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California Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Professional Land Surveyor

California licence authorizing professional land surveying under the Professional Land Surveyors’ Act.

Licensing authority: California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists · Application information

Initial licensure for a licensed professional civil engineer
Application
Submit the sworn/declaration application, required fees and fingerprints, and supporting transcripts where claiming education credit. SSN or ITIN is mandatory; citizenship and California residence are not required.
Board special examination
BPC § 8741.1(d) permits rules for second-division waiver and assignment to a special written/oral examination for exceptionally qualified applicants. 16 CCR § 437 allows an individual oral/written examination for a suitably qualified out-of-state licensee with comparable written examinations. These case-specific, unresolved examination slots and the Board’s discretion are conditions; no fabricated exam identity is used.
Education credit
BPC § 8742(b) allows up to four years for completed approved/accredited surveying education and one-half year for each year without graduation. 16 CCR § 425(a) also states two years for non-approved curriculum and five years for approved cooperative work-study curriculum; the Act controls any conflict.
Expedited review
The Board military page identifies expedited review for honourably discharged veterans and active-duty SkillBridge applicants, and expedited review/application-fee waiver for qualifying military spouses/partners licensed elsewhere; the requested proof must accompany the application.
Fs waivers
BPC § 8741(d)(4) and 16 CCR § 438(b)(1) exempt a California civil engineer from the LSIT/first-division requirement. The currently offered FS reference is retained with that automatic exemption as an applicant condition.
Qualifying experience
California professional civil engineer licence plus at least two years of actual broad-based progressive surveying experience under BPC § 8742(a)(3) and 16 CCR § 425(e). Experience must involve at least four statutory surveying activities; specified alignment, topographic and related activities may contribute at most six months; time already used for civil licensure cannot be reused except the permitted six months.
References
At least four qualified land surveyor/civil engineer references under BPC § 8743; complete work-experience engagements/references or an accepted NCEES Record for comity applicants.
Suitability
No acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial under BPC § 480; satisfy BPC § 8741(d), including familiarity with the 2009 BLM Manual and real-property boundaries and conveyancing.
Timing
Board instructions require passing currently offered NCEES FS and PS before application except approved FS-waiver applicants; the Laws and Rules examination must be passed before application review, and the California-specific examination follows technical approval.
Licensure by comity or reciprocity
Application
Submit the sworn/declaration application, required fees and fingerprints, and supporting transcripts where claiming education credit. SSN or ITIN is mandatory; citizenship and California residence are not required.
Board special examination
BPC § 8741.1(d) permits rules for second-division waiver and assignment to a special written/oral examination for exceptionally qualified applicants. 16 CCR § 437 allows an individual oral/written examination for a suitably qualified out-of-state licensee with comparable written examinations. These case-specific, unresolved examination slots and the Board’s discretion are conditions; no fabricated exam identity is used.
Education credit
BPC § 8742(b) allows up to four years for completed approved/accredited surveying education and one-half year for each year without graduation. 16 CCR § 425(a) also states two years for non-approved curriculum and five years for approved cooperative work-study curriculum; the Act controls any conflict.
Expedited review
The Board military page identifies expedited review for honourably discharged veterans and active-duty SkillBridge applicants, and expedited review/application-fee waiver for qualifying military spouses/partners licensed elsewhere; the requested proof must accompany the application.
Fs waivers
16 CCR § 438(b): California civil engineer licence; qualifying out-of-state LSIT certification obtained by written fundamentals examination; approved undergraduate surveying curriculum plus 15 additional years, non-approved curriculum plus 17 additional years, approved undergraduate and postgraduate curricula plus 14 additional years, or non-approved undergraduate and approved postgraduate curricula plus 16 additional years of qualifying surveying work. Record waiver or prior-examination evidence as an applicant condition.
License elsewhere
Hold a valid surveying licence from another state or country and meet California qualifications. The Board may license without written examination under BPC § 8748; implementation still requires the California-specific PLS exam and the Laws and Rules exam. Verify licensure and exam through NCEES; the NCEES Record is optional.
Qualifying experience
BPC § 8742(a): approved/accredited four-year surveying curriculum plus two years of actual broad-based progressive experience, or six years of such experience; ordinary routes include one year responsible field and one year responsible office training. Under 16 CCR § 425, qualifying work is supervised by a person legally authorized to practise, computed on actual time not exceeding 40 hours per week and completed at application. Education credit is subject to the Act and § 425; credit is not combined or reused contrary to those provisions.
References
At least four qualified land surveyor/civil engineer references under BPC § 8743; complete work-experience engagements/references or an accepted NCEES Record for comity applicants.
Suitability
No acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial under BPC § 480; satisfy BPC § 8741(d), including familiarity with the 2009 BLM Manual and real-property boundaries and conveyancing.
Timing
Board instructions require passing currently offered NCEES FS and PS before application except approved FS-waiver applicants; the Laws and Rules examination must be passed before application review, and the California-specific examination follows technical approval.
Restoration following completion of disciplinary probation
Law exam
16 CCR § 419(d)(2) permits the Board to require its California Laws and Board Rules examination within 60 days of the decision. Whether that condition is imposed depends on the applicant’s actual order.
Other conditions
Obey laws, submit special reports, notify prescribed parties, and comply with ordered restitution, supervised practice, courses and other case-specific terms. Courses and professional-ethics training are conditions, not exam leaves.
Prior discipline
Hold a PLS licence subject to a stayed disciplinary order; complete all imposed conditions and the probation period for unconditional restoration.
Second division
16 CCR § 419(e)(1)(B) requires the second-division examination for incompetence, subject to the rule’s applicable-branch provision. Currently offered national PS and California-specific PLS examinations are retained; conditions depend on the violation and order.
Initial licensure by examination
Application
Submit the sworn/declaration application, required fees and fingerprints, and supporting transcripts where claiming education credit. SSN or ITIN is mandatory; citizenship and California residence are not required.
Board special examination
BPC § 8741.1(d) permits rules for second-division waiver and assignment to a special written/oral examination for exceptionally qualified applicants. 16 CCR § 437 allows an individual oral/written examination for a suitably qualified out-of-state licensee with comparable written examinations. These case-specific, unresolved examination slots and the Board’s discretion are conditions; no fabricated exam identity is used.
Education credit
BPC § 8742(b) allows up to four years for completed approved/accredited surveying education and one-half year for each year without graduation. 16 CCR § 425(a) also states two years for non-approved curriculum and five years for approved cooperative work-study curriculum; the Act controls any conflict.
Expedited review
The Board military page identifies expedited review for honourably discharged veterans and active-duty SkillBridge applicants, and expedited review/application-fee waiver for qualifying military spouses/partners licensed elsewhere; the requested proof must accompany the application.
Fs waivers
16 CCR § 438(b): California civil engineer licence; qualifying out-of-state LSIT certification obtained by written fundamentals examination; approved undergraduate surveying curriculum plus 15 additional years, non-approved curriculum plus 17 additional years, approved undergraduate and postgraduate curricula plus 14 additional years, or non-approved undergraduate and approved postgraduate curricula plus 16 additional years of qualifying surveying work. Record waiver or prior-examination evidence as an applicant condition.
Qualifying experience
BPC § 8742(a): approved/accredited four-year surveying curriculum plus two years of actual broad-based progressive experience, or six years of such experience; ordinary routes include one year responsible field and one year responsible office training. Under 16 CCR § 425, qualifying work is supervised by a person legally authorized to practise, computed on actual time not exceeding 40 hours per week and completed at application. Education credit is subject to the Act and § 425; credit is not combined or reused contrary to those provisions.
References
At least four qualified land surveyor/civil engineer references under BPC § 8743; complete work-experience engagements/references or an accepted NCEES Record for comity applicants.
Suitability
No acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial under BPC § 480; satisfy BPC § 8741(d), including familiarity with the 2009 BLM Manual and real-property boundaries and conveyancing.
Timing
Board instructions require passing currently offered NCEES FS and PS before application except approved FS-waiver applicants; the Laws and Rules examination must be passed before application review, and the California-specific examination follows technical approval.
New licensure after failure to renew within five years
Application
Submit the sworn/declaration application, required fees and fingerprints, and supporting transcripts where claiming education credit. SSN or ITIN is mandatory; citizenship and California residence are not required.
Board special examination
BPC § 8741.1(d) permits rules for second-division waiver and assignment to a special written/oral examination for exceptionally qualified applicants. 16 CCR § 437 allows an individual oral/written examination for a suitably qualified out-of-state licensee with comparable written examinations. These case-specific, unresolved examination slots and the Board’s discretion are conditions; no fabricated exam identity is used.
Education credit
BPC § 8742(b) allows up to four years for completed approved/accredited surveying education and one-half year for each year without graduation. 16 CCR § 425(a) also states two years for non-approved curriculum and five years for approved cooperative work-study curriculum; the Act controls any conflict.
Expedited review
The Board military page identifies expedited review for honourably discharged veterans and active-duty SkillBridge applicants, and expedited review/application-fee waiver for qualifying military spouses/partners licensed elsewhere; the requested proof must accompany the application.
Expiration
An existing licence not renewed within five years cannot be renewed, restored, reissued or reinstated. Apply for a new licence, satisfy denial-of-licensure standards, and pass the examination, if any, required of a first-time applicant; statutory and Board waivers remain applicant conditions.
