So, you’re on your way to becoming a geologist? You want to take a pit stop and obtain your geologist license by taking the ASBOG assessments. Unfamiliar with these examinations or the process? Keep reading, and we’ll help you step by step!
ASBOG, or the National Association of State Boards of Geologists, is a non-profit organization that is responsible for preparing the professional geologist licensing tests. ASBOG develops comprehensive examinations for qualified applicants who seek to become professional geologists in their state. You are required to take these assessments if you live in the United States or the territory of Puerto Rico.
Each State Board administers two examinations, the Fundamentals of Geology (FG), and the Practice of Geology (PG). While the FG tests applicant’s knowledge of the principles of Geoscience, the PG assess the applicant’s ability to utilize this knowledge in a professional setting.
Each state is required to administer the FG and the PG and can add additional examinations regarding state regulations, rules, and local geology.
These standardized tests are mandatory for applicants seeking to receive their professional geologist license. We want to ensure that you are well-prepared for test day and have the knowledge to pass with flying colors. Let’s explore how to prepare!
ASBOG Test Dates
The ASBOG examinations are administered twice a year, during the spring and the fall. The dates change every year, but it’s common for the spring examinations to take place in mid-March, while the fall examinations are in early October. Please contact your State Board Examination Administrator for exact dates, locations, and registration deadlines.
You are encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Geology (FP) during your last semester of college or shortly after graduation. This examination is developed for applicants who have little to no professional experience. The Practice of Geology (PG) is for applicants who have passed the FP and have the required amount of work experience for licensure.
How to apply for the ASBOG Examinations
For your state’s application form, please contact your State Board Examination Administrator. After completing and submitting your application, along with application fees, your State Board will approve or deny your request. Please note that application fees vary with each State Board.
After approval, your State Board Administrator will (authorize) sign your request form. In some states, the authorized form will be sent back to the applicant to complete and sign. The applicant is required to send the original copy of the form to ASBOG. If your Board doesn’t send back your authorized form, you will receive a notice, with further instructions.
What to expect on test day
Don’t panic! The ASBOG provides you with a Professional Geologists Candidate Handbook outlining the scoring procedures, testing formatting, etc. Some of the topics covered on the FG and PG include Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Engineering Geology, and Geochemistry.
On test day, you may bring a straight edge, protractor, and an engineer’s scale. You may also bring a silent, non-printing, and non-alpha programmable calculator that must be battery-operated or solar-powered. The test proctors will provide you with graph paper, scratch paper, and #2 mechanical pencils.
Wireless devices with email, internet, or texting features are not allowed and should be turned into the test proctor before the test begins.
How to study for the ASBOG examinations
We understand that the thought of studying for any test can cause anxiety, so we want to simplify the experience, and even make it a little entertaining!
Statistics show that only 50% of ASBOG applicants pass the examinations, so we broke the test-taking procedure down to a science, as well as the topics, to help test-takers pass the FG and the PG.
The Mometrix Study Guide for ASBOG, developed by educated test researchers, offers more than 65 comprehension sections, over 20 strategy insights, and so much more! Using this robust study guide will provide you with effective test-taking methods and thorough reviews of the topics assessed on the ASBOG examinations.
The Mometrix Flashcards for the ASBOG is another effective resource that will guide you down the right path to high test scores! One of the most proven test-taking strategies is repetition and the Mometrix Flashcards review over 40 exam topics! These durable cards are easy to read, with in-depth explanations, helping you retain the information. These cards are also portable, making it easy to study on the go!
We look forward to assisting you on your journey to earning your geologist license!