Exams: Geologists

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:

ASBOG exam schedule

 
Exam date and location Due date for application and fees
March 20 and 21, 2025
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.

January 15, 2025

Applications received after this due date will not be considered for this exam and will be automatically moved to the next exam.

Exam fees

You'll need to pay 2 different fees:

  1. 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.
  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 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

March 21, 2025
Hydrogeology

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.

January 15, 2025

Applications received after this due date will not be considered for this exam and will be automatically moved to the next exam.

March 21, 2025
Engineering Geology

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Department of Licensing
405 Black Lake Blvd SW
Olympia WA 98502
Map and directions

January 15, 2025

Applications received after this due date will not be considered for this exam and will be automatically moved to the next 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.

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.

Related information

Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-664-1497
(TTY: Call 711)
mail Email: geologist@dol.wa.gov
Was this information helpful?