(1) Ecology will issue the CWRE certificate and add the certified water right examiner's name to the CWRE list on ecology's website within thirty days upon completion of the following:

(a) The applicant shows proof of qualifications through the application process;

(b) The applicant passes the CWRE examination;

(c) The applicant submits a signed copy of the CWRE rules of professional performance, as prescribed by ecology; and

(d) Ecology receives the two hundred dollar certification fee.

(2) The CWRE certificate allows the holder to conduct proof examinations in accordance with RCW 90.03.665 and to submit proof reports of examination to support ecology decision making.

(3) The CWRE certificate does not constitute professional licensure for any related field including hydrogeology, engineering, or land surveying.

(4) Certification renewal.

(a) CWRE certifications expire annually on the month and day that the original CWRE certification was issued.

(b) Ecology will issue a renewal reminder letter to the certified water right examiner at the address of record, at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the current certification. The letter will provide the following information:

(i) The status of his/her continuing education credits.

(ii) Whether the certification is in good standing under RCW 90.03.665 and this chapter.

(iii) Whether proof of qualifications is required.

(iv) Directions for submitting the certification renewal fee and other required documentation.

(c) To renew certification, the certified water right examiner must submit to ecology, as directed in the renewal reminder letter and postmarked no later than the expiration date:

(i) A one hundred dollar renewal fee;

(ii) Proof of having completed any remaining continuing education credits due;

(iii) Proof of qualifications, if required; and

(iv) A certification renewal form or a letter requesting renewal of the CWRE certification.

(d) If a certified water right examiner does not renew his/her certificate by the expiration date, the certification expires and becomes invalid.

(i) The list of certified water right examiners on ecology's website will indicate that the certification has expired.

(ii) There is a maximum ninety-day grace period after the expiration date for the certified water right examiner to renew the certification. Associated late fees will apply during the grace period as required under (e) of this subsection.

(iii) Late renewal during the ninety-day grace period will not delay the date the new certification will expire, or change the anniversary date regarding annual continuing education requirements.

(e) If the certified water right examiner fails to renew his/her certification by the expiration date as required under (c) of this subsection, the following late fees will apply:

(i) Renewal between one to thirty days after expiration of the certificate includes a late fee of fifty dollars, in addition to the one hundred dollar renewal fee.

(ii) Renewal between thirty-one to ninety days after expiration of the certificate includes a late fee of one hundred dollars, in addition to the one hundred dollar renewal fee.

(f) If a certified water right examiner fails to renew their certification before the end of the ninety-day grace period:

(i) Ecology will remove his/her name from the list of certified water right examiners.

(ii) He/she must successfully reapply, retest, and pay all related fees to become recertified.