Fundamentals of Geology Exam
The Fundamentals of Geology (FG) exam confirms the technical knowledge of geology graduates. This comprehensive exam was created by the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG).
Do I need to write the Fundamentals of Geology exam?
If you intend to practise geoscience in the United States, the FG exam is usually the first step to obtaining a P.Geo. licence in the U.S.
In Alberta, the FG exam is the confirmatory exam assigned by the APEGA Board of Examiners to Geology and Environmental Geoscience applicants.
Registering for the FG exam
The ASBOG® Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination has changed format from paper-and-pencil to full computer-based testing (CBT).
APEGA members, members-in-training, and applicants may write the exam. The exam is offered each March and October. We will post exam dates on the website when available.
You can register for the exam in myAPEGA. APEGA will process your application. In one to two weeks, you will receive a confirmation letter and a receipt.
Exam Fees
With this change to CBT, the FG exam pricing model will change. Each candidate will be required to pay an administration fee to APEGA and then pay the FG exam fee directly to Prometric.
| Fees payable to | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Payable to APEGA | $250 CAD + GST |
| Payable to Prometric | $275 USD |
Exam Dates
| Exam Date | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|
| October 3rd and 4th | September 27th, 2024 |
Rescheduling & Cancelling
To reschedule or cancel your exam, you must email [email protected] before the registration deadline. You will not be refunded if you cancel after the registration deadline. You can reschedule your exam once.
Writing the FG Exam
Candidates taking the FG examination will be able to take the exam at any Prometric testing facilities. Find a list of testing locations.
The exam has 140 multiple-choice questions and covers the contents of an undergraduate geology degree. You have four hours to complete it. ASBOG's Professional Geologist Candidate Handbook provides exam specifications and sample questions.
Read the Professional Geologist Candidate Handbook (PDF)
Special Accommodations
APEGA can accommodate special needs because of a medical condition, including:
- extended testing time
- extra breaks
- reduced-distraction testing rooms
- larger font
To submit a request, email [email protected] to obtain the special accommodation instructions and forms.
You must submit the special accommodation forms before the registration deadline or your request cannot be accommodated.
Exam Results
A scaled score of 70% or greater is required to pass. Marks are adjusted for individual sessions based on an equating formula designed to ensure that, over time and among groups of candidates, pass or fail decisions are made on a consistent basis.
ASBOG provides APEGA with the exam results in 8 to 10 weeks. APEGA will mail you a confirmation letter with your results. The results will also appear in your myAPEGA.
If you failed the FG exam, you can re-write it as often as you want within two years of the first failure. To retake the exam through APEGA, please re-apply through myAPEGA.