Application Fee
$225Verified by NH Board of Science
Geologist Licensing in New Hampshire
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for geologist in New Hampshire, including $225 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Geologist in New Hampshire
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must be of good professional character
- 2
A Bachelor's degree in geology or a related field which included 30 credit hours or 45 quarter hours in geology from an accredited four-year college
- 3
All candidates must pass the Fundamentals of Geology and the Practice of Geology written examinations
- 4
Five years experience in the practice of geology, of which at least three years must have been under the supervision of a professional geologist
- 5
Must be of good professional character - A Bachelor's degree in geology or a related field which included 30 credit hours or 45 quarter hours in geology from an accredited four-year college - All candidates must pass the Fundamentals of Geology
- 6
Education: Degree required.
- 7
Experience: Work experience required.
- 8
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 9
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 10
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 11
- A Bachelor's degree in geology or a related field which included 30 credit hours or 45 quarter hours in geology from an accredited four-year college.
- 12
- Five years experience in the practice of geology, of which at least three years must have been under the supervision of a professional geologist.
- 13
Examination: Written examination required, offered twice each year (March and September).
- 14
Continuing Education: A minimum of 24 professional development hours per biennium.
- 15
- Professional geologist application: $225.
- 16
- Fundamentals of geology examination: $250.
Exam and processing details
- Written examination required, offered twice each year (March and September)
Continuing education and program notes
- A minimum of 24 professional development hours per biennium
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Professional geologist application | $225 |
| Fundamentals of geology examination | $250 |
| Practice of geology examination | $250 |
| Biennial renewal | $150 |
| Certificate of licensure | $50 |
| Verification of licensure | $25 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
- Current Filing Fee
$225
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$78,050 median (21% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be of good professional character; Must be of good professional character - A Bachelor's degree in geology or a related field which included 30 credit hours or 45 quarter h...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Written examination required, offered twice each year (March and September).
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; - Professional geologist application: $225.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Professional geologist application: $225; Fundamentals of geology examination: $250).
- 7. Submit the application to Office of Professional Licensure and Certification and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Hampshire
With a median salary of $78,050, Geologists in New Hampshire earn 21% below the national median of $99,240. New Hampshire ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,490Median annual salary
$78,050Hourly estimate
$37.5221% below national median
Difference: -$21,190
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeologist Salary Ranking
#37 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $78,050 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Maine | $77,210 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $102,190 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $98,720 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maine | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH, 03301
Phone: 6032712152
Related Careers in New Hampshire
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $51,960 | Specific course required | 1-3 months |
| Chemical Technicians | $47,240 | Specific course required | 1-3 months |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $52,610 | Specific course required | 1-3 months |
| Environmental Scientist | $79,230 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Geologist in New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Geologists.
What education do you need to become a Geologist in New Hampshire?
The board typically expects Degree required for Geologist licensure in New Hampshire.
What is the typical Geologist salary in New Hampshire?
The median annual salary for Geologists in New Hampshire is $78,050. Salaries range from $62,740 (10th percentile) to $116,950 (90th percentile).
How does the Geologist salary in New Hampshire compare to the national average?
Geologists in New Hampshire earn 21% below the national median of $99,240, with a state median of $78,050.
Can I transfer my Geologist license to New Hampshire from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Geologists in New Hampshire?
The licensing agency is Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Review agency details at https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-professional-geologists.
How often do you renew a Geologist license in New Hampshire?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.