California Certified Engineering Geologist Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a geologic hazard investigation in
California?
A. To identify oil and gas potential
B. To determine soil fertility
C. To assess potential risks to public safety from geologic hazards
D. To locate groundwater recharge areas
The purpose of a geologic hazard investigation is to identify and mitigate
potential hazards (e.g., landslides, liquefaction) that could affect public health,
safety, and welfare.
2. The Alquist-Priolo Act primarily addresses hazards associated with:
A. Slope stability
B. Surface fault rupture
C. Groundwater contamination
D. Mineral extraction
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act aims to reduce the risk of surface
fault rupture on structures for human occupancy.
3. Which method is most appropriate for evaluating liquefaction potential in
loose sandy soils?
,A. Resistivity profiling
B. Spectral gamma logging
C. Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
D. Seismic reflection
SPT data helps evaluate relative density and resistance to penetration, which
are key to assessing liquefaction susceptibility.
4. A geologist must file a report under the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
when:
A. Constructing any residential building
B. Developing in designated seismic hazard zones
C. Exploring mineral rights
D. Any grading over 1,000 cubic yards occurs
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act requires investigations in zones where there is
potential for liquefaction or earthquake-induced landslides.
5. What rock type is most commonly associated with karst terrain?
A. Granite
B. Limestone
C. Basalt
D. Schist
Limestone is soluble in slightly acidic water, which creates the cavities and
sinkholes characteristic of karst terrain.
6. What is the primary geologic concern in constructing a hospital in a hillside
area?
, A. Flooding
B. Soil fertility
C. Landslides
D. Frost heave
Hillside development carries a high risk of slope instability, which can endanger
critical facilities like hospitals.
7. A CPT (Cone Penetration Test) provides which of the following data?
A. Chemical composition of groundwater
B. Soil resistance and stratigraphy
C. Seismic velocity profiles
D. Magnetic susceptibility
CPT is a common in-situ testing method used to determine the geotechnical
properties of soils.
8. According to CEQA, a geologic report is required when:
A. A site is over 1 acre
B. A mineral resource is nearby
C. There are potential significant geologic impacts
D. A stream is on the property
Under CEQA, projects that may result in significant environmental impacts
(including geologic) require environmental review.
9. Which of the following is NOT a typical trigger for a debris flow?
A. Wildfire
B. Saturated soils
C. Earthquake
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a geologic hazard investigation in
California?
A. To identify oil and gas potential
B. To determine soil fertility
C. To assess potential risks to public safety from geologic hazards
D. To locate groundwater recharge areas
The purpose of a geologic hazard investigation is to identify and mitigate
potential hazards (e.g., landslides, liquefaction) that could affect public health,
safety, and welfare.
2. The Alquist-Priolo Act primarily addresses hazards associated with:
A. Slope stability
B. Surface fault rupture
C. Groundwater contamination
D. Mineral extraction
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act aims to reduce the risk of surface
fault rupture on structures for human occupancy.
3. Which method is most appropriate for evaluating liquefaction potential in
loose sandy soils?
,A. Resistivity profiling
B. Spectral gamma logging
C. Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
D. Seismic reflection
SPT data helps evaluate relative density and resistance to penetration, which
are key to assessing liquefaction susceptibility.
4. A geologist must file a report under the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
when:
A. Constructing any residential building
B. Developing in designated seismic hazard zones
C. Exploring mineral rights
D. Any grading over 1,000 cubic yards occurs
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act requires investigations in zones where there is
potential for liquefaction or earthquake-induced landslides.
5. What rock type is most commonly associated with karst terrain?
A. Granite
B. Limestone
C. Basalt
D. Schist
Limestone is soluble in slightly acidic water, which creates the cavities and
sinkholes characteristic of karst terrain.
6. What is the primary geologic concern in constructing a hospital in a hillside
area?
, A. Flooding
B. Soil fertility
C. Landslides
D. Frost heave
Hillside development carries a high risk of slope instability, which can endanger
critical facilities like hospitals.
7. A CPT (Cone Penetration Test) provides which of the following data?
A. Chemical composition of groundwater
B. Soil resistance and stratigraphy
C. Seismic velocity profiles
D. Magnetic susceptibility
CPT is a common in-situ testing method used to determine the geotechnical
properties of soils.
8. According to CEQA, a geologic report is required when:
A. A site is over 1 acre
B. A mineral resource is nearby
C. There are potential significant geologic impacts
D. A stream is on the property
Under CEQA, projects that may result in significant environmental impacts
(including geologic) require environmental review.
9. Which of the following is NOT a typical trigger for a debris flow?
A. Wildfire
B. Saturated soils
C. Earthquake
