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Alabama Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Professional Land Surveyor

Individual professional license authorizing land-surveying practice; inactive and reinstated statuses retain this identity. Rule 330-X-10-.04 expressly states the retired designation is not a license.

Licensing authority: Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors · Application information

Licensure by comity
Alss sequence
Rule 330-X-8-.02 requires passing FS and PS before ALSS and Board eligibility approval. The Board instructions state all PLS applicants take the two-hour Alabama History & Law of Surveying examination. Approved ALSS candidates have unlimited attempts within one year; after that the application closes and reapplication must meet current eligibility requirements.
Application
Submit the Board online application, fee, declaration under penalty of perjury, official transcripts, verification of examinations and experience, and references. Rule 330-X-7-.02 requires five references, at least three currently licensed PLSs qualified to evaluate the surveying experience. A current NCEES Record reduces the application sections; otherwise the supporting records must be sent directly or supplied through NCEES.
Character
Good character and reputation under §34-11-4(5); a felony applicant whose civil rights were revoked needs restoration and Board approval under Rule 330-X-3-.01(11).
Education and experience
The Board assesses the applicable approved surveying/civil-engineering, related-to-surveying or related-science education and experience pathway, or the standard at initial licensure.
Existing license
Hold a valid professional land-surveying license from another jurisdiction, in good standing; the Board judges education, experience and examination qualifications against the Alabama law in effect at initial licensure (§34-11-4(3)(b), Rule 330-X-3-.01(6)).
Experience verification
Progressive combined office and field experience, including property conveyance/boundary determination and legal/courthouse research, must be verified by the PLS supervisor, associate or a relationship the Board accepts as substantially equivalent. Experience cannot be anticipated; military, part-time, foreign, pre-graduation, teaching and graduate-study credit are assessed under Rule 330-X-6-.01 and §34-11-4(6)-(7).
Legal presence
The Board application instructions require proof of United States citizenship or lawful presence; Board-hosted §31-13-29 requires that proof for professional-license transactions, with its subsequent-verification exceptions.
Prior examinations
Passing currently offered FS and PS remains examination dependency even when passed before the application. Comparable prior examinations may be accepted under §34-11-4(9); a discontinued historical examination is prior qualification evidence, not a requirement leaf. Current Board 4 Paths to PLS Licensure states FS and PS have no waiver capability.
Licensure by comity — pre 2008 license and experience without degree
Alss sequence
Rule 330-X-8-.02 requires passing FS and PS before ALSS and Board eligibility approval. The Board instructions state all PLS applicants take the two-hour Alabama History & Law of Surveying examination. Approved ALSS candidates have unlimited attempts within one year; after that the application closes and reapplication must meet current eligibility requirements.
Application
Submit the Board online application, fee, declaration under penalty of perjury, official transcripts, verification of examinations and experience, and references. Rule 330-X-7-.02 requires five references, at least three currently licensed PLSs qualified to evaluate the surveying experience. A current NCEES Record reduces the application sections; otherwise the supporting records must be sent directly or supplied through NCEES.
Character
Good character and reputation under §34-11-4(5); a felony applicant whose civil rights were revoked needs restoration and Board approval under Rule 330-X-3-.01(11).
Existing license
Hold a valid professional land-surveying license from another jurisdiction, in good standing; the Board judges education, experience and examination qualifications against the Alabama law in effect at initial licensure (§34-11-4(3)(b), Rule 330-X-3-.01(6)).
