Idaho Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice
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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements
Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.
Conditional Professional Land Surveyor License
One-year conditional licensure may be granted after criminal-history evaluation.
Licensing authority: Idaho Board of Licensure of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors · Application information
Conditional initial licensure
- Additional assessments
- Rule 100.03.c permits unnamed oral or other examinations in connection with failed state examinations; these are conditions because no identifiable additional examination is named.
- Application
- Provide transcripts, NCEES ID, government-issued photo ID and applicable fee (54-1213; Policy I.B.5).
- Criminal history
- The Board evaluates relevant convictions under 67-9411 and may defer for pending disciplinary or criminal proceedings.
- Education
- Meet the approved surveying-degree or related-degree pathway in 54-1212(2); conditional criminal-history licensure does not waive statutory qualifications.
- Experience
- Four years of progressive combined office and field surveying experience, including two years of boundary surveying under 54-1212(2) and Rule 100.01.c.
- Graduate credit
- The Board may credit up to one year for a master's degree and an additional year for a doctorate, or two years for a doctorate earned without a master's degree (54-1212).
- Probation
- The Board may issue a one-year conditional license instead of denial for a relevant conviction under 67-9411(3).
- References
- At least five references, including three professional land surveyors having personal knowledge of the applicant's experience (54-1213; Policy I.B.4).
- Residency
- 54-1212 requires Idaho residency or enrollment at an Idaho college or university for initial licensure, except military personnel stationed in Idaho on orders or persons employed full-time in Idaho.
- Waivers
- 67-9415 permits petitions for waiver or variance but cannot waive statutory initial-license qualifications.
Limited Professional Land Surveyor License
A discretionary limited license restricts practice to the narrower outside authorized scope pending full qualifications.
Licensing authority: Idaho Board of Licensure of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors · Application information
Limited license by military endorsement
- Conversion
- 67-9406(5) permits a narrowly tailored examination for full conversion but names no identifiable examination; conversion is noted separately.
- Eligibility
- Meet military endorsement conditions; outside scope is narrower than Idaho practice.
- Scope
- Practice is limited to the prior authorized scope for the period needed to satisfy full-license conditions.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code 67-9406(5), limited endorsement
Idaho Code 67-9406(5), limited endorsement
- Idaho Code 67-9406(4)
Idaho Code 67-9406(4)
Renewal of limited surveying license
- Renewal
- Meet applicable renewal, continuing-education and fee requirements; renewal does not expand scope.
- Restriction
- Maintain the limited scope and comply with its specified duration and Board conditions.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code 54-1216(1)-(3)
Idaho Code 54-1216(1)-(3)
- Idaho Code 67-9409(6), limited universal license
Idaho Code 67-9409(6), limited universal license
- Idaho Code 67-9406(5), limited endorsement
Idaho Code 67-9406(5), limited endorsement
Limited license by universal licensure
- Exam discretion
- All or part of standard examinations may be required; 54-1208(2) directs the surveying jurisprudence examination.
- Outside license
- Current, valid, unrestricted outside license and Board-determined competence.
- Restriction
- Only the narrower outside scope may be practiced until full-license conditions are met.
- Scope
- The Board may issue a limited license pending additional education, training or other qualifications where the outside scope is narrower.
Professional Land Surveyor
License authorizing professional land surveying in Idaho.
Licensing authority: Idaho Board of Licensure of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors · Application information
Licensure through an applicable apprenticeship
- Applicable program
- Complete a paid on-the-job program adopted by an Idaho authority, the United States Department of Labor or a recognized standards entity. Eligibility depends on applicability to surveying; no particular approved program is asserted.
- Board discretion
- Under 67-9412(8), an authority without an applicable program may consider apprenticeship where appropriate.
- Remaining qualifications
- Meet the ordinary examination, fee and other criteria unrelated to education and training, with the same passing score under 67-9412.
New licensure after cancellation exceeding five years
- Additional assessments
- Rule 100.03.c permits unnamed oral or other examinations in connection with failed state examinations; these are conditions because no identifiable additional examination is named.
- Application
- Submit a new application with all forms and fees under 67-2614(10).
- Competency
- The Division may require education, supervised practice or unnamed examinations, and may consider practice elsewhere.
- Criminal history
- The Board evaluates relevant convictions under 67-9411 and may defer for pending disciplinary or criminal proceedings.
