The role of a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) involves the precise measurement and mapping of the earth’s surface to determine property boundaries, prepare legal documents, and support various construction and infrastructure projects. These professionals are entrusted with protecting property rights and ensuring public safety by accurately defining land ownership and topography. In Kentucky, the practice is regulated by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, which mandates a structured path of education, supervised experience, and rigorous examinations to ensure competency.
Educational Prerequisites for Licensure
The journey toward licensure in Kentucky begins with meeting specific educational criteria, which generally require a four-year college degree. The Kentucky Board offers three primary pathways to satisfy these academic requirements. The most direct route involves graduating from a board-approved four-year program in land surveying, which often leads to a shorter subsequent experience requirement.
Individuals with a four-year degree in a non-surveying major must complete a twenty-four semester credit hour core curriculum in land surveying. A third pathway is available for graduates of an Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) accredited civil, mining, or agricultural engineering program, who must complete a twelve semester credit hour surveying core curriculum.
Becoming a Land Surveyor in Training
Securing the Land Surveyor in Training (SIT) designation is the next major milestone. This designation is earned by successfully passing the national Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) examination, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Applicants are typically eligible to sit for the FS exam during the final year of their undergraduate program, upon completing at least 105 semester credit hours or the required core curriculum hours.
The SIT certification provides formal recognition of competence at the entry level and is a prerequisite for taking the final Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. Once the FS exam is passed and educational requirements are met, the applicant can apply to the Kentucky Board for the official SIT certificate.
Meeting Professional Experience Requirements
After achieving the SIT designation, candidates must gain progressive, supervised work experience before qualifying for full licensure. The required duration depends on the applicant’s educational background: three years of progressive experience is required for graduates of a board-approved four-year land surveying program, while four years are required for those following other educational paths.
This work must be of a responsible character and performed under the direct supervision of a currently licensed Professional Land Surveyor. The Board defines “progressive” experience as advancing through various roles, such as moving from an instrument operator to a party chief or technician.
Acceptable experience involves a breadth of activities, including boundary surveying, deed and records research, field note reduction, and computations for traverse closure. Applicants must document this experience using a Report of Professional Experience (RPE) form, which must be verified and endorsed by the supervising PLS.
Passing the Principles and Practice of Surveying Exam
The final examination hurdle is the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam, which can only be attempted after satisfying both the educational and full experience requirements. This national NCEES examination covers advanced topics such as legal principles, professional survey practices, business practices, and specialized surveying areas.
A successful Kentucky applicant must also demonstrate a thorough understanding of state-specific laws and regulations governing land surveying practice. Mastery of the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS Chapter 322) and administrative regulations is a prerequisite for practicing legally within the Commonwealth.
The Final Licensure Application Process
Once the educational, experience, and examination requirements are completed, the candidate submits the formal application for licensure. The Kentucky Board requires a complete application package, often necessitating an up-to-date NCEES Record, which serves as a verified repository of the applicant’s education, examination results, and professional work history.
The submission must include official transcripts, professional references, and the verified experience documentation. Board staff conducts a thorough evaluation to ensure all statutory requirements have been met, and upon final approval, the applicant is officially granted the license to practice as a Professional Land Surveyor in Kentucky.
Maintaining Licensure and Professional Development
Licensure must be renewed biennially on June 30th, with the renewal schedule organized by the licensee’s last name. To keep the license active, the Professional Land Surveyor must complete a minimum of sixteen Professional Development Hours (PDH) of qualifying activities during each two-year reporting period.
A mandatory component of this Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement is a four-hour course focused on the Standards of Practice, Ethics, and the Code of Conduct, which must be taken once every four years. Maintaining records of these completed PDH activities is the responsibility of the licensee, as the Board conducts periodic audits to verify compliance.