Fs waivers
16 CCR § 438(b): California civil engineer licence; qualifying out-of-state LSIT certification obtained by written fundamentals examination; approved undergraduate surveying curriculum plus 15 additional years, non-approved curriculum plus 17 additional years, approved undergraduate and postgraduate curricula plus 14 additional years, or non-approved undergraduate and approved postgraduate curricula plus 16 additional years of qualifying surveying work. Record waiver or prior-examination evidence as an applicant condition.
Qualifying experience
BPC § 8742(a): approved/accredited four-year surveying curriculum plus two years of actual broad-based progressive experience, or six years of such experience; ordinary routes include one year responsible field and one year responsible office training. Under 16 CCR § 425, qualifying work is supervised by a person legally authorized to practise, computed on actual time not exceeding 40 hours per week and completed at application. Education credit is subject to the Act and § 425; credit is not combined or reused contrary to those provisions.
References
At least four qualified land surveyor/civil engineer references under BPC § 8743; complete work-experience engagements/references or an accepted NCEES Record for comity applicants.
Suitability
No acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial under BPC § 480; satisfy BPC § 8741(d), including familiarity with the 2009 BLM Manual and real-property boundaries and conveyancing.
Timing
Board instructions require passing currently offered NCEES FS and PS before application except approved FS-waiver applicants; the Laws and Rules examination must be passed before application review, and the California-specific examination follows technical approval.
Restoration of a retired PLS licence to active status
Application
Submit the sworn/declaration application, required fees and fingerprints, and supporting transcripts where claiming education credit. SSN or ITIN is mandatory; citizenship and California residence are not required.
Board special examination
BPC § 8741.1(d) permits rules for second-division waiver and assignment to a special written/oral examination for exceptionally qualified applicants. 16 CCR § 437 allows an individual oral/written examination for a suitably qualified out-of-state licensee with comparable written examinations. These case-specific, unresolved examination slots and the Board’s discretion are conditions; no fabricated exam identity is used.
Education credit
BPC § 8742(b) allows up to four years for completed approved/accredited surveying education and one-half year for each year without graduation. 16 CCR § 425(a) also states two years for non-approved curriculum and five years for approved cooperative work-study curriculum; the Act controls any conflict.
Expedited review
The Board military page identifies expedited review for honourably discharged veterans and active-duty SkillBridge applicants, and expedited review/application-fee waiver for qualifying military spouses/partners licensed elsewhere; the requested proof must accompany the application.
Fs waivers
16 CCR § 438(b): California civil engineer licence; qualifying out-of-state LSIT certification obtained by written fundamentals examination; approved undergraduate surveying curriculum plus 15 additional years, non-approved curriculum plus 17 additional years, approved undergraduate and postgraduate curricula plus 14 additional years, or non-approved undergraduate and approved postgraduate curricula plus 16 additional years of qualifying surveying work. Record waiver or prior-examination evidence as an applicant condition.
Prior license
Hold a retired California PLS licence and seek active status; BPC § 8747.5(d) requires the examination for initial licensure, and the Board requires retaking and passing the licensing examination(s).
Qualifying experience
BPC § 8742(a): approved/accredited four-year surveying curriculum plus two years of actual broad-based progressive experience, or six years of such experience; ordinary routes include one year responsible field and one year responsible office training. Under 16 CCR § 425, qualifying work is supervised by a person legally authorized to practise, computed on actual time not exceeding 40 hours per week and completed at application. Education credit is subject to the Act and § 425; credit is not combined or reused contrary to those provisions.
References
At least four qualified land surveyor/civil engineer references under BPC § 8743; complete work-experience engagements/references or an accepted NCEES Record for comity applicants.
Suitability
No acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial under BPC § 480; satisfy BPC § 8741(d), including familiarity with the 2009 BLM Manual and real-property boundaries and conveyancing.
Timing
Board instructions require passing currently offered NCEES FS and PS before application except approved FS-waiver applicants; the Laws and Rules examination must be passed before application review, and the California-specific examination follows technical approval.
Reinstatement of a revoked or surrendered PLS licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
BPC § 8785(d) permits any reasonably appropriate reinstatement terms. Unspecified case-specific examination or other terms are applicant conditions; this statutory petition route does not name a fixed examination.
Fees
If reinstated after expiration, pay the reinstatement and accrued delinquency fee required by BPC § 8802.2.
Petition
Petition under BPC § 8785 and obtain a majority Board vote under § 8784. Normally wait three years for revoked/surrendered licence reinstatement; the order may set a shorter period of at least one year.
Proof
Carry the clear-and-convincing burden at the hearing and show rehabilitation under 16 CCR § 418(e). No petition while under criminal sentence, probation or parole, or while an accusation or petition to revoke probation is pending.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Land Surveyor License

