1. How can I speed up the process?
Make sure your application is complete in every detail, that all questions are answered completely, that your work experience is clearly set out, and that your sponsors timely submit their sponsor forms.

2. My sponsors are taking too long to get the form to AAPL, what do I do?
Contact them. It is your responsibility to make sure your sponsors complete their part of the process.

3. When are exams held?
We hold 5-7 Oil and Gas Land Review seminars each year that offer both the CPL and RPL exam. In addition, we hold several seminars that offer the RPL exam only.

4. How will, I know the results of the exam?
Results of the exam are never released until your application has been approved by the Certification Chairman. If you are already approved by exam time, you should know the results within a week. If you are taking the exam prior to approval, it could be some time before you will know if you passed or if you need to retake any parts of the exam.

5. How do I apply for retaking any part of the exam?
Contact Kelly Davis at AAPL, 817-847-7700, to make arrangements.

6. How much time do I have to re-take failed parts?
CPL Exam - 2 years

7. May I take the exam before approval of my application?
Yes but. Taking the exam prior to making application and being approved is allowed but is done at your sole risk and expense. The results of the exam are not a factor in the approval process and, if you are not approved, you will never learn the results

8. How long is my application valid?
For two years from date of application or date of taking the exam, whichever is earliest.

9. I cannot find three CPLs to sponsor my application. Can this requirement be waived?
This is a very firm requirement and has never been waived. Part of the process in becoming a CPL or RPL is getting to know your peers and becoming involved in the industry. Your sponsors do not have to be CPLs you have worked for. They just have to know you well enough to sign-off on your work experience and work practices.

10. Does registering for the Review start my application process?
No. You must make a separate detailed application for CPL or RPL. Registering for the Review only gets you a ticket to attend and to sit for the exam.

11. Do I need a college degree to apply?
Yes for both RPL and CPL. Your degree does not have to be in the petroleum land management or energy management field.

12. AAPL Approved Colleges & Universities
The degree requirement for AAPL Membership and to qualify for CPL, RPL, or RL specifies an AAPL approved university or college. AAPL recognizes most of the college and universities that are ?regionally accredited. See the College Accreditation tab for details.
AAPL does not require a specific degree, only a four-year bachelor's degree or higher. For extra credit years based on an advanced degree we do require that the degree be in business or science or related fields.
In addition to a four-year degree AAPL recognizes a few Petroleum Land Management, Energy Management, or similar named programs. These are programs that focus on landwork and that offer a bachelor's degree in business with a major in PLM or ERM or the like. At this time there are six AAPL approved programs to gain the extra credit year for CPL applicants and to qualify for the experience waiver for RPL applicants. These are:
The University of Oklahoma
The University of Tulsa
Texas Tech University
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Western State College of Colorado
The University of Calgary

13. Must I be a member of AAPL to apply and do I have to maintain my membership?
Yes. You must be an ACTIVE (not associate) member of AAPL to apply for RL, RPL, or CPL. You also must maintain that membership to maintain your professional designation. If you give up membership you also give up your designation and would have to reapply (and comply with the current qualifications) and re-take the exam.

14. How long is the CPL Exam? RPL Exam? RL exam?
CPL Exam: A total of 6 hours maximum, consisting of 2 books/sessions of 3 hours each. Typical time to take the exam is around 2 to 2.5 hours per book.
RPL Exam: A total of 3 hours maximum, consisting of 1 books/session of 2 hours. Typical time to take the exam is around 1.5 to 1.75 hours.
RL Exam: The RL Exam is a take-home self-study exam. Upon application the exam will be sent to you to complete and return. It is meant to be a "learning" exam.

15. Must I sit for the review to take the exam?
No but the cost is the same and it is highly recommended that you sit through the review to have the best chance of successfully passing all parts. You also must attend one of the exam sites to sit for the exam. Subsequent retakes, if any, may be corrdinated thru your local association.

16. I have not submitted my application but may I take the review and exam?
Yes. You are welcome to attend the review and sit for the exam if you think you are qualified. However, you do so at the risk and expense of not being approved. No refunds are given if you are not approved. The results of the exam have no bearing on the application approval process.

17. If I take the exam prior to submitting my application, how long do I have to apply?
You must submit your application within 120 days of the exam to have the exam valid for your application. After that you are required to re-take the review and exam.

18. College Accreditation
AAPL has made the following articles available for further information on College Accreditation:
College Accreditation - Frequently Asked Questions
Online Education Gets Accolades - Experts Weigh in on Distance Learning