THE ASBOG® FUNDAMENTALS AND PRACTICE EXAMINATIONS: THE DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF A NATIONAL EXAMINATION

The Mission of the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG^®) is to serve as a connective link among the individual state geologic registration licensing boards for the planning and preparation of uniform procedures and the coordination of geologic protective measures for the general public. One of ASBOG^®'s services is to develop standardized written exams for determining qualifications of applicants for licensure as professional geologists.

ASBOG^® administers the Fundamentals of Geology (FG) and Practice of Geology (PG) Exams biannually. The FG and PG exams were developed to assess common knowledge and skills related to the practice of geology throughout the nation. The FG exam emphasizes knowledge and skills that are typically emphasized in undergraduate academic programs, and the PG exam emphasizes skills and knowledge acquired and expanded in a practice or job setting. ASBOG states administer the exams during a four-hour period. Exams are constructed using a four-option multiple choice form, and the FG and PG exams contain approximately 130 and 100 items, respectively.

Both exams are based on the results of periodic Task Analysis Surveys that are designed to evaluate the current geologic practice. Four Task Analysis Surveys involved collecting data from a random sampling of licensed geologists from each of the ASBOG^® member states. The results of the Task Analysis Surveys indicate a high degree of consistency in the practice of Geology throughout the US, thereby establishing a sound basis for the development of exams that are fair to candidates from all regions of the country. Geologic tasks were rated by practicing geologists and academicians in terms of the importance of the specific tasks to protection of the public, and the results were utilized to create test blueprints for both exams that temporally and geographically reflect the practice of the profession.

Beginning with the March 2008 examination, ASBOG^® initiated a program to capture information regarding exam candidate educational background and degree programs. The goal of this program is to provide statistical information to Geoscience programs nationwide regarding the performance of their graduates. Individual Geoscience departments may utilize the information in a variety of ways, such as exit examinations, and accreditation.