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Kansas Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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certificate of authorization

Authorization for a business entity to provide professional surveying services through individually licensed responsible principals.

Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Technical Professions

Initial business certificate of authorization
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Prescribed application naming licensed principals, required information and fee.
Individual Credential
The principal individual license is a condition of this business credential, rather than examination leaves for the business.
Personnel
Persons practicing must be licensed or exempt; each Kansas office must have regular professional supervision as specified in 74-7036(a)(3).
Principals
A regular employee and active participant designated in responsible charge must hold a Kansas surveying license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of business authorization cancelled for nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Decision
Good cause, application, Board-required documents and statutory reinstatement fee.
Principals
Business must continue meeting 74-7036 requirements.
Prior Authorization
Certificate cancelled for nonrenewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial business authorization renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ongoing Conditions
Continue satisfying the licensed-principal and personnel conditions under 74-7036(a).
Renewal
Biennial fee and prescribed form providing current information; report principal changes within 30 days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Emergency License

Conditional emergency license available during a legislatively declared state emergency.

Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Technical Professions

Temporary emergency licensure under K.S.A. 48 3406(n)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Board may grant a temporary license when it determines qualifications sufficient to protect public health and safety; the statute names no examination.
Emergency
Requires a state of emergency declared by the legislature.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Emeritus Status

Nonpracticing emeritus status permitting use of the professional title with emeritus.

Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Technical Professions

Election of emeritus status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 60 years old.
Application
One-time application; no fee or continuing education proof.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary action.
Existing License
Existing licensee elects to cease practice.
Practice
Cannot practice in Kansas; may use title with emeritus.
Renewal
The Board Surveyors page states no renewal is required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Inactive License Status

Inactive status of an existing surveying license; practice in Kansas is prohibited.

Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Technical Professions

Election of inactive status at renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
Already licensed; no pending disciplinary action.
Practice
No practice in Kansas while inactive.
Renewal
Biennial fee required; CEUs not required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
No CEUs required while inactive.
Practice
Practice remains prohibited.
Renewal
Biennial renewal with appropriate fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Intern Surveyor Certificate

Surveying intern certification following FS passage and completion of the required surveying curriculum.

Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Technical Professions · Application information

