Answers to the most frequently asked questions about licensure.
Requests for verification must be made in writing (email is fine). Please send the request and/or form to Barbara.Geiger@ncblg.org. There is not a fee for this service. Verification will be sent within 72 hours of request.
Yes, as of July 1, 2017, NC licensed geologists are required to obtain 12 hours of continuing education (CE) each license year. CE must be completed through a pre-approved provider, or be approved by the Board. See the Continuing Ed. page of this website for more information.
(1) Graduation from college or university with BS degree in geology or 30 credit hours in geology of which 24 are advanced level. (2) Three years of geological experience after graduation. A master's degree in geology fulfills two years of the experience requirement. Job experience verification is required. (3) Five references from geologists or professional engineers. (4) Must pass two-part examination given by the Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG). Part one may be taken after completion of minimum academic requirements. Part two may be taken after academic requirement and requisite experience are completed.
Twice annually, in March and October, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Multiple choice. Many of the 100 questions require calculation to arrive at an answer. Part I is fundamentals of geology; Part II is practical application of geology.
No formal study materials have been suggested other than those required for undergraduate geology degrees. No preparatory courses targeting the ASBOG exam are offered by North Carolina or other state geology boards, but private groups may offer courses from time to time. None are offered currently in North Carolina. Some study material is available on the Candidate Resources page of the ASBOG website.
You will be notified by mail from 6 to 8 weeks after you take the examination.
Yes. Each application for comity is reviewed on a case by case basis. If you meet North Carolina's basic requirements for a license and have secured your license by the ASBOG or other acceptable test in another state, you are eligible for a license by comity.
The application fee is $55. It is non-refundable but has to be paid only once for an initial license. The initial license fee is $85 and is good for one year, ending June 30.
Yes. An application for reinstatement requires a fee of $150, as well as any back renewal fees, and should be accompanied by a letter explaining why the license was allowed to lapse. In addition, you will be required to report 12 hours of continuing education hours.
Yes. Geology licenses are required for all corporations offering geological services in North Carolina. Visit the Corporate Application page for more information on obtaining a corporate license.
You may refer to yourself as a Professional Geologist (PG) or as a Licensed Geologist (LG). Only licensed individuals may refer to themselves as geologists or any other title that implies they practice geology in any of its forms.
Meetings are held quarterly. The Board meeting schedule can be found on the Meetings page of this website.