Types of Membership and Requirements - National has streamlined the application process. Linked below are forms for various member types.

Read below regarding the requirements for each member type:

Certified Professional Geologist (CPG)
Applicants for certification have a bachelor’s degree or higher in the geological sciences with a minimum of 36 semester hours of geology plus 8 years of professional geological work experience. Applicants with a master’s degree need only 7 years of experience and Ph.D’s need only 5 years.

EDUCATION: 36 semester or 54 quarter hours in geological sciences with a baccalaureate or higher degree; certified copy of official transcripts must be sent by each college or university
EXPERIENCE: 8 years beyond bachelor's degree, or 7 years beyond master's degree, or 5 years beyond doctorate
SPONSORS: 3 required from professional geologists, 2 of whom must be CPG's (see Section 2.3.1 of the Bylaws for exceptions)
CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION: None required
SCREENING: Section and National
APPLICATION FEE: $50 (to upgrade from Registered Member or Member to CPG, the fee is $35)
ANNUAL DUES: $120 plus Section dues; both prorated for remainder of year when accepted.

Member
Geologists who do not yet meet the education and experience requirements for CPG or do not see a need for certification by the institute may apply to become a Member. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in the geological sciences with at least 30 semester hours of geology.

EDUCATION: 30 semester or 45 quarter hours in geological sciences* with a baccalaureate or higher degree.
EXPERIENCE: No proof required
SPONSOR: 1 required from a CPG or Member
CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION: None required
SCREENING: None required
SIGN-UP AMOUNT: If you apply Dec-Mar= $60; Apr-Jun= $45; Jul-Sept= $30; Oct- Nov= $15 (This amount covers the first calendar year of your membership.)
ANNUAL DUES: $60 plus Section dues

Student
EDUCATION: Currently enrolled in a geological science* degree program
EXPERIENCE: No proof required
SPONSOR: Geological science faculty member
CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION: No proof required
SCREENING: Headquarters can approve
APPLICATION FEE: $5
ANNUAL DUES: $15

Associate
EDUCATION: No proof required
EXPERIENCE: No proof required
SPONSORS: None required
CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION: None required
SCREENING: Headquarters can approve
APPLICATION FEE: None
ANNUAL DUES: $60 plus Section dues; both prorated for remainder of year when accepted

Note to those who received their degrees from non-U.S./Canadian universities. If you received a degree from a university or college outside the U.S. or Canada, and the school is unable to provide an acceptable transcript, you must submit a copy of your diploma and a list of courses taken. The Screening Committee may ask you to provide additional information or an equivalency evaluation, at your expense.

American Institute of Professional Geologists
1400 W. 122nd Avenue, Suite 250
Westminster, Colorado 80234
(303) 412-6205
Fax (303) 253-9220