- Experience
- Four years of progressive combined office and field surveying experience, including two years of boundary surveying under 54-1212(2) and Rule 100.01.c.
- Graduate credit
- The Board may credit up to one year for a master's degree and an additional year for a doctorate, or two years for a doctorate earned without a master's degree (54-1212).
- References
- At least five references, including three professional land surveyors having personal knowledge of the applicant's experience (54-1213; Policy I.B.4).
- Statutory comparison
- 54-1216(4) preserves delayed renewal without a stated time limit, while 67-2614(10) calls for a new application after five years. The standard examinations are retained for the new-application branch; any treatment as delayed renewal is an applicant condition.
- Waivers
- 67-9415 permits petitions for waiver or variance but cannot waive statutory initial-license qualifications.
Licensure by comity
- Application
- Provide transcripts, NCEES ID, government-issued photo ID and applicable fee (54-1213; Policy I.B.5).
- Education
- Rule 100.04.a requests substantial compliance; 54-1219 measures credentials when the outside license was issued and permits the eight-year waiver.
- Equivalence and waiver
- Credentials are measured against the applicable Idaho licensing chapter when the outside license was issued; substantial-equivalence and reciprocal-licensing conditions apply.
- Ethics
- Rule 100.02 requires the passing written ethics questionnaire with professional license applications.
- Outside license
- Hold a recognized license from a United States jurisdiction or foreign country under 54-1219. Another jurisdiction's own exams are credential evidence and conditions, not Idaho leaves.
- References
- At least five references, including three professional land surveyors having personal knowledge of the applicant's experience (54-1213; Policy I.B.4).
- Surveying exam
- 54-1219 requires the Board-prepared surveying examination; 54-1208(2) also directs the surveying jurisprudence examination.
Licensure by comity — eight year waiver discretion
- Application
- Provide transcripts, NCEES ID, government-issued photo ID and applicable fee (54-1213; Policy I.B.5).
- Education
- Rule 100.04.a requests substantial compliance; 54-1219 measures credentials when the outside license was issued and permits the eight-year waiver.
- Equivalence and waiver
- At least eight years of licensed practice elsewhere, good standing and no outstanding disciplinary action. The Board may waive prescriptive education and examination credentials under 54-1219; discretion is an applicant condition.
- Ethics
- Rule 100.02 requires the passing written ethics questionnaire with professional license applications.
- Outside license
- Hold a recognized license from a United States jurisdiction or foreign country under 54-1219. Another jurisdiction's own exams are credential evidence and conditions, not Idaho leaves.
- References
- At least five references, including three professional land surveyors having personal knowledge of the applicant's experience (54-1213; Policy I.B.4).
- Surveying exam
- 54-1219 requires the Board-prepared surveying examination; 54-1208(2) also directs the surveying jurisprudence examination.
Conversion after successful conditional licensure
- Completion
- Successfully complete probation conditions; 67-9411(3) then requires full unrestricted licensure. Failure results in revocation and denial.
- Prior license
- Hold the one-year conditional surveying license.
Initial licensure by examination — related degree
- Additional assessments
- Rule 100.03.c permits unnamed oral or other examinations in connection with failed state examinations; these are conditions because no identifiable additional examination is named.
- Application
- Provide transcripts, NCEES ID, government-issued photo ID and applicable fee (54-1213; Policy I.B.5).
- Criminal history
- The Board evaluates relevant convictions under 67-9411 and may defer for pending disciplinary or criminal proceedings.
- Education
- Hold an approved related bachelor's degree and demonstrate equivalent surveying knowledge. Rule 100.02.c requires 18 mathematics/basic-science, 12 general-education and 30 surveying-science/practice credits; general education may be waived.
- Exam timing
- Rule 100.01.b directs application after passing the required NCEES examinations. Previously passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
- Experience
- Four years of progressive combined office and field surveying experience, including two years of boundary surveying under 54-1212(2) and Rule 100.01.c.
- Graduate credit
- The Board may credit up to one year for a master's degree and an additional year for a doctorate, or two years for a doctorate earned without a master's degree (54-1212).
- References
- At least five references, including three professional land surveyors having personal knowledge of the applicant's experience (54-1213; Policy I.B.4).
