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Delaware Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-DE · License preparation

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Certificate of Authorization

Authorization for a surveying corporation or partnership, or practice under a name other than the individual licensee’s licensed name.

Licensing authority: Delaware Board of Professional Land Surveyors / Division of Professional Regulation · Application information

Certificate of Authorization — corporation or partnership issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit DELPROS application and fee, Delaware Division of Revenue business license, and signed/sealed Acknowledgment of Professional in Charge forms.
Business Records
Supply officers, board members, principals, and the responsible-charge licensee’s names and addresses. File changes within 30 days; comply with applicable Chapter 23 of Title 30 tax requirements (§2722(d), (g)).
Responsible Charge
Designate a licensed officer or employee in responsible charge. Surveying personnel must hold the required individual licenses (§2722(b)–(c)); those individual licenses are conditions of the business authorization, not examinations of the business.
Sole Proprietor Instruction
DPR Certificate of Authorization page states: "A land surveying business is required to have a Certificate of Authorization when the business is a corporation or partnership that provides, or offers to provide, land surveying services in Delaware. Land surveying businesses that are sole proprietorships are exempt.". The specific statutory duty in §2722(h) nevertheless applies when an individual practices under a name other than the licensed name.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certificate of Authorization — licensee practicing under another name
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit DELPROS application and fee, Delaware Division of Revenue business license, and signed/sealed Acknowledgment of Professional in Charge forms.
Business Records
Supply officers, board members, principals, and the responsible-charge licensee’s names and addresses. File changes within 30 days; comply with applicable Chapter 23 of Title 30 tax requirements (§2722(d), (g)).
Responsible Charge
Designate a licensed officer or employee in responsible charge. Surveying personnel must hold the required individual licenses (§2722(b)–(c)); those individual licenses are conditions of the business authorization, not examinations of the business.
Sole Proprietor Instruction
DPR Certificate of Authorization page states: "A land surveying business is required to have a Certificate of Authorization when the business is a corporation or partnership that provides, or offers to provide, land surveying services in Delaware. Land surveying businesses that are sole proprietorships are exempt.". The specific statutory duty in §2722(h) nevertheless applies when an individual practices under a name other than the licensed name.
Trade Name
The licensee must obtain, or practice under, a certificate when using a name other than the person’s licensed name (§2722(h)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Certificate of Authorization — biennial renewal and six month late renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cycle
Renew biennially by June 30 of odd years with the fee and Verification of Land Surveyor in Charge Information form, updating management and responsible-charge information.
Late Renewal
A lapsed certificate may be renewed within six months on payment of renewal and late fees (Rule 2700 §9.3).
Practice
The corporation or partnership may not perform land-surveying activities while its certificate is lapsed (Rule 2700 §9.6).
Responsible Charge
Designate a licensed officer or employee in responsible charge. Surveying personnel must hold the required individual licenses (§2722(b)–(c)); those individual licenses are conditions of the business authorization, not examinations of the business.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Surveyor Intern

Board registration for supervised surveying internship after passing the FS examination.

Licensing authority: board of professional land surveyors · Application information

