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Illinois Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Professional Land Surveyor

Individual license to practice professional land surveying in Illinois.

Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation · Application information

Licensure by endorsement — foreign jurisdiction
Application
Application, required fee, certification of reading the Act and rules; complete within three years, with additional information or an oral clarification interview if requested. The oral interview is an application review condition, not a separately established scoring assessment.
Board exam discretion
Under 1270.30(b), the Division on Board recommendation may require FS and/or PS from a foreign-jurisdiction applicant to verify United States surveying competence. Both identified exams are retained; the applicant may be required to pass one or both, subject to that determination.
Documentation
Certification of original licensure and predominant active practice, dates and basis of licensure, descriptions and dates of passing examinations, and disciplinary history; education and experience certification as appropriate. Current NCEES Record may replace the documentation in 1270.30(a)(1)-(2).
Equivalency and prior exams
Equivalence is assessed against the requirements at original licensure; historical examination results are applicant evidence. The current Board qualifications, linked by the endorsement FAQ, name FS, PS and IJ; currently offered FS and PS remain leaves when prior passage or discretionary administration is involved. Other jurisdictions' own exams, foreign exams and any discontinued prior examinations are conditions, never leaves.
Existing license
An active professional land surveyor license or registration in another jurisdiction; original licensing requirements must have been substantially equivalent to Illinois requirements then in force, as stated in 225 ILCS 330/20(a).
Foreign documents
Foreign documents must be translated into English at applicant expense. Education outside Canada requires course-by-course NCEES evaluation.
Licensure by endorsement — another United States jurisdiction
Application
Application, required fee, certification of reading the Act and rules; complete within three years, with additional information or an oral clarification interview if requested. The oral interview is an application review condition, not a separately established scoring assessment.
Documentation
Certification of original licensure and predominant active practice, dates and basis of licensure, descriptions and dates of passing examinations, and disciplinary history; education and experience certification as appropriate. Current NCEES Record may replace the documentation in 1270.30(a)(1)-(2).
Equivalency and prior exams
Equivalence is assessed against the requirements at original licensure; historical examination results are applicant evidence. The current Board qualifications, linked by the endorsement FAQ, name FS, PS and IJ; currently offered FS and PS remain leaves when prior passage or discretionary administration is involved. Other jurisdictions' own exams, foreign exams and any discontinued prior examinations are conditions, never leaves.
Existing license
An active professional land surveyor license or registration in another jurisdiction; original licensing requirements must have been substantially equivalent to Illinois requirements then in force, as stated in 225 ILCS 330/20(a).
Jurisdiction
Existing license in another state, the District of Columbia or United States territory.
Election of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Practice
Inactive status confers no permission to practice; restoration follows 1270.40.
Request
Notify the Department on prescribed forms; renewal fees are excused while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by acceptance of examination — enrolled Illinois Surveyor Intern
Application window
Complete all required items within three years after applying or reapply under the requirements then in force.
Character
Good ethical character and compliance with the Act and its rules; no conduct constituting grounds for discipline.
Documentation
Application and nonrefundable fee; official exam certifications, transcripts or intern certificate, and supervisor experience verification. A current NCEES Record may replace the documents specified in 1270.10(d). Certify reading and understanding the Act and Part 1270.
Education
A baccalaureate degree satisfying 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1270.14 (approved program) or 1270.15 (non-approved program); 24 semester hours of surveying, the specified mathematics option, eight hours of physics or chemistry, and twenty hours of additional sciences are required.
Education evaluation
Rule 1270.10(c) requires course-by-course NCEES evaluation for education outside the United States other than Canada. The September 2025 Board qualifications say education outside the United States requires evaluation, including a broader wording than the rule.
Enrollment
Submit the official Illinois Surveyor Intern certificate demonstrating prior Board approval of education and FS passage.
Exam timing
The required education, experience and examinations must be satisfied before applying under rule 1270.10. The current guide permits direct IJ registration without Department preapproval; the August 2025 application packet says the experience requirement must be met before IJ licensure approval.
