Professional Qualifications (36CFR61)

The following definitions have been developed by the National Parks Service to help identify qualified professionals in the disciplines of history, archeology, architectural history,and historic architecture. In some cases additional areas or levels of expertise may be needed depending on the complexity of the tasks involved and the nature of the historic properties. It should be noted that 1 year of full time professional experience when noted below need not consist of a continuous year.

A. History
The minimum qualifications are a graduate degree in history or a closely related field; or a bachelor's degree in history or a closely related field plus one of the following: (1) at least 2 years of full time-experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation, or other demonstrable professional activity with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or (2) substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of history.

B. Archeology
The minimum qualifications are a graduate degree in archeology, anthropology, or closely related field plus (1) at least 1 year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archeological research, administration, or management; (2) at least 4 months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American Archeology; and (3) demonstrated ability to carry research to its completion. In addition to these minimum qualifications, a professional in prehistoric archeology shall have at least 1 year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archeological resources of the prehistoric period. A professional in historic archeology shall have at least 1 year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archeological resources of the historic period.

C. Architectural history
The minimum professional qualifications are a graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or a closely related field, with course work in American architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or a closely related field plus one of the following: (1) at least 2 years of full time experience in research, writing or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or (2) substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of American architectural history.

D. Architecture
The minimum professional qualifications in architecture are a professional degree in architecture plus at least two years of full time practice in architecture or a state license to practice architecture.

E. Historical architecture
The minimum professional qualifications are a professional degree in architecture or a State license to practice architecture, plus one of the following: (1) at least 1 year of graduate study in architectural preservation, American architectural history, preservation planning, or a closely related field and at least 1 year of full-time professional experience on preservation and restoration projects; or (2) at least 2 years of full-time professional experience on preservation and restoration project. Experience on preservation and restoration projects shall include detailed investigation of historic structures, preparation of historic structures research reports, and preparation of plans and specifications for preservation projects.

No official standards have been established by the Secretary of Interior for such preservation-related professions as landscape architecture and cultural anthropology. In reviewing the qualifications of such professionals, approximate equivalences to the qualifications listed above should be looked for, and professional organizations in the specialties involved should be consulted.

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