Nonrenewable temporary licence for an eligible spouse or partner of a servicemember assigned to California; expires at the statutory first-ending event.

Licensing authority: California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists

Temporary licensure for a qualifying military spouse or partner
Duration
Nonrenewable; expires 12 months after issuance or upon earlier issuance/denial of the standard, endorsement or expedited licence. Issuance must meet the 30-day statutory timeframe once requirements and the background check are resolved.
Eligibility
BPC § 115.6(c): spouse, domestic partner or other legal-union partner of an active-duty servicemember assigned to California by official orders; current active unrestricted same-scope licence from another US jurisdiction; accurate affidavit, original-jurisdiction good-standing verification, no disqualifying conduct, discipline or unresolved licensing proceedings, and fingerprints when requested.
Examinations
BPC § 115.6(g) specifically requires the appropriate California-specific examination(s) for land surveyors; subsection (d) requires California law and ethics when otherwise required by the Board.
Fee
No application or issuance fee under BPC § 115.6(k).
Statutory exception
BPC § 115.6(j) exempts a Board only if it already supplies the described expedited temporary authorisation or endorsement without requirements beyond subsections (c) and (d). The Board’s ordinary comity implementation requires full PLS application qualifications; the express land-surveyor rule in subsection (g) is applied here.

California Professional Land Surveyors State Laws and Rules Exam

Format
Online written examination in BPELSG Connect
Time limit
Two hours
Passing score
70%; all questions have equal weight
Examination outline
  • Professional Land Surveyors’ Act
  • Board Rules and Regulations Relating to the Practices of Professional Engineering and Professional Land Surveying
Examination sources

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
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