Surveyor Intern — experience and survey technician certification
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application Fitness
Meet the general fee, disciplinary-history, impairment and criminal-history requirements of §2708(a)(3)–(7).
Education Experience
Have 11,000 hours of supervised experience and Level IV Survey Technician Certification established by NSPS–ACSM or similar certification acceptable to the Board (§2708(a)(1)(a)(4)). The technician certification is an applicant qualification, not another land-surveyor-examination leaf.
Foreign Education
If the degree is from outside the United States or its territories, supply a Board-approved educational credential evaluation showing equivalent training and degree; the application is incomplete until it is received (Rule 2700 §8.1).
Passing Score
If FS has already been passed, have NCEES send the passing score directly; currently offered FS is still the requirement examination.
Pre Internship Concurrency
24 Del. C. §2708(a)(1)(a)(2)–(3) expressly permits required experience concurrently with education. DPR Surveyor Intern instructions instead state: "The experience cannot be concurrent with your education.". The statute controls, and the conflicting Board instruction is retained for the applicant.
Registration
Apply in DELPROS with the fee, official education transcript if applicable, direct license/intern verification, signed supervising-surveyor internship statements, and signed experience verifications.
Supervision
Practice under an actively practicing licensed Professional Land Surveyor throughout the internship; both parties report termination of supervision within 30 days. Each supervisor provides experience verification at the end.
Surveyor Intern — other four year education and experience
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application Fitness
Meet the general fee, disciplinary-history, impairment and criminal-history requirements of §2708(a)(3)–(7).
Education Experience
Be a graduate of a Board-acceptable program of four years or more and have at least 4,000 hours of combined office and field experience in responsible charge under an actively practicing PLS; experience may be concurrent (§2708(a)(1)(a)(2)).
Foreign Education
If the degree is from outside the United States or its territories, supply a Board-approved educational credential evaluation showing equivalent training and degree; the application is incomplete until it is received (Rule 2700 §8.1).
Passing Score
If FS has already been passed, have NCEES send the passing score directly; currently offered FS is still the requirement examination.
Pre Internship Concurrency
24 Del. C. §2708(a)(1)(a)(2)–(3) expressly permits required experience concurrently with education. DPR Surveyor Intern instructions instead state: "The experience cannot be concurrent with your education.". The statute controls, and the conflicting Board instruction is retained for the applicant.
Registration
Apply in DELPROS with the fee, official education transcript if applicable, direct license/intern verification, signed supervising-surveyor internship statements, and signed experience verifications.
Supervision
Practice under an actively practicing licensed Professional Land Surveyor throughout the internship; both parties report termination of supervision within 30 days. Each supervisor provides experience verification at the end.
Surveyor Intern — four year surveying education
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application Fitness
Meet the general fee, disciplinary-history, impairment and criminal-history requirements of §2708(a)(3)–(7).
Education Experience
Be a college senior or graduate of a surveying program of four years or more; no pre-internship experience is required (§2708(a)(1)(a)(1)).
Foreign Education
If the degree is from outside the United States or its territories, supply a Board-approved educational credential evaluation showing equivalent training and degree; the application is incomplete until it is received (Rule 2700 §8.1).
Passing Score
If FS has already been passed, have NCEES send the passing score directly; currently offered FS is still the requirement examination.
Pre Internship Concurrency
24 Del. C. §2708(a)(1)(a)(2)–(3) expressly permits required experience concurrently with education. DPR Surveyor Intern instructions instead state: "The experience cannot be concurrent with your education.". The statute controls, and the conflicting Board instruction is retained for the applicant.
Registration
Apply in DELPROS with the fee, official education transcript if applicable, direct license/intern verification, signed supervising-surveyor internship statements, and signed experience verifications.
Supervision
Practice under an actively practicing licensed Professional Land Surveyor throughout the internship; both parties report termination of supervision within 30 days. Each supervisor provides experience verification at the end.
Surveyor Intern — 4,000 hour surveying program and experience
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application Fitness
Meet the general fee, disciplinary-history, impairment and criminal-history requirements of §2708(a)(3)–(7).
Education Experience
Be a graduate of a surveying program of 4,000 hours or more and have at least 4,000 hours of supervised combined office and field experience in responsible charge; experience may be concurrent (§2708(a)(1)(a)(3)).
Foreign Education
If the degree is from outside the United States or its territories, supply a Board-approved educational credential evaluation showing equivalent training and degree; the application is incomplete until it is received (Rule 2700 §8.1).
Passing Score
If FS has already been passed, have NCEES send the passing score directly; currently offered FS is still the requirement examination.
Pre Internship Concurrency
24 Del. C. §2708(a)(1)(a)(2)–(3) expressly permits required experience concurrently with education. DPR Surveyor Intern instructions instead state: "The experience cannot be concurrent with your education.". The statute controls, and the conflicting Board instruction is retained for the applicant.
Registration
Apply in DELPROS with the fee, official education transcript if applicable, direct license/intern verification, signed supervising-surveyor internship statements, and signed experience verifications.
Supervision
Practice under an actively practicing licensed Professional Land Surveyor throughout the internship; both parties report termination of supervision within 30 days. Each supervisor provides experience verification at the end.

Provisional professional license

Military member or spouse provisional land-surveying license for up to six months while a reciprocity application is pending.

