Qualify for Exams

To qualify for the Practice of Geology (PG) exam section, an applicant must have a minimum of seven (7) years of qualifying experience. This experience is gained through both university studies and work experience.

NOTE: An applicant must have either passed the Fundamentals of Geology (FG) exam section or be approved to sit for the FG section concurrently with the PG section. 

University studies:

• Completed at least 45 quarter hours of geology coursework of which at least 36 hours (80%) must be upper-level coursework. See OAR 809-030-0025 for sample acceptable coursework. Applicants shall submit an official transcript in the Registrar's original sealed envelope. Alternatively, the Board will accept transcripts sent by secure PDF direct from the Registrar's office. NOTE: If you submitted a transcript as part of a previous application to the Board, check with the Board office to confirm that the transcript is on file. You will not need to resubmit any transcript already on file.
• Each year of undergraduate study in the geological sciences shall count as one (1) year of training up to a maximum of two (2) years, and each year of graduate study shall count as one (1) year of training up to a maximum of three (3) years. However, total credit given for undergraduate and graduate study shall not exceed four (4) years toward meeting the seven (7) year requirement. With respect to determing graduate study credit, a year of post-baccalaureate study is defined in Board rule as 22.5 quarter hours or 15 semester hours.
  

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience is granted for each year spent working under the supervision of a (a) Registered Geologist, (b) Certified Engineering Geologist, (c) Geologist registered in another jurisdiction with licensing requirements comparable to Oregon, or (d) Geologist in charge of geologic work in a situation or another jurisdiction that does not require licensure; however, a minimum of three (3) years must be completed before any credit is granted. 
  
• One (1) year of experience is granted for each year spent in responsible charge; however, a minimum of five (5) years must be completed before any credit is granted. NOTE: To be in responsible charge of work, an individual must have worked in a situation where it was legal to conduct geologic work in Oregon or another state without being under the supervision of a licensed geologist. Contact the Board office if you have questions about this.
  
• Individuals working as geology faculty are advised to contact the Board office regarding credit for professional faculty activities other than teaching or administrative duties. 
  

Other evaluation criteria:

• Duplicate credit will not be given for experience and education gained concurrently.
  
• Experience of less than one month will not be recognized.
• Full-time is considered an average of 40 hr. per work week.  Experience granted for part-time work will be prorated.
  

Other completed forms required:

• Experience Record Form - This form must be included with your application and should give a complete chronological record of your experience since your baccalaureate degree was granted.** Include all time, even if work was outside of the geology field, or otherwise explain gaps, for example from extended travels.  **For individuals holding geologist registration in another state obtained based on a non-ASBOG exam or for individuals applying for cooperative registration, please include employment information for at least the last 10 years.  
  
• Verification of Experience, Registered Geologist​ - Your supervisor for the geologic work experience necessary to meet the requirements to sit for this exam must complete the Verification of Experience form. If you had more than one supervisor for your qualifying work experience, have each supervisor complete a separate form.