Experience verification
Progressive combined office and field experience, including property conveyance/boundary determination and legal/courthouse research, must be verified by the PLS supervisor, associate or a relationship the Board accepts as substantially equivalent. Experience cannot be anticipated; military, part-time, foreign, pre-graduation, teaching and graduate-study credit are assessed under Rule 330-X-6-.01 and §34-11-4(6)-(7).
Grandfathered qualification
Originally licensed as a PLS prior to December 31, 2007, with eight years of pre-December-31-2007 experience verified by a PLS supervisor; no degree under Board Path 4.
Legal presence
The Board application instructions require proof of United States citizenship or lawful presence; Board-hosted §31-13-29 requires that proof for professional-license transactions, with its subsequent-verification exceptions.
Prior examinations
Passing currently offered FS and PS remains examination dependency even when passed before the application. Comparable prior examinations may be accepted under §34-11-4(9); a discontinued historical examination is prior qualification evidence, not a requirement leaf. Current Board 4 Paths to PLS Licensure states FS and PS have no waiver capability.
Licensure by examination — approved surveying/civil engineering curriculum
Alss sequence
Rule 330-X-8-.02 requires passing FS and PS before ALSS and Board eligibility approval. The Board instructions state all PLS applicants take the two-hour Alabama History & Law of Surveying examination. Approved ALSS candidates have unlimited attempts within one year; after that the application closes and reapplication must meet current eligibility requirements.
Application
Submit the Board online application, fee, declaration under penalty of perjury, official transcripts, verification of examinations and experience, and references. Rule 330-X-7-.02 requires five references, at least three currently licensed PLSs qualified to evaluate the surveying experience. A current NCEES Record reduces the application sections; otherwise the supporting records must be sent directly or supplied through NCEES.
Character
Good character and reputation under §34-11-4(5); a felony applicant whose civil rights were revoked needs restoration and Board approval under Rule 330-X-3-.01(11).
Education
Approved surveying/geomatics degree or approved four-year civil-engineering degree with at least 15 semester or 22.5 quarter surveying hours, under §34-11-4(3)(a)1 and Rule 330-X-5-.01(e).
Experience verification
Progressive combined office and field experience, including property conveyance/boundary determination and legal/courthouse research, must be verified by the PLS supervisor, associate or a relationship the Board accepts as substantially equivalent. Experience cannot be anticipated; military, part-time, foreign, pre-graduation, teaching and graduate-study credit are assessed under Rule 330-X-6-.01 and §34-11-4(6)-(7).
Legal presence
The Board application instructions require proof of United States citizenship or lawful presence; Board-hosted §31-13-29 requires that proof for professional-license transactions, with its subsequent-verification exceptions.
Qualifying experience
Four or more years of progressive combined office and field surveying experience.
Licensure by examination — approved curriculum related to surveying
Alss sequence
Rule 330-X-8-.02 requires passing FS and PS before ALSS and Board eligibility approval. The Board instructions state all PLS applicants take the two-hour Alabama History & Law of Surveying examination. Approved ALSS candidates have unlimited attempts within one year; after that the application closes and reapplication must meet current eligibility requirements.
Application
Submit the Board online application, fee, declaration under penalty of perjury, official transcripts, verification of examinations and experience, and references. Rule 330-X-7-.02 requires five references, at least three currently licensed PLSs qualified to evaluate the surveying experience. A current NCEES Record reduces the application sections; otherwise the supporting records must be sent directly or supplied through NCEES.
Character