Licensing authority: Delaware Board of Professional Land Surveyors / Division of Professional Regulation · Application information

Military member — provisional professional license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Expires no later than six months after issuance; cannot be renewed (§8735(r)).
Form Documents
Submit the signed and notarized provisional form and qualifying-status documentation. The Board may request direct license verification and licensing law comparison.
Form Scope
The legacy forms describe active duty, National Guard and reserve reassignment/deployment, whereas §8735(r) references the broader statutory qualifying-person definition. The statute controls eligibility; the form’s narrower wording is retained as an applicant instruction.
Other License
Hold an active license in good standing from a U.S. jurisdiction whose requirements are substantially similar, with no unresolved complaint, review procedure or disciplinary proceeding (§8735(r)).
Pending Application
Submit the documentation and fees for a pending Delaware endorsement/reciprocity application; the provisional authorization permits practice during that application’s pendency. Ordinary reciprocity’s Delaware examination remains part of the separate full-license route.
Qualifying Status
Be a qualifying military person under §8735(p)(7) assigned to a duty station in Delaware, with official verification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse — provisional professional license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Duration
Expires no later than six months after issuance; cannot be renewed (§8735(r)).
Form Documents
Submit the signed and notarized provisional form and qualifying-status documentation; include marriage/civil-union verification for the spouse. The Board may request direct license verification and licensing law comparison.
Form Scope
The legacy forms describe active duty, National Guard and reserve reassignment/deployment, whereas §8735(r) references the broader statutory qualifying-person definition. The statute controls eligibility; the form’s narrower wording is retained as an applicant instruction.
Other License
Hold an active license in good standing from a U.S. jurisdiction whose requirements are substantially similar, with no unresolved complaint, review procedure or disciplinary proceeding (§8735(r)).
Pending Application
Submit the documentation and fees for a pending Delaware endorsement/reciprocity application; the provisional authorization permits practice during that application’s pendency. Ordinary reciprocity’s Delaware examination remains part of the separate full-license route.
Qualifying Status
Be a qualifying military person under §8735(p)(7) or the spouse of such a person assigned to a duty station in Delaware, with official verification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military Registration

Delaware registration for military license portability under SCRA.

Licensing authority: Division of Professional Regulation · Application information

Military member — SCRA professional license portability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit military orders, and a notarized affidavit of identity, truth/completeness, knowledge of and compliance with state requirements and scope of practice, and good standing in all jurisdictions (§4025a(c)).
Background Check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check (§4025a(d)).
Board Duration Instruction
DPR Military Services directs applicants who practice only during the permanent-station relocation order to Military Registration, and those seeking to practice beyond that duration to full licensure. The federal portability provision supplies the controlling conditions for covered-license validity.
Compact
If the covered license operates in multiple states through an interstate compact, the compact/applicable law governs and §4025a does not apply (§4025a(e)).
Covered License
Hold a license in good standing for the scope of practice, without revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, or voluntary surrender during such investigation (§4025a(f)(1)).
Relocation
Relocate residence to Delaware because the servicemember receives military orders for service outside the licensing authority’s state of issuance (§4025a(a)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse — SCRA professional license portability
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit military orders, marriage certificate, and a notarized affidavit of identity, truth/completeness, knowledge of and compliance with state requirements and scope of practice, and good standing in all jurisdictions (§4025a(c)).
Background Check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check (§4025a(d)).
Board Duration Instruction
DPR Military Services directs applicants who practice only during the permanent-station relocation order to Military Registration, and those seeking to practice beyond that duration to full licensure. The federal portability provision supplies the controlling conditions for covered-license validity.
Compact
If the covered license operates in multiple states through an interstate compact, the compact/applicable law governs and §4025a does not apply (§4025a(e)).
Covered License
Hold a license in good standing for the scope of practice, without revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, or voluntary surrender during such investigation (§4025a(f)(1)).
Relocation
Relocate residence to Delaware because the servicemember receives military orders for service outside the licensing authority’s state of issuance (§4025a(a)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary license

Discretionary temporary license under SCRA if the licensing authority cannot recognize a covered license within 30 days of the application.

