ARTICLE 4. Registration [7840. - 7856.]

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC 4.

in effect

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7840. Section 7840.

An application for licensure as a geologist, certification in a specialty in geology, certification as a geologist-in-training, licensure as a geophysicist, or certification in a specialty in geophysics shall be made to the board on a form prescribed by it and shall be accompanied by the application fee fixed by this chapter.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7841. Section 7841.

An applicant for licensure as a geologist shall have all the following qualifications: (a) Not have committed any acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of licensure under Section 480. (b) Meet either of the following educational requirements fulfilled at a school or university whose curricula meet criteria established by rules of the board: (1) Graduation from a college or university with a major in geological sciences or any other discipline that, in the opinion of the board, is relevant to geology. (2) Completion of a combination of at least 30 semester hours, or the equivalent, in courses that, in the opinion of the board, are relevant to geology. At least 24 semester hours, or the equivalent, shall be in upper division or graduate courses. (c) Have a documented record of a minimum of five years of professional geological experience of a character satisfactory to the board, demonstrating that the applicant is qualified to assume responsible charge of this work upon licensure as a geologist. This experience shall be gained under the supervision of a geologist or geophysicist licensed in this or any other state, or under the supervision of others who, in the opinion of the board, have the training and experience to have responsible charge of geological work. Professional geological work does not include routine sampling, laboratory work, or geological drafting. Each year of undergraduate study in the geological sciences shall count as one-half year of training up to a maximum of two years, and each year of graduate study or research counts as a year of training. Teaching in the geological sciences at college level shall be credited year for year toward meeting the requirement in this category, provided that the total teaching experience includes six semester units per semester, or equivalent if on the quarter system, of upper division or graduate courses. Credit for undergraduate study, graduate study, and teaching, individually, or in any combination thereof, shall in no case exceed a total of three years towards meeting the requirement for at least five years of professional geological work as set forth above. The ability of the applicant shall have been demonstrated by the applicant having performed the work in a responsible position, as the term “responsible position” is defined in regulations adopted by the board. The adequacy of the required supervision and experience shall be determined by the board in accordance with standards set forth in regulations adopted by it. (d) Successfully pass a written examination that incorporates a national examination for geologists created by a nationally recognized entity approved by the board, and a supplemental California specific examination. The California specific examination shall test the applicant’s knowledge of state laws, rules and regulations, and of seismicity and geology unique to practice within this state.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7841.1. Section 7841.1.

An applicant for licensure as a geophysicist shall have all of the following qualifications. This section shall not apply to applicants for licensure as geologists. (a) Not have committed any acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of licensure under Section 480. (b) Meet one of the following educational requirements fulfilled at a school or university whose curricula meet criteria established by rules of the board. (1) Graduation with a major in a geophysical science or any other discipline that, in the opinion of the board, is relevant to geophysics. (2) Completion of a combination of at least 30 semester hours, or the equivalent, in courses that, in the opinion of the board, are relevant to geophysics. At least 24 semester hours, or the equivalent, shall be in the third or fourth year, or graduate courses. (c) Have at least seven years of professional geophysical work that shall include either a minimum of three years of professional geophysical work under the supervision of a professional geophysicist, except that prior to July 1, 1973, professional geophysical work shall qualify under this subdivision if it is under the supervision of a qualified geophysicist, or a minimum of five years’ experience in responsible charge of professional geophysical work. Professional geophysical work does not include the routine maintenance or operation of geophysical instruments, or, even if carried out under the responsible supervision of a professional geophysicist, the routine reduction or plotting of geophysical observations. Each year of undergraduate study in the geophysical sciences referred to in this section shall count as one-half year of training up to a maximum of two years, and each year of graduate study or research counts as a year of training. Teaching in the geophysical sciences referred to in this section at a college level shall be credited year for year toward meeting the requirement in this category, provided that the total teaching experience includes six semester units per semester, or equivalent if on the quarter system, of the third or fourth year or graduate courses. Credit for undergraduate study, graduate study, and teaching, individually, or in any combination thereof, shall in no case exceed a total of four years towards meeting the requirements for at least seven years of professional geophysical work as set forth above. The ability of the applicant shall have been demonstrated by his or her having performed the work in a responsible position, as the term “responsible position” is defined in regulations adopted by the board. The adequacy of the required supervision and experience shall be determined by the board in accordance with standards set forth in regulations adopted by it. (d) Successfully pass a written examination that shall test the applicant’s knowledge of state laws, rules, and regulations, and of the principles and practices of geophysics within this state. The board shall administer the test on the state laws and the board’s rules and regulations as a separate part of the examination for licensure as a geophysicist.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7841.2. Section 7841.2.