Good character and reputation under §34-11-4(5); a felony applicant whose civil rights were revoked needs restoration and Board approval under Rule 330-X-3-.01(11).
Education
Approved four-year curriculum related to surveying, including at least 15 semester or 22.5 quarter surveying hours under §34-11-4(3)(a)2 and Rule 330-X-5-.01(f).
Experience verification
Progressive combined office and field experience, including property conveyance/boundary determination and legal/courthouse research, must be verified by the PLS supervisor, associate or a relationship the Board accepts as substantially equivalent. Experience cannot be anticipated; military, part-time, foreign, pre-graduation, teaching and graduate-study credit are assessed under Rule 330-X-6-.01 and §34-11-4(6)-(7).
Legal presence
The Board application instructions require proof of United States citizenship or lawful presence; Board-hosted §31-13-29 requires that proof for professional-license transactions, with its subsequent-verification exceptions.
Math and science
Board Non-Surveying Degrees position statement: at least 12 college mathematics hours and 6 natural-science hours. For a related-to-surveying curriculum the 15 surveying hours must include Fundamentals of Surveying and Boundary Law.
Qualifying experience
Five or more years of progressive combined office and field surveying experience.
Licensure by examination — related science curriculum
Alss sequence
Rule 330-X-8-.02 requires passing FS and PS before ALSS and Board eligibility approval. The Board instructions state all PLS applicants take the two-hour Alabama History & Law of Surveying examination. Approved ALSS candidates have unlimited attempts within one year; after that the application closes and reapplication must meet current eligibility requirements.
Application
Submit the Board online application, fee, declaration under penalty of perjury, official transcripts, verification of examinations and experience, and references. Rule 330-X-7-.02 requires five references, at least three currently licensed PLSs qualified to evaluate the surveying experience. A current NCEES Record reduces the application sections; otherwise the supporting records must be sent directly or supplied through NCEES.
Character
Good character and reputation under §34-11-4(5); a felony applicant whose civil rights were revoked needs restoration and Board approval under Rule 330-X-3-.01(11).
Education
Approved four-year related-science curriculum, mathematics or another Board-approved program related to surveying, under §34-11-4(3)(a)3 and Rule 330-X-5-.01(g).
Experience verification
Progressive combined office and field experience, including property conveyance/boundary determination and legal/courthouse research, must be verified by the PLS supervisor, associate or a relationship the Board accepts as substantially equivalent. Experience cannot be anticipated; military, part-time, foreign, pre-graduation, teaching and graduate-study credit are assessed under Rule 330-X-6-.01 and §34-11-4(6)-(7).
Legal presence
The Board application instructions require proof of United States citizenship or lawful presence; Board-hosted §31-13-29 requires that proof for professional-license transactions, with its subsequent-verification exceptions.
Math and science
Board Non-Surveying Degrees position statement: at least 12 college mathematics hours and 6 natural-science hours. For a related-to-surveying curriculum the 15 surveying hours must include Fundamentals of Surveying and Boundary Law.
Qualifying experience
Six or more additional years of progressive combined office and field surveying experience.
Reinstatement of a license expired for no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Substantiate all renewal requirements and continuing education for the expired period and meet the Board active-return PDH requirements.
Fee and discretion
Pay the reinstatement fee; the Board may impose additional reasonable protective requirements or waive requirements in documented hardship circumstances. No named examination is imposed by this reinstatement procedure.
Time limit
Submit the reinstatement petition within two years of expiration; no practice is permitted while expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-02-14.