Licensing authority: Delaware Board of Professional Land Surveyors / Division of Professional Regulation · Application information

Military member — discretionary SCRA temporary license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit military orders, and a notarized affidavit of identity, truth/completeness, knowledge of and compliance with state requirements and scope of practice, and good standing in all jurisdictions (§4025a(c)).
Background Check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check (§4025a(d)).
Board Discretion
Section 4025a(b) authorizes but does not require the interim temporary license. Submit the portability application; an individual issuance decision remains with the licensing authority.
Board Duration Instruction
DPR Military Services directs applicants who practice only during the permanent-station relocation order to Military Registration, and those seeking to practice beyond that duration to full licensure. The federal portability provision supplies the controlling conditions for covered-license validity.
Compact
If the covered license operates in multiple states through an interstate compact, the compact/applicable law governs and §4025a does not apply (§4025a(e)).
Covered License
Hold a license in good standing for the scope of practice, without revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, or voluntary surrender during such investigation (§4025a(f)(1)).
Relocation
Relocate residence to Delaware because the servicemember receives military orders for service outside the licensing authority’s state of issuance (§4025a(a)).
Temporary Authorization
The authority is required to recognize the covered license but cannot do so within 30 days of receiving the application; it may issue a temporary license with the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as a permanent license (§4025a(b)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse — discretionary SCRA temporary license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit military orders, marriage certificate, and a notarized affidavit of identity, truth/completeness, knowledge of and compliance with state requirements and scope of practice, and good standing in all jurisdictions (§4025a(c)).
Background Check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check (§4025a(d)).
Board Discretion
Section 4025a(b) authorizes but does not require the interim temporary license. Submit the portability application; an individual issuance decision remains with the licensing authority.
Board Duration Instruction
DPR Military Services directs applicants who practice only during the permanent-station relocation order to Military Registration, and those seeking to practice beyond that duration to full licensure. The federal portability provision supplies the controlling conditions for covered-license validity.
Compact
If the covered license operates in multiple states through an interstate compact, the compact/applicable law governs and §4025a does not apply (§4025a(e)).
Covered License
Hold a license in good standing for the scope of practice, without revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation, or voluntary surrender during such investigation (§4025a(f)(1)).
Relocation
Relocate residence to Delaware because the servicemember receives military orders for service outside the licensing authority’s state of issuance (§4025a(a)).
Temporary Authorization
The authority is required to recognize the covered license but cannot do so within 30 days of receiving the application; it may issue a temporary license with the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as a permanent license (§4025a(b)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor

Individual license to practice land surveying in Delaware.

Licensing authority: Delaware Board of Professional Land Surveyors · Application information

