Learn more about the exams required to get your geologist license.
National Association of State Boards of Geology Exam
The National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) hosts the computer-based examinations for the Fundamentals of Geology and Practice of Geology 2 times a year on dates set by ASBOG.
For more information on the computer-based testing (CBT) and candidate resources, please see the ASBOG website.
ASBOG exam requirements
Before you can take the exam, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Geologist-in-Training Certification Application
- Geologist-in-Training to Geologist License Application
- Geologist License Application
- Geologist Specialty License Application (Engineering and/or Hydrogeologist)
ASBOG exam schedule
| Exam date and location | Due date for application and fees |
|---|---|
| October 4, 2024 Computer-based testing Note: ASBOG no longer proctors exams at a physical location. They now offer the exam as computer-based training at partner locations. |
July 31, 2024 |
Exam fees
You'll need to pay 2 different fees:
- The cost to apply for the ASBOG exams is $135 (check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing). This fee includes your application, license, and certificate.
- 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 the application and fees (see above).
Specialty exams
We 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.
| Exam date and location | Due date for application and fees |
|---|---|
|
October 4, 2024 |
July 31, 2024 |
|
October 4, 2024 |
July 31, 2024 |
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.
For veterans, military personnel, and partners
Your military experience or training might help you meet licensing requirements. You may also be able to get a temporary license if you're moving here with a current license from another state. Learn more about using your military training to meet professional license requirements.
If you're a U.S. veteran, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement of your fees. Learn more about getting reimbursed for fees.