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Alaska Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Temporary License

150-day nonrenewable land-surveyor license for an otherwise eligible applicant on the child-support agency list.

Licensing authority: Alaska State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors

Temporary issuance to an otherwise qualified comity applicant
Application
Submit the signed notarized application and fees, direct examination and registration verification and official transcripts or an NCEES Council Record. Under 12 AAC 36.010(j), approval by the Board, executive administrator or designee requires credentials submitted by NCEES record.
Board Discretion
Comity is discretionary under AS 08.48.191(c) and 12 AAC 36.107.
Child Support List
Applicant is on the agency’s delinquent-obligor list and is otherwise eligible for the underlying professional license.
Existing Registration
Hold current registration in another licensing jurisdiction, based on education, experience and examination requirements the Board finds at least comparable to Alaska requirements when issued. AS 08.48.191(c) includes foreign-country registration; the current Board application requests another-state verification.
Otherwise Eligible
The ordinary initial, renewal or restoration requirements remain applicable; temporary issuance changes the child-support restriction, not the underlying qualification requirements.
Passing Examinations
Verify FS and PS already passed and pass AKLS; past passing of currently offered FS and PS remains in the requirement tree.
Responsible Charge Or Practice
Provide verification of at least 36 months of responsible charge under a supervising registered land surveyor; alternatively, if registered and practicing for five or more years, provide two current letters from registered land surveyors.
Temporary Term
Only one temporary license per regular license term, coinciding with its first 150 days; no extension. Full-term issuance requires compliance and an agency release.
Temporary issuance to an otherwise qualified examination applicant
Application
Submit the signed notarized application, application and registration fees, AKLS fee, official transcripts, direct examination verifications and work experience documents. Board approval is required before AKLS. FS passing is required for professional examination eligibility; previously passing a currently offered examination remains an examination dependency.
Child Support List
Applicant is on the agency’s delinquent-obligor list and is otherwise eligible for the underlying professional license.
Coursework
For the general four-year-degree alternative: at least 12 semester credits in mathematics/basic science including calculus, physics and statistics, and at least 30 in geomatics/surveying including field surveying, rectangular survey system, at least six boundary-law credits, GIS, GNSS, error adjustment, geodesy and map projections.
Education And Experience
12 AAC 36.065(a): eight total credited years; an ABET-accredited or Board-approved surveying B.S. plus surveying master’s/doctorate gives five education years and requires three work years; accredited or Board-approved four-year surveying curriculum gives four education years and requires four work years; a four-year degree with Board-approved surveying courses gives two education years and requires six work years. All alternatives require three years of responsible charge under a professional land surveyor.
Experience Verification
Licensed employers must submit the Board-prescribed verification directly. Education and work experience cannot accumulate concurrently; no more than twelve months credit per calendar year. The Board evaluates partial curricula and engineering-supervised experience; qualifying civil/mining engineering experience can give up to two years credit, and subprofessional experience up to two years and one-half the required work experience.
Foreign Education
Provide transcripts, an English translation with the translator’s signed notarized accuracy affidavit when necessary, and a Board-approved evaluation unless the school has Board-recognized accreditation.
Good Character
AS 08.48.171 requires good character and reputation and satisfactory education, training and experience.
Military Credit
AS 08.01.064(a) allows military education, training and service credit upon the Board’s determination of substantial equivalence and satisfactory evidence.
Otherwise Eligible
The ordinary initial, renewal or restoration requirements remain applicable; temporary issuance changes the child-support restriction, not the underlying qualification requirements.
Temporary Term
Only one temporary license per regular license term, coinciding with its first 150 days; no extension. Full-term issuance requires compliance and an agency release.
Temporary issuance during restoration of expired registration
Child Support List
Applicant is on the agency’s delinquent-obligor list and is otherwise eligible for the underlying professional license.
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Discretionary Reexamination
Under 12 AAC 36.165(f), the Board may require reexamination under 12 AAC 36.100 following qualifying sanctions in the preceding ten years; this discretion is an applicant condition.
Exam Verification
12 AAC 36.165(b)(1) accepts verification of an examination meeting 12 AAC 36.100 or an examination taken to qualify in another licensing jurisdiction. The engineering-before-April-1967 alternative is for engineering only. Another jurisdiction’s own examination is a condition, not a leaf. Existing file verification need not be duplicated; past FS/PS/AKLS results remain leaves for the named 12 AAC 36.100 alternative.
Expired Registration
Prior Alaska registration has been lapsed for five years or more; submit reinstatement form and fee.
Otherwise Eligible
The ordinary initial, renewal or restoration requirements remain applicable; temporary issuance changes the child-support restriction, not the underlying qualification requirements.
Temporary Term
Only one temporary license per regular license term, coinciding with its first 150 days; no extension. Full-term issuance requires compliance and an agency release.
Temporary issuance during reactivation after more than five retired years
Child Support List
Applicant is on the agency’s delinquent-obligor list and is otherwise eligible for the underlying professional license.
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Exam Verification
12 AAC 36.165(b)(1) accepts verification of an examination meeting 12 AAC 36.100 or an examination taken to qualify in another licensing jurisdiction. The engineering-before-April-1967 alternative is for engineering only. Another jurisdiction’s own examination is a condition, not a leaf. Existing file verification need not be duplicated; past FS/PS/AKLS results remain leaves for the named 12 AAC 36.100 alternative.
Otherwise Eligible
The ordinary initial, renewal or restoration requirements remain applicable; temporary issuance changes the child-support restriction, not the underlying qualification requirements.
Retired Duration
Retired for more than five years; meet 12 AAC 36.165(b) examination verification or comity requirements.
Temporary Term
Only one temporary license per regular license term, coinciding with its first 150 days; no extension. Full-term issuance requires compliance and an agency release.
Temporary issuance during otherwise qualified renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support List
Applicant is on the agency’s delinquent-obligor list and is otherwise eligible for the underlying professional license.
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Existing Registration
Existing active license, or lapsed license still eligible for renewal before five years, with all renewal requirements satisfied.
Otherwise Eligible
The ordinary initial, renewal or restoration requirements remain applicable; temporary issuance changes the child-support restriction, not the underlying qualification requirements.
Temporary Term
Only one temporary license per regular license term, coinciding with its first 150 days; no extension. Full-term issuance requires compliance and an agency release.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary issuance during reactivation after no more than five retired years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Child Support List
Applicant is on the agency’s delinquent-obligor list and is otherwise eligible for the underlying professional license.
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Otherwise Eligible
The ordinary initial, renewal or restoration requirements remain applicable; temporary issuance changes the child-support restriction, not the underlying qualification requirements.
Retired Duration
Retired for no more than five years; meet the reactivation form, fee and continuing education requirements.
Temporary Term
Only one temporary license per regular license term, coinciding with its first 150 days; no extension. Full-term issuance requires compliance and an agency release.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Military Courtesy Certificate of Registration