Experience
At least four years of responsible-charge surveying experience after degree conferral, verified by a licensed professional land surveyor supervising the work; 25%-50% of cumulative actual experience in the field activities listed in 1270.13(c)(1), and the remainder in the activities listed in 1270.13(c)(2).
Intern enrollment statute
225 ILCS 330/12(a)(4) requires an issued surveyor intern license. The April 2026 Board FAQ says: "Enrollment is not a requirement of licensure in Illinois; however, many companies and design firms require it for employment or advancement opportunities." The statutory requirement is retained; rule 1270.10 separately permits applicants not enrolled as Illinois interns.
Prior scores
Exam timing does not remove required registered examinations. Previously passed scores carry over; only failed examinations are retaken. An examination failed by the applicant may not be waived under 1270.20(h).
Initial licensure by acceptance of examination — not enrolled as Illinois Surveyor Intern
Application window
Complete all required items within three years after applying or reapply under the requirements then in force.
Character
Good ethical character and compliance with the Act and its rules; no conduct constituting grounds for discipline.
Documentation
Application and nonrefundable fee; official exam certifications, transcripts or intern certificate, and supervisor experience verification. A current NCEES Record may replace the documents specified in 1270.10(d). Certify reading and understanding the Act and Part 1270.
Education
A baccalaureate degree satisfying 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1270.14 (approved program) or 1270.15 (non-approved program); 24 semester hours of surveying, the specified mathematics option, eight hours of physics or chemistry, and twenty hours of additional sciences are required.
Education evaluation
Rule 1270.10(c) requires course-by-course NCEES evaluation for education outside the United States other than Canada. The September 2025 Board qualifications say education outside the United States requires evaluation, including a broader wording than the rule.
Enrollment
Applicant is not an Illinois Surveyor Intern; submit the qualifying transcript and FS certification instead. The Act still requires an issued surveyor intern license; the Board FAQ states enrollment is not required.
Exam timing
The required education, experience and examinations must be satisfied before applying under rule 1270.10. The current guide permits direct IJ registration without Department preapproval; the August 2025 application packet says the experience requirement must be met before IJ licensure approval.
Experience
At least four years of responsible-charge surveying experience after degree conferral, verified by a licensed professional land surveyor supervising the work; 25%-50% of cumulative actual experience in the field activities listed in 1270.13(c)(1), and the remainder in the activities listed in 1270.13(c)(2).
Intern enrollment statute
225 ILCS 330/12(a)(4) requires an issued surveyor intern license. The April 2026 Board FAQ says: "Enrollment is not a requirement of licensure in Illinois; however, many companies and design firms require it for employment or advancement opportunities." The statutory requirement is retained; rule 1270.10 separately permits applicants not enrolled as Illinois interns.
Prior scores
Exam timing does not remove required registered examinations. Previously passed scores carry over; only failed examinations are retaken. An examination failed by the applicant may not be waived under 1270.20(h).
Expedited endorsement for a service member or spouse
Application
Application, required fee, certification of reading the Act and rules; complete within three years, with additional information or an oral clarification interview if requested. The oral interview is an application review condition, not a separately established scoring assessment.
Documentation
Certification of original licensure and predominant active practice, dates and basis of licensure, descriptions and dates of passing examinations, and disciplinary history; education and experience certification as appropriate. Current NCEES Record may replace the documentation in 1270.30(a)(1)-(2).
Equivalency and prior exams
Equivalence is assessed against the requirements at original licensure; historical examination results are applicant evidence. The current Board qualifications, linked by the endorsement FAQ, name FS, PS and IJ; currently offered FS and PS remain leaves when prior passage or discretionary administration is involved. Other jurisdictions' own exams, foreign exams and any discontinued prior examinations are conditions, never leaves.
Existing license
An active professional land surveyor license or registration in another jurisdiction; original licensing requirements must have been substantially equivalent to Illinois requirements then in force, as stated in 225 ILCS 330/20(a).
Foreign exam discretion
For a foreign-jurisdiction applicant, the Board may require FS and/or PS under 1270.30(b).