Reinstatement after suspension or removal from probation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Corrective Measures
The Board may impose disciplinary or corrective measures authorized by Chapter 27 (§2714(d)); these are applicant-specific conditions, not an identified examination.
Documentation
Pay applicable fees and submit Board-required documentation; proof of continuing education may be required (§2716(b)).
Hearing
The Board must be satisfied after a hearing that prescribed corrective actions and all suspension/probation conditions have been met.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
Administrative History
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements and voluntary surrender. The Board may determine after a hearing whether a penalty is grounds for denial (§2708(a)(4)).
Application
Submit a sworn application satisfactory to the Board and pay the fees required by 24 Del. C. §2708(a)(3). Apply through DELPROS.
Application Currency
Board approval is required. Applications remain active for two years; if the requirements or examinations are not completed, reapply with the documents and fee (Rule 2700 §§8.2–8.4).
Criminal History
Meet §2708(a)(6); provide direct official records when required. A majority of the Board quorum may grant the statutory public-safety waiver after a hearing or document review and consideration of §8735(x)(3).
Disciplinary History
No disqualifying conduct, pending disciplinary proceedings or unresolved complaints in a jurisdiction of prior or current land-surveying licensure (§2708(a)(7)).
Foreign Education
If the degree is from outside the United States or its territories, supply a Board-approved educational credential evaluation showing equivalent training and degree; the application is incomplete until it is received (Rule 2700 §8.1).
Impairment
No drug or alcohol impairment limiting safe practice (§2708(a)(5)).
Internship
Serve as a Surveyor Intern and document 8,000 hours of combined office and field experience in responsible charge under the direct supervision of an actively practicing professional land surveyor (§2708(a)(1)(b)). Supervisors submit signed, sealed experience verifications. Work under an equivalent property-line-surveyor license may qualify under §2708(a)(1)(c).
License Verification
Submit direct verification from every jurisdiction where a land-surveying license has been held.
Military Education
Under 29 Del. C. §8735(p)(6), qualifying military education, training or experience must be accepted when substantially equivalent; every other requirement, including examinations, remains applicable.
Professional Land Surveyor — renewal within six months after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Audit
Late/lapsed renewal is audited for satisfactory continuing-education completion (Rule 2700 §9.4).
Continuing Education
Meet the continuing-education amount and applicable retired/nonresident provisions of Rule 2700 §10.0.
Practice
Do not practice until the expired license is renewed (§2707(b), Rule 2700 §9.5).
Time Limit
Renew within six months of expiration, pay renewal and late fees, and attest to completion of required PDHs.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor — military member or spouse reinstatement within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide the documents required for reinstatement, fees, and official qualifying-status and Delaware-duty-station verification (§8735(q)).
Eligibility
Qualifying military person or spouse may apply within two years of lapse or expiration, notwithstanding Title 24.
Exclusion
Does not apply to a suspended or revoked license unless it had been reinstated before lapse or expiration.
General Instruction Conflict
DPR Renewal states that an ordinary license terminated after the six-month late period requires a new application. The statutory military reinstatement exception in §8735(q) controls this route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor — military deployment continuation and renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Qualifying military person holding a valid Delaware license at deployment; submit deployment documents with the stipulated application.
Expiration Protection
Because professional land surveying has a CE renewal requirement, expiration is protected for 270 days after return from active deployment (§8735(p)(1)(b)).
Other Duties
All licensure obligations continue; Rule 2700 §10.11 grants one PDH for each month of active duty service.
Renewal Deadline
Submit renewal documents and continuing-education proof within 180 days after returning (§8735(p)(3)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after termination — examination
Administrative History
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements and voluntary surrender. The Board may determine after a hearing whether a penalty is grounds for denial (§2708(a)(4)).
Application
Submit a sworn application satisfactory to the Board and pay the fees required by 24 Del. C. §2708(a)(3). Apply through DELPROS.
Application Currency
Board approval is required. Applications remain active for two years; if the requirements or examinations are not completed, reapply with the documents and fee (Rule 2700 §§8.2–8.4).
Criminal History
Meet §2708(a)(6); provide direct official records when required. A majority of the Board quorum may grant the statutory public-safety waiver after a hearing or document review and consideration of §8735(x)(3).
Disciplinary History
No disqualifying conduct, pending disciplinary proceedings or unresolved complaints in a jurisdiction of prior or current land-surveying licensure (§2708(a)(7)).
Foreign Education
If the degree is from outside the United States or its territories, supply a Board-approved educational credential evaluation showing equivalent training and degree; the application is incomplete until it is received (Rule 2700 §8.1).
