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How to become a licensed Geologist in Louisiana. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Louisiana does not require a state license for geologists. Louisiana does not have traditional ASBOG-based PG licensing.
Geologist — PG
Most information on this page has been verified.
85% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
No
License Required
No
ASBOG Required
5 yrs
Experience Years
Not Required
State-Specific Exam
15 hrs
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
Four-year degree in a geoscience discipline with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of geoscience credit, with at least 20 semester hours in upper-level courses
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.
Examination Requirements
VerifiedASBOG Examinations Not Required
Association of State Boards of Geology
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.
Professional Experience
Verified5 yrs
Years Required
5 years of qualifying work experience demonstrating ability to assume responsible charge of geoscientific work
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
VerifiedNo State License Required
State License Title
Professional Geoscientist (related credential, not traditional PG licensing)
Louisiana does not have traditional ASBOG-based PG licensing.
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.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
Varies
Comity Available
Varies
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.
Louisiana uses the title 'Professional Geoscientist' and licenses through the Board of Professional Geoscientists. Requires 15 PDH annually including at least 1 hour in professional ethics. Annual renewal at $150 ($100 for members 60+).
Louisiana does not have traditional ASBOG-based PG licensing.
The Professional Geoscientist program is available but is not a traditional geology license.
Contact the Louisiana Board of Professional Geoscientists for specific requirements.
There is no interstate compact for geologists. ASBOG FG/PG exams facilitate reciprocity across the approximately 32-35 states that license Professional Geologists.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Louisiana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#6 of 51
Salary
#46 of 51
Cost
#22 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (SOC 19-2042)
Entry Level
$56,780
25th percentile
Median
$72,340
-27% vs. national avg ($99,240)Experienced
$119,500
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
420 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.2%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+1,300
over 10 years
Annual Openings
2,600
per year (avg.)
31,700 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 482–500 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Louisiana Board of Professional Geoscientists — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Louisiana Board of Professional Geoscientists — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ASBOG FG and PG exams.
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Louisiana does not require licensure for geologists. 5 years of professional experience required. All licensing is managed through the Louisiana Board of Professional Geoscientists.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.