(a) An applicant for certification as a geologist-in-training shall comply with all of the following: (1) Not have committed acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of certification under Section 480. (2) Successfully pass the Fundamentals of Geology examination. (3) Meet either of the following education requirements fulfilled at a school or university whose curricula meet criteria established by the rules of the board: (A) Graduation from a college or university with a major in geological sciences or any other discipline that, in the opinion of the board, is relevant to geology. (B) Completion of a combination of at least 30 semester hours, or the equivalent, in courses that, in the opinion of the board, are relevant to geology. At least 24 semester hours, or the equivalent, shall be in upper division or graduate courses. (b) (1) The board shall require an applicant for certification as a geologist-in-training to sign or acknowledge a statement of eligibility at the time of submission of the application attesting to the completion of the education requirements established by this section and the rules of the board. (2) Except as required by paragraph (1), the board is not required to verify an applicant’s eligibility for certification as a geologist-in-training.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7842. Section 7842.

(a) An applicant for certification in a specialty in geology shall meet all of the requirements of Section 7841, shall be a geologist licensed under this chapter, and, in addition, his or her seven years of professional geological work shall include one of the following: (1) A minimum of three years performed under the supervision of a geologist certified in the specialty for which the applicant is seeking certification or under the supervision of a licensed civil engineer if the applicant is seeking certification as an engineering geologist, except that prior to July 1, 1970, professional geological work shall qualify under this subdivision if it is performed under the supervision of a geologist qualified in the specialty for which the applicant is seeking certification or under the supervision of a licensed civil engineer if the applicant is seeking certification as an engineering geologist. (2) A minimum of five years’ experience in responsible charge of professional geological work in the specialty for which the applicant is seeking certification. (b) In addition to meeting the requirements of subdivision (a), an applicant for certification in a specialty of geology shall successfully pass a written examination in that specialty.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7842.1. Section 7842.1.

An applicant for certification in a specialty in geophysics shall meet all of the requirements of Section 7841.1 and in addition, his seven years of professional geophysical work shall include one of the following: (a) A minimum of three years performed under the supervision of a geophysicist, certified in the specialty for which he is seeking certification. (b) A minimum of five years’ experience in responsible charge of professional geophysical work in the specialty for which the applicant is seeking certification.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7843. Section 7843.

(a) An applicant for certification as a geologist-in-training shall, upon meeting all the requirements prescribed in Section 7841.2, be issued a certificate as a geologist-in-training. A renewal or other fee, other than the application fee, shall not be charged for this certification. The certificate shall become invalid when the holder has qualified as a professional geologist as provided in Section 7841. (b) A geologist-in-training certificate does not authorize the holder thereof to practice or offer to practice geology, in his or her own right, or to use the title specified in Section 7804. (c) It is unlawful for anyone other than the holder of a valid geologist-in-training certificate issued under this chapter to use the title of “geologist-in-training” or any abbreviation of that title.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7844. Section 7844.

(a) Examination for licensure shall be held at the times and places within the state as the board shall determine. The scope of examinations and the methods of procedure may be prescribed by rule of the board. (b) The board may make arrangements with a public or private organization to conduct the examination. The board may contract with a public or private organization for materials or services related to the examination. (c) The board may authorize an organization specified by the board to receive directly from applicants payment of the examination fees charged by that organization as payment for examination materials and services.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7845. Section 7845.

Examinations for registration as a geologist or registered certified specialty geologist shall test the applicant’s knowledge of geology and of any established specialty for which he or she applies and his or her ability to apply that knowledge and to assume responsible charge in the professional practice of geology or a certified specialty geology, or both geology and a certified specialty geology.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7845.1. Section 7845.1.

Examinations for registration as a geophysicist or registered certified specialty geophysicist shall test the applicant’s knowledge basic to geophysics and his ability to apply that knowledge and to assume responsible charge in the professional practice of geophysics or a certified specialty geophysics, or both geophysics and a certified specialty geophysics.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7846. Section 7846.

An applicant failing in an examination may be examined again upon filing a new application and the payment of the examination fee fixed by the board.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7847. Section 7847.

