SIPES has three categories of membership: Full, Limited, and Junior Limited. Any membership requires a degree from an accredited college or university in science or engineering in the earth sciences, whether self-employed or employed in industry, government or education as an earth scientist.

Full Membership requires at least twelve years of experience. Limited Membership is for those who are employed, while Junior Limited Membership is for applicants with fewer than 12 years’ experience.

Credit is given for time spent working toward a degree. SIPES has a membership reciprocity agreement with the Division of Professional Affairs (DPA) of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and with the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE).

The Houston Chapter also has a Houston Chapter Affiliate category available for those who do not qualify for the categories above. Chapter Affiliates are not associated with nor members of the SIPES National Organization.