Intern certification — Approved engineering degree
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Admission Experience
K.A.R. 66-11-5(b)(2) requires verification of the experience prescribed by 66-10-10a, 66-10-10b or 66-10-10c, as applicable. For this curriculum: Six years of surveying experience, at least four progressive, under K.A.R. 66-10-10.
Application
Board approval before registering with NCEES; official transcripts and verified experience as applicable.
Board Application Schedule
The Board application table requires two years of surveying experience before FS admission for engineering graduates. This is the Board application schedule; to the extent it allows earlier admission than the current rule, the higher-ranked rule controls and the application schedule remains a disclosed applicant condition.
Certification
FS passage and proof of the K.A.R. 66-9-5 curriculum are required for the intern certificate.
Education
Approved engineering curriculum under K.A.R. 66-9-5(a).
Intern certification — Approved related science degree
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Admission Experience
K.A.R. 66-11-5(b)(2) requires verification of the experience prescribed by 66-10-10a, 66-10-10b or 66-10-10c, as applicable. For this curriculum: Six years of surveying experience, at least four progressive, under K.A.R. 66-10-10b.
Application
Board approval before registering with NCEES; official transcripts and verified experience as applicable.
Board Application Schedule
Two years of surveying experience before FS admission under the Board application table. This is the Board application schedule; to the extent it allows earlier admission than the current rule, the higher-ranked rule controls and the application schedule remains a disclosed applicant condition.
Certification
FS passage and proof of the K.A.R. 66-9-5 curriculum are required for the intern certificate.
Education
Approved four-year related science curriculum under K.A.R. 66-9-5(d), which may include geology, mathematics, chemistry or physics.
Intern certification — Approved two year surveying degree
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Admission Experience
K.A.R. 66-11-5(b)(2) requires verification of the experience prescribed by 66-10-10a, 66-10-10b or 66-10-10c, as applicable. For this curriculum: Six years of surveying experience, at least four progressive, under K.A.R. 66-10-10a(b).
Application
Board approval before registering with NCEES; official transcripts and verified experience as applicable.
Board Application Schedule
No additional experience is required before FS admission for this curriculum track. This is the Board application schedule; to the extent it allows earlier admission than the current rule, the higher-ranked rule controls and the application schedule remains a disclosed applicant condition.
Certification
FS passage and proof of the K.A.R. 66-9-5 curriculum are required for the intern certificate.
Education
Board-approved two-year surveying curriculum under K.A.R. 66-9-5(c).
Intern certification — Four year accredited surveying degree
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Admission Experience
K.A.R. 66-11-5(b)(2) requires verification of the experience prescribed by 66-10-10a, 66-10-10b or 66-10-10c, as applicable. For this curriculum: Four years of progressive surveying experience under K.A.R. 66-10-10a(a).
Application
Board approval before registering with NCEES; official transcripts and verified experience as applicable.
Board Application Schedule
No additional experience is required before FS admission for this degree track. This is the Board application schedule; to the extent it allows earlier admission than the current rule, the higher-ranked rule controls and the application schedule remains a disclosed applicant condition.
Certification
FS passage and proof of the K.A.R. 66-9-5 curriculum are required for the intern certificate.
Education
ABET-accredited four-year surveying baccalaureate curriculum under K.A.R. 66-9-5(b).
Intern certification — Twelve semester hours of approved surveying coursework
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Admission Experience
K.A.R. 66-11-5(b)(2) requires verification of the experience prescribed by 66-10-10a, 66-10-10b or 66-10-10c, as applicable. For this curriculum: Eight years of surveying experience, at least six progressive, under K.A.R. 66-10-10c.
Application
Board approval before registering with NCEES; official transcripts and verified experience as applicable.
Board Application Schedule
Four years of surveying experience, at least two progressive, before FS admission under the Board application table. This is the Board application schedule; to the extent it allows earlier admission than the current rule, the higher-ranked rule controls and the application schedule remains a disclosed applicant condition.
Certification
FS passage and proof of the K.A.R. 66-9-5 curriculum are required for the intern certificate.
Education
Twelve semester hours under K.A.R. 66-9-5(f): three each in surveying measurements and analysis, GPS surveying techniques, real property law, and boundary control and legal principles.
Intern certification — Board adopted surveying curriculum
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Admission Experience
K.A.R. 66-11-5(b)(2) requires verification of the experience prescribed by 66-10-10a, 66-10-10b or 66-10-10c, as applicable. For this curriculum: Six years of surveying experience, at least four progressive, under K.A.R. 66-10-10a(b).
Application
Board approval before registering with NCEES; official transcripts and verified experience as applicable.
Board Application Schedule
No additional experience is required before FS admission for this curriculum track. This is the Board application schedule; to the extent it allows earlier admission than the current rule, the higher-ranked rule controls and the application schedule remains a disclosed applicant condition.
Certification
FS passage and proof of the K.A.R. 66-9-5 curriculum are required for the intern certificate.
Education
Successful completion of the surveying curriculum adopted under K.A.R. 66-9-5(e).

Military temporary permit

Limited-period authorization under K.S.A. 48-3406(h) where the prior credential or experience does not authorize similar scope.

Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Technical Professions

Military temporary permit issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Decision
The Board shall issue the limited-period permit unless public health and safety would be jeopardized.
Eligibility
Qualify under subsection (c)(2), (e) or (f), and the Board finds the scope not similar. Military servicemember or military spouse.
Unfinished Requirements
The permit allows practice while completing specific Kansas requirements absent from the original jurisdiction; subsection (j) limits testing to materially different Kansas law, knowledge or skills. Those unspecified requirements are conditions, not examination identities.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Surveyor — Probationary License under K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)

Probationary recognition where the applicant does not qualify for ordinary reciprocity; period cannot exceed six months.

Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Technical Professions

Recognition of a current out of jurisdiction credential under K.S.A. 48 3406(c)(2)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Testing
Under 48-3406(d), an applicant inactive in the occupation during the preceding two years may be required to complete additional testing, training, monitoring or CE limited by subsection (j). No examination is identified by that provision; this is a condition, not a registered leaf.
Documents
Complete application, sworn affidavit and proof of financial standing, bonding or insurance only to the extent required of similar applicants.
Eligibility
Qualify as an applicant under 48-3406(a)(1); hold a valid current credential authorizing similar scope of practice; have worked at least one year in the occupation.
Fees
Pay required fees; active-servicemember spouses have the subsection (u) exemption.
Good Standing
Meet 48-3406(c)(2)(C)-(E): no specified adverse conduct, discipline, unresolved proceedings or disqualifying criminal record.
Ordinary Board Instructions
The Board uniform application states: Surveyors: You may be approved to sit for the Professional Surveyor (PS) exam if you have not already taken it. Please note, no license will be issued until you have successfully passed both parts of the Kansas State-Specific (KSS) exam. The notwithstanding statute defines this separate probationary pathway; that instruction is retained as the lower-ranked Board demand.
Probation
No more than six months; revocable if application information is false; becomes nonprobationary on completion.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Surveyor

Kansas individual license to practice professional surveying.

Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Technical Professions · Application information

