and more profitable to be something else. It just seems to me that if you really wanted to be a surveyor, you would have figured out what the rules were BEFORE you applied for a license.