Renewal in inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
Certify on the Board renewal form that the licensee is not currently practicing surveying; inactive licensees cannot practice or offer to practice and are exempt from PDH under Rule 330-X-13-.02(9)(d).
Renewal application
Submit renewal and fee; the continuing-education testing prohibition in §34-11-8(b) applies.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-02-14.

Expedited licensure for an eligible spouse
Alss sequence
Rule 330-X-8-.02 requires passing FS and PS before ALSS and Board eligibility approval. The Board instructions state all PLS applicants take the two-hour Alabama History & Law of Surveying examination. Approved ALSS candidates have unlimited attempts within one year; after that the application closes and reapplication must meet current eligibility requirements.
Application
Submit the Board online application, fee, declaration under penalty of perjury, official transcripts, verification of examinations and experience, and references. Rule 330-X-7-.02 requires five references, at least three currently licensed PLSs qualified to evaluate the surveying experience. A current NCEES Record reduces the application sections; otherwise the supporting records must be sent directly or supplied through NCEES.
Character
Good character and reputation under §34-11-4(5); a felony applicant whose civil rights were revoked needs restoration and Board approval under Rule 330-X-3-.01(11).
Eligible spouse
An eligible spouse or surviving spouse of a qualifying military member; or spouse of qualifying DOJ or NASA personnel relocated to Alabama, or a Department of Defense civil servant employed in Alabama. The 2023 act adds the Department of Defense category beyond the older Board rule and instructions. The applicant must have no disqualifying act, professional discipline or current investigation under §31-1-6(c).
Existing credential
Valid substantially similar license or certificate, in good standing, from a United States jurisdiction or a branch of the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard.
Expedited process
The Act requires expedited application and provides a temporary permit while the permanent application is considered. The initial licensing fee is waived upon the prescribed application; Board instructions request proof of the spouse’s qualifying status and relocation, where applicable.
Experience verification
Progressive combined office and field experience, including property conveyance/boundary determination and legal/courthouse research, must be verified by the PLS supervisor, associate or a relationship the Board accepts as substantially equivalent. Experience cannot be anticipated; military, part-time, foreign, pre-graduation, teaching and graduate-study credit are assessed under Rule 330-X-6-.01 and §34-11-4(6)-(7).
Legal presence
The Board application instructions require proof of United States citizenship or lawful presence; Board-hosted §31-13-29 requires that proof for professional-license transactions, with its subsequent-verification exceptions.
Permanent exam process
The statute expedites the application according to adopted rules; it does not expressly waive the named exams. Board Application Process states, “The above application process is the same except for the application fee is waived.” The permanent PLS route therefore retains FS, PS and ALSS.
Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Earn 30 PDH to restore active status, plus applicable PLS standards and ethics hours; these restoration credits are separate from the next renewal period’s credits.
Notice
Notify the Board in advance of the intended return to practice and satisfy all Board requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-02-14.

Reissuance after revocation or surrender
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and hearing
Submit a reissuance application explaining changed circumstances and reasons, pay the original-application fee, and attend a Board hearing. Oral testimony is evidence in a reissuance hearing, not a scored oral examination.
Board discretion
Reissuance requires Board approval; §34-11-12 requires a majority vote. A former non-compos-mentis applicant needs a court competency determination; a felony applicant needs restored civil rights. Individualized Board conditions are applicant conditions; this provision names no examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-02-14.

New licensure after expiration for more than two years
Alss sequence
Rule 330-X-8-.02 requires passing FS and PS before ALSS and Board eligibility approval. The Board instructions state all PLS applicants take the two-hour Alabama History & Law of Surveying examination. Approved ALSS candidates have unlimited attempts within one year; after that the application closes and reapplication must meet current eligibility requirements.
Application
Submit the Board online application, fee, declaration under penalty of perjury, official transcripts, verification of examinations and experience, and references. Rule 330-X-7-.02 requires five references, at least three currently licensed PLSs qualified to evaluate the surveying experience. A current NCEES Record reduces the application sections; otherwise the supporting records must be sent directly or supplied through NCEES.
Character
Good character and reputation under §34-11-4(5); a felony applicant whose civil rights were revoked needs restoration and Board approval under Rule 330-X-3-.01(11).
Current qualifications
Satisfy an applicable current education/experience route and examination requirements. Existing licenses elsewhere, if any, are considered under the statutory comity standard.
Experience verification
Progressive combined office and field experience, including property conveyance/boundary determination and legal/courthouse research, must be verified by the PLS supervisor, associate or a relationship the Board accepts as substantially equivalent. Experience cannot be anticipated; military, part-time, foreign, pre-graduation, teaching and graduate-study credit are assessed under Rule 330-X-6-.01 and §34-11-4(6)-(7).
Legal presence
The Board application instructions require proof of United States citizenship or lawful presence; Board-hosted §31-13-29 requires that proof for professional-license transactions, with its subsequent-verification exceptions.
Previous status
A PLS license expired for more than two years is not eligible for reinstatement; file a new application meeting current statutory qualifications.
Renewal of active professional land surveyor license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
15 PDH per annual renewal or 30 per biennial renewal, with no more than 15 carryover; PLSs need 4 PDH in Alabama surveying standards every two years and 1 PDH in ethics each year under Rule 330-X-13-.02. Statute §34-11-8(b) expressly prohibits testing or examination in the continuing-education program.
Renewal application
Renew online with the fee, certified PDH claim or applicable exemption, and agreement to professional-conduct rules. Maintain evidence of credits for four years and respond to an audit if selected.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-02-14.

