Examination

PURPOSE: This rule outlines the examination requirements and procedures for obtaining a registered geologist license. (1) Every applicant for licensure by the board as a registered geologist, except those meeting the requirements for licensure by reciprocity or where test examination score has been endorsed by the board, shall take a written examination as prescribed by the board. (2) The applicant shall pass the National Geologist Examination as developed by the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOGTM) or its successor which consists of two (2) sections; Fundamentals of Geology and Practice of Geology. (A) Fundamentals of Geology is designed to test the applicant’s basic knowledge of geology. An applicant may take the Fundamentals of Geology Examination if the applicant— 1. Has submitted a complete application on forms supplied by the board; 2. Paid the appropriate non-refundable examination fee; and 3. Holds a degree in geology from an acceptable college or university and submit an official final transcript as described in 20 CSR 2145-2.020. A. In lieu of paragraph (2)(A)3. of this rule, an applicant must have completed thirty (30) semester hours (or forty-five (45) quarter hours) of geology or geology-related courses acceptable to the board and is currently enrolled in an advanced geology degree program with an acceptable college or university; (B) Fundamentals of Geology taken as an exit examination. 1. The Fundamentals of Geology is offered as an exit examination as an aid to evaluate teaching curriculum. To use the Fundamentals of Geology as an exit examination— A. The student must be an undergraduate student; B. The Fundamentals of Geology may be a requirement for graduation; C. Students may complete the Fundamentals of Geology as an exit examination only once. Students wishing to take the Fundamentals of Geology additional times must do so pursuant to the requirements in subsection (2)(A) of this rule; D. Subject to the board’s review and approval, students must have— (I) Obtained senior status at the time of the application; (II) Been approved by the department head/chair to sit for the examination; and (III) Met or will meet all requirements for a Geologist Registrant-In-Training (GRIT) including thirty (30) semester hours (or forty-five (45) quarter hours) in geologic course work at the time of graduation. E. Subject to the board’s review and approval, students in a graduate degree program in geology with an undergraduate degree(s) not in geology may take the Fundamentals of Geology examination as an exit examination provided that the student— (I) Is approved by the department head/chair to sit for the examination; and (II) Meets or will meet all requirements for a GRIT including thirty (30) semester hours (or forty-five (45) quarter hours) in geologic course work at the time of graduation; and (C) Practice of Geology is a four (4) hour examination. The applicant can sit for the Practice of Geology examination only after the applicant passes the Fundamentals of Geology examination and enrolls for the Practice of Geology Examination. (3) The examinations shall be given at least twice each year at times and locations determined by the board. (A) The board shall notify all candidates in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the examination of the time and place of the examination. (B) The candidate shall submit the applicable nonrefundable fees as prescribed. (C) If the candidate fails to appear for the examination without submitting a written notice to the board at least seven (7) days prior to the examination, the examination fee shall be forfeited unless otherwise determined by the board. (D) The board shall notify all candidates in writing of their success or failure on any examination. AUTHORITY: section 256.462.3, RSMo Supp. 2019.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 145-2.040. Emergency rule filed June 29, 1995, effective July 9, 1995, expired Nov. 5, 1995. Original rule filed Sept. 28, 1995, effective May 30, 1996. Moved to 20 CSR 2145-2.040, effective Aug. 28, 2006. Amended: Filed Nov. 7, 2007, effective May 30, 2008. Amended: Filed Aug. 27, 2009, effective Feb. 28, 2010. Amended: Filed July 26, 2019, effective Jan. 30, 2020. *Original authority: 256.462, RSMo 1994, amended 2018.