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.

Here are the principal differences between the two ASBOG examinations:

*Timing and eligibility requirements vary by state. Be sure to check with your state board for requirements in your jurisdiction.

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 at: https://www.smttest.com/candidatemanagementsystem/cplogin.aspx?cms_cid=590

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).

All candidates must bring a valid government-issued ID with signature. In addition to identification, only the following items are allowed in the testing room:

• Non-QWERTY-calculator (without the cover)
• Key to your test center locker
• Eyeglasses (without the case)
• Light sweater or jacket
• A protractor, straight edge, and engineer's scale

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)
• Passport
• U.S. Military ID

Both the FG and PG examinations are four (4) hours long. Most candidates don’t need the full time allotted and candidates are allowed to leave when they complete their exam.

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, it does not matter which test center you choose to take the exam. Once approved by a state board, you can register to take the exam at any Prometric testing center.

Candidates with accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or other special accommodations, must apply for the accommodations upon application to sit for the Examination(s), and be approved by their State Member Board to take the Examination(s) with accommodations. The Candidate should make arrangements with their State Member Board for the accommodations no later than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the scheduled examination. The candidate must provide the State Member Board with a written statement from a doctor outlining the special needs and accommodations of the candidate. The State Member Board is responsible for the receipt, processing, review, verification and approval of all ADA and/or special accommodations being requested.

The State Member Board will identify ADA candidates when uploading candidate authorization data to the Client Registration portal. When the candidate schedules their exam, they will be instructed to contact the Examination Administrator – Prometric – directly to make plans for the requested ADA accommodation. The Examination Administrator – Prometric – will then contact the State Member Board to request documentation for the disability and payment for the requested accommodations. Please note that ASBOG does not alter, revise nor compromise the contents of its examinations in any way; adjustments are made only in the physical administration of the examinations (i.e. extra time; private room; etc.). The ASBOG examinations are administered in English only.

The topics covered on the FG exam fall under eight (8) different domains and are divided according to the percentages shown in the following table:

The ASBOG website Candidate Study Material page lists several helpful resources including a detailed description of the exam structure in the ASBOG Candidate Handbook, a newly expanded Knowledge Base for each of the content domains listed above, and a official ASBOG FG Prep Course!

The domains covered on the PG exam are the same as the FG exam, but each domain is covered according to the percentages shown in the following table:

The ASBOG website Candidate Study Material page lists several helpful resources including a detailed description of the exam structure in the ASBOG Candidate Handbook, a newly expanded Knowledge Base for each of the content domains listed above, and a official ASBOG FG Prep Course!

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: https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/what-expect

Yes! Both the FG and PG exam results are transferable to any ASBOG Member Board (see map).

Fraud, deceit, dishonesty, unprofessional behavior, and other irregular behavior in connection with taking the ASBOG exam(s) are strictly prohibited. The test administrator is authorized to take appropriate action to investigate, stop, or correct any observed or suspected irregular behavior, including discharging the candidate from the test center and confiscating prohibited devices or materials. If a candidate is involved in an exam irregularity, results of exam may be invalidated, the candidate’s licensing board may be notified, exam and seat fees will be forfeited, and the candidate might be restricted for future testing. Please see the ASBOG Examinee Candidate Handbook for actions/behaviors that are considered prohibited conduct.

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.