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How to become a licensed Geologist in Washington. 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
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
Bachelor's degree in geological sciences or approved related degree with 24 semester or 36 quarter hours of upper-division geology courses including 14 semester or 21 quarter credits from core 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.
State Exam Required
State-Specific Exam
Washington requires a supplemental state-specific exam on Washington geology laws and practices
Additional Requirements
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 documented, verifiable professional geological experience with at least 3 years supervised by a licensed geologist
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
Licensed Geologist
Additional Notes
Washington requires a bachelor's degree in geology or related geoscience for LG 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
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
—
PDH Required
$100
Renewal Fee
PDH Details
No continuing education currently required
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.
Washington has a dedicated Geologist Licensing Board. Uses the title 'Licensed Geologist' (LG). Requires 5 years of experience with at least 3 years supervised. Also requires a supplemental state-specific exam. Offers specialty licenses in engineering geology and hydrogeology.
Washington requires a bachelor's degree in geology or related geoscience for LG licensure.
Both ASBOG exams (FG and PG) are required for licensure in Washington.
5 years of qualifying professional geological experience required.
Washington requires a state-specific supplemental examination.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Washington.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#6 of 51
Salary
#11 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
$77,050
25th percentile
Median
$99,780
+1% vs. national avg ($99,240)Experienced
$133,510
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
840 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: Washington Geologist Licensing Board — Licensing Requirements
4-12 weeks after complete application
Estimated processing time
Source: Washington Geologist Licensing Board — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ASBOG FG and PG exams.
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Washington 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 Washington Geologist Licensing Board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.