The board, upon application therefor, on its prescribed form, and upon the payment of the fee fixed by this chapter, which shall be retained by the board, may issue a certificate of registration as a geologist or as a geophysicist to a person holding an equivalent certificate of registration as a geologist or as a geophysicist, issued to him or her by any state or country when the applicant’s qualifications meet the other requirements of this chapter and the rules established by the board.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7850. Section 7850.

Any applicant for licensure as a professional geologist who meets all the requirements prescribed in Section 7841 and who has otherwise qualified hereunder as a geologist shall have a certificate of registration issued to him or her as a professional geologist.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7850.1. Section 7850.1.

Any applicant for licensure as a professional geophysicist who meets all the requirements prescribed in Section 7841.1 and who has otherwise qualified hereunder as a geophysicist shall have a certificate of registration issued to him or her as a professional geophysicist.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7850.5. Section 7850.5.

An applicant for certification as a certified specialty geologist who meets all the requirements prescribed in Section 7842 and who has otherwise qualified under this chapter in the specialty shall have a certificate issued to him or her as a certified specialty geologist. A certificate of certified specialty geologist shall be signed by the president and executive officer and issued under the seal of the board.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7850.6. Section 7850.6.

An applicant who has passed the examination for a certified specialty geophysicist and has otherwise qualified under this chapter in the specialty shall have a certificate issued to him or her as a certified specialty geophysicist. A certificate of certified specialty geophysicist shall be signed by the president and executive officer and issued under the seal of the board.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7851. Section 7851.

(a) The board shall issue, upon application and payment of the fee established by Section 7887, a retired license to a geologist or geophysicist who has been licensed by the board for a minimum of five years within California and a minimum of 20 years within the United States or its territories, and who holds a license that is not suspended, revoked, or otherwise disciplined, or subject to pending discipline under this chapter. (b) The holder of a retired license issued pursuant to this section shall not engage in any activity for which an active geologist’s or geophysicist’s license is required. A geologist or geophysicist holding a retired license may use the titles “retired professional geologist” or “professional geologist, retired,” or “retired professional geophysicist” or “professional geophysicist, retired.” (c) The holder of a retired license shall not be required to renew that registration. (d) In order for the holder of a retired license, issued pursuant to this section, to restore his or her license to active status he or she shall pass the examination required for initial licensure with the board.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7852. Section 7852.

(a) Each geologist licensed under this chapter shall, upon licensure, obtain a seal of the design authorized by the board bearing the licensee’s name, number of his or her certificate, and the legend “professional geologist.” (b) Each specialty geologist certified under this chapter shall, upon certification, obtain a seal of the design authorized by the board bearing the licensee’s name, number of his or her certificate, and the legend of the appropriate specialty in geology in which he or she is certified under this chapter.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7852.1. Section 7852.1.

(a) Each geophysicist licensed under this chapter shall, upon licensure, obtain a seal of the design authorized by the board bearing the licensee’s name, number of his or her certificate, and the legend “professional geophysicist.” (b) Each specialty geophysicist certified under this chapter shall, upon certification, obtain a seal of the design authorized by the board bearing the licensee’s name, number of his or her certificate, and the legend of the appropriate specialty in geophysics in which he or she is certified under this chapter.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7853. Section 7853.

A duplicate certificate of registration to replace one lost, destroyed, or mutilated may be issued subject to the rules and regulations of the board. The duplicate certificate fee fixed by this chapter shall be charged.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7854. Section 7854.

An unsuspended, unrevoked and unexpired certificate and endorsement of registry made under this chapter is presumptive evidence in all courts and places that the person named therein is legally registered.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7855. Section 7855.

Any applicant who is denied registration or authorization shall, in writing, be so notified and informed of the reason therefor. Within 30 days after receipt of notice, such applicant may make written request to the board for a hearing which, if granted, shall be conducted as specified in Section 7861.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7856. Section 7856.

(a) Each applicant for licensure or certification who has a valid email address shall report to the board that email address at the time of application. (b) Each certificate or license holder who has a valid email address shall report that email address to the board at the time of renewal. (c) Each applicant or certificate or license holder shall notify the board within 30 days of any change to their email address on file with the board. (d) In the interest of protecting the privacy of applicants and certificate or license holders, the email address provided to the board pursuant to this chapter shall not be considered a public record and shall not be disclosed pursuant to Section 27 or pursuant to a request under the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code), unless required pursuant to a court order by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026