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How to become a licensed Geologist in Texas. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Geologist — PG
Most information on this page has been verified.
82% of data points are verified against official sources. 6 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required
Yes
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
30 semester or 45 quarter hours in geoscience from a Board-recognized program, with at least 2/3 in upper-division 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 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.
Professional Experience
Verified5 yrs
Years Required
5 years of qualifying work experience in geoscience
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 Geoscientist
Additional Notes
Texas 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 |
Renewal & PDH Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
15 hrs
PDH Required
$100
Renewal Fee
PDH Details
15 Professional Development Hours per year including at least 1 hour in professional ethics, roles and responsibilities, or review of the Texas Geoscience Practice Act
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.
Texas has one of the most active geology licensing boards, the Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG). Uses the title 'Professional Geoscientist.' Annual renewal requires 15 CE hours including 1 hour in professional ethics. Also licenses GITs with 8 CE hours annually.
Texas requires a bachelor's degree in geology or related geoscience for PG licensure.
Both ASBOG exams (FG and PG) are required for licensure in Texas.
5 years of qualifying professional geological experience required.
Texas does not require a separate state-specific examination beyond ASBOG.
Continuing education required: 15 Professional Development Hours per year including at least 1 hour in professional ethics, roles and responsibilities, or review of the Texas Geoscience Practice Act.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Texas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#6 of 51
Salary
#1 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
$98,920
25th percentile
Median
$155,330
+57% vs. national avg ($99,240)Experienced
$211,650
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,620 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: Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists — Licensing Requirements
4-12 weeks after complete application
Estimated processing time
Source: Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ASBOG FG and PG exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Texas 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 Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.