- California Civil (Engineering Surveying/Seismic Principles)
- Geotechnical Engineer Examination
- State Specific Land Surveyor Examination
- Traffic Engineer Examination
- ASBOG Examinations
- California Specific Examination
- Certified Engineering Geologist
- Certified Hydrogeologist
- Professional Geophysicist
California Civil (Engineering Surveying/Seismic Principles) Examinations
There are two (2) state-specific Civil Engineer exams: Engineering Surveying and Seismic Principles.
Process to Apply for Licensure and Take the Exams
Exam Format
Both exams are multiple choice, computer-based tests (CBT) that are administered at Prometric testing centers.
Exam Length
Candidates have two and a half (2.5) hours to complete each exam.
Test Plans
The Civil Engineering Surveying Exam Test Plan and the Civil Seismic Principles Exam Test Plan provides information regarding the content areas of each exam and the percentage of exam questions in each content area.
Recommended References
The references included in this list should be considered suggested material only.
Civil Engineering Surveying Exam and Civil Seismic Principles Exam Reference List
Sample Exam Questions
The Civil Engineering Surveying Sample Exam Questions and Civil Seismic Principles Sample Exam Questions are retired questions that are provided to give candidates an idea of the types of questions they can expect to see on the exam.
Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Exam candidates must read the Civil Engineering Surveying Exam Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) and the Civil Seismic Principles Exam Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) carefully. It is recommended that candidates print and bring a copy of the CIBs with them to the test center on exam day. The CIBs contain important information including, the exam format, how to schedule, the identification (ID) requirements, approved tools and reference materials, the calculator policy, test center regulations, etc.
Scheduling an Exam Appointment
Once your application is exam eligible you will need to login to BPELSG Connect to pay for and request to take the state-specific exams. You will have a choice between taking the exams in one of two quarters. See Applying for Licensure as a Civil Engineer for additional information. After payment, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) notice via email with instructions on how and when to schedule your exam with Prometric. Contact the Board if you do not receive your ATT after payment is made. At the time of registration, candidates will be able to choose the testing center location of their choice (in North America), based on availability.
Calculator Policy
The Board’s calculator policy is described in the Civil Engineering Surveying Exam and Civil Seismic Principles Exam Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB).
Exam Results
Candidates will receive their exam results via email the month following the month in which they took the exam. The results are typically released by mid-month. For example, candidates that took the exam in January will receive their results by mid-February. Do not contact the Board regarding the anticipated release date, as there are several factors that can affect the release of the exam results, and an exact date cannot be provided to candidates.
Please read the Next Steps After Taking Your Exam(s) for additional information.
The exams are not appealable or reviewable in accordance with Title 16, California Code of Regulations sections 443(b) and 444(d). Do not contact the Board regarding appeals or exam reviews.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER EXAMINATION
The Geotechnical Engineer Examination is administered once a year. There is no final filing date. Applications will be accepted and processed on a continuous basis. This is a computer based (CBT) exam.
After completing the tutorial, you will have eight hours to complete the multiple choice exam. The time remaining for your exam is displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the computer screen.
Test Plan
The Geotechnical Engineer Test Plan:
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/geotestplan.pdf
Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB):
YOU MUST READ THE BULLETIN CAREFULLY. It is recommended that you print and bring a copy of the CIB with you to the test center. Download the CIB:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Recommended references for the Geotechnical Engineer Examination:
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/refs.shtml
References included in this list should be considered suggested material only.
Schedule an Appointment
All CBT exams are administered throughout North America at any Prometric test center.
The easiest way to schedule is online at:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Take the computer based (CBT) exam at the date and location you select.
Identification Required
You will not be admitted without proper identification and it must be current. Identification will only be accepted if it meets all of the following criteria:
• Issued by a state or federal governmental agency including military IDs, other U.S. states and foreign countries
• Contains your photograph, visible signature and printed (typed) name
• Has not expired
Important: Student or employee identification cards and government-issued IDs that do NOT contain a photo and visible signature will not be accepted. If you fail to provide appropriate identification at the time of the exam, you will not be admitted to the test center and will not be allowed to take the exam.
