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Mississippi Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Professional Surveyor

Individual professional surveying license, including initial, comity, recognition and restoration pathways.

Licensing authority: Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors · Application information

Comity associate 62 hours
Application instruction currency
May 2025 application instructions cite former statutory numbering and older exam-approval instructions. Current Rule 5.4 allows direct NCEES FS/PPS scheduling without Board approval.
Character
Good character and reputation; sworn application; full name and Social Security number or applicable affidavit; application fee. See §73-13-23(5), §73-13-25 and Rule 5.6.
Course curriculum
Where 62 semester hours are required: surveying 12, mathematics 6, technical courses 6, graphics 6, English 6, electives 26; GPA at least 2.00/4.00. Related science means engineering, mathematics, forestry, GIS, cartography or Board-approved similar science.
Documentation
With an NCEES Record, transmit the Record; without one, provide transcripts where education-based, exam and license verification and references. Applicants with ten or more years of licensed practice may use peers; those with less than ten years need supervisor verification. Board may require additional documentation.
Education
Associate degree or equivalent in a Board-approved curriculum with 62 semester hours of surveying curriculum.
Equivalent examinations
Board equivalency discretion under Rule 5.7 is an applicant condition; the currently offered FS and PS remain leaves. Examinations of another country or another state are prior qualification conditions, not leaves.
Examination timing
FS and PPS must be passed before applying for professional licensure; Mississippi Section citation follows satisfaction of experience and all statutory/rule requirements.
Experience
At least 7 years of qualifying surveying experience.
Prior licensure
Current licensure and good standing with another NCEES member Board; at least fourteen hours of NCEES surveying examinations or Board-determined equivalent under Rule 5.7.
Qualifying experience
Experience must be completed when applying and be progressive; field, office, records research and boundary-line work count. Initial applicants need boundary-line work for at least 50% of the required period. Rule 5.2 controls qualifying supervision.
References
At least five references, at least three professional surveyors. Initial applicants need a supervisor reference dated within six months. Rule 5.3 governs reference currency; NCEES-record comity uses a reference within twelve months, other comity within six months.
Residency
Mississippi residency is not required for comity.
Comity experience
Application instruction currency
May 2025 application instructions cite former statutory numbering and older exam-approval instructions. Current Rule 5.4 allows direct NCEES FS/PPS scheduling without Board approval.
Character
Good character and reputation; sworn application; full name and Social Security number or applicable affidavit; application fee. See §73-13-23(5), §73-13-25 and Rule 5.6.
Course curriculum
Where 62 semester hours are required: surveying 12, mathematics 6, technical courses 6, graphics 6, English 6, electives 26; GPA at least 2.00/4.00. Related science means engineering, mathematics, forestry, GIS, cartography or Board-approved similar science.
Documentation
With an NCEES Record, transmit the Record; without one, provide transcripts where education-based, exam and license verification and references. Applicants with ten or more years of licensed practice may use peers; those with less than ten years need supervisor verification. Board may require additional documentation.
Education
High-school diploma or equivalent.
Equivalent examinations
Board equivalency discretion under Rule 5.7 is an applicant condition; the currently offered FS and PS remain leaves. Examinations of another country or another state are prior qualification conditions, not leaves.
Examination timing
FS and PPS must be passed before applying for professional licensure; Mississippi Section citation follows satisfaction of experience and all statutory/rule requirements.
Experience
At least 12 years of qualifying surveying experience.
Prior licensure
Current licensure and good standing with another NCEES member Board; at least fourteen hours of NCEES surveying examinations or Board-determined equivalent under Rule 5.7.
Qualifying experience
Experience must be completed when applying and be progressive; field, office, records research and boundary-line work count. Initial applicants need boundary-line work for at least 50% of the required period. Rule 5.2 controls qualifying supervision.
References
At least five references, at least three professional surveyors. Initial applicants need a supervisor reference dated within six months. Rule 5.3 governs reference currency; NCEES-record comity uses a reference within twelve months, other comity within six months.
Residency
Mississippi residency is not required for comity.
Comity related science 62 hours
Application instruction currency
May 2025 application instructions cite former statutory numbering and older exam-approval instructions. Current Rule 5.4 allows direct NCEES FS/PPS scheduling without Board approval.
Character
Good character and reputation; sworn application; full name and Social Security number or applicable affidavit; application fee. See §73-13-23(5), §73-13-25 and Rule 5.6.
Course curriculum
Where 62 semester hours are required: surveying 12, mathematics 6, technical courses 6, graphics 6, English 6, electives 26; GPA at least 2.00/4.00. Related science means engineering, mathematics, forestry, GIS, cartography or Board-approved similar science.
Documentation
With an NCEES Record, transmit the Record; without one, provide transcripts where education-based, exam and license verification and references. Applicants with ten or more years of licensed practice may use peers; those with less than ten years need supervisor verification. Board may require additional documentation.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a Board-approved related science with 62 semester hours of surveying curriculum.
Equivalent examinations
Board equivalency discretion under Rule 5.7 is an applicant condition; the currently offered FS and PS remain leaves. Examinations of another country or another state are prior qualification conditions, not leaves.
Examination timing
FS and PPS must be passed before applying for professional licensure; Mississippi Section citation follows satisfaction of experience and all statutory/rule requirements.
Experience
At least 5 years of qualifying surveying experience.
Prior licensure
