Examinations: Geologists

National Association of State Boards of Geology Exam

We administer the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) exam 2 times a year, on dates set by ASBOG. The exam consists of:

• Fundamentals of Geology (4 hours)
• Practice of Geology (4 hours)

ASBOG Candidate Exam Handbook

How to apply

Before you can take the exam, make sure you meet the minimum requirements.

To take the exam, you must complete the following:

• Geologist-in-Training Certification Application
• Geologist-in-Training to Geologist License Application
• Geologist License Application
• Geologist Specialty License Application (Engineering and/or Hydrogeologist)

Exam fees

You'll need to pay 2 different fees:

1. The cost to apply for the ASBOG exams is $100 (check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing). This fee includes your application, license, and certificate.
2. After you receive our approval letter to take the exam, you'll need to pay the exam fee to ASBOG.
   • If you don't pay the ASBOG fee by their deadline, you won't be able to take the exam.

Due dates

• Applications and fees must be postmarked before or on the application due date.
• All supplemental material (transcripts, employment and experience verification forms, personal references and lists of projects) must be received on the same due date as application and fees (see above).

Specialty exams

We also administer exams to be licensed as an Engineering Geologist or a Hydrogeologist. You must be licensed as a geologist in Washington in order to take a specialty exam.

Engineering geologist and Hydrogeologist licensing examination

Engineering geologist and Hydrogeologist licensing examinations are offered 2 times a year, on the same dates as the ASBOG exam. (see ASBOG schedule above)

• Geologist License Application
• Geologist Specialty License Application (Engineering and/or Hydrogeologist)
• Engineering Geologist Examination Content
• Engineering Geologist Examination Reference Study Guide
• Hydrogeologist Examination Content
• Hydrogeologist Examination Reference Study Guide

Applications, fees, and project lists must be postmarked before or on the application due date.

Related information

• National Association of State Boards of Geology (asbog.org)
• How to become a licensed geologist in Washington State
• List of allowable calculators and devices

Questions? Need help?

• Email us: geologist@dol.wa.gov
• Call us: 360.664.1497