Impairment
No drug or alcohol impairment limiting safe practice (§2708(a)(5)).
Internship
Serve as a Surveyor Intern and document 8,000 hours of combined office and field experience in responsible charge under the direct supervision of an actively practicing professional land surveyor (§2708(a)(1)(b)). Supervisors submit signed, sealed experience verifications. Work under an equivalent property-line-surveyor license may qualify under §2708(a)(1)(c).
License Verification
Submit direct verification from every jurisdiction where a land-surveying license has been held.
Military Education
Under 29 Del. C. §8735(p)(6), qualifying military education, training or experience must be accepted when substantially equivalent; every other requirement, including examinations, remains applicable.
Termination
Ordinary license terminated because it was not renewed within six months. Reapply as a new applicant under the qualifying initial pathway; previously passed examinations and score evidence remain applicant conditions for the currently offered exam leaves. Qualifying military applicants may instead use §8735(q).
Reapplication after termination — five year reciprocity
Delaware Drainage and Jurisprudence Examination
Administrative History
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements and voluntary surrender. The Board may determine after a hearing whether a penalty is grounds for denial (§2708(a)(4)).
Application
Submit a sworn application satisfactory to the Board and pay the fees required by 24 Del. C. §2708(a)(3). Apply through DELPROS.
Application Currency
Board approval is required. Applications remain active for two years; if the requirements or examinations are not completed, reapply with the documents and fee (Rule 2700 §§8.2–8.4).
Board Review
If licensed for less than five years, provide licensing laws and regulations unless a substantially-similar license qualifies. Board Rule 2700 §15.2 considers jurisdictions contiguous to Delaware substantially similar; other claimed equivalence is reviewed on the submitted evidence.
Board Score Reports
DPR Land Surveyor Licensure, Reciprocity Applicants, states: "Proof of passing scores on the Fundamentals of Surveying Examination and the Principles and Practice of Surveying Examination. Either a score report/verification sent directly to the Board office from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) or from the jurisdiction where you passed the exam is acceptable.". Section 2706(a)(3) excludes qualifying reciprocity applicants from the national-examination requirement; §2709 requires the Delaware examination. This implementing request for FS/PS score verification is retained as an applicant condition.
Criminal History
Meet §2708(a)(6); provide direct official records when required. A majority of the Board quorum may grant the statutory public-safety waiver after a hearing or document review and consideration of §8735(x)(3).
Disciplinary History
No disqualifying conduct, pending disciplinary proceedings or unresolved complaints in a jurisdiction of prior or current land-surveying licensure (§2708(a)(7)).
Foreign Education
If the degree is from outside the United States or its territories, supply a Board-approved educational credential evaluation showing equivalent training and degree; the application is incomplete until it is received (Rule 2700 §8.1).
Impairment
No drug or alcohol impairment limiting safe practice (§2708(a)(5)).
License Verification
Submit direct verification from every jurisdiction where a land-surveying license has been held.
Other License
Hold a current license in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction. Fees, fitness and criminal-history criteria are those referenced by §2709(a)(1).
Standards
Practice for at least five years after licensure when the jurisdiction’s standards are not substantially similar; meet all other reciprocity criteria (§2709(b)).
Termination
Ordinary license terminated because it was not renewed within six months. Reapply as a new applicant under the qualifying initial pathway; previously passed examinations and score evidence remain applicant conditions for the currently offered exam leaves. Qualifying military applicants may instead use §8735(q).
Reapplication after termination — substantially similar reciprocity
Delaware Drainage and Jurisprudence Examination
Administrative History
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements and voluntary surrender. The Board may determine after a hearing whether a penalty is grounds for denial (§2708(a)(4)).
Application
Submit a sworn application satisfactory to the Board and pay the fees required by 24 Del. C. §2708(a)(3). Apply through DELPROS.
Application Currency
Board approval is required. Applications remain active for two years; if the requirements or examinations are not completed, reapply with the documents and fee (Rule 2700 §§8.2–8.4).
Board Review
If licensed for less than five years, provide licensing laws and regulations unless a substantially-similar license qualifies. Board Rule 2700 §15.2 considers jurisdictions contiguous to Delaware substantially similar; other claimed equivalence is reviewed on the submitted evidence.
Board Score Reports
DPR Land Surveyor Licensure, Reciprocity Applicants, states: "Proof of passing scores on the Fundamentals of Surveying Examination and the Principles and Practice of Surveying Examination. Either a score report/verification sent directly to the Board office from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) or from the jurisdiction where you passed the exam is acceptable.". Section 2706(a)(3) excludes qualifying reciprocity applicants from the national-examination requirement; §2709 requires the Delaware examination. This implementing request for FS/PS score verification is retained as an applicant condition.
Criminal History
