Comprehensive California CEG Exam
Prep: 180 Practice Questions,
Answers, and Detailed Rationales
Q1. Which of the following geologic hazards is most directly
addressed in the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act?
A. Landslides
B. Liquefaction
C. Surface fault rupture
D. Ground subsidence
Answer: C. Surface fault rupture
Rationale: The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act focuses
specifically on mitigating the hazard of surface fault rupture near
active faults. It prohibits the location of most structures for human
occupancy directly on the trace of an active fault.
Q2. What is the primary geologic feature used to define an
"active fault" in California?
A. A fault that shows any offset
B. A fault with surface displacement in the last 11,700 years
C. A fault that has caused a historical earthquake
D. A fault mapped on a geologic map
Answer: B. A fault with surface displacement in the last
11,700 years
,Rationale: According to the California Geological Survey, an
active fault is defined as one that has had surface displacement
during the Holocene epoch, which spans the last approximately
11,700 years.
Q3. What is the primary regulatory body overseeing the
licensure of Engineering Geologists in California?
A. California Geological Survey (CGS)
B. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and
Geologists (BPELSG)
C. California Department of Conservation
D. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Answer: B. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors,
and Geologists (BPELSG)
Rationale: The BPELSG is responsible for issuing and regulating
licenses in California for geologists, engineering geologists, and
geophysicists.
Q4. The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act of 1990 was enacted
primarily to address which hazards?
A. Surface fault rupture only
B. Non-rupture seismic hazards including liquefaction,
landslides, and strong ground shaking
C. Volcanic hazards
D. Tsunami hazards
Answer: B. Non-rupture seismic hazards including
liquefaction, landslides, and strong ground shaking
,Rationale: The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act of 1990 addresses
non-rupture seismic hazards, specifically liquefaction, earthquake-
induced landslides, and other ground failure.
Q5. Under the CEG examination test plan effective January
2025, what percentage of the exam covers Interpretation and
Reporting?
A. 18%
B. 28%
C. 40%
D. 14%
Answer: C. 40%
Rationale: The CEG examination is structured into four primary
content areas: Project Planning (18%), Data Collection (28%),
Interpretation and Reporting (40%), and Construction (14%).
Q6. Which California regulation governs the practice of
geology and geophysics?
A. Business and Professions Code Sections 7800 et seq.
B. California Code of Regulations Title 16, Sections 400-476
C. California Building Code Chapter 16
D. Public Resources Code Section 21000
Answer: B. California Code of Regulations Title 16, Sections
400-476
Rationale: The Rules of the Board for Professional Engineers,
Land Surveyors, and Geologists are found in Title 16, California
Code of Regulations sections 400-476.
, Q7. What is the minimum factor of safety typically required
for slope stability analysis per CGS Special Publication 117A?
A. 1.0
B. 1.5
C. 2.0
D. 2.5
Answer: B. 1.5
Rationale: CGS Special Publication 117A, "Guidelines for
Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California," specifies
that the lowest acceptable Factor of Safety in slope stability
analysis is typically 1.5.
Q8. Which of the following best defines "Engineering
Geology"?
A. The study of rocks and minerals for academic purposes
B. The application of geology to engineering works and
construction
C. The study of earthquake mechanics
D. The mapping of mineral resources
Answer: B. The application of geology to engineering works
and construction
Rationale: Engineering geology involves applying geologic
principles, data, and knowledge to engineering practice for the
safe development of land, structures, and infrastructure.
Q9. What is the purpose of the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
regarding local government planning?
Prep: 180 Practice Questions,
Answers, and Detailed Rationales
Q1. Which of the following geologic hazards is most directly
addressed in the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act?
A. Landslides
B. Liquefaction
C. Surface fault rupture
D. Ground subsidence
Answer: C. Surface fault rupture
Rationale: The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act focuses
specifically on mitigating the hazard of surface fault rupture near
active faults. It prohibits the location of most structures for human
occupancy directly on the trace of an active fault.
Q2. What is the primary geologic feature used to define an
"active fault" in California?
A. A fault that shows any offset
B. A fault with surface displacement in the last 11,700 years
C. A fault that has caused a historical earthquake
D. A fault mapped on a geologic map
Answer: B. A fault with surface displacement in the last
11,700 years
,Rationale: According to the California Geological Survey, an
active fault is defined as one that has had surface displacement
during the Holocene epoch, which spans the last approximately
11,700 years.
Q3. What is the primary regulatory body overseeing the
licensure of Engineering Geologists in California?
A. California Geological Survey (CGS)
B. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and
Geologists (BPELSG)
C. California Department of Conservation
D. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Answer: B. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors,
and Geologists (BPELSG)
Rationale: The BPELSG is responsible for issuing and regulating
licenses in California for geologists, engineering geologists, and
geophysicists.
Q4. The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act of 1990 was enacted
primarily to address which hazards?
A. Surface fault rupture only
B. Non-rupture seismic hazards including liquefaction,
landslides, and strong ground shaking
C. Volcanic hazards
D. Tsunami hazards
Answer: B. Non-rupture seismic hazards including
liquefaction, landslides, and strong ground shaking
,Rationale: The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act of 1990 addresses
non-rupture seismic hazards, specifically liquefaction, earthquake-
induced landslides, and other ground failure.
Q5. Under the CEG examination test plan effective January
2025, what percentage of the exam covers Interpretation and
Reporting?
A. 18%
B. 28%
C. 40%
D. 14%
Answer: C. 40%
Rationale: The CEG examination is structured into four primary
content areas: Project Planning (18%), Data Collection (28%),
Interpretation and Reporting (40%), and Construction (14%).
Q6. Which California regulation governs the practice of
geology and geophysics?
A. Business and Professions Code Sections 7800 et seq.
B. California Code of Regulations Title 16, Sections 400-476
C. California Building Code Chapter 16
D. Public Resources Code Section 21000
Answer: B. California Code of Regulations Title 16, Sections
400-476
Rationale: The Rules of the Board for Professional Engineers,
Land Surveyors, and Geologists are found in Title 16, California
Code of Regulations sections 400-476.
, Q7. What is the minimum factor of safety typically required
for slope stability analysis per CGS Special Publication 117A?
A. 1.0
B. 1.5
C. 2.0
D. 2.5
Answer: B. 1.5
Rationale: CGS Special Publication 117A, "Guidelines for
Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California," specifies
that the lowest acceptable Factor of Safety in slope stability
analysis is typically 1.5.
Q8. Which of the following best defines "Engineering
Geology"?
A. The study of rocks and minerals for academic purposes
B. The application of geology to engineering works and
construction
C. The study of earthquake mechanics
D. The mapping of mineral resources
Answer: B. The application of geology to engineering works
and construction
Rationale: Engineering geology involves applying geologic
principles, data, and knowledge to engineering practice for the
safe development of land, structures, and infrastructure.
Q9. What is the purpose of the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
regarding local government planning?
