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California-Specific Professional Land Surveyor Examination — Information & Free Practice

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California-Specific Professional Land Surveyor Examination

Provider
Prometric
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination; alternate item types may also appear.
Time limit
Four hours
Examination outline
  • I. Business Practices and Project Management (10%)
    • 1. Explain the practice and importance of land surveying to the public
    • 2. Prepare proposals and contracts (e.g., scope, schedule, budget, client needs, regulatory requirements)
    • 3. Offer or procure land surveying and incidental services
    • 4. Direct personnel for office and field tasks
    • 5. Coordinate projects with third parties (e.g., agencies, consultants, contractors)
    • 6. Identify project standards (e.g., mapping, accuracy requirements, legal requirements, methodology, quality assurance, agency standards, project specifications)
    • 7. Develop plan for project execution (e.g., mapping, accuracy requirements, methodology, quality assurance, client needs)
    • 8. Preserve survey monuments in accordance with State law
    • 9. Manage a land surveying business, organization or department (e.g., compliance with DIR and/or Project Labor Agreement (PLA) regulations, Organizational Record)
    • 10. Apply the Subdivision Map Act and other related laws and regulations
    • 11. Apply the Professional Land Surveyors Act
    • 12. Identify and disclose potential conflicts of interest (e.g., risk, liability, protection)
    • A. Professional Land Surveyors' (PLS) Act
    • B. Project requirements
    • C. Impact of local ordinances
    • D. Subdivision Map Act (SMA)
    • E. Survey‐relevant sections of State laws (e.g., Public Resources Code, Civil Code, Evidence Code, Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) requirements)
    • F. Impact of federal laws (e.g., FEMA, US Army Corps of Engineers, BLM)
    • G. Laws and ordinances pertaining to setting of monuments (e.g., PLS Act § 8771‐8772, SMA § 66495‐66498, local ordinances)
    • H. Right of entry laws
    • I. Capabilities and limitations of equipment and technologies (e.g., GPS, laser scanning, levels, total stations, UAV)
    • J. Interpretation of elements in construction plans and specifications pertaining to staking
    • K. Procedures for preparation for aerial mapping (e.g. photogrammetric, LiDAR, UAV, flight plans, ground control)
    • L. Procedures for preparation for terrestrial mapping (e.g., total station, GPS, LiDAR, cameras)
    • M. When records of survey are required
    • N. When corner records are required
    • O. When tentative, parcel and final maps are required
    • P. Map waivers (e.g., SMA § 66428)
    • Q. Exceptions to Subdivision Map Act (e.g., SMA § 66412)
    • R. State and local agency requirements for maps and related documents (e.g., submittal, review, filing)
    • S. Project-specific mapping requirements and criteria
    • T. Contractual agreements (e.g., cost estimates, scope of services, limitations)
    • U. Appropriate communication methods (e.g., statutory, regulatory)
    • V. Scope management (e.g. managing scope-creep, change order processes)
  • II. Research, Project Planning and Preparation (16%)
    • 1. Determine proper control datums, realizations and epochs
    • 2. Analyze project data (e.g., recorded maps, deeds, title data, control data, land planning requirements)
    • 3. Identify conflicts within documents, maps and drawings
    • 4. Conduct project research
    • 5. Prepare and review construction calculations (e.g., staking plats, layout, exhibits)
    • 6. Perform surveying calculations (e.g., boundary, control, topographic)
    • 7. Plan control networks
    • 8. Plan field safety operations
    • A. Interpretation of elements in construction plans and specifications pertaining to staking
    • B. Procedures and requirements for aerial mapping (e.g., photogrammetric, LiDAR, UAV, control, flight plan)
    • C. Procedures for preparation for terrestrial mapping (e.g., total station, GPS, LiDAR, photogrammetry)
    • D. When records of survey are required
    • E. When corner records are required
    • F. Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
    • G. Sequential conveyances (e.g., senior junior rights)
    • H. Simultaneous conveyances (e.g., lot and block)
    • I. Water boundaries
    • J. Relationship of land grants between private, state and federal (e.g., ranchos, townsites)
    • K. Methods of establishing boundaries
    • L. Types and components of title documents (e.g., title report, chain of title, lot and block report)
    • M. Monument recovery procedures (e.g., field package preparation, search points, magnetic vs. non-ferrous, historic depth)
    • N. Easements, rights‐of‐way, leases and other encumbrances
    • O. Methods and procedures for retracement and re‐establishment of railroad rights‐of‐way
    • P. Controlling elements of legal descriptions
    • Q. Strengths and weaknesses of various legal description types
