1311 - Physical Science Technician

Show All / Hide All

Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This series covers one-grade interval technical positions that supervise, lead, or perform nonprofessional work in the physical sciences that is not specifically included in other technical series in the Physical Sciences Group. Physical science technicians perform technical work in such fields as astronomy, chemistry, geology, physics, geophysics, health physics, metallurgy, and oceanography for which a specific technician series has not been established. Work in this series does not require full professional knowledge equivalent to that represented by completion of a bachelor’s degree in a physical science field.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the PHYSICAL SCIENCES GROUP, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

  • 1301 - General Physical Science Series
  • 1306 - Health Physics
  • 1310 - Physics
  • 1313 - Geophysics Series
  • 1315 - Hydrology Series
  • 1316 - Hydrologic Technician Series
  • 1320 - Chemistry Series
  • 1321 - Metallurgy Series
  • 1330 - Astronomy and Space Science Series
  • 1340 - Meteorology Series
  • 1341 - Meteorological Technician Series
  • 1350 - Geology Series
  • 1360 - Oceanography Series
  • 1361 - Navigational Information Series
  • 1370 - Cartography Series
  • 1371 - Cartographic Technician Series
  • 1372 - Geodesy Series
  • 1373 - Land Surveying Series
  • 1374 - Geodetic Technician Series
  • 1380 - Forest Products Technology Series
  • 1382 - Food Technology Series
  • 1384 - Textile Technology Series
  • 1386 - Photographic Technology Series
  • 1397 - Document Analysis Series
  • 1399 - Physical Science Student Trainee Series

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certification in Clinical Chemistry Is Not In Demand American Board of Clinical Chemistry otherOther    
Certification in Molecular Diagnostics Is Not In Demand American Board of Clinical Chemistry otherOther    
Certification in Toxicological Chemistry Is Not In Demand American Board of Clinical Chemistry otherOther    
Certified Health Physicist Is Not In Demand American Board of Health Physics someSome    
Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) In DemandIs In Demand American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology Is Not In Demand American Board of Toxicology otherOther    
Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I In DemandIs In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) Is Not In Demand American Society of Agronomy (ASA) someSome    
Board Certified Entomologist Is Not In Demand Entomological Society of America someSome    
Qualified Environmental Professional Is Not In Demand Institute of Professional Environmental Practice someSome    
Cathodic Protection Technician Is Not In Demand NACE International someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Chemical Treatment Specialist Is Not In Demand NACE International someSome    
Protective Coating Specialist Is Not In Demand NACE International someSome    
Senior Corrosion Technologist Is Not In Demand NACE International someSome    
Associate Environmental Professional (AEP) Is Not In Demand National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Registered Environmental Manager (REM) Is Not In Demand National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Registered Environmental Professional (REP) Is Not In Demand National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Professional Wetland Scientist Is Not In Demand Society of Wetland Scientists someSome    
Wetland Professional in Training Is Not In Demand Society of Wetland Scientists someSome    
Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level 1 Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Chemical Hygiene Officer Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists someSome    
Clinical Chemist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists otherOther    
Clinical Chemistry Technologist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists someSome    
Environmental Analytical Chemist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists someSome    
Environmental Analytical Technologist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists someSome    
Toxicological Chemist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists someSome    
Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level 2 Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
NSPS - THSOA Certified Hydrographer Is Not In Demand National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) someSome    
Soils Special Inspector, Plans Module (ECP) Is Not In Demand International Code Council (ICC) someSome    
Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level I Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level IV Is Not In Demand National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 1 Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 2 Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Aggregate/Soils Base Testing Technician Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Certified Environmental Scientist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) someSome    
Registered Environmental Laboratory Technologist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) someSome    
Associate Certified Entomologist Is Not In Demand Entomological Society of America someSome    
Masonry Field Testing Technician Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Masonry Laboratory Testing Technician Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Internal Corrosion Technologist Is Not In Demand NACE International someSome    
Internal Corrosion Specialist Is Not In Demand NACE International someSome    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 1311 - Physical Science Technician. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Astronomers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Atmospheric and Space Scientists someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Biochemists and Biophysicists someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Biologists someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Chemical Technicians someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Chemists someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Environmental Restoration Planners someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Geological Sample Test Technicians someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Geophysical Data Technicians someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Materials Scientists someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Natural Sciences Managers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Physicists someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Soil and Plant Scientists someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Top
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Health Physicist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) certification is for individuals working in professions that are based on the science of protecting and enhancing the health, safety, and environment of people at work and in their communities. A CIH's major areas of responsibility include exposure assessment principles and practice, control selection, implementation, and validation, and risk management. To earn the CIH certification, applicants must currently work in the practice of industrial hygiene (IH), meet academic and IH coursework requirements, meet a professional IH experience requirement that is supported by two professional references, and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I certification validates individuals ability to properly perform and record the results of seven basic field tests on freshly mixed concrete. ACI will grant certification only to those applicants who meet both the requirements of a passing grade on the ACI written examination; and successful completion of the ACI performance examination. The performance examination requires actual demonstration of six of the required ASTM test methods and practices. There are no degree or experience requirements.