Restoration after suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Completion
Meet the conditions specified in the Board’s notice sent 30 days before suspension completion and request reissuance. No examination is identified in this restoration procedure.
Timing
For licenses and firm authorizations, failure to request reissuance within 30 days after suspension ends changes status to expired; after two years expired a new application is required. Certification returns to active when all conditions are met.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-02-14.

New licensure after relinquishing the license for retired designation
Alss sequence
Rule 330-X-8-.02 requires passing FS and PS before ALSS and Board eligibility approval. The Board instructions state all PLS applicants take the two-hour Alabama History & Law of Surveying examination. Approved ALSS candidates have unlimited attempts within one year; after that the application closes and reapplication must meet current eligibility requirements.
Application
Submit the Board online application, fee, declaration under penalty of perjury, official transcripts, verification of examinations and experience, and references. Rule 330-X-7-.02 requires five references, at least three currently licensed PLSs qualified to evaluate the surveying experience. A current NCEES Record reduces the application sections; otherwise the supporting records must be sent directly or supplied through NCEES.
Character
Good character and reputation under §34-11-4(5); a felony applicant whose civil rights were revoked needs restoration and Board approval under Rule 330-X-3-.01(11).
Current qualifications
Satisfy an applicable current education/experience route and examination requirements. Existing licenses elsewhere, if any, are considered under the statutory comity standard.
Experience verification
Progressive combined office and field experience, including property conveyance/boundary determination and legal/courthouse research, must be verified by the PLS supervisor, associate or a relationship the Board accepts as substantially equivalent. Experience cannot be anticipated; military, part-time, foreign, pre-graduation, teaching and graduate-study credit are assessed under Rule 330-X-6-.01 and §34-11-4(6)-(7).
Legal presence
The Board application instructions require proof of United States citizenship or lawful presence; Board-hosted §31-13-29 requires that proof for professional-license transactions, with its subsequent-verification exceptions.
Previous status
The retired designation is not a license and permits no practice. A retired designee returning to practice must file a new license application and meet current law and administrative-code eligibility.

Alabama Land Surveying Standards, History, and Law

Provider
Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Format
Computer-based, remotely monitored, closed-book, best-answer questions
Time limit
2 hours
Examination outline
  • Standards of Professional Practice - 13 Questions
    • ASPLS Standards of Practice (SOP)
    • AL Licensure Law & Administrative Code
    • Administrative Code of Ethics
  • Boundary Control & Legal Principles - 11 Questions
    • Research & Reconnaissance
    • Monuments, Corners & Order of Calls
    • Acquiescence, Practical Location, Estoppel, Repose Parol Agreement
    • Junior/Senior Rights
    • Adverse Possession & Prescription
  • Survey Systems - 9 Questions
    • History in Alabama: Pure History, Re-establish & Miscellaneous
    • Subdivisions
    • Metes & Bounds
    • State Plane Coordinate System
  • Statutes & Regulations - 8 Questions
    • On-Site Sewage Disposal
    • Platting
    • FEMA Flood Insurance
    • Cemetaries, Right-of-Entry & Eminent Domain
    • Statues of Limitations
  • Conveyances & Title - 8 Questions
    • Deeds, Descriptions & Rules of Construction
    • Easements & Rights-of-way
    • Recording Statutes
    • Rules of Evidence
  • Case Law - 6 Questions
    • Standard of Care (Paragon Engineering vs. Rhodes)
    • PLSS (First Beat Entertainment vs. EEC)
    • Evidence (Billingsly vs. Bates)
    • Monuments (Jackson vs. Strickland)
    • Adverse Possession (Strickland vs. Markos)
    • Prescriptive Easements (Hanks vs. Spann)
    • Easements (Chatham vs. Blount County)
    • Water Boundaries (Wehby vs. Turpin)
    • Water Boundaries (Spottswood vs. Reimer)
    • Recording Statutes (Jefferson County vs. Mosely)
  • Water Boundaries - 5 Questions
    • Definitions & Terms
    • Riparian Rights
    • Navigability
Examination sources

Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam

Provider
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES); administered year-round in testing windows at NCEES-approved Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based test, closed book with an electronic reference (NCEES FS Reference Handbook and the specified standards); includes alternative item types (AITs) in addition to traditional multiple-choice questions; uses both SI and U.S. Customary units
Exam questions
110 questions
Time limit
6-hour appointment: nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes), tutorial (8 minutes), exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), scheduled break (25 minutes)
Passing score
Results reported as pass or fail; failing examinees receive a diagnostic report by major topic
Exam fee
$225 exam fee payable directly to NCEES
Examination outline
  • 1. Surveying Processes and Methods (16–24 of 110 questions)
    • A. Instrumentation (e.g., GNSS/GPS, levels, total stations, robotic total stations, scanners, UAS)
    • B. GNSS/GPS surveys (e.g., static, kinematic, OPUS, real-time networks)
    • C. Control surveys (e.g., horizontal, vertical, network design, accuracy standards)
    • D. Cadastral (e.g., Public Land Survey System [PLSS], boundary, metes and bounds, land title)
    • E. Topographic surveys
    • F. Construction surveys (e.g., layout, as-built, quantity)
    • G. Land development (e.g., subdivision design/platting, land use, environmental, flood plains, wetlands)
    • H. Field record keeping and documentation (e.g., procedures, field books, raw data files)
  • 2. Mapping Processes and Methods (14–21 of 110 questions)
    • A. Basic mapping concepts (e.g., scaling, symbols, features, legend, contours, cartography)
    • B. Types of maps (e.g., plan and profile, cross section, plat, record of survey, ALTA, topographic, planimetric)
    • C. CAD (e.g., 2-D, 3-D, building information modeling [BIM])
    • D. GIS (e.g., feature collection, map projections, coordinate systems, metadata, database design and management, spatial data analysis, GIS applications)
    • E. Digital terrain model (e.g., machine control, triangulated irregular network [TIN], digital surface model, digital elevation model)
    • F. Photogrammetry and remote sensing (e.g., close range, conventional, softcopy, ground control, quality control, flight planning, project planning, UAS, drone, LiDAR, satellite, digital image analysis and processing)
  • 3. Boundary Law and Real Property Principles (19–29 of 110 questions)
    • A. Public records and descriptions (e.g., land descriptions, mineral rights, ownership rights, weighting evidence)
    • B. Common law principles (e.g., controlling elements, unwritten rights, adverse possession)
    • C. Easements (e.g., granted, implied/prescriptive)
    • D. Simultaneous and sequential conveyances
    • E. Metes and bounds
    • F. PLSS
    • G. Water law (e.g., riparian, littoral rights, water marks/levels)
    • H. Sources of law (e.g., federal/state/local, administrative, common, citations, legal research)
    • I. Encumbrances (e.g., restrictive covenants, mortgages, liens)
    • J. Real property law (e.g., deeds, chains of title)
  • 4. Surveying Principles (13–20 of 110 questions)
    • A. Basic surveying (e.g., horizontal surveys, vertical surveys, understanding of historical methods and instruments, route surveying, magnetic declination)
    • B. Geodesy (e.g., spherical trigonometry, geometric, physical, geodetic coordinates, orthometric corrections, convergence, geodetic reductions, gravity modeling, geoid modeling)
    • C. Applied geodesy (e.g., datums and datum conversions, latitude/longitude, coordinate transformations, state plane coordinate system [SPCS], map projections, control networks, reduction of observations, deflection of vertical, satellite coordinate systems)
  • 5. Survey Computations and Computer Applications (17–26 of 110 questions)
    • A. Coordinate geometry
    • B. Traverse closure and adjustments
    • C. Leveling (e.g., differential, trigonometric, reciprocal, precise)
    • D. Least squares adjustments
    • E. Area
    • F. Horizontal curves
    • G. Vertical curves
    • H. Volume (e.g., mass diagrams, earthwork)
    • I. Spreadsheets
    • J. Slopes and grades
  • 6. Business Concepts (11–17 of 110 questions)
    • A. Project planning (e.g., resource management, scheduling, cost estimation, tracking)
    • B. Safety (e.g., signage, basic first aid, safety equipment)
    • C. Liabilities (e.g., negligence, employee behavior, errors and omissions)
    • D. Contracts (e.g., basic elements, scope of work, specifications)
    • E. Supervision (e.g., survey team leadership, personnel management)
    • F. Project documentation and record management
    • G. Ethics
    • H. Communication (e.g., written communication, oral communication, alternate forms of communication, conflict resolution)
  • 7. Applied Mathematics and Statistics (10–15 of 110 questions)
    • A. College mathematics (e.g., trigonometry, analytical geometry and calculus, linear algebra and matrix theory)
    • B. Probability and statistics (e.g., mean, median, mode, hypothesis testing, normal distribution, linear regression)
    • C. Measurement science (e.g., error analysis, error propagation, positional tolerance, positional accuracy, random/systematic/blunder errors, unit conversions)
    • D. Quantitative reasoning (e.g., critical thinking, data analysis and validation, blunder detection, data quality, redundancy)
Examination sources

Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam

Provider
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES); administered year-round via computer-based testing at approved Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based, closed book with an electronic reference (NCEES PS Reference Handbook and the specified standards); U.S. Customary units; questions require a variety of approaches and methodologies, including design, analysis, and application
Exam questions
100 questions
Time limit
7 hours, including a tutorial and an optional scheduled break
Passing score
Results reported as pass or fail; failing examinees receive a diagnostic report by major topic
Exam fee
$375 exam fee payable directly to NCEES
Examination outline
  • 1. Legal Principles (18–27 of 100 questions)
    • A. Principles of Evidence — 1. How to search for data and for physical evidence to evaluate data; 2. How to evaluate data; 3. Parol evidence; 4. Prescriptive rights; 5. Adverse possession; 6. Acquiescence; 7. Controlling elements; 8. Easement rights
    • B. Common Law Boundary Principles — 1. Historical and current common law principles; 2. Riparian and littoral rights; 3. Sovereign rights, including both navigable waters and eminent domain; 4. Sovereign land grants
    • C. Sequential and Simultaneous Conveyance Concepts — 1. Types of conveyances; 2. Junior/senior rights; 3. Record and physical evidence
    • D. Legal Descriptions for Real Property Transactions — 1. Preparation and interpretation of legal descriptions; 2. Controlling elements and how they impact the description; 3. Unwritten rights and how they impact the description; 4. Encumbrances and how they impact the description; 5. Easements and how they impact the description
    • E. Evidence for the Perpetuation of the U.S. PLSS
  • 2. Professional Survey Practices (22–33 of 100 questions)
    • A. Public/Private Record Sources — 1. Resources for private and public records; 2. Local public records indexing and filing system; 3. Local survey office records
    • B. Documentation, Supervision, and Clear Communication of Field Procedures — 1. Field surveying techniques; 2. Field surveying practices; 3. Data collection protocols
    • C. GPS/GNSS including satellite constellations, static GPS, RTK, PPP, and virtual networks
    • D. Surveying Principles and Computations — 1. Technical computations; 2. Applicable software
    • E. Monumentation Standards — 1. Applicable monumentation criteria; 2. Monument types
    • F. Land Development Solutions — 1. Regulatory land development criteria; 2. Construction criteria; 3. Land development implementation procedures
    • G. Survey Maps/Plats/Reports — 1. Technical communications by schematic, platting, and mapping processes and procedures; 2. Communication options
    • H. GIS — 1. GIS spatial databases and metadata; 2. Datums and projections related to GIS
  • 3. Standards and Specifications (8–12 of 100 questions)
    • A. BLM Manual of Surveying Instructions
    • B. ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards — 1. Current ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards; 2. State statutes regarding boundary surveys in conjunction with ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
    • C. FEMA Requirements — 1. FEMA specifications and instructions; 2. Horizontal and vertical datums related to FEMA flood zones; 3. Current FEMA elevation certificate; 4. FEMA Flood Insurance Study
