Frequently Asked Questions

Licensure in geology is similar to licensure in other technical fields, including engineering, land surveying, nursing, accounting, and numerous additional professions. Licensure in geology is granted by individual states or territories and authorizes an individual to legally practice geology in that jurisdiction. Like other fields, it ensures that geologists meet defined standards of professional competence and experience, thereby protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Licensure is based on three criteria: education, experience, and examinations. The ASBOG examinations are a critical part of the geologic licensure process in the U.S. and are accepted in all U.S. jurisdictions.

No, not all geologists are required to become licensed. Whether or not a geologist is required to become licensed depends largely on the nature of the work they are doing. Typically, licensed geologists perform services that directly impact public health, safety, or welfare. This group commonly includes consulting geologists and many government employees. Unlicensed geologists often work in areas that are exempt from licensure such as academic research, teaching, government research, and certain industry positions. However, obtaining licensure—even when not required—can significantly benefit a geologist's career by enhancing professional credibility, providing opportunities for career advancement, and increasing earning potential. Some employers specifically seek licensed professionals for senior roles.

Yes! Geology is a highly mobile profession, and licensure requirements depend on where the work is performed—not where you live. Geologists often reside in one state but perform work in neighboring states, each of which may have different licensure requirements. For instance, a geologist employed by a consulting firm based in Oklahoma—a state without licensure—may work on projects located in states such as Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, or Texas. Since all these states require licensure, the Oklahoma-based geologist would need to obtain a license in each state before performing work there.

Additionally, even in roles where licensure isn't mandatory, having a license can significantly enhance your career advancement opportunities, credibility among peers and clients, and earning potential.

The exact qualifications vary slightly in each state - contact the state board in the state for which you wish to seek licensure to determine your specific requirements. In general, a degree in geology or closely related field is required to take the FG exam, while a degree and 3-5 years of experience are required to register for the PG exam.

You will need to contact the state board in the state for which you wish to seek licensure for specific requirements. The ASBOG website has a clickable map with contact information for each state.

You must contact the state board in the state for which you wish to seek licensure to start the application process. The ASBOG website has a clickable map with contact information for each state. Once the state board approves your application, they will pre-register candidates through the Prometric website. Candidates will then receive an email from Prometric (registrations@isoqualitytesting.com) with instructions for how to register, pay, and schedule their exam. Candidates seeking licensure in Georgia and Utah will have an additional step by first preregistering through the Prometric Portal

The Fundamentals of Geology (FG) exam costs $200 and the Practice of Geology (PG) exam costs $250. Each exam also has an additional seat fee charged by Prometric of $75. Application and licensing fees are set by each state geology board; candidates are encouraged to contact your geology board.

Candidates can reschedule or cancel their exam until 5 days prior to the exam date for a $35 fee. In both cases, you may need to coordinate with your state board to request being put on the eligibility list for the next scheduled exam. For cancellations 5 days prior, exam and seat fees will be refunded. For reschedules 5 days prior, exam and seat fees will be forwarded to a future exam date. Candidates that have an emergency request for cancellation within 5 days of the exam date will be handled on a case-by-case basis (documentation justifying the requested reschedule will be required).

The following items are permitted

• ID
• Non-QWERTY calculator (no cover)
• Glasses (no case)
• Light jacket
• Protractor
• Straight edge
• Engineer's scale

Test centers are equipped with lockers for temporary storage of any additional personal items not on the list above.

All examinee candidates must bring a valid government issued photo ID with signature in order to be admitted to the examination. Approved forms of ID include:

• Driver’s License
• Government Issued ID Card (must have photo and signature)
• Passfort
• Military ID

No digital IDs or other forms of identification will be accepted. The first and last name on your admission letter must match the name on your photo IDs.

Both FG and PG are 4 hours long. Candidates may leave once finished.

In most jurisdictions you are allowed to take both exams on the same day. Some states require candidates to pass the FG exam before registering for the PG exam. Contact the state board in the jurisdiction you are seeking licensure for additional information.

No. Once approved by a state board, you can test at any approved Prometric center.

Requests must be made to the State Board 90 days in advance with medical documentation.

Domain	FG%
General and Field Geology	17
Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry	12
Sedimontology, Stratigraphy, and Paleontology	11
Geomorphology and Surficial Processes	14
Structure, Tectonics and Seismology	12
Hydrogeology	12
Engineering Geology	12
Mineral and Energy Resources	12

Domain	PG%
General and Field Geology	17
Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry	5
Sedimontology, Stratigraphy, and Paleontology	5
Geomorphology and Surficial Processes	8
Structure, Tectonics and Seismology	9
Hydrogeology	22
Engineering Geology	18
Mineral and Energy Resources	16

Yes! The ASBOG Examinee Candidate Handbook found on the Candidate Study Material page contains forty (40) sample FG questions/answers and thirty-one (31) sample PG questions/answers. In addition, if you enroll in the ASBOG FG Prep Course, there are sample questions in each domain that are explained by the instructor.

A scaled score of 70 is considered passing in all ASBOG jurisdictions. Note this is not the same as the raw score (e.g. percent correct). A scaled score considers the difficulty level of each question when calculating the total score.

Each exam offering is monitored and reviewed by a psychometrician (i.e., a statistical testing expert) who sets the final cutoff score for each exam. More detail on the statistical procedures used can be found in the Candidate Handbook.

Exam results will be available within sixty (60) days of taking the examinations. Candidates will receive an initial notification from Prometric indicating either a PASS or FAIL. Additional information is released to the state boards which they may share with candidates, including total score and how each candidate performed in each domain. ASBOG does not release examination results directly to candidates.

You can take the ASBOG exams as many times as you like. If you receive a failing score, ASBOG encourages you to review the feedback you receive from the state board and consider how you might improve on future examinations.

Candidates are instructed to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled exam. A Prometric representative will confirm that the only items in your possession are ones allowed into the testing area.

Candidates will be provided with a locker to store all belongings not permitted in the testing room in a designated area outside of the testing room. During the examination, candidates will be allowed to use the bathroom in the testing facility. The bathrooms will be in the proctored area and candidates will not have access to their locker during a bathroom break.

Prometric has created a video with additional information regarding what to expect during your upcoming visit to their testing centers.

Yes. Results are transferable to any ASBOG Member Board.

Dishonesty or behavior violations can lead to invalidated results and restricted future testing.

There are multiple differences between licensure and certification in any field, some of which are outlined below:

This will vary by state. Each state board has its own set of rules and regulations they must abide by. Contact the state board in the jurisdiction you are seeking licensure for additional information.

If you become licensed in one state and wish to practice geology in other states, you will typically need to apply for licensure individually in each additional state. Many states have agreements, such as reciprocity or comity, with other jurisdictions that streamline and expedite this licensing process. Contact the state board of the jurisdiction where you seek additional licensure to obtain specific details and a list of states with existing agreements.