Division of Professional Affairs

Credibility, in the form of employer/client recognition because your professional peer group attests to your abilities as a geologist.

Increase of improved skills, through participation in pertinent seminars, short courses and professional publications.

A stronger voice, in both industry and government affairs through the established committees within the DPA such as the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC) and its Instant Response Committee and its Government Liaison Subcommittee.

The GAC prepares official AAPG Statements which are then approved by the DPA President, and the AAPG Executive Committee.

AAPG Membership
Applicants must be an active member of AAPG.

Education
Applicants must be graduates of a recognized institution with a degree in Geology.

Experience
Applicants must possess a minimum of 8 years professional experience (7 years with a Master's Degree; 6 years with a Ph.D.)

Professional Standards
Applicants must demonstrate a sustained record of the highest professional and ethical standards.

Sponsors
Applicants must obtain sponsorship by three certified members of the Association having present knowledge of the applicant's professional qualifications and ethics. In the extenuating circumstance that such Sponsors are not available to the applicant, the applicant may be sponsored by non-certified AAPG active members having training and experience equivalent to the requirements for certification at the Certified Member level. Sponsors' endorsement shall be furnished in writing.

Board Approval
The application must be approved by the Board of Certification of the Division of Professional Affairs.

When applying as a Petroleum Geologist under reciprocity agreements with the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists (SIPES), American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) or The Geological Society of London (GSL) you must be a member in good standing and meet the qualifications outlined in the online process.

Life Membership Award

The highest and most prestigious award to be given by the Division of Professional Affairs.

Past Recipients

Distinguished Service Award

Awarded to individuals who have demonstrated distinguished service for the Division of Professional Affairs.

Past Recipients

Heritage Award

The DPA Heritage Award is awarded to an individual who has excelled in the field of petroleum geology and through their endeavors, has inspired and mentored others in their quest.

Past Recipients

Certificate of Merit

Awarded to members for participating in special DPA leadership activities, i.e. Vice chair of an IMAGE or ICE event, Chair of a committee that completed a special service to the members.

Past Recipients

Recognition of Distinction

An award given for special services to the DPA.

Past Recipients

Past President’s Award

Initiated to recognize a year of dedicated, energetic service to the Division by its past presidents.

Past Recipients

Best Paper

Best technical paper presented at an AAPG Annual Meeting on behalf of the Division of Professional Affairs.

Past Recipients