Published December 06, 2024
By Christine Reed
Kristen Pritchett, co-director of the Professional Land Management (PLM) program at the School of Energy Resources (SER), recently gained the prestigious credential within the energy management industry as a Certified Professional Landman (CPL).
One of three levels offered by the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) – the accrediting body for the land profession – a CPL is the highest designation achievable. Other tiered certifications include Registered Landman (RL) and Registered Professional Landman (RPL), which each have varying requirements.
In order to qualify to become a CPL, applicants must have a minimum of ten total “credit years” comprised of education and full-time experience as a land professional, including being primarily engage in land work for a full two years prior to sitting for the CPL exam. In addition to obtaining a passing score on each part of the CPL exam, applicants must also hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college and be and active member of AAPL for at least a year.
CPLs demonstrate a higher standard accepted among the industry, the public, clients and employers for their ability to handle complex legal issues related to land ownership, comprehensive competency, and ethical professionalism in the field.
“I am a firm believer that continuing education is to be applauded in any profession, and am grateful for the opportunity to continue to refine my own skills and education in my own career,” says Pritchett. “I am excited and honored to be able to continue my energy career as a CPL.”
In addition to her extensive career as an independent landman, Pritchett joined SER in 2023 and co-directs the PLM concentration of the Energy Resource Management and Development (ERMD) degree program. The University of Wyoming’s landman program is one of only ten undergraduate programs nationally accredited by the AAPL. Students in the program learn to navigate title work, mineral leasing, energy asset management, and negotiations.
Under AAPL’s requirements for obtaining a CPL, the ERMD degree with a PLM concentration would satisfy the accredited bachelor’s degree and four of the ten “credit years” necessary for the certification, setting students well on the path to obtaining the credential.
“Gaining the designation of CPL is a rigorous and dedicated process and we are so proud of Kristen for going the extra mile to obtain the elite certification,” says SER Academic Director Kami Danaei. “In addition to it acknowledging her hard work and diligence within the land profession, it is a really great example to set for our student within the PLM program of what can be achieved.”