Meet §2708(a)(6); provide direct official records when required. A majority of the Board quorum may grant the statutory public-safety waiver after a hearing or document review and consideration of §8735(x)(3).
Disciplinary History
No disqualifying conduct, pending disciplinary proceedings or unresolved complaints in a jurisdiction of prior or current land-surveying licensure (§2708(a)(7)).
Foreign Education
If the degree is from outside the United States or its territories, supply a Board-approved educational credential evaluation showing equivalent training and degree; the application is incomplete until it is received (Rule 2700 §8.1).
Impairment
No drug or alcohol impairment limiting safe practice (§2708(a)(5)).
License Verification
Submit direct verification from every jurisdiction where a land-surveying license has been held.
Other License
Hold a current license in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction. Fees, fitness and criminal-history criteria are those referenced by §2709(a)(1).
Standards
Current good-standing licensure in a jurisdiction with substantially similar standards (§2709(a)).
Termination
Ordinary license terminated because it was not renewed within six months. Reapply as a new applicant under the qualifying initial pathway; previously passed examinations and score evidence remain applicant conditions for the currently offered exam leaves. Qualifying military applicants may instead use §8735(q).
Reciprocity from a jurisdiction without substantially similar standards
Delaware Drainage and Jurisprudence Examination
Administrative History
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements and voluntary surrender. The Board may determine after a hearing whether a penalty is grounds for denial (§2708(a)(4)).
Application
Submit a sworn application satisfactory to the Board and pay the fees required by 24 Del. C. §2708(a)(3). Apply through DELPROS.
Application Currency
Board approval is required. Applications remain active for two years; if the requirements or examinations are not completed, reapply with the documents and fee (Rule 2700 §§8.2–8.4).
Board Review
If licensed for less than five years, provide licensing laws and regulations unless a substantially-similar license qualifies. Board Rule 2700 §15.2 considers jurisdictions contiguous to Delaware substantially similar; other claimed equivalence is reviewed on the submitted evidence.
Board Score Reports
DPR Land Surveyor Licensure, Reciprocity Applicants, states: "Proof of passing scores on the Fundamentals of Surveying Examination and the Principles and Practice of Surveying Examination. Either a score report/verification sent directly to the Board office from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) or from the jurisdiction where you passed the exam is acceptable.". Section 2706(a)(3) excludes qualifying reciprocity applicants from the national-examination requirement; §2709 requires the Delaware examination. This implementing request for FS/PS score verification is retained as an applicant condition.
Criminal History
Meet §2708(a)(6); provide direct official records when required. A majority of the Board quorum may grant the statutory public-safety waiver after a hearing or document review and consideration of §8735(x)(3).
Disciplinary History
No disqualifying conduct, pending disciplinary proceedings or unresolved complaints in a jurisdiction of prior or current land-surveying licensure (§2708(a)(7)).
Foreign Education
If the degree is from outside the United States or its territories, supply a Board-approved educational credential evaluation showing equivalent training and degree; the application is incomplete until it is received (Rule 2700 §8.1).
Impairment
No drug or alcohol impairment limiting safe practice (§2708(a)(5)).
License Verification
Submit direct verification from every jurisdiction where a land-surveying license has been held.
Other License
Hold a current license in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction. Fees, fitness and criminal-history criteria are those referenced by §2709(a)(1).
Standards
Practice for at least five years after licensure when the jurisdiction’s standards are not substantially similar; meet all other reciprocity criteria (§2709(b)).
Reciprocity from a jurisdiction with substantially similar standards
Delaware Drainage and Jurisprudence Examination
Administrative History
Disclose administrative penalties, consent agreements and voluntary surrender. The Board may determine after a hearing whether a penalty is grounds for denial (§2708(a)(4)).
Application
Submit a sworn application satisfactory to the Board and pay the fees required by 24 Del. C. §2708(a)(3). Apply through DELPROS.
Application Currency
Board approval is required. Applications remain active for two years; if the requirements or examinations are not completed, reapply with the documents and fee (Rule 2700 §§8.2–8.4).
Board Review
If licensed for less than five years, provide licensing laws and regulations unless a substantially-similar license qualifies. Board Rule 2700 §15.2 considers jurisdictions contiguous to Delaware substantially similar; other claimed equivalence is reviewed on the submitted evidence.
Board Score Reports
DPR Land Surveyor Licensure, Reciprocity Applicants, states: "Proof of passing scores on the Fundamentals of Surveying Examination and the Principles and Practice of Surveying Examination. Either a score report/verification sent directly to the Board office from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) or from the jurisdiction where you passed the exam is acceptable.". Section 2706(a)(3) excludes qualifying reciprocity applicants from the national-examination requirement; §2709 requires the Delaware examination. This implementing request for FS/PS score verification is retained as an applicant condition.
Criminal History