Exam Results
You will be issued your results by e-mail and/or US mail 6-8 weeks after the closing of all exams. Do not contact the Board prior to this time for your results.
In order to receive your results, your e-mail and/or mailing address must be current (30) days prior to the release date. All address and e-mail changes must be submitted directly to the Board using their online address change form:
https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/bpelsg/address_change.php
STATE SPECIFIC LAND SURVEYOR EXAMINATION
Process to Apply for Licensure and Take the Exam
Exam Format
The exam is a multiple choice, computer-based test (CBT) that is administered at Prometric testing centers.
Exam Length
Candidates have four (4) hours to complete the exam.
Test Plan
The Professional Land Surveyor Exam Test Plan provides information regarding the content areas of the exam and the percentage of exam questions in each content area.
Recommended References
The references included in this list should be considered suggested material only.
Professional Land Surveyor Exam Reference List
Sample Exam Questions
The Professional Land Surveyor Sample Exam Questions are retired questions that are provided to give candidates an idea of the types of questions they can expect to see on the exam.
Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
Exam candidates must read the Professional Land Surveyor Exam Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) carefully. It is recommended that candidates print and bring a copy of the CIB with them to the test center on exam day. The CIB contains important information including, the exam format, how to schedule, the identification (ID) requirements, approved tools and reference materials, the calculator policy, test center regulations, etc.
Scheduling an Exam Appointment
Once your application is exam eligible you will need to login to BPELSG Connect to pay for and request to take the state-specific exam. You will have a choice between the spring or fall exam dates. Applicants who have yet to schedule and pay their exam fee by March 9th for the spring exam, or September 9th for the fall exam, will need to choose the next exam window. For example, if it is past the current fall exam date, choose spring; otherwise, you will be scheduled for the fall of the following year. After payment, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) notice via email with instructions on how and when to schedule your exam with Prometric. Contact the Board if you do not receive your ATT after payment is made. At the time of registration, candidates will be able to choose the testing center location of their choice (in North America), based on availability.
Calculator Policy
The Board’s calculator policy is described in the Professional Land Surveyor Exam Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB).
Exam Results
Candidates will receive their exam results via email. Spring results are typically released in mid to late May, and fall results are typically released in early to mid-December. Do not contact the Board regarding the anticipated release date, as there are several factors that can affect the release of the exam results, and an exact date cannot be provided to candidates.
Please read the Next Steps After Taking Your Exam(s) for additional information.
The exams are not appealable or reviewable in accordance with Title 16, California Code of Regulations sections 443(b) and 444(d). Do not contact the Board regarding appeals or exam reviews.
TRAFFIC ENGINEER EXAMINATION
The Traffic Engineer Examination is administered once a year in the Fall. There is no final filing date. Applications will be accepted and processed on a continuous basis. This is a computer based (CBT) exam.
Examination Schedule:
https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/exam_schedule_final_filing_dates.pdf
Test Plan
The Traffic Engineer Test Plan:
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/plan_traffic.pdf
Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB):
YOU MUST READ THE BULLETIN CAREFULLY. It is recommended that you print and bring a copy of the CIB with you to the test center. Download the CIB:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Recommended references for the Traffic Engineer Examination:
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/refs.shtml
References included in this list should be considered suggested material only.
Schedule an Appointment
All CBT exams are administered throughout North America at any Prometric test center.
The easiest way to schedule is online at:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Take the computer based (CBT) exam at the date and location you select.
Identification Required
You will not be admitted without proper identification and it must be current. Identification will only be accepted if it meets all of the following criteria:
• Issued by a state or federal governmental agency including military IDs, other U.S. states and foreign countries
• Contains your photograph, visible signature and printed (typed) name
• Has not expired
Important: Student or employee identification cards and government-issued IDs that do NOT contain a photo and visible signature will not be accepted. If you fail to provide appropriate identification at the time of the exam, you will not be admitted to the test center and will not be allowed to take the exam.
