The California Professional Geologist License
Obtaining a Professional Geologist (PG) License
Becoming a PG is a significant professional accomplishment and there are many rewards:
You can make a significantly higher salary.
You can work on, and have greater responsibility for, a greater variety of projects.
It is easier to change jobs or start your own business in geologic consulting.
Requirements
Appropriate education: sufficient units in geology overall and within specified topics.
Sufficient work experience under other licensed professional geologists.
Note that work experience does not start to accumulate until your educational background meets the educational conditions. This means: Study geology now! You'll enjoy it, anyway.
Passing the California state Professional Geologist Exam
It is not required, but when you are near graduation, or soon after, you can take the Geologist In Training (G.I.T.) exam (which requires the same educational background indicated above). This is useful because it signals to an employer your intention to pursue a PG license.
Here is a general information page about the GIT/PG process from the Geological Society of America.
The State of California defines and regulates Professional Geologist (and related) licenses via the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG).
the educational requirements for obtaining a PG license
Useful Links Relating to Professional Geologist Licensure
Here is the key document: "Regulations Relating to the Practices of Geology and Geophysics" (Title 16, California Code of Regulations sections 3000-3067). Beginning on Page 8 (Section 3022) the Education requirements are defined, followed by the Experience requirements.
Note: Reading through the legalese of these documents can be kind of a slog.
If you have questions please email Cal Poly Geology
California Certified Hydrogeologist (CHG)
Professional Geologists are eligible for a further certification as a Certified Hydrogeologist (CHG). Information about the examination process can be found here. Information about the exam content is here.