Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

About Geologist Exams

About exams

The Board requires passage of the national ASBOG exam (Fundamentals of Geology and Practice of Geology sections) as the Oregon exam standard for geologist registration. The ASBOG exam is administered two (2) times each year on dates set by ASBOG, the national exam provider. The exam administration dates are the same across the nation. 
 
The ASBOG exam is composed of two (2) sections, each four (4) hours in duration. To determine your eligibility to take one or both sections, review the Board's Qualify for Exams page by examination type.  For more details about the ASBOG exam, see the National exam provider page.
 
New applications to sit for an ASBOG exam must be received in the Board office 100 days prior to the exam date. No exceptions!

A resubmittal application to the Board is required when a candidate wants to retake a ASBOG exam that was failed or needs to take an ASBOG exam that was not taken when originally scheduled. Resubmittal applications must be received 75 days prior to the exam date. No exceptions! 

In addition to the ASBOG exam, the Board administers the specialty examination for becoming registered as a Certified Engineering Geologist. To determine your eligibility for the Engineering Geology exam, review the Board's Qualify for Exams page. Applications for the engineering geology exam must be received 75 days prior to the exam date. No exceptions!
 
Exam dates and application deadlines can be found on the Exam Dates and Fees page.
 
Oregon Registered Geologists are also eligible to apply to sit for the exam required for the Certified Water Rights Examiners license. The Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying (OSBEELS) handles the exam and registration for this license type. The Board can verify your geologist registration status in support of an application to OSBEELS to sit for exam.

Related links

OSBEELS (Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering & Land Surveying)
ASBOG (National Association of State Boards of Geology)

More for Students

Board Presentation for Students - provides an overview of the path to registration (2023)

Video of Board Student Presentation - YouTube Link (2022)

Geosciences Career Exploration - 
GROW website (This resources is not affiliated with the Board.)