Landman (RL) – The initial level of certification, RL certification signifies a fundamental knowledge of the land industry as well as a landman's commitment to furthering their education. This certification level requires the applicant to be sponsored by one RPL and complete a "take home" test with a passing grade, in addition to various experiential requirements and a fee. Registered Professional Landman (RPL) – The mid-level designation offered by AAPL, RPL certification distinguishes a landman as knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. This certification level requires the applicant to be sponsored by three CPL certified individuals and complete a comprehensive proctored test, in addition to various experiential requirements and a fee. Certified Professional Landman (CPL) – The highest designation offered in the energy management industry, CPL certification is the standard by which landmen demonstrate their comprehensive competence, proficiency, and professionalism in the landman field. This certification level requires the applicant to be sponsored by three CPL certified individuals and complete a comprehensive proctored test, in addition to various experiential requirements and a fee. Notable landmen Individuals who began their career or worked as a landman include: George W. Bush, former United States president Aubrey McClendon, former CEO of Chesapeake Energy The father of oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens Jim Flores, billionaire and former CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Tom L. Ward, former CEO of SandRidge Energy One of the best known fictional landmen was John Brewster, played by the actor Frank Wilcox, on the television series The Beverly Hillbillies in the early 1960s. He was a landman for "The Tulsa Oil Company" who secured the lease for Jed Clampett's acreage and later got Jed to serve on its board of directors. References Petroleum production Resource extraction occupations Legal professions Oil and gas law