Land-surveyor registration for an active-duty servicemember or military spouse; 180 days with one discretionary extension.

Licensing authority: Alaska State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors

Temporary military courtesy registration
Applicant
Active-duty U.S. military member, or qualifying spouse living with the member, with military orders assigning the member to an Alaska duty station.
Existing License
Provide verification of current unrestricted substantially equivalent licensure; NCEES Council Record must verify examination results, education and experience under 12 AAC 36.107 and other-jurisdiction registration.
Fitness
Meet AS 08.01.063(a)(3)-(6): fingerprint/background-check requirements if applicable, no disqualifying acts or discipline, no unresolved licensing complaint or proceeding, and payment of fees; no conviction impairing safe and competent practice under 12 AAC 36.112(b)(6).
State Exam Cross Reference
12 AAC 36.112(c)(3)(B) explicitly requires the state land surveyor examination, but cites 12 AAC 36.100(d)(3), whose current text names FS. The named state examination is AKLS; FS and PS are independently named in 12 AAC 36.100(d) and incorporated by the comity qualifications. Both the state-exam wording and the inconsistent paragraph reference are preserved rather than inventing another examination.
Statutory Equivalence
The statutory substantially-equivalent-license determination is implemented by 12 AAC 36.112(c)(3); the statute does not expressly identify or waive a surveying examination.
Term
180 days; one further discretionary 180-day extension.
One extension of temporary military courtesy registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing Temporary Registration
Hold the 180-day temporary military courtesy certificate.
Extension
Apply for one additional 180-day term; approval is at the Board’s discretion. The extension clause identifies no examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor

Individual professional registration; initial issuance by examination, comity, or qualifying federal military portability.

Licensing authority: Alaska State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors · Application information

Full term registration after child support release
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing Temporary License
Hold an otherwise-qualified 150-day temporary land-surveyor license.
Release
Comply with AS 25.27.244 and obtain the agency release so a full or remainder-of-term license can be issued; this transition identifies no additional examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • Title25

