California Certified Engineering Geologist Exam Test
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified) Latest Update
2026/2027 | Graded A+ | Guaranteed Pass.
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.
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
SPT blow counts of 0–10 typically indicate loose granular materials
susceptible to settlement.
, 10. What geologic structure typically results from compressive
tectonic forces?
A. Anticline
B. Normal fault
C. Graben
D. Horst
Anticlines form due to compression and are upward-arching folds.
11. In slope stability analysis, which parameter primarily affects
shear strength?
A. Porosity
B. Angle of internal friction
C. Plasticity index
D. Saturation
The angle of internal friction directly influences the shear strength in
MohrCoulomb failure theory.
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.
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Questions And Correct Answers (Verified) Latest Update
2026/2027 | Graded A+ | Guaranteed Pass.
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.
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
SPT blow counts of 0–10 typically indicate loose granular materials
susceptible to settlement.
, 10. What geologic structure typically results from compressive
tectonic forces?
A. Anticline
B. Normal fault
C. Graben
D. Horst
Anticlines form due to compression and are upward-arching folds.
11. In slope stability analysis, which parameter primarily affects
shear strength?
A. Porosity
B. Angle of internal friction
C. Plasticity index
D. Saturation
The angle of internal friction directly influences the shear strength in
MohrCoulomb failure theory.
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.
, Thank you for Purchasing this exam
Study Guide. We provide high-quality
academic materials to help students
excel in exams. Our other Services
include but not limited to: academic
research, University & College
assignments writing, essay writing,
Online Classes, and research projects.
Our services are reliable, affordable,
and plagiarism-free. All the Best in your
Exam. For more information; Contact us
at: or
0R +254
741484450