Meet §2708(a)(6); provide direct official records when required. A majority of the Board quorum may grant the statutory public-safety waiver after a hearing or document review and consideration of §8735(x)(3).
Disciplinary History
No disqualifying conduct, pending disciplinary proceedings or unresolved complaints in a jurisdiction of prior or current land-surveying licensure (§2708(a)(7)).
Foreign Education
If the degree is from outside the United States or its territories, supply a Board-approved educational credential evaluation showing equivalent training and degree; the application is incomplete until it is received (Rule 2700 §8.1).
Impairment
No drug or alcohol impairment limiting safe practice (§2708(a)(5)).
License Verification
Submit direct verification from every jurisdiction where a land-surveying license has been held.
Other License
Hold a current license in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction. Fees, fitness and criminal-history criteria are those referenced by §2709(a)(1).
Standards
Current good-standing licensure in a jurisdiction with substantially similar standards (§2709(a)).
Professional Land Surveyor — biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Ethics Instruction
DPR FAQs states that ordinary 24-PDH renewal includes at least two ethics PDHs, and a 12-PDH renewal includes at least one. Retain this implementing instruction with the Board’s rule requirements.
Continuing Education
Complete 24 PDHs per biennium, at most eight online; no carryover. Less than one year licensed at renewal: zero PDHs; one to two years: 12 PDHs with at most four online (Rule 2700 §§10.1, 10.4).
Cycle
Renew biennially by June 30 of odd-numbered years, with the renewal form and fee. Attest to continuing education and seal information.
Extension
The Board may grant up to 12 additional months for good cause on a documented request received and reviewed before renewal (Rule 2700 §10.9).
Records Audit
Keep PDH records for at least five years. Renewals can be audited; provide attendance verification and signed, sealed documentation when selected.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor — disabled retired renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Ethics Instruction
DPR FAQs states that ordinary 24-PDH renewal includes at least two ethics PDHs, and a 12-PDH renewal includes at least one. Retain this implementing instruction with the Board’s rule requirements.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 PDHs per subsequent biennium, at most four online (Rule 2700 §10.1.2); no carryover.
Cycle
Renew biennially by June 30 of odd-numbered years, with the renewal form and fee. Attest to continuing education and seal information.
Extension
The Board may grant up to 12 additional months for good cause on a documented request received and reviewed before renewal (Rule 2700 §10.9).
Records Audit
Keep PDH records for at least five years. Renewals can be audited; provide attendance verification and signed, sealed documentation when selected.
Retired
Under 62, retired and working less than 20 hours weekly, and deemed disabled by the state or federal government: 12 PDHs, at most four online, each biennium.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor — nonresident renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Ethics Instruction
DPR FAQs states that ordinary 24-PDH renewal includes at least two ethics PDHs, and a 12-PDH renewal includes at least one. Retain this implementing instruction with the Board’s rule requirements.
Continuing Education
Complete 24 PDHs per biennium, at most eight online; no carryover. Less than one year licensed at renewal: zero PDHs; one to two years: 12 PDHs with at most four online (Rule 2700 §§10.1, 10.4).
Cycle
Renew biennially by June 30 of odd-numbered years, with the renewal form and fee. Attest to continuing education and seal information.
Extension
The Board may grant up to 12 additional months for good cause on a documented request received and reviewed before renewal (Rule 2700 §10.9).
Nonresident
Reside outside Delaware and hold a license in the home jurisdiction with comparable continuing education. Satisfy the home requirements as a minimum rather than duplicating them; the Board resolves compliance questions.
Records Audit
Keep PDH records for at least five years. Renewals can be audited; provide attendance verification and signed, sealed documentation when selected.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor — retired renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Ethics Instruction
DPR FAQs states that ordinary 24-PDH renewal includes at least two ethics PDHs, and a 12-PDH renewal includes at least one. Retain this implementing instruction with the Board’s rule requirements.
Continuing Education
Complete 12 PDHs per subsequent biennium, at most four online (Rule 2700 §10.1.2); no carryover.
Cycle
Renew biennially by June 30 of odd-numbered years, with the renewal form and fee. Attest to continuing education and seal information.
Extension
The Board may grant up to 12 additional months for good cause on a documented request received and reviewed before renewal (Rule 2700 §10.9).
Records Audit
Keep PDH records for at least five years. Renewals can be audited; provide attendance verification and signed, sealed documentation when selected.
Retired
At least 62 years old and retired, working less than 20 hours weekly: 12 PDHs, at most four online, each biennium.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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

Delaware Drainage and Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
Delaware Board of Professional Land Surveyors
Format
Written examination
Time limit
2 hours
Passing score
65% or higher
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • 24 Del. C. Chapter 27. Professional Land Surveyors
  • 2700 Board of Registration for Professional Land Surveyors
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