    AS 25.27.244(d), Temporary occupational license and release

Registration by comity
Application
Submit the signed notarized application and fees, direct examination and registration verification and official transcripts or an NCEES Council Record. Under 12 AAC 36.010(j), approval by the Board, executive administrator or designee requires credentials submitted by NCEES record.
Board Discretion
Comity is discretionary under AS 08.48.191(c) and 12 AAC 36.107.
Existing Registration
Hold current registration in another licensing jurisdiction, based on education, experience and examination requirements the Board finds at least comparable to Alaska requirements when issued. AS 08.48.191(c) includes foreign-country registration; the current Board application requests another-state verification.
Passing Examinations
Verify FS and PS already passed and pass AKLS; past passing of currently offered FS and PS remains in the requirement tree.
Responsible Charge Or Practice
Provide verification of at least 36 months of responsible charge under a supervising registered land surveyor; alternatively, if registered and practicing for five or more years, provide two current letters from registered land surveyors.
Reissuance on petition following disciplinary action
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
AS 08.48.111 defines this petition route by Board vote rather than any identified examination; individual disciplinary restrictions and Board orders remain applicant conditions.
Petition
Petition the Board for reissuance; a majority of Board members must vote in favor.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Registration by examination
Application
Submit the signed notarized application, application and registration fees, AKLS fee, official transcripts, direct examination verifications and work experience documents. Board approval is required before AKLS. FS passing is required for professional examination eligibility; previously passing a currently offered examination remains an examination dependency.
Coursework
For the general four-year-degree alternative: at least 12 semester credits in mathematics/basic science including calculus, physics and statistics, and at least 30 in geomatics/surveying including field surveying, rectangular survey system, at least six boundary-law credits, GIS, GNSS, error adjustment, geodesy and map projections.
Education And Experience
12 AAC 36.065(a): eight total credited years; an ABET-accredited or Board-approved surveying B.S. plus surveying master’s/doctorate gives five education years and requires three work years; accredited or Board-approved four-year surveying curriculum gives four education years and requires four work years; a four-year degree with Board-approved surveying courses gives two education years and requires six work years. All alternatives require three years of responsible charge under a professional land surveyor.
Experience Verification
Licensed employers must submit the Board-prescribed verification directly. Education and work experience cannot accumulate concurrently; no more than twelve months credit per calendar year. The Board evaluates partial curricula and engineering-supervised experience; qualifying civil/mining engineering experience can give up to two years credit, and subprofessional experience up to two years and one-half the required work experience.
Foreign Education
Provide transcripts, an English translation with the translator’s signed notarized accuracy affidavit when necessary, and a Board-approved evaluation unless the school has Board-recognized accreditation.
Good Character
AS 08.48.171 requires good character and reputation and satisfactory education, training and experience.
Military Credit
AS 08.01.064(a) allows military education, training and service credit upon the Board’s determination of substantial equivalence and satisfactory evidence.
Reinstatement of expired registration by reapplying for comity
Application
Submit the signed notarized application and fees, direct examination and registration verification and official transcripts or an NCEES Council Record. Under 12 AAC 36.010(j), approval by the Board, executive administrator or designee requires credentials submitted by NCEES record.
Board Discretion
Comity is discretionary under AS 08.48.191(c) and 12 AAC 36.107.
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Discretionary Reexamination
Under 12 AAC 36.165(f), the Board may require reexamination under 12 AAC 36.100 following qualifying sanctions in the preceding ten years; this discretion is an applicant condition.
Existing Registration
Hold current registration in another licensing jurisdiction, based on education, experience and examination requirements the Board finds at least comparable to Alaska requirements when issued. AS 08.48.191(c) includes foreign-country registration; the current Board application requests another-state verification.
Expired Registration
Prior Alaska registration is expired; reapply for comity under 12 AAC 36.165(b)(2) and pay the fee.
Passing Examinations
Verify FS and PS already passed and pass AKLS; past passing of currently offered FS and PS remains in the requirement tree.
Responsible Charge Or Practice
Provide verification of at least 36 months of responsible charge under a supervising registered land surveyor; alternatively, if registered and practicing for five or more years, provide two current letters from registered land surveyors.
Reinstatement of expired registration by examination verification
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Discretionary Reexamination
Under 12 AAC 36.165(f), the Board may require reexamination under 12 AAC 36.100 following qualifying sanctions in the preceding ten years; this discretion is an applicant condition.
Exam Verification
12 AAC 36.165(b)(1) accepts verification of an examination meeting 12 AAC 36.100 or an examination taken to qualify in another licensing jurisdiction. The engineering-before-April-1967 alternative is for engineering only. Another jurisdiction’s own examination is a condition, not a leaf. Existing file verification need not be duplicated; past FS/PS/AKLS results remain leaves for the named 12 AAC 36.100 alternative.
Expired Registration
Prior Alaska registration has been lapsed for five years or more; submit reinstatement form and fee.
Reinstatement of a lapsed registration before five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Lapse
License has lapsed for less than five years; pay renewal fees and the delayed renewal penalty where applicable. Obtain the required PDH in the 24 months immediately preceding reinstatement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Registration Status
Existing unexpired registration; renewal form, registration fee, legal-name/address and fitness information are required. Registration terms end December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after more than five retired years by comity
Application
Submit the signed notarized application and fees, direct examination and registration verification and official transcripts or an NCEES Council Record. Under 12 AAC 36.010(j), approval by the Board, executive administrator or designee requires credentials submitted by NCEES record.
Board Discretion
Comity is discretionary under AS 08.48.191(c) and 12 AAC 36.107.
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Existing Registration
Hold current registration in another licensing jurisdiction, based on education, experience and examination requirements the Board finds at least comparable to Alaska requirements when issued. AS 08.48.191(c) includes foreign-country registration; the current Board application requests another-state verification.
Passing Examinations
Verify FS and PS already passed and pass AKLS; past passing of currently offered FS and PS remains in the requirement tree.
Responsible Charge Or Practice
Provide verification of at least 36 months of responsible charge under a supervising registered land surveyor; alternatively, if registered and practicing for five or more years, provide two current letters from registered land surveyors.
Retired Duration
Retired status held for more than five years; reapply through 12 AAC 36.165(b)(2) and 12 AAC 36.107.
Reactivation after more than five retired years by examination verification
Application
Submit reactivation form and fee and meet 12 AAC 36.165(b)(1).
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Exam Verification
12 AAC 36.165(b)(1) accepts verification of an examination meeting 12 AAC 36.100 or an examination taken to qualify in another licensing jurisdiction. The engineering-before-April-1967 alternative is for engineering only. Another jurisdiction’s own examination is a condition, not a leaf. Existing file verification need not be duplicated; past FS/PS/AKLS results remain leaves for the named 12 AAC 36.100 alternative.
Retired Duration
Retired status held for more than five years.
Reactivation after no more than five years in retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reactivation form, biennial fee and required continuing education certification.
Continuing Education
Unless exempted under 12 AAC 36.530, complete and certify 24 PDH during the applicable 24-month period. Individuals registered at least 30 years in a recognized jurisdiction may use the eight-hour partial exemption. First biennial renewal, qualifying active military service and Board-approved hardship exemptions follow 12 AAC 36.530; substantially similar or greater continuing education in another licensing jurisdiction may satisfy 12 AAC 36.510(i).
Retired Duration
Retired status held for no more than five years. The rule invokes examination verification only when retired status exceeds five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Permanent registration through federal SCRA portability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Servicemember or spouse relocating residence to Alaska because of military orders.
Application
Provide military orders, marriage certificate if a spouse, and notarized affidavit identifying the applicant, confirming true and complete statements, understanding the receiving state’s requirements and scope, certifying compliance and good standing. Alaska uses form 08-4969 and may obtain primary-source verifications and perform a background check.
Continuing Obligations
Comply with Alaska standards of practice, discipline and continuing education and renewal requirements after issuance. Interstate-compact licenses are governed by the compact under 50 U.S.C. 4025a(e).
Covered License
Hold a covered professional land-surveyor license for the same scope; good standing in all jurisdictions where any license has been held, no revocation or discipline, no pending unprofessional-conduct investigation and no voluntary surrender during such investigation.
Examination Boundary
This is federal portability of an existing covered license under 50 U.S.C. 4025a(a), implemented by the Alaska permanent-license affidavit; it does not incorporate 12 AAC 36.100 as an examination requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Alaska Land Surveying Examination (AKLS)