  • 4. Business Practices (13–19 of 100 questions)
    • A. General Business Practices and Procedures — 1. Project planning and project management; 2. Deliverables; 3. Costs, budgets, and contracts; 4. Types of surveys; 5. Site features and conditions; 6. Scope of services; 7. Appropriate equipment and instruments
    • B. Risk Management Procedures — 1. Safety procedures; 2. QA/QC methods; 3. Risk management in contracts; 4. Insurance needs and requirements; 5. Potential liabilities
    • C. Professional Conduct
    • D. Communication with Clients, Staff, Related Professions, and the Public — 1. Different forms of communications; 2. Appropriate type of communication to convey concepts; 3. Related professions and their impact on client needs and deliverables
  • 5. Areas of Practice (24–36 of 100 questions)
    • A. ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys — 1. Legal documents, such as deeds, easements, and agreements; 2. Zoning information as applied to ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys; 3. Title insurance commitment letters and policies; 4. Underground features as applied to ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
    • B. Control Networks and Geodetic Network Surveys — 1. Datums and reference frames relative to control networks; 2. Differences between local datums and geodetic datums; 3. Equipment appropriate for control surveys; 4. The Federal Geographic Data Committee Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standards; 5. The National Geospatial Programs (NGP) Standards and Specifications—Digital Data Standards
    • C. Construction Surveys — 1. Construction plan reading; 2. Construction calculations including slopes, grades, and plan details; 3. Construction techniques and activities; 4. Horizontal and vertical positioning relative to a plan or datum
    • D. Boundary Surveys — 1. Physical boundary evidence; 2. Boundary reconciliations; 3. Historical measurement accuracy, equipment, and techniques; 4. Legal principles related to boundary surveys
    • E. Route Surveys for Alignments and Utilities — 1. Route alignment stationing practices; 2. Reading and interpreting roadway and utility plans
    • F. Topographic — 1. Topographic/planimetric mapping and control standards; 2. Interpretation, reconciliation, and adjustment of topographic survey data; 3. QA/QC procedures as applied to topographic surveys; 4. Ground, hydrographic, and remote sensing equipment; 5. The U.S. National Map Accuracy Standards as applied to topographic surveys; 6. Tools and techniques required to perform hydrographic, bathymetric, and remote sensing surveys; 7. Nomenclature related to utilities
    • G. Surveys to Establish New Parcels, Lots, or Units — 1. Types of subdivisions; 2. Platting; 3. Condominiums and associations; 4. Deed restrictions and restrictive covenants; 5. Zoning and subdivision ordinances
    • H. As-Built/Record Drawing Surveys — 1. As-built/record drawing calculations including slopes, grades, and plan details; 2. As-built/record drawing techniques and activities; 3. Horizontal and vertical as-built/record drawing positions relative to a plan or datum
    • I. Consultation Services — 1. Site topography and slope for development purposes; 2. Site access for development purposes; 3. Zoning standards related to new projects; 4. Floodplains as related to land development
Examination sources