Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Science
Geologist Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Geologist in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must be of good ethical character. 2) Must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in either geology, engineering geology, or geological engineering or have completed 30 semester hours in geological science courses leading to a major in geology. 3) Must have at least seven years of professional geological work, which shall include a minimum of three years of professional geological work under the supervision of a Registered Geologist.
- Or Have a minimum of five accumulative years of experience in responsible charge of geological work. 4) Must have three references from registered professional geologists. 5) Must have two personal references. 6) Must successfully pass ASBOG exam.
- Examinations and
- 2
Must be of good ethical character. 2) Must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in either geology, engineering geology, or geological engineering or have completed 30 semester hours in geological science courses leading to a major in geology. 3) Must have at least seven years of professional geological work, which shall include a minimum of three years of professional geological work under the supervision of a Registered Geologist.
- Or Have a minimum of five accumulative years of experience in responsible charge of geological work. 4) Must have three references from registered professional geologists. 5) Must have two personal references. 6) Must successfully pass ASBOG exam.
- Examinations and fees: National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) examinations.
- Fundamentals of Geology Exam: $200.00, Practice of Geology Exam: $250.00, Application for Registered Geologist: $20.00, Initial registration fee: $60.00, Annual Registration renewal fee: $60.00, Geologist-in-Training application and annual fee: $20.00, Geologist in Training registration fee: $30.00.
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: Work experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 6
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
2) Must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in either geology, engineering geology, or geological engineering or have completed 30 semester hours in geological science courses leading to a major in geology.
- 9
Or Have a minimum of five accumulative years of experience in responsible charge of geological work.
- 10
6) Must successfully pass ASBOG exam.
- 11
Fundamentals of Geology Exam: $200.00, Practice of Geology Exam: $250.00, Application for Registered Geologist: $20.00, Initial registration fee: $60.00, Annual Registration renewal fee: $60.00, Geologist-in-Training application and annual fee: $20.00, Geologist in Training registration fee: $30.00.
Exam and processing details
- $200.00, Practice of Geology $250.00, Application for Registered Geologist: $20.00, Initial registration
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing • Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$65,250 median (34% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be of good ethical character. 2) Must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in either geology, engine...; Must be of good ethical character. 2) Must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in either geology, engine...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required $200.00, Practice of Geology $250.00, Application for Registered Geologist: $20.00, Initial registration.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Must be of good ethical character. 2) Must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a major in either geology, engine...; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing~Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $65,250, Geologists in Arkansas earn 34% below the national median of $99,240. Arkansas ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$65,250Hourly estimate
$31.3734% below national median
Difference: -$33,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeologist Salary Ranking
#49 of 50 statesfor Geologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Texas | $155,330 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $128,870 |
| #3 | Oklahoma | $128,240 |
| #4 | Mississippi | $113,730 |
| #5 | California | $111,400 |
Nearby States Comparison
Geologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $65,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $95,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3 years |
| Tennessee | $76,610 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $113,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $72,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $155,330 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $128,240 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing • Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists
900 W. Capitol, Suite 400, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5016830100
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $47,050 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $46,720 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $44,500 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $75,620 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Geologist in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Geologists in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.
What education do you need to become a Geologist in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Geologist licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Geologist salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Geologists in Arkansas is $65,250. Salaries range from $47,400 (10th percentile) to $110,350 (90th percentile).
How does the Geologist salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Geologists in Arkansas earn 34% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $65,250.
How many Geologists work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 100 Geologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Geologist license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Geologists in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing / Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists. Review agency details at https://www.arpgboard.org/.
How often do you renew a Geologist license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.