This program was authorized by Congress in Section 307 (e) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1990, now codified as 33 USC 2317 (e). This was followed by announcements in the Federal Register on December 30, 1992 and April 16, 1993 concerning release of a training package for those intending to provide wetland delineator training. A "Draft Training Package, Wetland Delineator Certification Program" was then issued on April 29, 1993. So that would in effect create two levels of certifications - a certified wetland delineator trainer who would then certify wetland delineators. Then, after finishing that level of certification you would qualify to take a field practicum at the District level and passing that you could generate "Certified Wetland Delineations" for that district and contiguous Corps Districts.
There is some indication, however, that the Wetland Delineator Certification may be stalled due to funding problems. It is our opinion that there may also be administrative issues which remain to be resolved. This program is designed to be customized by each Corps District which could lead to significant differences in interpretation of the 1987 Wetlands Delineation Manual.
An announcement in the Federal Register on October 29, 1997, repeated on April 27 1998, provides for publishing a Final Action by 00/00/00 (whenever that is) for the Wetland Delineator Certification Program.
This appears to extend, probably indefinitely, implementation of this program.