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California Certified Engineering Geologist
(CEG) Exam QUESTIONS AND DETAILED
SOLUTIONS JUST RELEASED
California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) Exam
Based on the official BPELSG test plan effective January 2025 , the CEG examination is structured
into four primary content areas covering the application of geologic data, principles, and interpretation
to civil engineering works .
Part 1: Exam Coverage Summary (Point Form)
I. Project Planning (18% of exam)
• Review regional and site-specific geologic conditions using remote sensing data (aerial imagery,
LiDAR, InSAR)
• Identify applicable regulations for field exploration, monitoring, testing, and reporting
• Evaluate California Building Code requirements related to soils, foundations, structures, and
grading
• Understand Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act and Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
requirements
II. Data Collection (28% of exam)
• Map geomorphology, lithology, stratigraphy, geologic structures, and hydrogeologic features
• Log subsurface explorations (trenches, borings) and characterize engineering properties
• Apply standardized engineering soil and rock classification systems
• Utilize geophysical methods and interpret geophysical data
III. Interpretation and Reporting (40% of exam)
• Assess static and dynamic slope stability
• Evaluate seismic hazards including fault rupture, ground motion, and liquefaction
• Prepare and interpret geologic models (cross-sections, structure contours, isopach maps)
• Identify earth materials detrimental to projects or human health (asbestos, radon, expansive
clay)
IV. Construction (14% of exam)
• Review grading plans for conformance with geologic recommendations
• Identify unanticipated field conditions and recommend mitigations
• Evaluate cut and fill slope construction and ground improvement methods
Part 2: 150 Scenario-Based Questions & Rationales
Question 1
During a site investigation in California, you encounter a fault trace that offsets Holocene alluvium. What
is the most likely classification of this fault under the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act?
A) Potentially active fault
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B) Active fault
C) Inactive fault
D) Ancient fault
Answer: B
*Rationale: The Alquist-Priolo Act defines an active fault as one that has shown displacement in the last
11,700 years (Holocene time). Since Holocene alluvium is displaced, the fault is classified as active .*
Question 2
Which of the following is the most critical geologic consideration in designing foundations for a large
hospital near San Francisco?
A) Groundwater depth
B) Regional lithology
C) Seismic shaking hazard
D) Soil color and mineralogy
Answer: C
Rationale: For critical facilities like hospitals, seismic shaking and ground rupture risk dominate design
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considerations in California due to strict seismic safety regulations and CBC requirements for essential
services buildings .
Question 3
Which method is most appropriate for determining the liquefaction potential at a proposed building
site?
A) Radiometric dating
B) Cone penetration test (CPT)
C) Resistivity survey
D) Hand auger sampling
Answer: B
Rationale: CPT is one of the standard geotechnical methods for evaluating subsurface soil behavior under
seismic loading and is widely used in California liquefaction hazard studies .
Question 4
What is the minimum vertical offset considered hazardous for fault rupture under California law for a
single-family dwelling?
A) 0.5 inch
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B) 1 inch
C) 6 inches
D) 12 inches
Answer: A
*Rationale: Even small displacements as little as 0.5 to 1 inch on active faults can compromise structural
integrity. The Alquist-Priolo Act requires investigation when any surface displacement is possible .*
Question 5
What geologic hazard is most often overlooked in residential hillside developments in Southern
California?
A) Subsidence from groundwater withdrawal
B) Expansive soils
C) Landslides from slope instability
D) Tsunami run-up
Answer: C
Rationale: Landslides triggered by grading, rainfall, or earthquakes are a significant but often
underappreciated hazard in hillside developments throughout Southern California .
California Certified Engineering Geologist
(CEG) Exam QUESTIONS AND DETAILED
SOLUTIONS JUST RELEASED
California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) Exam
Based on the official BPELSG test plan effective January 2025 , the CEG examination is structured
into four primary content areas covering the application of geologic data, principles, and interpretation
to civil engineering works .
Part 1: Exam Coverage Summary (Point Form)
I. Project Planning (18% of exam)
• Review regional and site-specific geologic conditions using remote sensing data (aerial imagery,
LiDAR, InSAR)
• Identify applicable regulations for field exploration, monitoring, testing, and reporting
• Evaluate California Building Code requirements related to soils, foundations, structures, and
grading
• Understand Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act and Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
requirements
II. Data Collection (28% of exam)
• Map geomorphology, lithology, stratigraphy, geologic structures, and hydrogeologic features
• Log subsurface explorations (trenches, borings) and characterize engineering properties
• Apply standardized engineering soil and rock classification systems
• Utilize geophysical methods and interpret geophysical data
III. Interpretation and Reporting (40% of exam)
• Assess static and dynamic slope stability
• Evaluate seismic hazards including fault rupture, ground motion, and liquefaction
• Prepare and interpret geologic models (cross-sections, structure contours, isopach maps)
• Identify earth materials detrimental to projects or human health (asbestos, radon, expansive
clay)
IV. Construction (14% of exam)
• Review grading plans for conformance with geologic recommendations
• Identify unanticipated field conditions and recommend mitigations
• Evaluate cut and fill slope construction and ground improvement methods
Part 2: 150 Scenario-Based Questions & Rationales
Question 1
During a site investigation in California, you encounter a fault trace that offsets Holocene alluvium. What
is the most likely classification of this fault under the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act?
A) Potentially active fault
, Page 2 of 142
B) Active fault
C) Inactive fault
D) Ancient fault
Answer: B
*Rationale: The Alquist-Priolo Act defines an active fault as one that has shown displacement in the last
11,700 years (Holocene time). Since Holocene alluvium is displaced, the fault is classified as active .*
Question 2
Which of the following is the most critical geologic consideration in designing foundations for a large
hospital near San Francisco?
A) Groundwater depth
B) Regional lithology
C) Seismic shaking hazard
D) Soil color and mineralogy
Answer: C
Rationale: For critical facilities like hospitals, seismic shaking and ground rupture risk dominate design
, Page 3 of 142
considerations in California due to strict seismic safety regulations and CBC requirements for essential
services buildings .
Question 3
Which method is most appropriate for determining the liquefaction potential at a proposed building
site?
A) Radiometric dating
B) Cone penetration test (CPT)
C) Resistivity survey
D) Hand auger sampling
Answer: B
Rationale: CPT is one of the standard geotechnical methods for evaluating subsurface soil behavior under
seismic loading and is widely used in California liquefaction hazard studies .
Question 4
What is the minimum vertical offset considered hazardous for fault rupture under California law for a
single-family dwelling?
A) 0.5 inch
, Page 4 of 142
B) 1 inch
C) 6 inches
D) 12 inches
Answer: A
*Rationale: Even small displacements as little as 0.5 to 1 inch on active faults can compromise structural
integrity. The Alquist-Priolo Act requires investigation when any surface displacement is possible .*
Question 5
What geologic hazard is most often overlooked in residential hillside developments in Southern
California?
A) Subsidence from groundwater withdrawal
B) Expansive soils
C) Landslides from slope instability
D) Tsunami run-up
Answer: C
Rationale: Landslides triggered by grading, rainfall, or earthquakes are a significant but often
underappreciated hazard in hillside developments throughout Southern California .