Licensure by examination — Approved engineering degree
Application
Typed signed application, official transcripts, verified experience, references, exam verification and $60 fee.
Education
Approved engineering curriculum under K.A.R. 66-9-5(a).
Exam Sequence
Pass FS and meet applicable surveying experience requirements before taking PS, under K.A.R. 66-8-4(c).
Prior Passed Examinations
Passing scores on currently offered FS and PS remain examination requirements even if obtained before this application.
Professional Experience
Six years of surveying experience, at least four progressive, under K.A.R. 66-10-10.
Reexamination
After the first unsuccessful attempt, two further attempts are allowed; a fourth or subsequent attempt requires Board permission and evidence that deficiencies have been addressed.
References
At least three licensed surveyor or engineer references familiar with the experience; at least one must be a surveyor.
State Part Credit
Transfer credit is available for a KSS part already passed.
Supervision
Experience after May 1, 1988 must be under the direct supervision of a licensed professional surveyor.
Licensure by examination — Approved related science degree
Application
Typed signed application, official transcripts, verified experience, references, exam verification and $60 fee.
Education
Approved four-year related science curriculum under K.A.R. 66-9-5(d), which may include geology, mathematics, chemistry or physics.
Exam Sequence
Pass FS and meet applicable surveying experience requirements before taking PS, under K.A.R. 66-8-4(c).
Prior Passed Examinations
Passing scores on currently offered FS and PS remain examination requirements even if obtained before this application.
Professional Experience
Six years of surveying experience, at least four progressive, under K.A.R. 66-10-10b.
Reexamination
After the first unsuccessful attempt, two further attempts are allowed; a fourth or subsequent attempt requires Board permission and evidence that deficiencies have been addressed.
References
At least three licensed surveyor or engineer references familiar with the experience; at least one must be a surveyor.
State Part Credit
Transfer credit is available for a KSS part already passed.
Supervision
Experience after May 1, 1988 must be under the direct supervision of a licensed professional surveyor.
Licensure by examination — Approved two year surveying degree
Application
Typed signed application, official transcripts, verified experience, references, exam verification and $60 fee.
Education
Board-approved two-year surveying curriculum under K.A.R. 66-9-5(c).
Exam Sequence
Pass FS and meet applicable surveying experience requirements before taking PS, under K.A.R. 66-8-4(c).
Prior Passed Examinations
Passing scores on currently offered FS and PS remain examination requirements even if obtained before this application.
Professional Experience
Six years of surveying experience, at least four progressive, under K.A.R. 66-10-10a(b).
Reexamination
After the first unsuccessful attempt, two further attempts are allowed; a fourth or subsequent attempt requires Board permission and evidence that deficiencies have been addressed.
References
At least three licensed surveyor or engineer references familiar with the experience; at least one must be a surveyor.
State Part Credit
Transfer credit is available for a KSS part already passed.
Supervision
Experience after May 1, 1988 must be under the direct supervision of a licensed professional surveyor.
Licensure by examination — Four year accredited surveying degree
Application
Typed signed application, official transcripts, verified experience, references, exam verification and $60 fee.
Education
ABET-accredited four-year surveying baccalaureate curriculum under K.A.R. 66-9-5(b).
Exam Sequence
Pass FS and meet applicable surveying experience requirements before taking PS, under K.A.R. 66-8-4(c).
Prior Passed Examinations
Passing scores on currently offered FS and PS remain examination requirements even if obtained before this application.
Professional Experience
Four years of progressive surveying experience under K.A.R. 66-10-10a(a).
Reexamination
After the first unsuccessful attempt, two further attempts are allowed; a fourth or subsequent attempt requires Board permission and evidence that deficiencies have been addressed.
References
At least three licensed surveyor or engineer references familiar with the experience; at least one must be a surveyor.
State Part Credit
Transfer credit is available for a KSS part already passed.
Supervision
Experience after May 1, 1988 must be under the direct supervision of a licensed professional surveyor.
Licensure by examination — Twelve semester hours of approved surveying coursework
Application
Typed signed application, official transcripts, verified experience, references, exam verification and $60 fee.
Education
Twelve semester hours under K.A.R. 66-9-5(f): three each in surveying measurements and analysis, GPS surveying techniques, real property law, and boundary control and legal principles.
Exam Sequence
Pass FS and meet applicable surveying experience requirements before taking PS, under K.A.R. 66-8-4(c).
Prior Passed Examinations
Passing scores on currently offered FS and PS remain examination requirements even if obtained before this application.
Professional Experience
Eight years of surveying experience, at least six progressive, under K.A.R. 66-10-10c.
Reexamination
After the first unsuccessful attempt, two further attempts are allowed; a fourth or subsequent attempt requires Board permission and evidence that deficiencies have been addressed.
References
At least three licensed surveyor or engineer references familiar with the experience; at least one must be a surveyor.
State Part Credit
Transfer credit is available for a KSS part already passed.
Supervision
Experience after May 1, 1988 must be under the direct supervision of a licensed professional surveyor.
Licensure by examination — Board adopted surveying curriculum
Application
Typed signed application, official transcripts, verified experience, references, exam verification and $60 fee.
Education
Successful completion of the surveying curriculum adopted under K.A.R. 66-9-5(e).
Exam Sequence
Pass FS and meet applicable surveying experience requirements before taking PS, under K.A.R. 66-8-4(c).
Prior Passed Examinations
Passing scores on currently offered FS and PS remain examination requirements even if obtained before this application.
Professional Experience
Six years of surveying experience, at least four progressive, under K.A.R. 66-10-10a(b).
Reexamination
After the first unsuccessful attempt, two further attempts are allowed; a fourth or subsequent attempt requires Board permission and evidence that deficiencies have been addressed.
References
At least three licensed surveyor or engineer references familiar with the experience; at least one must be a surveyor.
State Part Credit
Transfer credit is available for a KSS part already passed.
Supervision
Experience after May 1, 1988 must be under the direct supervision of a licensed professional surveyor.
Expedited licensure through ordinary reciprocity under K.S.A. 48 3406(c)(1)
Application
Typed signed application, transcripts, verified experience, references, exam verification, original-jurisdiction license verification and $250 application fee.
Cross Reference
