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How to become a licensed Geologist in North Dakota. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
North Dakota does not require a state license for geologists. North Dakota does not require licensure for professional geologists.
Geologist — PG
Governing Authority
No geology licensing board
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 Degree
Graduate Degree
Varies
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
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
North Dakota does not require licensure for professional geologists.
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.
North Dakota does not require licensure for professional geologists, despite significant oil and gas activity in the Bakken formation.
North Dakota does not require licensure for professional geologists.
Geologists may practice in this state without a PG license.
ASBOG FG and PG exams may be taken voluntarily.
Some employers, government agencies, or contracts may require ASBOG certification.
Consider obtaining licensure in a state that requires it for broader professional recognition.
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 North Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#6 of 51
Salary
#21 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
$77,490
25th percentile
Median
$90,770
-9% vs. national avg ($99,240)Experienced
$121,420
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
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.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for the ASBOG FG and PG exams.
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North Dakota does not require licensure for geologists. All licensing is managed through the No geology licensing board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.