Page 1 of 81
California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) Exam–
ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) Exam Overview
The California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) examination is a rigorous professional
assessment focused on the application of geologic principles to civil engineering and
environmental protection. It emphasizes the mitigation of geologic hazards within the unique
regulatory and tectonic framework of California.
The exam covers several critical content areas:
• Geologic Hazard Evaluation: Detailed analysis of surface fault rupture, seismic ground
shaking, liquefaction, and tsunamis.
• Landslides and Slope Stability: Identification of landslide types, stabilization methods,
and factor of safety calculations.
• California Regulations & Acts: In-depth knowledge of the Alquist-Priolo Act, Seismic
Hazards Mapping Act, CEQA, and the California Building Code (CBC).
• Site Characterization & Exploration: Drilling methods, trenching for fault studies,
geophysical surveys, and logging standards.
• Hydrogeology & Groundwater: Impact of groundwater on slope stability, seepage
analysis, and dewatering.
,Page 2 of 81
• Construction Observation: Grading inspections, rock bolts, shoring, and foundation
recommendations.
BATCH 1: Tectonics, Regulations, and Seismic Hazards
Questions 1–100
1. Under the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, what is the standard "setback"
distance from an active fault trace for most structures for human occupancy?
A. 10 feet
B. 50 feet
C. 100 feet
D. 500 feet
Rationale: The California Geological Survey (CGS) generally mandates a 50-foot setback from a
known active fault trace. However, this can be adjusted if a site-specific study proves a different
distance is safe, though 50 feet is the regulatory baseline.
2. Which Holocene epoch duration is currently used by the State of California to define an
"active" fault?
A. The last 1,000 years
B. The last 5,000 years
C. The last 11,700 years
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D. The last 2.5 million years
Rationale: California defines an "active" fault as one that has had surface displacement within
the Holocene (the last 11,700 years). This is the primary criterion for zoning under Alquist-
Priolo.
3. In a fault trenching study, a CEG identifies a "colluvial wedge." What does this feature most
likely represent?
A. A slow creep event
B. An ancient landslide unrelated to the fault
C. Deposition immediately following a surface-rupturing earthquake
D. A volcanic ash layer
Rationale: A colluvial wedge forms when a fault scarp is created during an earthquake; the
uphill material erodes and collects at the base of the scarp. It is a vital indicator used to date
paleo-seismic events.
4. The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act of 1990 addresses which of the following hazards?
A. Surface fault rupture only
B. Soil erosion and flooding
C. Strong ground shaking, liquefaction, and seismically induced landslides
D. Volcanic eruptions
, Page 4 of 81
Rationale: While Alquist-Priolo covers surface rupture, the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
focuses on secondary effects: liquefaction and landslides triggered by earthquakes.
5. A "Potentially Active Fault" as defined by the CGS (for certain local jurisdictions) is one that
has shown movement during:
A. The Pleistocene (last 11,700 to 1.6 million years)
B. The Cretaceous
C. The last 200 years only
D. The last 50 years
Rationale: Faults showing evidence of movement during the Pleistocene but not the Holocene
are often labeled "potentially active," requiring further investigation for certain high-risk
infrastructure.
6. Which soil type is most susceptible to "Liquefaction" during an earthquake?
A. Well-graded, compacted clay
B. Dense, crystalline bedrock
C. Saturated, loose, relatively uniform fine-grained sand
D. Dry gravel
Rationale: Liquefaction requires saturation, a loose state, and sandy/silty textures. The seismic
shaking increases pore water pressure, causing the soil to behave like a liquid.
California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) Exam–
ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) Exam Overview
The California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) examination is a rigorous professional
assessment focused on the application of geologic principles to civil engineering and
environmental protection. It emphasizes the mitigation of geologic hazards within the unique
regulatory and tectonic framework of California.
The exam covers several critical content areas:
• Geologic Hazard Evaluation: Detailed analysis of surface fault rupture, seismic ground
shaking, liquefaction, and tsunamis.
• Landslides and Slope Stability: Identification of landslide types, stabilization methods,
and factor of safety calculations.
• California Regulations & Acts: In-depth knowledge of the Alquist-Priolo Act, Seismic
Hazards Mapping Act, CEQA, and the California Building Code (CBC).
• Site Characterization & Exploration: Drilling methods, trenching for fault studies,
geophysical surveys, and logging standards.
• Hydrogeology & Groundwater: Impact of groundwater on slope stability, seepage
analysis, and dewatering.
,Page 2 of 81
• Construction Observation: Grading inspections, rock bolts, shoring, and foundation
recommendations.
BATCH 1: Tectonics, Regulations, and Seismic Hazards
Questions 1–100
1. Under the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, what is the standard "setback"
distance from an active fault trace for most structures for human occupancy?
A. 10 feet
B. 50 feet
C. 100 feet
D. 500 feet
Rationale: The California Geological Survey (CGS) generally mandates a 50-foot setback from a
known active fault trace. However, this can be adjusted if a site-specific study proves a different
distance is safe, though 50 feet is the regulatory baseline.
2. Which Holocene epoch duration is currently used by the State of California to define an
"active" fault?
A. The last 1,000 years
B. The last 5,000 years
C. The last 11,700 years
,Page 3 of 81
D. The last 2.5 million years
Rationale: California defines an "active" fault as one that has had surface displacement within
the Holocene (the last 11,700 years). This is the primary criterion for zoning under Alquist-
Priolo.
3. In a fault trenching study, a CEG identifies a "colluvial wedge." What does this feature most
likely represent?
A. A slow creep event
B. An ancient landslide unrelated to the fault
C. Deposition immediately following a surface-rupturing earthquake
D. A volcanic ash layer
Rationale: A colluvial wedge forms when a fault scarp is created during an earthquake; the
uphill material erodes and collects at the base of the scarp. It is a vital indicator used to date
paleo-seismic events.
4. The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act of 1990 addresses which of the following hazards?
A. Surface fault rupture only
B. Soil erosion and flooding
C. Strong ground shaking, liquefaction, and seismically induced landslides
D. Volcanic eruptions
, Page 4 of 81
Rationale: While Alquist-Priolo covers surface rupture, the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
focuses on secondary effects: liquefaction and landslides triggered by earthquakes.
5. A "Potentially Active Fault" as defined by the CGS (for certain local jurisdictions) is one that
has shown movement during:
A. The Pleistocene (last 11,700 to 1.6 million years)
B. The Cretaceous
C. The last 200 years only
D. The last 50 years
Rationale: Faults showing evidence of movement during the Pleistocene but not the Holocene
are often labeled "potentially active," requiring further investigation for certain high-risk
infrastructure.
6. Which soil type is most susceptible to "Liquefaction" during an earthquake?
A. Well-graded, compacted clay
B. Dense, crystalline bedrock
C. Saturated, loose, relatively uniform fine-grained sand
D. Dry gravel
Rationale: Liquefaction requires saturation, a loose state, and sandy/silty textures. The seismic
shaking increases pore water pressure, causing the soil to behave like a liquid.
