ASBOG FG PG
ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology (FG) and Practice of Geology (PG) Examinations
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ExploreAbout this exam
ASBOG - the National Association of State Boards of Geology - is a national association of state geology licensing boards whose stated mission is "to promote the competent practice of geology by delivering rigorous licensure examinations, expanding license availability and mobility, and fostering academic training that protects public health, safety, and welfare." The Association administers the geology licensure examinations used by its member boards in regulated states, commonly referred to as the Fundamentals of Geology (FG) and Practice of Geology (PG) examinations. The FG exam is generally the entry-level examination for candidates completing or recently completing a geoscience degree; the PG exam is the practice-level examination tied to professional experience requirements set by the individual state board. Both are built from published examination blueprints covering the breadth of geological practice, from earth materials and structure through hydrogeology, engineering geology, and energy and mineral resources. Preparation guidance, blueprints, and a prep course are offered through ASBOG's Examinations and Educator pages, but applications, eligibility, fees, scheduling, and scoring are handled through the licensing board in the state where you are seeking licensure. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ASBOG or any state board.
What you'll study
About ASBOG FG PG preparation
How do I apply to take the FG or PG exam?
Applications go through the state licensing board where you want to be licensed, not directly to ASBOG. ASBOG's site provides an Application Process page, an Examination Schedule, and a State Board Index so you can find the board that governs your jurisdiction and follow its instructions on eligibility, documentation, and deadlines.
What content is on the exams?
Content is defined by ASBOG's published Examination Blueprints, which are posted on the Examinations section of asbog.org. Read the current blueprint for your exam rather than relying on older outlines or third-party summaries, since blueprints are periodically revised. Use the blueprint as your study checklist and weight your review time accordingly.
How much does the exam cost, how long is it, and what score do I need to pass?
Those specifics are administered by the individual state boards and are not published on the ASBOG home page. Check your state board's site and the current candidate handbook for fees, seating time, item format, and the passing standard. Do not rely on remembered figures from older handbooks, because fees and passing standards change.
What official study material does ASBOG offer?
The Examinations section links to Candidate Study Material and an FG Prep Course. The blueprints themselves are the most important free resource, because they list the topic areas exam items are drawn from. Combine the blueprint with a standard geology reference text and supervised field or work experience rather than relying on a single prep product.
What is the difference between the FG and the PG exam?
In general terms, the Fundamentals of Geology is the entry-level examination taken early in a geology career, while the Practice of Geology is the practice-level examination tied to post-degree work experience. The exact sequence and experience requirements are set by each state board, so confirm the rules for your jurisdiction before scheduling.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Retake rules, waiting periods, and any limits on attempts are set by the individual state board, not by the association's public web pages. Contact your board directly for its retake policy and for the score-report and Examination Score Request process. Plan your study around the weakest blueprint domains before rescheduling.
What is the CPAT?
CPAT is ASBOG's academic assessment program for colleges and universities, administered through a portal with participating institutions and a Faculty Ambassador Program. It is aimed at educators evaluating curriculum against the expectations of professional practice, not at individual candidates preparing for licensure. Faculty at interested institutions should start with the Educators section.
How do I get my exam score or verify someone's license?
ASBOG provides a Licensees section with an Examination Score Request option, and member boards maintain license verification. The site also hosts a Disciplinary Database. For an authoritative answer on your own score, license status, or a disciplinary record, use the relevant board's official channel.
Is the exam the same in every state?
Member boards use the ASBOG examinations, but eligibility, fees, and administrative rules differ by jurisdiction. Use the State Board Index, the State Matrix, and the Member Board Map on asbog.org to identify your board and read its requirements. Never assume another state's process or timing applies to yours.
What are the most common reasons candidates fall short?
Candidates typically lose points by studying to an outdated blueprint, neglecting lower-weight domains such as geochemistry or economic geology, and skipping quantitative problems in hydrogeology and engineering geology. Work every domain in the current blueprint, practice calculations without notes, and review your state's rules so administrative issues never cost you a seat.