- Residency
- 54-1212 requires Idaho residency or enrollment at an Idaho college or university for initial licensure, except military personnel stationed in Idaho on orders or persons employed full-time in Idaho.
- Waivers
- 67-9415 permits petitions for waiver or variance but cannot waive statutory initial-license qualifications.
Initial licensure by examination — surveying degree
- Additional assessments
- Rule 100.03.c permits unnamed oral or other examinations in connection with failed state examinations; these are conditions because no identifiable additional examination is named.
- Application
- Provide transcripts, NCEES ID, government-issued photo ID and applicable fee (54-1213; Policy I.B.5).
- Criminal history
- The Board evaluates relevant convictions under 67-9411 and may defer for pending disciplinary or criminal proceedings.
- Education
- Graduate from an approved surveying program of four years or more. EAC, ANSAC and ETAC accredited programs receive unconditional approval.
- Exam timing
- Rule 100.01.b directs application after passing the required NCEES examinations. Previously passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
- Experience
- Four years of progressive combined office and field surveying experience, including two years of boundary surveying under 54-1212(2) and Rule 100.01.c.
- Graduate credit
- The Board may credit up to one year for a master's degree and an additional year for a doctorate, or two years for a doctorate earned without a master's degree (54-1212).
- References
- At least five references, including three professional land surveyors having personal knowledge of the applicant's experience (54-1213; Policy I.B.4).
- Residency
- 54-1212 requires Idaho residency or enrollment at an Idaho college or university for initial licensure, except military personnel stationed in Idaho on orders or persons employed full-time in Idaho.
- Waivers
- 67-9415 permits petitions for waiver or variance but cannot waive statutory initial-license qualifications.
Delayed renewal and lapsed license reinstatement
- Education
- Provide proof of continuing education.
- Expiration
- Previously licensed but not renewed at expiration.
- Fees
- Pay applicable renewal and late or reinstatement fees.
- Long cancellation
- 67-2614(10) calls for a new application after cancellation exceeding five years; that route is separately retained.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code 54-1216(4)
Idaho Code 54-1216(4)
- II.B, reinstatements, page 7
II.B, reinstatements, page 7
Military, veteran or spouse endorsement
- Application
- Use the condensed military application; 67-9406(4) prohibits requiring an examination and application fee in this route.
- Discipline
- Disclose current, pending and subsequent disciplinary proceedings.
- Scope
- A scope comparison may instead result in a limited license.
- Status
- Validate military, qualifying former military, veteran or spouse status and current, valid, unrestricted licensure from a United States jurisdiction or military branch.
- Statutory reading
- This specific endorsement procedure is distinct from 67-9409 universal licensure. The surveying override in 54-1208(2) names 67-9409, not 67-9406.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code 67-9406(1)-(2)
Idaho Code 67-9406(1)-(2)
- Idaho Code 67-9406(4)
Idaho Code 67-9406(4)
Biennial renewal
- Continuing education
- Thirty PDH per biennium under Rule 100.05, subject to statutory relief under 67-9416 and Board exemptions and waivers.
- Deadline
- Renew by the biennial birthday date in 54-1216(1).
- Fee
- Pay the renewal fee and meet applicable renewal requirements.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Idaho Code 54-1216(1)-(3)
Idaho Code 54-1216(1)-(3)
- IDAPA 24.32.01.100.05
IDAPA 24.32.01.100.05
- II.A, renewal, page 7
II.A, renewal, page 7
Reinstatement from retired status — disciplinary
- Education
- Demonstrate compliance with CPD.
- Hearing
- A hearing is required for discipline-related retirement and may be required for nondisciplinary retirement.
- Request
- Submit a written reinstatement request.
- Retirement reason
- Retirement was part of discipline, in lieu of discipline or in lieu of CPD compliance.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- IDAPA 24.32.01.100.06.a
IDAPA 24.32.01.100.06.a
- IDAPA 24.32.01.100.06.c
IDAPA 24.32.01.100.06.c
Reinstatement from retired status — nondisciplinary
- Education
- Demonstrate compliance with CPD.
- Hearing
- A hearing is required for discipline-related retirement and may be required for nondisciplinary retirement.
- Request
- Submit a written reinstatement request.
