The path to becoming a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) requires a multi-step process culminating in state licensure. A PLS is responsible for accurately determining property boundaries, which underpins legal land transactions, infrastructure development, and public safety. State licensing boards strictly regulate the profession to ensure practitioners possess the necessary technical knowledge and ethical standards. Licensure involves meeting educational benchmarks, completing a professional apprenticeship, and passing a series of national and state-specific examinations.
Foundational Requirements for Licensure
The initial steps toward licensure involve meeting the educational prerequisites set by the state licensing board. Most jurisdictions require a candidate to hold at least a Bachelor of Science degree in surveying, geomatics, or a closely related field, such as civil engineering with a concentration in surveying coursework. Many states look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accreditation ensures the curriculum meets nationally recognized benchmarks for technical proficiency.
States often grant credit toward the required professional experience for applicants who have completed an ABET-accredited degree, shortening the overall timeline to licensure. A state may accept a non-accredited degree if the applicant has completed a minimum number of semester hours in surveying-specific topics. Preliminary requirements also include meeting a minimum age requirement, typically 18, and demonstrating good moral character. Disclosure of a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is often mandatory for processing.
Gaining Required Professional Experience
After satisfying the educational prerequisites, the next phase involves becoming a Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) or Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT). This certification is generally obtained after passing the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) examination and serves as the official designation for a professional apprenticeship. The SIT or LSIT phase requires the candidate to work under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Land Surveyor for a defined period. This experience must be progressive, meaning the scope of responsibility increases over the duration of the apprenticeship.
The required duration for this supervised experience varies based on the applicant’s level of education, typically ranging from two to six years. A four-year period is a common benchmark for applicants who hold a four-year degree in a board-approved land surveying curriculum. Some states may require up to six years of full-time experience, while others require only three years if the applicant holds an ABET-accredited degree. This apprenticeship must include both field and office training to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the profession.
During this supervised period, the candidate performs essential tasks such as boundary surveys and topographic mapping. The experience is documented through detailed logs or reports, which must be verified and signed by the supervising PLS to confirm the quality and duration of the work. This hands-on training provides the practical context necessary for the candidate to eventually assume the full legal and ethical responsibilities of a licensed surveyor.
Navigating the Licensing Examinations
The examination phase involves two main national tests and a state-specific component, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The first is the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, a computer-based test designed for recent graduates. Passing the six-hour FS exam, which covers surveying processes, boundary law, and mapping methods, often qualifies the applicant for the SIT/LSIT designation.
Once the candidate completes the required supervised professional experience, they become eligible for the second national test, the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. This examination tests the candidate’s ability to practice competently, covering advanced topics such as professional survey practices, legal principles, and business practices. The PS exam is designed for surveyors who have met the four or more years of professional experience required by most state boards.
Nearly every state requires a state-specific exam before granting a full Professional Land Surveyor license. This localized examination focuses on the unique aspects of the profession within that jurisdiction, including state laws, administrative rules, professional ethics, and historical boundary resolution practices. The state board administers this final test to ensure the applicant is proficient in the specific legal and technical nuances of practicing within their borders.
The Official Application and State Board Review
After successfully completing the education, experience, and examination requirements, the final step involves submitting a comprehensive application packet to the state licensing board, often called the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. This submission requires meticulous attention to detail and thorough documentation. The candidate must compile official academic transcripts, detailed logs of professional experience, and proof of passing the required NCEES and state-specific examinations.
The application requires securing professional references from licensed Professional Land Surveyors who can attest to the applicant’s character and competence. Many boards utilize the NCEES Record system, which allows applicants to consolidate and transmit their verified credentials to multiple states, streamlining the process. The state board conducts a thorough review, verifying all submitted information and often requiring a formal background check, such as fingerprinting. Application fees are also required at this stage.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Professional License
Once the state board approves the application and issues the Professional Land Surveyor license, the focus shifts to maintaining the credential through ongoing compliance. Licenses must be renewed on a regular cycle, typically biennial (every two years). The most consistent requirement for renewal is the completion of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) or Professional Development Hours (PDH).
The number of required hours varies by state, but 20 to 30 PDH over a two-year renewal period is common. These educational activities must be relevant to land surveying, enhancing the licensee’s technical skills and professional knowledge. Many jurisdictions mandate that a portion of these hours be dedicated to specific topics, such as professional ethics, state statutes, and technical standards. Adherence to these requirements is mandatory, and failure to complete the necessary hours or pay the renewal fee can result in the license becoming delinquent or revoked.