Provider
Alaska State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors
Format
Open-book multiple-choice examination
Exam questions
60
Time limit
Two hours
Examination outline
  • AS Titles 8, 9, 10 and AAC Title 12 - Professional Statutes & Regulations (3 of 60 items)
  • AS Title 19 - Highways & Ferries (2 of 60 items)
  • AS Title 27 - Mining (1 of 60 items)
  • AS Title 29 - Municipal Government (3 of 60 items)
  • AS Title 34 - Property (4 of 60 items)
  • AS Title 35 - Public Buildings, Works and Improvements (1 of 60 items)
  • AS Title 38 - Public Lands (3 of 60 items)
  • AS Title 40 - Public Records & Recorders (3 of 60 items)
  • AS Title 44 - State Government (1 of 60 items)
  • AAC Title 11 - Natural Resources (5 of 60 items)
  • Federal Statute 25 CFR, Parts 150 & 169 (2 of 60 items)
  • ASPLS Standards of Practice for Professional Land Surveyors, 4th ed. (Chapter 1) ASPLS (2 of 60 items)
  • ASPLS Standards of Practice for Professional Land Surveyors, 4th ed. (Chapter 2) Standards (4 of 60 items)
  • ASPLS Standards of Practice for Professional Land Surveyors, 4th ed. (Chapter 3) Guidelines (5 of 60 items)
  • ASPLS Standards of Practice for Professional Land Surveyors, 4th ed. (Chapter 4) Sources of Information (1 of 60 items)
  • Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (2 of 60 items)
  • Alaska Statehood Act (1 of 60 items)
  • Alaska State Plane Coordinate System/Geodetic Surveying (5 of 60 items)
  • Public Land Survey System (Federal) (9 of 60 items)
  • Boundary Law (3 of 60 items)
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