Examination

The North Carolina Board for Licensing of Geologists uses the national examination developed by the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG®).

About the ASBOG® Examination

The ASBOG® Examination is used by 31 states and Puerto Rico as a qualification for licensure as a professional geologist. The examinations are the result of careful preparation and validation by a committee of professional geologists from throughout the nation. These geologists supply the expertise to develop fair and impartial examinations for measuring minimum competency in the profession. Examinations are given in the spring and fall of each year. The examinations are divided into two parts;

  • Part 1: Fundamentals of Geology (FG)
  • Part 2: Practice of Geology (PG)

The FG examination emphasizes knowledge and skills that are typically acquired in an academic setting leading to a baccalaureate degree. The PG emphasizes skills and knowledge acquired in a practice of job setting. 

Each exam is four hours in length and is composed of multiple choice questions. Beginning with the Spring 2023 administration, the examinations will be computer-based, given at Prometric testing centers throughout the country. 

PLEASE NOTE: Those who wish to take either portion of the ASBOG examination in North Carolina must first be approved by this Board in order to be eligible to register for the exam. See below for more information on how to apply and associated deadlines.

How to Apply

Examination candidates must be approved by this Board in order to sit for the exam(s). Examination candidates should use the Application for Individual License/ASBOG Examination, and indicate which part(s) of the examination they are applying for. 

The Board meets quarterly to review applications. All applications and supplemental documentation must be received at least 2 weeks prior to a scheduled Board meeting in order to be reviewed. See the Calendar page for upcoming meeting dates.

Plus (click or tap to expand) + Part I - Fundamentals of Geology (FG)

Plus (click or tap to expand) + Part II - Practice of Geology (PG)

How to Order the Exam

Beginning with the Spring 2023 administration, ASBOG® Examinations will be given in a computer-based format through Prometric testing centers. Exam candidates will schedule and order their examination(s) directly through Prometric. Exam registration will begin approximately six weeks prior to the exam date – all eligible exam candidates will receive notice via email from Prometric when registration opens.  Approved exam candidates may contact the Board office to verify or change their email address on file to ensure they will be able register without issue. Note that once registration has opened, new exam candidates cannot be added by this Board.

Exam candidates are encouraged schedule their test(s) as soon as possible in order to have the best choice of testing locations and time slots. Registered exam candidates will be able to reschedule or cancel their test(s) up to 5 days prior to the examination date, with a $50 reschedule/cancellation fee, per exam. (Candidates that have an emergency request for cancellation within 5 days of the exam date will be handled on a case-by-case basis.)

Special Accommodations

Examination applicants may be eligible for testing accommodations, in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodation requests should be included with examination applications. Please contact the Board office for more information regarding accommodations requests. ADA accommodation requests must be made before registering for the examination.

ASBOG® Examination Schedule

  • March 20, 2025 & March 21, 2025 - Registration for the March administration is open now. Candidates who have already been approved may register at any time. If your application for examination has not been approved by the Board, you are not be eligible to take the March exam and should make application to take the October exam.
  • October 2, 2025 & October 3, 2025- Deadline to make application is August 7, 2025. Final Board meeting to be approved in time to take the October exam is scheduled for August 20, 2025. (subject to change). If your application has not been approved by the Board by the August meeting, you will not be eligible to take the October exam. See the Calendar page for earlier meeting date.
  • March 20, 2026
  • October 2, 2026