Military eligibility
Service member (including active duty concluded within the preceding two years) or spouse; valid license in good standing elsewhere; meet endorsement requirements; assigned duty station, legal residence, or intent to reside in Illinois within six months; provide required proof, application and fee.
Review
Completed application receives expedited review within thirty days; relevant military practice, education and training may be credited under 20 ILCS 5/5-715(d).
Expedited reactivation — military license inactive less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conditions
Pay current renewal fee, document twenty PDHs in the preceding two years and satisfy 1270.40 review requirements; completed reactivation receives expedited review within thirty days.
Eligibility
Service member or spouse returning to Illinois after placing an expedited license inactive; the underlying license held elsewhere must remain valid and in good standing and be officially verified. This route applies to inactive status of less than five years.
Portability exclusion
The statutory expedited reactivation provision expressly excludes military portability licenses under 5-717.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration or reinstatement after military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Section 18(c) waives lapsed reinstatement, renewal and restoration fees; rule 1270.40(d) requires only the current renewal fee.
Professional development
Applicable professional-development requirements or authorized military exemption under 1270.65 remain conditions.
Service
License expired while engaged in active federal Armed Forces or state militia service or pre-induction training or education under United States supervision.
Time and proof
Within two years after termination other than dishonorable discharge, furnish satisfactory evidence of qualifying surveying practice and termination of service, training or education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cycle
Rule 1270.50(a) fixes expiration at November 30 of each even-numbered year and renewal during the preceding month. The September 2025 Board qualifications instead state odd-numbered years; the rule governs, and the applicant should confirm the Board notice.
Fee and disclosures
Pay renewal fee and make required professional-development certification; update address and disclose reportable discipline or convictions under 1270.50.
Professional development
Twenty PDHs in the preceding biennium: at least four hours of Illinois statutes and rules, two hours of professional conduct and fourteen hours of surveying or related science; the total includes one hour of sexual harassment prevention. First renewal, qualifying military service and documented hardship exemptions are available under 1270.65(h). A graded examination for optional self-study CE credit is a course condition, not a professional licensure exam.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration — expired less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Apply on Department forms and pay the restoration fee for expired status or current renewal fee for inactive status.
Declaration
Certify reading and understanding the Act and rules; provide clarification or an oral review interview if requested under 1270.40(e)-(f).
Professional development
Proof of twenty PDHs under 1270.65 completed within the two years before submitting the application.
Status
License expired less than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation — inactive less than five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Apply on Department forms and pay the restoration fee for expired status or current renewal fee for inactive status.
Declaration
Certify reading and understanding the Act and rules; provide clarification or an oral review interview if requested under 1270.40(e)-(f).
Professional development
Proof of twenty PDHs under 1270.65 completed within the two years before submitting the application.
Status
License inactive less than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after more than five years — active practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Restoration application on Department forms, fee under 1270.52 and proof of twenty PDHs under 1270.65 completed within two years before submitting the application.
Competence evidence
Certification of active practice for at least the last two years in another jurisdiction, including licensing-authority certification of authorization to practice during that period.
Review
Certify reading and understanding the Act and rules; Board may request further information and an oral clarification interview under 1270.40(e)-(f).
Status
Professional land surveyor license expired or inactive for more than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after more than five years — examination evidence
Illinois Land Surveying Jurisdictional Examination
Application and fee
Restoration application on Department forms, fee under 1270.52 and proof of twenty PDHs under 1270.65 completed within two years before submitting the application.
Examination evidence
Rule 1270.40(c)(3) permits proof of passage of the Illinois Jurisdictional Examination and/or the NCEES examination within one year after application. IJ is the identified examination leaf. The unqualified NCEES examination slot does not identify FS or PS and is recorded as a condition, not an invented exam leaf. An applicant may rely on NCEES evidence instead of IJ if the Board accepts it.
Other evidence
The distinct active-practice, military-affidavit and continued-competence alternatives are represented in separate applicant pathways.
