California Certified
Engineering Geologist (CEG)
Examination Practice
Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationale 2026 Q&A|
Instant Download Pdf
1.
The primary purpose of an engineering geologic investigation
is to:
A. Determine only the mineral composition of bedrock
B. Establish property boundaries
C. Identify and evaluate geologic factors that may affect
planning, design, construction, maintenance, and
vulnerability of a project
D. Determine the contractor's construction schedule
Rationale: Engineering geology applies geologic data,
principles, and interpretation to civil works and their
interaction with geologic conditions.
,2.
Under the California CEG test plan, which activity is
specifically associated with preliminary project planning?
A. Performing final concrete testing
B. Developing a preliminary geologic model of existing and
proposed conditions
C. Certifying structural calculations
D. Preparing property tax assessments
Rationale: Preliminary geologic models help define potential
hazards and determine the scope of subsequent investigation.
3.
Which remote-sensing technology is particularly useful for
detecting very small rates of ground deformation over broad
areas?
A. Conventional compass surveying
B. Soil color charting
C. InSAR
D. Hand augering
Rationale: Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)
can detect subtle surface deformation over large areas.
4.
Before designing a subsurface investigation for a proposed
hillside development, the CEG should first:
A. Order the largest available drill rig
B. Begin excavation immediately
C. Review existing geologic, topographic, remote-sensing,
,historical, and project information
D. Select foundation concrete strength
Rationale: Existing information establishes a preliminary
geologic model and helps focus field investigations.
5.
Aerial photographs showing arcuate scarps, disrupted
drainage, and hummocky terrain should prompt investigation
for:
A. Expansive clay only
B. Landslide activity
C. Saltwater intrusion only
D. Volcanic ash deposition only
Rationale: These geomorphic features are common indicators
of landsliding.
6.
Which condition should receive particular attention during
reconnaissance of an old industrial property?
A. Current landscaping only
B. Historical land use and potential undocumented fills or
contaminant sources
C. Building paint color
D. Current property tax valuation
Rationale: Historical activities can leave fills, buried
structures, altered drainage, and environmental or geologic
concerns.
7.
, A preliminary geologic model is best described as:
A. A final construction specification
B. A conceptual representation of geologic conditions and
processes relevant to the project
C. A structural engineering calculation
D. A legal property description
Rationale: The model integrates available information and is
refined as additional investigation data become available.
8.
Which factor is most important when selecting the location
of an exploratory trench across a suspected active fault?
A. Distance from the nearest office
B. The ability to expose and evaluate the suspected fault
trace and relevant stratigraphy
C. Availability of parking
D. Color of the exposed soil
Rationale: Paleoseismic trenching must intersect the
suspected fault and expose deposits capable of recording
displacement.
9.
A project involves a proposed large water-retaining structure.
Which geologic issue is especially important?
A. Interior paint adhesion
B. Foundation conditions, seepage, slope stability, and
potential geologic hazards
Engineering Geologist (CEG)
Examination Practice
Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationale 2026 Q&A|
Instant Download Pdf
1.
The primary purpose of an engineering geologic investigation
is to:
A. Determine only the mineral composition of bedrock
B. Establish property boundaries
C. Identify and evaluate geologic factors that may affect
planning, design, construction, maintenance, and
vulnerability of a project
D. Determine the contractor's construction schedule
Rationale: Engineering geology applies geologic data,
principles, and interpretation to civil works and their
interaction with geologic conditions.
,2.
Under the California CEG test plan, which activity is
specifically associated with preliminary project planning?
A. Performing final concrete testing
B. Developing a preliminary geologic model of existing and
proposed conditions
C. Certifying structural calculations
D. Preparing property tax assessments
Rationale: Preliminary geologic models help define potential
hazards and determine the scope of subsequent investigation.
3.
Which remote-sensing technology is particularly useful for
detecting very small rates of ground deformation over broad
areas?
A. Conventional compass surveying
B. Soil color charting
C. InSAR
D. Hand augering
Rationale: Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)
can detect subtle surface deformation over large areas.
4.
Before designing a subsurface investigation for a proposed
hillside development, the CEG should first:
A. Order the largest available drill rig
B. Begin excavation immediately
C. Review existing geologic, topographic, remote-sensing,
,historical, and project information
D. Select foundation concrete strength
Rationale: Existing information establishes a preliminary
geologic model and helps focus field investigations.
5.
Aerial photographs showing arcuate scarps, disrupted
drainage, and hummocky terrain should prompt investigation
for:
A. Expansive clay only
B. Landslide activity
C. Saltwater intrusion only
D. Volcanic ash deposition only
Rationale: These geomorphic features are common indicators
of landsliding.
6.
Which condition should receive particular attention during
reconnaissance of an old industrial property?
A. Current landscaping only
B. Historical land use and potential undocumented fills or
contaminant sources
C. Building paint color
D. Current property tax valuation
Rationale: Historical activities can leave fills, buried
structures, altered drainage, and environmental or geologic
concerns.
7.
, A preliminary geologic model is best described as:
A. A final construction specification
B. A conceptual representation of geologic conditions and
processes relevant to the project
C. A structural engineering calculation
D. A legal property description
Rationale: The model integrates available information and is
refined as additional investigation data become available.
8.
Which factor is most important when selecting the location
of an exploratory trench across a suspected active fault?
A. Distance from the nearest office
B. The ability to expose and evaluate the suspected fault
trace and relevant stratigraphy
C. Availability of parking
D. Color of the exposed soil
Rationale: Paleoseismic trenching must intersect the
suspected fault and expose deposits capable of recording
displacement.
9.
A project involves a proposed large water-retaining structure.
Which geologic issue is especially important?
A. Interior paint adhesion
B. Foundation conditions, seepage, slope stability, and
potential geologic hazards
