Astrogeologists

Certification or Licensing

There are no specialized certifications available for astrogeologists. The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) grants the certified professional geologist (CPG) designation to general geologists who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in the geological sciences and have eight years of professional experience (applicants with a master’s degree need only seven years of professional experience and those with a Ph.D., five years). Candidates must also undergo peer review by three professional geologists (two of whom must be CPGs) and pay an application fee.

The institute also offers the member designation to geologists who are registered in various states and are not seeking AIPG certification. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in the geological sciences with at least 36 semester hours of geology, be licensed by the state they wish to work in, undergo peer review, and pay an application fee. A student adjunct certification is also available to those who are majoring in the geological sciences.

Again, there are no specialized licensing requirements for astrogeologists. More than 30 states require Earth-focused geologists to be registered or licensed. Most of these states require applicants (who have earned a bachelor’s degree in the geological sciences) to pass the Fundamentals of Geology exam, a standardized written exam developed by the National Association of State Boards of Geology. They can also go on to take the Practice of Geology exam.