- Retirement reason
- Retirement was not part of discipline, in lieu of discipline or in lieu of CPD compliance.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- IDAPA 24.32.01.100.06.b
IDAPA 24.32.01.100.06.b
- IDAPA 24.32.01.100.06.c
IDAPA 24.32.01.100.06.c
Universal licensure
- Application
- Complete the application and supporting materials, undergo the same required background checks and pay standard fees.
- Assessment discretion
- 67-9409(4) permits all or part of standard application examinations; Rule 100.03.b identifies those surveying examinations and Rule 100.02 the questionnaire. Exemptions and discretion remain applicant conditions.
- Jurisprudence exception
- 54-1208(2) expressly directs the surveying jurisprudence examination notwithstanding 67-9409.
- Outside license
- Current, valid, unrestricted license from another United States jurisdiction and Board-determined competency.
- Scope
- A narrower outside scope can result in a limited license pending additional qualifications.
Universal work recognition
- Application
- Submit supporting materials, undergo the same required background checks and pay standard fees.
- Eligibility
- The Board must determine relevant competency and eligibility; no other jurisdiction's requirements were researched.
- Examination
- The same examination passing score as standard applicants applies under 67-9414(2); the standard surveying examinations are identified by Rule 100.03.b.
- Experience
- At least four years of work in a United States jurisdiction or military setting where licensure was not required, with similar scope to Idaho practice.
Idaho Written Ethics Questionnaire
Practice scope
The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.
Public protection and professional judgment
- Public welfare, standard of care, and overruled judgment
Professional discrepancies and affected owners
- Notice, response, escalation, and landowner duties
Competence and responsible practice
- Competence limits, qualified collaborators, and unlicensed practice
Conflicts and outside interests
- Disclosure, compensation, gifts, and public positions
Solicitation and procurement
- Commissions, qualifications, existing assignments, fees, and QBS
Confidentiality and improper conduct
- Confidential information, dishonest enterprises, and discipline
Examination sources
- IDAPA 24.32.01.100.02, page 3
IDAPA 24.32.01.100.02, page 3
Idaho Professional Land Surveying Examination
Practice scope
Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.
- Engineers and Surveyors
- Plats and Vacations
- Corner Perpetuation and Filing
- Coordinate System of Land Description
- Recording of Surveys
- General Provisions — Highways and Bridges
- County Surveyor
- Condominium Property Act
- Professional Service Contracts with Design Professionals, Construction Managers, and Professional Land Surveyors
- Department of Self-governing Agencies
- Rules of the Idaho Board of Licensure of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
- Military Endorsement and Universal Licensure
Examination sources
- Idaho Code 54-1208(2)
Idaho Code 54-1208(2)
- IDAPA 24.32.01.100.03.b
IDAPA 24.32.01.100.03.b
- I.B.2, surveying examinations, page 4
I.B.2, surveying examinations, page 4
- Statutes and Rules enumeration
Statutes and Rules enumeration
- IDAPA 24.32.01.000
IDAPA 24.32.01.000
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
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) CBT Exam Specifications
Page 1 heading — effective date
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) CBT Exam Specifications
Page 1 — knowledge area 1 and its question range
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) CBT Exam Specifications
Page 2 — knowledge area 7 and its question range
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam web page
Exam Specifications section — FS specifications link
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) CBT Exam Specifications
Page 1 — first bullet (exam format)
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) CBT Exam Specifications
Page 1 — second bullet (time and question count)
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) CBT Exam Specifications
Standards page — scoring statement
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam web page
Exam results — FS results
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam web page
Exam Specifications — alternative item types
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam web page
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam — administration and fee
- NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam web page
Exam scheduling
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
- NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) CBT Exam Specifications, effective beginning January 1, 2019
Page 1 heading — effective date
- NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) CBT Exam Specifications, effective beginning January 1, 2019
Page 1 — first knowledge area and its question range
- NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) CBT Exam Specifications, effective beginning January 1, 2019
Page 3 — last knowledge area and its question range
- NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam web page
Exam Specifications section — before/after July 2027 links
- NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) CBT Exam Specifications, effective beginning January 1, 2019
Page 1 — first bullet (exam format)
- NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) CBT Exam Specifications, effective beginning January 1, 2019
Page 1 — second bullet (time and question count)
- NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) CBT Exam Specifications, effective beginning January 1, 2019
Standards page — scoring statement
- NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam web page
Exam results — PS results
- NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam web page
Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam — administration and fee
- NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam web page
Exam scheduling