California Certified Engineering Geologist
Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. 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
The Alquist-Priolo Act focuses specifically on mitigating the hazard of
surface fault rupture near active faults.
2. 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
According to California Geological Survey, an active fault is one with
surface displacement during the Holocene (last ~11,700 years).
, 3. Which investigation technique is most appropriate to determine the
depth of bedrock in an alluvial basin?
A. Geologic mapping
B. Seismic refraction survey
C. Surface trenching
D. Cone penetration testing
Seismic refraction is effective for determining the depth to higher velocity
materials like bedrock.
4. Which of the following is a common trigger mechanism for landslides
in California?
A. Intense or prolonged rainfall
B. Wildfires alone
C. Wind erosion
D. Droughts
Rainfall increases pore pressure and reduces shear strength, commonly
triggering slope failure.
5. What does a Factor of Safety (FoS) of 1.0 indicate in slope stability
analysis?
A. The slope is safe
B. The slope will never fail
C. The slope is at the point of failure
D. The slope is over-designed
A Factor of Safety of 1.0 means that driving and resisting forces are
equal—indicating failure is imminent.
6. In California, which state agency provides official Earthquake Zones of
Required Investigation?
, A. Cal EPA
B. California Geological Survey (CGS)
C. California Building Standards Commission
D. Office of Emergency Services
CGS releases these zones to guide geologic hazard studies before
development.
7. What type of fault movement is characterized by vertical
displacement?
A. Strike-slip
B. Oblique-slip
C. Dip-slip
D. Transform
Dip-slip faults show vertical movement, either normal or reverse.
8. Which of the following is the best field method for identifying a
landslide deposit?
A. Use of GPS
B. Observation of hummocky topography and disturbed vegetation
C. Groundwater sampling
D. Seismic survey
Hummocky terrain and tilted or stressed trees are typical visual indicators
of landslide activity.
9. What is the typical range of SPT (Standard Penetration Test) blow
counts indicating loose granular soils?
A. 0–10
B. 10–20
C. 20–30
D. >30
Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. 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
The Alquist-Priolo Act focuses specifically on mitigating the hazard of
surface fault rupture near active faults.
2. 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
According to California Geological Survey, an active fault is one with
surface displacement during the Holocene (last ~11,700 years).
, 3. Which investigation technique is most appropriate to determine the
depth of bedrock in an alluvial basin?
A. Geologic mapping
B. Seismic refraction survey
C. Surface trenching
D. Cone penetration testing
Seismic refraction is effective for determining the depth to higher velocity
materials like bedrock.
4. Which of the following is a common trigger mechanism for landslides
in California?
A. Intense or prolonged rainfall
B. Wildfires alone
C. Wind erosion
D. Droughts
Rainfall increases pore pressure and reduces shear strength, commonly
triggering slope failure.
5. What does a Factor of Safety (FoS) of 1.0 indicate in slope stability
analysis?
A. The slope is safe
B. The slope will never fail
C. The slope is at the point of failure
D. The slope is over-designed
A Factor of Safety of 1.0 means that driving and resisting forces are
equal—indicating failure is imminent.
6. In California, which state agency provides official Earthquake Zones of
Required Investigation?
, A. Cal EPA
B. California Geological Survey (CGS)
C. California Building Standards Commission
D. Office of Emergency Services
CGS releases these zones to guide geologic hazard studies before
development.
7. What type of fault movement is characterized by vertical
displacement?
A. Strike-slip
B. Oblique-slip
C. Dip-slip
D. Transform
Dip-slip faults show vertical movement, either normal or reverse.
8. Which of the following is the best field method for identifying a
landslide deposit?
A. Use of GPS
B. Observation of hummocky topography and disturbed vegetation
C. Groundwater sampling
D. Seismic survey
Hummocky terrain and tilted or stressed trees are typical visual indicators
of landslide activity.
9. What is the typical range of SPT (Standard Penetration Test) blow
counts indicating loose granular soils?
A. 0–10
B. 10–20
C. 20–30
D. >30