Exam Results
You will be issued your results by e-mail and/or US mail 6-8 weeks after the closing of all exams. Do not contact the Board prior to this time for your results.
In order to receive your results, your e-mail and/or mailing address must be current (30) days prior to the release date. All address and e-mail changes must be submitted directly to the Board using their online address change form:
https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/bpelsg/address_change.php
ASBOG
FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOLOGY AND PRACTICE OF GEOLOGY EXAMINATIONS
The ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology (FG) and Practice of Geology (PG) examinations are national examinations required for Professional Geologist licensure. ASBOG develops and prepares both examinations. Information regarding Test Plans, sample examination questions, and other specifics can be found on ASBOG’s website. Additional information is located in the ASBOG Candidate Handbook.
The FG and PG are administered twice a year as computer-based exams. Exam locations are offered throughout the US and Puerto Rico. Candidates will have four (4) hours to complete each examination. Examination dates and final filing dates are posted on the Board’s Examination Schedule. Information on how to re-take the ASBOG exams is found on the Re-Examination Information page.
Test Plans
FG and PG Test Plans are available on the ASBOG website.
Examination Instructions:
View the ASBOG Candidate Handbook.
Identification Required
View the ASBOG Candidate Handbook.
Exam results will be released by ASBOG, not the Board.
CALIFORNIA SPECIFIC EXAMINATION
The California Specific Exam (CSE) is a required examination for the Professional Geologist license and is administered twice a year as a computer-based (CBT) exam. Candidates will have three (3) hours to complete the examination. Examination dates and final filing dates are posted on the Board’s website:
https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/exam_schedule_final_filing_dates.pdf
Additional Examination Information: http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/exam.shtml
Test Plan
The CSE Test Plan:
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/ca_rg_exmpln.pdf
Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB):
YOU MUST READ THE BULLETIN CAREFULLY. It is recommended that you print and bring a copy of the CIB with you to the test center. Download the CIB:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Recommended references
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/cserefs.pdf
References included in this list should be considered suggested material only.
Schedule an Appointment
All CBT exams are administered throughout North America at any Prometric test center.
The easiest way to schedule is online at:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Take the computer based (CBT) exam at the location you select.
Identification Required
You will not be admitted without proper identification and it must be current. Identification will only be accepted if it meets all of the following criteria:
• Issued by a state or federal governmental agency including military IDs, other U.S. states and foreign countries
• Contains your photograph, visible signature and printed (typed) name
• Has not expired
Important: Student or employee identification cards and government-issued IDs that do NOT contain a photo and visible signature will not be accepted. If you fail to provide appropriate identification at the time of the examination, you will not be admitted to the test center and will not be allowed to take the examination.
Examination Results
You will be issued your results by e-mail and/or US mail 8-10 weeks after the closing of all examinations. Do not contact the Board prior to this time for your results.
In order to receive your results, your e-mail and/or mailing address must be current (30) days prior to the release date. All address and e-mail changes must be submitted directly to the Board using the online address change form:
https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/bpelsg/address_change.php
CERTIFIED ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST EXAMINATION
The Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) exam is administered once a year, in the fall, as a computer-based (CBT) exam. Candidates will have three (3) hours to complete the examination. Examination dates and final filing dates are posted on the Board’s website:
https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/exam_schedule_final_filing_dates.pdf
Additional Examination Information: http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/exam.shtml
Test Plan
The CEG Test Plan:
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/ceg_exmpln.pdf
Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB):
YOU MUST READ THE BULLETIN CAREFULLY. It is recommended that you print and bring a copy of the CIB with you to the test center. Download the CIB:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Recommended references
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/cegrefs.pdf
References included in this list should be considered suggested material only.
Schedule an Appointment
All CBT exams are administered throughout North America at any Prometric test center.
The easiest way to schedule is online at:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Take the computer based (CBT) exam at the location you select.
Identification Required
You will not be admitted without proper identification and it must be current. Identification will only be accepted if it meets all of the following criteria:
• Issued by a state or federal governmental agency including military IDs, other U.S. states and foreign countries
• Contains your photograph, visible signature and printed (typed) name
• Has not expired
Important: Student or employee identification cards and government-issued IDs that do NOT contain a photo and visible signature will not be accepted. If you fail to provide appropriate identification at the time of the exam, you will not be admitted to the test center and will not be allowed to take the exam.
