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Geologist — PG
Total cost: $250
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
Yes
ASBOG Required
5 yrs
Experience Years
Not Required
State-Specific Exam
Varies
CE Hours
$250
Total Initial Fees
Degree & Accreditation
VerifiedDegree Required
Bachelor's Required
Graduate Degree
Graduate degrees may substitute for professional experience as determined by the board
Degree Field
30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in geology, culminating in a baccalaureate or advanced degree in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or geological/geotechnical engineering from an accredited institution
Accreditation
Degree from a regionally accredited institution
Professional geologists must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in geology, geological engineering, geophysics, or a closely related geoscience field from an accredited institution. A graduate degree may reduce the professional experience requirement by one to two years in most states.
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Examination Requirements
VerifiedASBOG Examinations Required
Association of State Boards of Geology
FG Exam
Fundamentals of Geology (FG): Covers mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, stratigraphy, hydrogeology, and geophysics.
PG Exam
Practice of Geology (PG): Covers applied geology, environmental geology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and professional practice.
No State Exam
State-Specific Exam
The ASBOG examinations consist of two parts: the Fundamentals of Geology (FG) exam, typically taken near graduation, and the Practice of Geology (PG) exam, taken after gaining qualifying professional experience. Both exams are administered by ASBOG (Association of State Boards of Geology) and are offered in March and October each year.
Overall licensing difficulty: 50/100
Study recommendation: Most candidates study 2–4 weeks
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Geology Licensing Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology (FG) Exam
Format
Computer-based, multiple choice
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology (FG) Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — ASBOG FG Exam
Prepare for your ASBOG FG Exam with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Study guides for the ASBOG FG and PG exams.
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Professional Experience
Verified5 yrs
Years Required
5 years of qualifying professional geological experience
Supervised Experience
Qualifying experience includes geological mapping, site investigations, environmental assessments, hydrogeological studies, geotechnical investigations, mineral exploration, and geological report preparation
Qualifying Experience
Most states require 3-5 years of professional geological experience working under the supervision of a licensed Professional Geologist. Qualifying experience includes geological mapping, environmental site assessments, hydrogeological studies, geotechnical investigations, and mineral exploration. A graduate degree may substitute for 1-2 years of experience.
State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedState License Required
State License Title
Professional Geologist
Additional Notes
Kentucky requires a bachelor's degree in geology or related geoscience for PG licensure.
Approximately 33 states require licensure for professional geologists. States that do not require licensure include Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia. Even in non-licensing states, ASBOG certification may be required by employers or for government contracts.
Practice Scope & Specialties
VerifiedEnvironmental
Authorized
Hydrogeology
Authorized
Geotechnical
Geotechnical investigations including subsurface characterization, soil and rock classification, and geologic hazard evaluation
Engineering Geology
Engineering geology including site characterization, foundation investigations, slope stability analysis, and geologic hazard assessment
Mining Geology
Mineral resource evaluation, mine site geology, exploration geology, and resource estimation
Professional geologists practice in areas including environmental site assessment, hydrogeology and groundwater studies, engineering geology, mining and mineral resource evaluation, geotechnical investigations, and geological hazard assessment. Some states offer specialty certifications in engineering geology or hydrogeology.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $150 |
License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application and license fees (excludes ASBOG exam fees where applicable) | $250 |
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Renewal & PDH Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
—
PDH Required
$100
Renewal Fee
PDH Details
No CE requirement found on official site
Regulatory Board
Professional Geologist licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state licensing board. Most states require Professional Development Hours (PDH) or Continuing Education Units (CEU) in geology, environmental science, hydrogeology, or related technical topics. Requirements typically range from 15-32 hours per renewal cycle.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
Yes
Comity Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
Most states that license geologists offer comity or endorsement for PG-licensed geologists from other states. Requirements typically include verification of current PG license, passage of both ASBOG exams, meeting education and experience requirements, and completing a background check. Some states may require a state-specific exam.
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Kentucky's Board of Registration for Professional Geologists does not currently require continuing education. Application fee is $150 (check or money order to Kentucky State Treasurer). ASBOG exams are held twice yearly.
Kentucky requires a bachelor's degree in geology or related geoscience for PG licensure.
Both ASBOG exams (FG and PG) are required for licensure in Kentucky.
5 years of qualifying professional geological experience required.
Kentucky does not require a separate state-specific examination beyond ASBOG.
No continuing education currently required for renewal.
Comity/endorsement is available for PG-licensed geologists from other states.
There is no interstate compact for geologists. ASBOG FG/PG exams facilitate reciprocity across the approximately 32-35 states that license Professional Geologists.
Geologist requirements in nearby states
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How does Kentucky compare to other states for geologist? See the full comparison →
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Geologist Schools in Kentucky
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Geologist license to Kentucky →
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Kentucky requires a PG license for professional geologists. Both the FG and PG ASBOG exams are required. 5 years of professional experience required. All licensing is managed through the Kentucky Board of Registration for Professional Geologists.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.