How to prepare and pass ASBOG Exam (+California CSE)
Professional Geologist Examination is something every geologist should take before they can put a title as a Geologist on their business card. Surprisingly, there is almost no information on the internet about what people should do to prepare for the exam. Here are some tips to get you through the ASBOG (National Association of State Boards of Geology) exam.
The ASBOG exam is divided into three parts: Fundamentals of Geology (FG), Practice of Geology (PG), and California Supplemental Component (CSC) (if you work in California). I will explain about the FG and PG tests first, as they are closely related in topics.
Fundamentals of Geology (FG), Practice of Geology (PG)
The Fundamentals of Geology exam emphasizes knowledge and skills that are typically acquired in an academic setting and lead to a baccalaureate degree.
The Practice of Geology exam underlines skills and knowledge acquired in a practice or job setting. This can be a tricky test.
Both exams last 4 hours and there are 130 multiple-choice questions on each test. No point deduction for wrong answer. If you do work in geology related field and have a degree in geology, this test should not be a problem. You just need to refresh your memory.
The subject distribution table shows that to pass both exams (FG and PG), you need to study all subjects. It looks overwhelming but with the right study materials, you can be confident enough that you will pass both.
About books that you MUST have in your hands:
1. Reg Review, Inc.
- 2006 Geology Study Manual for the National (ASBOG) Geology Licensing Exam
- 2008 Practice Quizzes Book
- no need to buy the flashcards
The Geology Study Manual provides study materials for both exams. The Practice Quizzes is really helpful because the types of questions are similar to that in the exam.
2. Earths Dynamic Systems by W. Kenneth Hamblin and W. Kenneth Hamblin ; Eric H. Christiansen.
The book covers the much needed theories and geological terms for Fundamental Geology exam.
3. Applied Hydrogeology by C.W. Fetter.
This book is useful for both exams, and mostly for the Practice of Geology exam.
Also, there are some sample questions on the Candidate Handbook that can be downloaded at http://www.asbog.org/
Those three books cost a total of about $250 but they are well worth your money. It costs more if you have to retake the exams. Books number 2 and 3 are a standard university book for any geology major student, so perhaps you already have both or you can get/borrow them from your colleague.
Because of its dense content, it takes time to read those books thoroughly. Regarding when you should start reading them, just get these books as soon as possible and see how long you think you can cover all. I have a smart friend that only need two weeks to prepare and actually passes both tests at the first attempt. For a slightly above average person (like me), I will recommend study them at least 2 (solid) months ahead of the exams date.
Add: You can read an online version of the Earth’s Dynamic Systems book. Also, check out this website that show the answers for all exercises on Applied Hydrogeology book by C. W. Fetter.
California Supplemental Examination (CSE)
“…shall test the applicant’s knowledge of state laws, rules and regulations, and of seismicity and geology unique to practice within this state.” The Board for Geologists and Geophysicists – Business and Professions Code§7841(d)
On 2007, the California Board for Geologists and Geophysicists decided to change the format of the exam, from a 30 question-exam into a 75 question, 2½ hour-exam. It is a response to critics by some (professional) geologists on the former format as “too little” and “too trivial”. Obviously, they were not complaining when they passed the test and got their registration.
It took me three times to pass this exam. Thus I am in a category “experience” person. Here are the materials I studied to pass this California Supplemental Exam.
Straight to the point, you MUST (is there any stronger word?) get and study these two books:
- 2003 California Geology Study Manual by Reg Review, Inc.
- California Geology by Deborah Harden.
In addition, read as many articles as you can from California Geological Survey and USGS websites about California. I recommend reading these websites:
- California Geomorphic Provinces: http://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/geotour/Pages/Index.aspx
- Mineral Resources and mineral hazards. Browse links on the left side http://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/minerals/Pages/index.aspx
- Earthquakes: http://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/rghm/quakes/Pages/eq_chron.aspx
- Liquefaction: http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/sfgeo/liquefaction/effects.html
To pass this exam, you must memorize this topics:
- Faults, their type and location
- Earthquakes, their location, the year and the cause
- Seismic, classification and terms
- Landslides, their location, and the cause
- Tectonic history of California
- Other geologic hazards: subsidence, volcanic activity, etc.
- California regulations: read the 2003 California Geology Study Manual book.
Those books and materials above are enough to prepare for this ‘unpredictable’ California Supplemental Exam. I say ‘unpredictable’ because there are a wide range of questions about California that can be asked. Also, the passing score keeps changing, so it depends on other examinees, too. Hopefully, not many people reading this article to prepare for their tests thus lower the passing score.
Please leave comments here if you think this is helpful or when you pass/ not pass the exam.
Best of luck to you all.
I wish I read about this earlier.
Hi, Ori:
Thanks for this “long” but thoughtful article.
Thanks for the article…I am going on number 4 try for the Cal Supp. this fall…may be your study suggestions will help me to pass this time!
Hi, Dunn:
I am pretty sure you can get your PG this time.
Thanks for your comments on the exam. I really studied hard for the exam and passed it on my first attempt. However, I had a lot riding on the results, as I was managing projects in California and had to fly to Reno (flights to Sacto were too $$$, along with hotel room and rental). I quite literally could not afford to take the test again. I am based in Denver. Best luck to all
Thanks for the comment, Rhoades.
This is very helpful site to be successs in ASBOG exam
I stumbled on this site and it give me hope. Failed the bloody PA PG exam 3xs, and took a 5 year break. I’ll get the latest RegReview update and the other two books you recommend. Thanks for the tip, since ASBOG isn’t much help with test prep.
Passed the ASBOG (both FG and PG) on the first try, and thought I passed the CA portion too; but it was not to be – a mere 2 points off. This time, I am studying exclusively for the CA exam and having taking it once prior, feel a bit more prepared. I thought many of the March ‘09 CA exam questions were completely trivial and not remotely related to having a complete understanding of CA Geology which is unfortunate. Your study tips you mentioned above are quite applicable, imho.
That’s right, Butters. Studying for the CA exam is kind of hit and miss. I haven’t met any Geologist that pass that exam on the first try, since they changed the format. And, there is no clear guidelines about things that we need to study.
Halow Ori, akhirnya gua bisa nemuin lu
Email lu apa?
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How many hours a day do you think you studied preparing for the tests?
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Just took the California Supplemental Component this Saturday, and I must say, the new test was VERY heavily concentrated on mining and the mininig statutes from 1976 in California. I don’t know if it’s because the board was taken over by the Engineering Board, but the test contained what I would guess to be less than 10% questions related to the actual geology (earthquakes, faults, landslides) of California.
hello my brother, have you don’t go back again to indonesia. In Desember 2009 ago, I meet your mother and father. I hope you always succesfully in your job. Thanks a lot.
finally I found you Ori…
the lost boy for 10 years…
and now become a real hydrogeologist…
don’t you miss your country, Ori?
Hendri Glompong (still with blue backgrounded ID card) waits on you for a missed silly party here…:)