    • R. Horizontal and vertical control
    • S. Projections, datums, epoch dates, and transformations
    • T. Geoid, ellipsoid and orthometric heights
    • U. Error sources (e.g., multipath, data input, instrument calibration)
    • V. Methods and procedures to produce control networks within accuracy standards (e.g., Public Resources Code, Federal and State standards)
    • W. Sources of research data (e.g., public, quasi‐public, private)
    • X. Source, type and accuracy of digital data (e.g., metadata, GIS)
    • Y. Earth movements (e.g., earthquakes, landslides, subsidence, plate tectonics)
    • Z. Safety and hazard evaluations (e.g., CalOSHA, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
  • III. Field Operations and Investigations (20%)
    • 1. Perform topographic and/or as‐built surveys
    • 2. Perform control surveys
    • 3. Perform boundary survey
    • 4. Retrace PLSS surveys
    • 5. Perform monitoring surveys
    • 6. Perform construction staking
    • 7. Perform hydrographic surveys (e.g., bathymetric, tidal datum)
    • 8. Communicate with clients, contractors and general public while in the field
    • 9. Notify right of entry
    • 10. Execute safety protocols and procedures
    • 11. Perform diligent monument search (e.g., monument preservation, boundary survey, legal requirements)
    • 12. Identify limitations of technologies for use in survey practice
    • A. Right of entry laws
    • B. Capabilities and limitations of equipment and technologies (e.g., GPS, laser scanning, levels, total stations, UAS)
    • C. Interpretation of elements in construction plans and specifications pertaining to staking
    • D. Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
    • E. Monument recovery (e.g., boundary, control and/or topographic surveys)
    • F. Monument re‐establishment procedures (e.g., PLS Act 8771 and 8773)
    • G. Correct monument identification
    • H. Monument pedigree
    • I. Horizontal and vertical control
    • J. Error sources (e.g., multipath, data input, instrument calibration)
    • K. California Coordinate Systems
    • L. Real‐time‐networks (e.g., processes, redundancy, accessibility, accuracy)
    • M. Field notes and staking reports
    • N. Basis of control values and their relation to maps and construction plans (e.g., basis of bearings, benchmark)
    • O. Methods and requirements for performing topographic, aerial, as‐built, and/or bathymetric surveys,
    • P. Field practices and procedures for construction staking
    • Q. Geoid models, ellipsoid heights and orthometric heights
    • R. Safety and hazard evaluations (e.g., CalOSHA, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
    • S. Physical evidence that may indicate unwritten rights (e.g., adverse possession, prescriptive rights)
    • T. Physical evidence of water boundaries
  • IV. Analysis and Evaluation (26%)
    • 1. Analyze field evidence together with recorded and unrecorded documentation to retrace boundaries, easements, and possible encroachments (e.g., monuments, occupation, oaths/parol evidence, project documents)
    • 2. Evaluate accuracies and precisions of historic documents and maps versus measured survey data
    • 3. Evaluate relevance and spatial relationships of maps and measured survey data (e.g., GIS data, field data, metadata)
    • 4. Assess boundary location conflicts
    • 5. Assess title conflicts
    • 6. Analyze results of survey adjustments (e.g., least squares, error analysis)
    • 7. Perform quality assurance and quality control
    • 8. Reconcile deed descriptions with field evidence
    • 9. Identify limitations of technologies for use in survey practice
    • A. When records of survey are required
    • B. When corner records are required
    • C. Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
    • D. Water boundaries (e.g., tidal datums, navigable vs non‐navigable)
    • E. Hierarchy of evidence (e.g., Code of Civil Procedure 2077)
    • F. Boundary resolution of simultaneous conveyances
    • G. Boundary resolution of sequential conveyances
    • H. Boundary resolution of junior senior rights
    • I. Boundary resolution of deed descriptions
    • J. Evaluation of field evidence
    • K. Types of conveyances and their effects of ownership on property (e.g., fee vs. easement, grant deed, quitclaim deed, intent)
    • L. Cloud on title
    • M. Effect of earth movement on boundaries (e.g., earthquakes, landslide, subsidence, continental drift)
    • N. Easements, rights‐of‐way, leases and other encumbrances
    • O. Criteria for acceptance or rejection of monuments
    • P. Physical evidence that may indicate unwritten rights (e.g., adverse possession, prescriptive rights)
    • Q. Controlling elements of legal descriptions
    • R. Types of legal descriptions (e.g., strip, metes and bounds, lot and block, aliquot)
    • S. Exceptions and reservations of legal descriptions
    • T. Horizontal and vertical control
    • U. Projections, datums, realizations and epoch dates
    • V. Geoid, ellipsoid and orthometric heights
    • W. Conversion between grid and ground distances