Review
Certify reading and understanding the Act and rules; Board may request further information and an oral clarification interview under 1270.40(e)-(f).
Status
Professional land surveyor license expired or inactive for more than five years.
Restoration after more than five years — government practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Restoration application on Department forms, fee under 1270.52 and proof of twenty PDHs under 1270.65 completed within two years before submitting the application.
Competence evidence
Lawfully practicing surveying as an employee of a governmental agency under 1270.40(c)(4)(B).
Review
Certify reading and understanding the Act and rules; Board may request further information and an oral clarification interview under 1270.40(e)-(f).
Status
Professional land surveyor license expired or inactive for more than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after more than five years — military affidavit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Restoration application on Department forms, fee under 1270.52 and proof of twenty PDHs under 1270.65 completed within two years before submitting the application.
Competence evidence
Affidavit attesting to military service under 1270.40(c)(2). That rule cross-references Section 16 of the Act, while the current military-restoration provision is Section 18(c); retain the stated service evidence and apply Section 18(c).
Review
Certify reading and understanding the Act and rules; Board may request further information and an oral clarification interview under 1270.40(e)-(f).
Status
Professional land surveyor license expired or inactive for more than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after more than five years — responsible employment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Restoration application on Department forms, fee under 1270.52 and proof of twenty PDHs under 1270.65 completed within two years before submitting the application.
Competence evidence
Employment in a responsible capacity by a licensed land surveyor for at least the last two years, as determined by the Board under 1270.40(c)(4)(A).
Review
Certify reading and understanding the Act and rules; Board may request further information and an oral clarification interview under 1270.40(e)-(f).
Status
Professional land surveyor license expired or inactive for more than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after more than five years — teaching
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Restoration application on Department forms, fee under 1270.52 and proof of twenty PDHs under 1270.65 completed within two years before submitting the application.
Competence evidence
Teaching land surveying courses in a college, university or other educational program under 1270.40(c)(4)(C).
Review
Certify reading and understanding the Act and rules; Board may request further information and an oral clarification interview under 1270.40(e)-(f).
Status
Professional land surveyor license expired or inactive for more than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Grant of Professional Land Surveyor, Retired title
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Previously duly licensed professional land surveyor who elects inactive status or does not renew, and is granted the retired title by the Department.
Legal effect
The retired title is not current licensure, carries no authority to practice and requires no separate certificate or credential under 225 ILCS 330/19.5(c). It is represented as a status route of the existing license.
Return to practice
Restoration to active status requires the applicable restoration route; granting the title imposes no examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Illinois Land Surveying Jurisdictional Examination

Provider
Continental Testing Services, Inc. (CTS)
Format
Paper and pencil, closed book
Exam questions
65 items; published section counts are 13, 8, 23, 10 and 10 (64 in total)
Time limit
Two hours
Examination outline
  • US Public Land Surveys (PLSS) -13 Qs
    • History of PLSS
    • Federal Instructions Related to Illinois
    • PLSS Retracement
  • Standards and Practice Requirements - 8 Qs
    • ALTA/NSPS Standard Detail Requirements
    • Rules and Requirements for Illinois Land Surveyors
  • Legal Precedent and Procedures - 23 Qs
    • Boundary Law
    • Conveyances
    • Deeds
    • Legal Descriptions
    • Monuments
    • Apportionment
    • Junior/Senior Rights
    • Riparian Rights
    • Water Boundaries
    • Patent/Latent Ambiguities
    • Acts of Owners
    • Boundary Retracement
    • Controlling Elements
  • Plats, Surveys and Legal Descriptions - 10 Qs
    • Records Research for Plats and Surveys
    • Title Commitments
    • Legal Descriptions
    • Survey Calculations
  • Illinois Statutes Related to Land Surveying - 10 Qs
    • Cities, Counties, Municipalities and Townships
    • Records, Recorders, Civil Procedure and Revenue Special Districts and Natural Resources
    • Roads, Bridges and Fences
    • Property and Liens
    • Canals, Waterways and Drainage
    • Utilities
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