Click here to go to Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) COOL Snapshot page.

The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) is an intermediate-level credential for professionals with expertise in producing and using plants for food, fuel, fiber, and land reclamation. A Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) is a qualified agronomy expert who has met the standards – exams, education, experience, and ethics - set by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). Agronomists advise growers on agronomic practices, conduct educational programs and, may perform research in agronomy, manage other agronomists, or provide technical support to field agronomists. Individuals who hold the CPAg certification must meet educational, experiential, and ethical standards. Additionally, ASA requires that candidates for the CPAg pass the certification exam.

Click here to go to Board Certified Entomologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Qualified Environmental Professional COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Cathodic Protection Technician COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Chemical Treatment Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Protective Coating Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

The NACE International, Protective Coating Specialist certification is for individuals who are experienced, knowledgeable and capable of performing work at an advanced level in both the theory and practice of corrosion prevention and control in the protective coatings field. Protective Coating Specialist candidates must satisfy one of two eligibility requirement options, which include work experience or a degree/credential and work experience. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Senior Corrosion Technologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Associate Environmental Professional (AEP) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Registered Environmental Manager (REM) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Registered Environmental Professional (REP) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Professional Wetland Scientist COOL Snapshot page.

The Society of Wetland Scientists, Professional Wetland Scientist certification is an advanced-career level credential for professionals who assess and manage the wetlands resources. Professional Wetland Scientists include experts with careers including ecologists, hydrologists, soil scientists, educators, agency professionals, consultants, and others who practice wetland science. Candidates are required to meet educational and experiential requirements.

Click here to go to Wetland Professional in Training COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level 1 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician-Level 1 credential demonstrates an individual knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of a variety of laboratory procedures for concrete and aggregates. There is no actual examination or application process for this certification. Certification credentials will be automatically issued upon successfully obtaining concurrent certifications as both Concrete Strength Testing Technician AND Aggregate Testing Technician-Level 1.

Click here to go to Chemical Hygiene Officer COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Clinical Chemistry Technologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Environmental Analytical Chemist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Environmental Analytical Technologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Toxicological Chemist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level 2 COOL Snapshot page.

A Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician-Level 2 is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of advanced laboratory procedures for aggregates and concrete. Candidates must have at least one year (2000 hours) of approved work experience or a combination of work experience and education as well as hold current certification as an ACI Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician-Level 1 and obtain a passing grade on the written examination and the performance examination.

Click here to go to NSPS - THSOA Certified Hydrographer COOL Snapshot page.

The NSPS - THSOA Hydrographer Certification is designed for hydrographers with five years of experience. Professionals with experience as Surveyors, engineering technicians, dredge operators, geophysical exploration surveyors/geologist, hydrographers, principles in architecture-engineer firms are encouraged to apply. Prospective examinees must have five years of experience in hydrographic surveying, two years of which have been in technical charge of surveys in the field. Applications, which require a detailed resume, must be reviewed and approved by the Hydrographer Certification Board prior to sitting for the examination.