Exam Results
You will be issued your results by e-mail and/or US mail 8-10 weeks after the closing of all exams. Do not contact the Board prior to this time for your results.
In order to receive your results, your e-mail and/or mailing address must be current (30) days prior to the release date. All address and e-mail changes must be submitted directly to the Board using the online address change form:
https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/bpelsg/address_change.php
CERTIFIED HYDROGEOLOGIST EXAMINATION
The Certified Hydrogeologist (CHG) exam is administered once a year, in the fall, as a computer-based (CBT) exam. Candidates will have three (3) hours to complete the examination. Examination dates and final filing dates are posted on the Board’s website:
https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/exam_schedule_final_filing_dates.pdf
Additional Examination Information: http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/exam.shtml
Test Plan
The CHG Test Plan:
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/chg_exmpln.pdf
Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB):
YOU MUST READ THE BULLETIN CAREFULLY. It is recommended that you print and bring a copy of the CIB with you to the test center. Download the CIB:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Recommended references
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/chgrefs.pdf
References included in this list should be considered suggested material only.
Schedule an Appointment
All CBT exams are administered throughout North America at any Prometric test center.
The easiest way to schedule is online at:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Take the computer based (CBT) exam at the location you select.
Identification Required
You will not be admitted without proper identification and it must be current. Identification will only be accepted if it meets all of the following criteria:
• Issued by a state or federal governmental agency including military IDs, other U.S. states and foreign countries
• Contains your photograph, visible signature and printed (typed) name
• Has not expired
Important: Student or employee identification cards and government-issued IDs that do NOT contain a photo and visible signature will not be accepted. If you fail to provide appropriate identification at the time of the exam, you will not be admitted to the test center and will not be allowed to take the exam.
Exam Results
You will be issued your results by e-mail and/or US mail 8-10 weeks after the closing of all exams. Do not contact the Board prior to this time for your results.
In order to receive your results, your e-mail and/or mailing address must be current (30) days prior to the release date. All address and e-mail changes must be submitted directly to the Board using the online address change form:
https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/bpelsg/address_change.php
PROFESSIONAL GEOPHYSICIST EXAMINATION
The Professional Geophysicist (PGp) exam is administered once a year, in the fall, as a computer-based (CBT) exam. Candidates will have four (4) hours to complete the examination. Examination dates and final filing dates are posted on the Board’s website:
https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/exam_schedule_final_filing_dates.pdf
Additional Examination Information: http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/exam.shtml
Test Plan
The PGp Test Plan:
http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/geophys_exmpln.pdf
Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB):
YOU MUST READ THE BULLETIN CAREFULLY. It is recommended that you print and bring a copy of the CIB with you to the test center. Download the CIB:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Recommended references
Coming Soon
References included in this list should be considered suggested material only.
Schedule an Appointment
All CBT exams are administered throughout North America at any Prometric test center.
The easiest way to schedule is online at:
https://prometric.com/test-takers/BPELSG
Take the computer based (CBT) exam at the location you select.
Identification Required
You will not be admitted without proper identification and it must be current. Identification will only be accepted if it meets all of the following criteria:
• Issued by a state or federal governmental agency including military IDs, other U.S. states and foreign countries
• Contains your photograph, visible signature and printed (typed) name
• Has not expired
Important: Student or employee identification cards and government-issued IDs that do NOT contain a photo and visible signature will not be accepted. If you fail to provide appropriate identification at the time of the exam, you will not be admitted to the test center and will not be allowed to take the exam.
Exam Results
You will be issued your results by e-mail and/or US mail 8-10 weeks after the closing of all exams. Do not contact the Board prior to this time for your results.
In order to receive your results, your e-mail and/or mailing address must be current (30) days prior to the release date. All address and e-mail changes must be submitted directly to the Board using the online address change form:
https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/bpelsg/address_change.php