K.A.R. 66-8-8(c), amended in 2014, literally cites 66-8-4(a)(2), which the 2020 text identifies as PS. The current 66-8-4(a)(3) separately requires KSS, and the Board application and Surveyors page require both KSS parts for reciprocity applicants. The requirement tree retains the named currently offered examinations and records the exemption as an applicant condition.
Education
Educational qualifications at original licensure must satisfy the Kansas standard in effect on that date, under K.A.R. 66-9-7(a).
Eligibility
Military servicemember or spouse resident or planning residence due to assignment, or another person who has established or intends to establish Kansas residency.
Existing License
Hold a current license in the appropriate technical profession issued by another United States jurisdiction.
Experience
At least eight years of surveying experience, education, or a combination as prescribed; employer verification is required under K.A.R. 66-10-14(b).
Military Spouse Fees
Spouses of active military servicemembers are exempt from credential application and renewal fees under K.S.A. 48-3406(u).
National Exam Waiver
K.S.A. 74-7024 permits an examination exemption. K.A.R. 66-8-8(a) excuses reexamination when the original jurisdiction met the Kansas standards then in effect; subsection (b) permits acceptance where no national examination was required at original licensure. Qualifying scores on currently offered FS and PS remain leaves; other-jurisdiction assessments are applicant evidence only.
Processing
Complete application processed within 15 days for military applicants, 45 days for others.
References
At least three licensed surveyor or engineer references familiar with experience; at least one surveyor.
State Part Credit
A previously passed KSS part earns transfer credit.
Conversion to nonprobationary license on completion of probation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Completion
Complete a probationary period not exceeding six months; application information must be true.
Individual Conditions
Any additional testing, training or monitoring lawfully imposed under subsection (d) remains an applicant condition; no exact examination is named.
Prior License
License issued under 48-3406(c)(2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return to active practice from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Return to Practice application and $20 fee.
Compliance
Disclose any violations during inactive status.
Continuing Education
Provide documentation of 30 CEUs from the previous two years, including two on Kansas minimum standards; no reuse for the next renewal.
Prior Status
Existing Kansas license is inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity
Application
Typed signed application, transcripts, verified experience, references, exam verification, original-jurisdiction license verification and $250 application fee.
Cross Reference
K.A.R. 66-8-8(c), amended in 2014, literally cites 66-8-4(a)(2), which the 2020 text identifies as PS. The current 66-8-4(a)(3) separately requires KSS, and the Board application and Surveyors page require both KSS parts for reciprocity applicants. The requirement tree retains the named currently offered examinations and records the exemption as an applicant condition.
Education
Educational qualifications at original licensure must satisfy the Kansas standard in effect on that date, under K.A.R. 66-9-7(a).
Existing License
Hold a current license in the appropriate technical profession issued by another United States jurisdiction.
Experience
At least eight years of surveying experience, education, or a combination as prescribed; employer verification is required under K.A.R. 66-10-14(b).
National Exam Waiver
K.S.A. 74-7024 permits an examination exemption. K.A.R. 66-8-8(a) excuses reexamination when the original jurisdiction met the Kansas standards then in effect; subsection (b) permits acceptance where no national examination was required at original licensure. Qualifying scores on currently offered FS and PS remain leaves; other-jurisdiction assessments are applicant evidence only.
References
At least three licensed surveyor or engineer references familiar with experience; at least one surveyor.
State Part Credit
A previously passed KSS part earns transfer credit.
Licensure based on private certification and experience under K.S.A. 48 3406(f)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Decision
The statute says the applicant may receive a license; issuance depends on the Board determination.
Eligibility
Current valid private certification in good standing, at least two years of work, and a jurisdiction that does not regulate the occupation through occupational licensure or government certification.
Ordinary Board Instructions
The general Board application asks surveyors to pass PS and both KSS parts. The higher-ranked notwithstanding recognition statute supplies this distinct route; the Board application demand is retained as an applicant condition.
Other Conditions
Meet subsection (c)(2)(C)-(H), including conduct, good standing, criminal-record, financial-standing, fees and affidavit requirements; also meet subsection (a)(1).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on work experience under K.S.A. 48 3406(e)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Decision
The statute says the applicant may receive a license; issuance depends on the Board determination.
Eligibility
Worked at least three years during the preceding four in a jurisdiction that does not regulate the occupation through an occupational license, registration, certification or private certification.
Ordinary Board Instructions
The general Board application asks surveyors to pass PS and both KSS parts. The higher-ranked notwithstanding recognition statute supplies this distinct route; the Board application demand is retained as an applicant condition.
Other Conditions
Meet subsection (c)(2)(C)-(H), including conduct, good standing, criminal-record, financial-standing, fees and affidavit requirements; also meet subsection (a)(1).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after cancellation for nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Good cause, reinstatement application, required documents and $100 fee.
Continuing Education
Evidence of 30 CEUs earned within the previous two years, including two CEUs on Kansas minimum standards; these CEUs cannot be used for the next renewal.
Prior License
Kansas professional surveyor license cancelled for failure to renew.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
30 acceptable CEUs in the prior two-year period, including at least 24 HSPW and at least two CEUs of preapproved Kansas minimum standards training; dual-license and carryover rules apply.
Late Renewal
Within 60 days after expiration, renewal and late fees permit renewal; practice is prohibited until renewal or reinstatement.
Renewal
Renew biennially with fee; surnames A–L in even years and M–Z in odd years, expiring March 31.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance after revocation or removal of suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Discretion
Board may reissue or remove suspension for reasons it considers sufficient, with at least seven members voting in favor.
Case Conditions
Any Board conditions or orders remain applicant obligations; K.S.A. 74-7026(c) does not name an examination.
Fee
$100 for a replacement individual license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Resident Temporary Permit

