Application Fee
$25.00Verified by KY Board of Science
Geologist Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in Kentucky, including $25.00 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal al of license due on October 1 annuallyLicensing Blueprint for Geologist in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, or Geological / Geotechnical Engineering and five (5) years of professional Geological experience.
- 6
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Must pass an examination composed of the Fundamentals in Geology, and the Principles and Practices of Geology developed and owned by the Association of States Boards of Geology.
- 7
The deadline for receiving completed applications for the examination are March 1 and September 1.
- 8
Application fee is $25.00.
- 9
Examination fee is $350.00.
- 10
License verification form is $25.00.
Exam and processing details
- pass an examination composed of the Fundamentals in Geology, and the Principles and Practices of Geology developed and owned by the Association of States Boards of Geology
Continuing education and program notes
- CERTIFICATION Renewal of license due on October 1 annually
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $25.00 |
| Examination fee | $350.00 |
| License verification form | $25.00 |
| Renewal fee | $25.00 |
| and the late renewal fee | $50.00 |
| Duplicate fee | $10.00 |
| Reinstatement fee | $75.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Professional Licensing • Board of Registration for Professional Geologists
- Current Filing Fee
$25.00
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al of license due on October 1 annually
- Salary Position
$68,990 median (30% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Geologist licensure.
- 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 pass an examination composed of the Fundamentals in Geology, and the Principles and Practices of Geology developed and owned by the Association of States Boards of Geology.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Application fee is $25.00.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Application fee: $25.00; Examination fee: $350.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Department of Professional Licensing~Board of Registration for Professional Geologists and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al of license due on October 1 annually; continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $68,990, Geologists in Kentucky earn 30% below the national median of $99,240. Kentucky ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$68,990Hourly estimate
$33.1730% below national median
Difference: -$30,250
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeologist Salary Ranking
#48 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $68,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $79,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 5-7 years |
| Ohio | $73,120 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $95,640 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Virginia | $94,160 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $76,610 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $95,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3 years |
| Illinois | $85,420 | No educational requirements | State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is 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
Department of Professional Licensing • Board of Registration for Professional Geologists
500 Mero Street, 2 SC 32, Frankfort, KY, 40601
Phone: 5028924261
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $42,890 | Degree required | 1 month |
| Chemical Technicians | $55,010 | Degree required | 1 month |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $38,940 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $68,990 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Geologist in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky?
Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.
What education do you need to become a Geologist in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Geologist licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Geologist salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Geologists in Kentucky is $68,990. Salaries range from $41,560 (10th percentile) to $113,730 (90th percentile).
How does the Geologist salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Geologists in Kentucky earn 30% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $68,990.
How many Geologists work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 150 Geologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Geologist license to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Department of Professional Licensing / Board of Registration for Professional Geologists. Review agency details at http://bpg.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a Geologist license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al of license due on October 1 annually.