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How to become a licensed Geologist in Nevada. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Nevada does not require a state license for geologists. Nevada does not have traditional ASBOG-based PG licensing.
Geologist — PG
No
License Required
No
ASBOG Required
Varies
Experience Years
Not Required
State-Specific Exam
Varies
CE Hours
Varies
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
Not geology-specific; CEM requires relevant environmental education and experience
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
Verified—
Years Required
3 years of relevant environmental experience within 5 years preceding application (for CEM)
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
Certified Environmental Manager (related credential, not traditional PG licensing)
Nevada 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.
Nevada does not have traditional PG licensing. The Certified Environmental Manager (CEM) program through NDEP covers environmental professionals broadly. CEM requires 3 years of environmental experience, a 200-question exam (70% to pass), $150 fee, and 24 CE hours per 2-year cycle.
Nevada does not have traditional ASBOG-based PG licensing.
The Certified Environmental Manager program is available but is not a traditional geology license.
Contact the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (CEM Program) 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 Nevada.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#6 of 51
Salary
#18 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
$65,660
25th percentile
Median
$95,090
-4% vs. national avg ($99,240)Experienced
$124,470
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
510 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)
Estimated total: 482–500 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (CEM Program) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (CEM Program) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ASBOG FG and PG exams.
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Nevada does not require licensure for geologists. All licensing is managed through the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (CEM Program).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.