Click here to go to Soils Special Inspector, Plans Module (ECP) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level I is an entry-level credential for field and laboratory technicians engaged specifically in the testing and inspection of construction soil. Candidates must have knowledge of engineering properties of construction materials used in buildings, roads, and related civil engineering projects and knowledge of testing specifications, standards, methods, and materials evaluation. Candidates do not need to have any experience, but it is helpful to have some knowledge of and experience in soils testing, QA/QC, inspection or related activities. Candidates choose the work elements to be included on the written exam and must pass a minimum of three general work elements and six special work elements. Candidates must obtain a Supervisor's verification of all work elements and take and pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level II COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level II is a mid-level credential for field and laboratory technicians engaged specifically in the testing and inspection of construction soil. Candidates qualify for level two with 2 years of experience of which at least one year must involve soils QA/QC activities. Candidates must have knowledge of construction material engineering properties used in buildings, roads, and related civil engineering projects and knowledge of testing specifications, standards, methods, and materials evaluation. Candidates must pass the written exam.

Click here to go to Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level III COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level III is an intermediate-level credential for field and laboratory technicians engaged specifically in the testing and inspection of construction soil. Candidates qualify for level three with 5 years of experience of which at least three years must include soil QA/QC experience. Candidates must have knowledge of construction material engineering properties used in buildings, roads, and related civil engineering projects and knowledge of testing specifications, standards, methods, and materials evaluation. Candidates must pass the written exam, submit a supervisor’s verification of the candidate’s experience and a personal recommendation.

Click here to go to Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level IV COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), Construction Materials Testing: Soil - Level IV is an advanced-level credential for field and laboratory technicians engaged specifically in the testing and inspection of construction soil. Candidates qualify for level four with 10 years of experience of which at least five years must include soil QA/QC experience. Candidates must have knowledge of construction material engineering properties used in buildings, roads, and related civil engineering projects and knowledge of testing specifications, standards, methods, and materials evaluation. Candidates must pass the written exam, submit a supervisor’s verification of the candidate’s experience, a write-up detailing the candidate’s work experience in completing a major project, plus a personal recommendation.

Click here to go to Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 1 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

An Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 1 is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of basic field and laboratory procedures for aggregates. This is an entry-level certification designed to form a minimum qualification for personnel employed within the concrete construction industry. Candidates must receive a passing grade on the ACI written examination and successfully complete the ACI performance examination.

Click here to go to Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 2 COOL Snapshot page.

An Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 2 is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of advanced laboratory procedures for aggregates. This is an entry-level certification designed to form a minimum qualification for personnel employed within the concrete construction industry. Candidates must hold current certification as an ACI Aggregate Testing Technician-Level 1, obtain a passing grade on the written examination and successfully complete the performance examination.

Click here to go to Aggregate/Soils Base Testing Technician COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

An Aggregate/Soils Base Testing Technician is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of basic field and laboratory procedures for aggregates and soils. This is an entry-level certification designed to form a minimum qualification for personnel employed within the concrete construction industry. Candidates must receive a passing grade on the ACI written examination and successfully complete the ACI performance examination.

Click here to go to Certified Environmental Scientist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Registered Environmental Laboratory Technologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Associate Certified Entomologist COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Entomological Society of America, Associate Certified Entomologist is an intermediate-level credential for pest control professionals. Candidates for the Associate Certified Entomologist are required to have five years of experience in pest management.

Click here to go to Masonry Field Testing Technician COOL Snapshot page.

A Masonry Field Testing Technician is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to perform sample preparation and testing of masonry construction-related materials—including materials for brick, structural clay tile, concrete masonry units, prisms, mortars, and grouts—in the field.

Click here to go to Masonry Laboratory Testing Technician COOL Snapshot page.

A Masonry Laboratory Testing Technician is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to perform laboratory procedures required for preparation and testing of masonry construction-related materials including brick, structural clay tile, concrete masonry units, prisms, mortars, and grouts.

Click here to go to Internal Corrosion Technologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Internal Corrosion Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Astronomers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Astronomers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Biochemists and Biophysicists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Biochemists and Biophysicists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Biologists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Biologists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Chemical Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Chemical Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Chemists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Chemists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Environmental Restoration Planners
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Environmental Restoration Planners
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Geological Sample Test Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Geological Sample Test Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Geophysical Data Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Geophysical Data Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Materials Scientists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Materials Scientists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Natural Sciences Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Natural Sciences Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Physicists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Physicists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Soil and Plant Scientists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Soil and Plant Scientists