Limited-period authorization under K.S.A. 48-3406(i) where the prior credential or experience does not authorize similar scope.

Licensing authority: State Board of Technical Professions

Resident temporary permit issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Decision
The Board may issue the limited-period permit unless public health and safety would be jeopardized.
Eligibility
Qualify under subsection (c)(2), (e) or (f), and the Board finds the scope not similar. Applicant is not a military servicemember or military spouse.
Unfinished Requirements
The permit allows practice while completing specific Kansas requirements absent from the original jurisdiction; subsection (j) limits testing to materially different Kansas law, knowledge or skills. Those unspecified requirements are conditions, not examination identities.

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

Kansas State Specific Land Surveying Examination — Part I

Provider
Kansas State Board of Technical Professions
Format
Open book; multiple choice
Exam fee
$50 per part
Examination outline
  • Kansas Minimum Standards for Property Boundary Standards (54%)
  • Rules & Statutes of the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions (27%)
  • Kansas State Plane and Coordinate System (11%)
  • Kansas Riparian Boundaries (8%)
Examination sources
  • specifications

    Part 1, complete content allocation and assessment format

  • specifications

    Successful results required on each part

  • kss registration

    Registration for Kansas State-Specific Exams; separate Part I and Part II choices and per-part fee

  • exam-rule

    K.A.R. 66-8-4(b)

  • kss-page

    Opening paragraph: both exam and reciprocity applicants

Kansas State Specific Land Surveying Examination — Part II

Provider
Kansas State Board of Technical Professions
Format
Open book; multiple choice and mathematical problems
Exam fee
$50 per part
Examination outline
  • Original GLO Procedures; the GLO system as it applies to KS; GLO Section Protraction (30%)
  • Numerical calculator problems applied to USPLSS for KS (Calc) (37%)
  • Resurveys of the US Public Land Survey System (33%)
Examination sources
  • specifications

    Part 2, complete content allocation and assessment format

  • specifications

    Successful results required on each part

  • kss registration

    Registration for Kansas State-Specific Exams; separate Part I and Part II choices and per-part fee

  • exam-rule

    K.A.R. 66-8-4(b)

  • kss-page

    Opening paragraph: both exam and reciprocity applicants

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