    • X. Errors - Analysis and quantification (e.g., data bias, error ellipses, residuals)
    • Y. Digital terrain models
    • Z. Point clouds (e.g., As-Built, reduction, management, analysis, extraction, terrain classification systems)
    • AA. Applications of relevant case law (e.g., boundary issues, liability)
    • BB. Methods to obtain bearings or azimuths related to geodetic, magnetic, grid or astronomic north
    • CC. Parol evidence
    • DD. Use and interpretation of significant figures for maps, plats or reports
    • EE. Survey‐relevant sections of state laws (e.g., Public Resources Code, Civil Code, Evidence Code)
    • FF. Historical accuracies vs. current precision (e.g., measuring by chaining, EDM, GPS)
  • V. Mapping and Document Preparation (16%)
    • 1. Prepare legal descriptions (e.g., easements, lot line adjustments, other interests in real property)
    • 2. Ensure survey documents comply with State laws, project requirements, and contractual obligations
    • 3. Prepare and analyze 3D Models (e.g., BIM, DTM, point clouds)
    • 4. Prepare topographic maps from various sources (e.g., photogrammetry, field survey, LiDAR, GIS, UAS, hydrographic)
    • 5. Prepare control maps or reports (e.g., local, geodetic, monitoring)
    • 6. Prepare maps, plats and exhibits (e.g., court, easement, ALTA/NSPS, boundary)
    • 7. Prepare State regulated maps, plats, exhibits (e.g., records of survey, corner records, lot line adjustments, subdivision maps, condominium plans, LAFCO)
    • 8. Prepare construction reports (e.g., cut‐sheets, plots, verification reports, quality assurance, ADA reports, form/pad certifications)
    • A. Professional Land Surveyors' (PLS) Act
    • B. Subdivision Map Act (SMA)
    • C. ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey related to State law
    • D. Basis of control elements and their relation to maps (e.g., basis of bearings, benchmark)
    • E. Strip legal descriptions
    • F. Metes and bounds legal descriptions
    • G. Aliquot part legal descriptions
    • H. Portions and parts legal descriptions
    • I. Exceptions and reservations in legal descriptions
    • J. Projections, datums and epoch dates
    • K. California Coordinate System
    • L. Surveyor notes (e.g., boundary narrative)
    • M. Surveyor reports (e.g., volume, staking)
    • N. Digital terrain models
    • O. Parol evidence (e.g., use, methods to document, and effects)
    • P. Code of Regulations (Board Rules)
    • Q. Public Resource Code (PRC)
    • R. Signing and sealing requirements
    • S. Components of a legal description (e.g., preamble, body)
    • T. Methods and procedures for preparing topographic maps (e.g., photogrammetric, planimetric)
    • U. Elements of corner records (legal content required)
    • V. Elements of records of survey (legal content required)
    • W. Elements of tentative maps (legal content required)
    • X. Elements of parcel maps (legal content required)
    • Y. Elements of final maps (legal content required)
    • Z. Elements of certificates of compliance (legal content required)
    • AA. Certificates of correction and amended maps
    • BB. Depiction of physical evidence that may indicate unwritten rights
    • CC. Easements, rights‐of‐way, leases and other encumbrances
  • VI. Professional Consulting (12%)
    • 1. Communicate accuracies of maps or survey data (e.g., professionals, clients, staff)
    • 2. Provide expert witness testimony (e.g., depositions, arbitration, trials, litigation support)
    • 3. Provide land planning services (e.g., tentative maps, Department of Real Estate exhibits)
    • 4. Provide recommendations in accordance with State Laws (e.g., Subdivision Map Act, Professional Land Surveyors Act, Public Resources Code)
    • 5. Conduct independent peer review
    • 6. Provide conflict resolution
    • 7. Apply code of professional conduct
    • 8. Recognize risk awareness and general liability
    • A. Professional Land Surveyors' (PLS) Act
    • B. Subdivision Map Act (SMA)
    • C. Impact of local ordinances (e.g., zoning, setbacks)
    • D. State and local agency processing requirements for maps and related documents (e.g., submittal, review, filing)
    • E. Appropriate communication methods (e.g., verbal and written)
    • F. Effects of unwritten rights on boundaries
    • G. Effects of riparian and littoral rights on boundaries
    • H. Cloud on title
    • I. Effects of earth movement on boundaries (e.g., earthquakes, subsidence, slides)
    • J. Impacts of encumbrances (e.g., deeds of trust, tax liens, easements, leases)
    • K. Evidence that may indicate unwritten rights (e.g., adverse possession, prescriptive rights)
    • L. Effects of relevant case law (e.g., boundary issues, liability)
    • M. Notice of potential encroachments
    • N. Survey‐relevant sections of state laws (e.g., Public Resources Code, Civil Code, Evidence Code, CEQA, Categorical Exemption, Negative Declaration)
    • O. Surveyor's role in title and boundary conflicts (e.g., analysis, mediation, litigation support)
    • P. Code of professional conduct (BR 476)
    • Q. Mediation techniques
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