Geologist-in-Training
Board for Geologists and Geophysicists
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Effective January 1, 2005, the Board for Geologists and Geophysicists (California Department of
Consumer Affairs) is announcing a trainee certification toward the "Professional Geologist" license in
the State of California. New legislation signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2004 (SB 1914) allows
college graduates with majors in Geology to take the National Association of State Boards of Geology
(ASBOG) "Fundamentals of Geology" exam, which is given once a year on the first Friday of March.
Once the graduate passes the exam, s/he will be issued a certificate as a Geologist-in-Training. The
ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology examination is the first of three examinations necessary to become
licensed in California (the other two are the ASBOG "Practice of Geology" examination and the Board's
"California specific" examination). This certification will be a strong qualification for graduates to add
to resumes as they conduct a job search. After working with a Professional Geologist for 3 years
(BA/BS degree) or 2 years (MA/MS/PhD degree), graduates can apply to take the ASBOG "Practice of
Geology" and California-specific exams for licensure as a Professional Geologist in the State of
California.
Eligibility: BA/BS degree in Geology. Students graduating in May, August and December 2005 will be
eligible to take the exam in 2006.
Registering for the Fundamentals of Geology Exam: Submit application (available at
www.geology.ca.gov/examinations/geology/registered_geologist.htm) and official copies of transcripts
(must be received directly from the university to the Board) along with a check for $400 ($250 to open
your file with the licensing board plus $150 examination fee) to:
Board for Geologists and Geophysicists
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 300A
Sacramento, CA 95833-2926
Deadline: The deadline for the 2006 Exam is November 23, 2005.
Exam Date: March 3, 2006
The exam will be given in Sacramento and Carson, CA.
Additional Information Contact: Pam Hopper, Examination Coordinator
Department of Consumer Affairs
Board for Geologists and Geophysicists
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 300A
Sacramento, CA 95833-2926
(916) 263-2113
geology@dca.ca.gov (e-mail)
www.geology.ca.gov (website)