Current licensure and good standing with another NCEES member Board; at least fourteen hours of NCEES surveying examinations or Board-determined equivalent under Rule 5.7.
Qualifying experience
Experience must be completed when applying and be progressive; field, office, records research and boundary-line work count. Initial applicants need boundary-line work for at least 50% of the required period. Rule 5.2 controls qualifying supervision.
References
At least five references, at least three professional surveyors. Initial applicants need a supervisor reference dated within six months. Rule 5.3 governs reference currency; NCEES-record comity uses a reference within twelve months, other comity within six months.
Residency
Mississippi residency is not required for comity.
Comity related science bachelor
Application instruction currency
May 2025 application instructions cite former statutory numbering and older exam-approval instructions. Current Rule 5.4 allows direct NCEES FS/PPS scheduling without Board approval.
Character
Good character and reputation; sworn application; full name and Social Security number or applicable affidavit; application fee. See §73-13-23(5), §73-13-25 and Rule 5.6.
Course curriculum
Where 62 semester hours are required: surveying 12, mathematics 6, technical courses 6, graphics 6, English 6, electives 26; GPA at least 2.00/4.00. Related science means engineering, mathematics, forestry, GIS, cartography or Board-approved similar science.
Documentation
With an NCEES Record, transmit the Record; without one, provide transcripts where education-based, exam and license verification and references. Applicants with ten or more years of licensed practice may use peers; those with less than ten years need supervisor verification. Board may require additional documentation.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a Board-approved related science.
Equivalent examinations
Board equivalency discretion under Rule 5.7 is an applicant condition; the currently offered FS and PS remain leaves. Examinations of another country or another state are prior qualification conditions, not leaves.
Examination timing
FS and PPS must be passed before applying for professional licensure; Mississippi Section citation follows satisfaction of experience and all statutory/rule requirements.
Experience
At least 6 years of qualifying surveying experience.
Prior licensure
Current licensure and good standing with another NCEES member Board; at least fourteen hours of NCEES surveying examinations or Board-determined equivalent under Rule 5.7.
Qualifying experience
Experience must be completed when applying and be progressive; field, office, records research and boundary-line work count. Initial applicants need boundary-line work for at least 50% of the required period. Rule 5.2 controls qualifying supervision.
References
At least five references, at least three professional surveyors. Initial applicants need a supervisor reference dated within six months. Rule 5.3 governs reference currency; NCEES-record comity uses a reference within twelve months, other comity within six months.
Residency
Mississippi residency is not required for comity.
Comity surveying bachelor
Application instruction currency
May 2025 application instructions cite former statutory numbering and older exam-approval instructions. Current Rule 5.4 allows direct NCEES FS/PPS scheduling without Board approval.
Character
Good character and reputation; sworn application; full name and Social Security number or applicable affidavit; application fee. See §73-13-23(5), §73-13-25 and Rule 5.6.
Course curriculum
Where 62 semester hours are required: surveying 12, mathematics 6, technical courses 6, graphics 6, English 6, electives 26; GPA at least 2.00/4.00. Related science means engineering, mathematics, forestry, GIS, cartography or Board-approved similar science.
Documentation
With an NCEES Record, transmit the Record; without one, provide transcripts where education-based, exam and license verification and references. Applicants with ten or more years of licensed practice may use peers; those with less than ten years need supervisor verification. Board may require additional documentation.
Education
Board-approved bachelor’s degree in geomatics, surveying or surveying technology, minimum 120 semester hours of surveying curriculum.
Equivalent examinations
Board equivalency discretion under Rule 5.7 is an applicant condition; the currently offered FS and PS remain leaves. Examinations of another country or another state are prior qualification conditions, not leaves.
Examination timing
FS and PPS must be passed before applying for professional licensure; Mississippi Section citation follows satisfaction of experience and all statutory/rule requirements.
Experience
At least 4 years of qualifying surveying experience.
Prior licensure
Current licensure and good standing with another NCEES member Board; at least fourteen hours of NCEES surveying examinations or Board-determined equivalent under Rule 5.7.
Qualifying experience
Experience must be completed when applying and be progressive; field, office, records research and boundary-line work count. Initial applicants need boundary-line work for at least 50% of the required period. Rule 5.2 controls qualifying supervision.
References
At least five references, at least three professional surveyors. Initial applicants need a supervisor reference dated within six months. Rule 5.3 governs reference currency; NCEES-record comity uses a reference within twelve months, other comity within six months.
Residency
Mississippi residency is not required for comity.
Initial licensure associate 62 hours
Application instruction currency
May 2025 application instructions cite former statutory numbering and older exam-approval instructions. Current Rule 5.4 allows direct NCEES FS/PPS scheduling without Board approval.
Character
Good character and reputation; sworn application; full name and Social Security number or applicable affidavit; application fee. See §73-13-23(5), §73-13-25 and Rule 5.6.
Course curriculum
Where 62 semester hours are required: surveying 12, mathematics 6, technical courses 6, graphics 6, English 6, electives 26; GPA at least 2.00/4.00. Related science means engineering, mathematics, forestry, GIS, cartography or Board-approved similar science.
Education
Associate degree or equivalent in a Board-approved curriculum with 62 semester hours of surveying curriculum.
Examination timing
FS and PPS must be passed before applying for professional licensure; Mississippi Section citation follows satisfaction of experience and all statutory/rule requirements.
Experience
At least 7 years of qualifying surveying experience.
Language
Initial applicants whose primary language is not English must provide TOEFL PBT >=550, TOEFL iBT >=79 or IELTS >=6.5, taken within two years, unless they received a degree in an English-speaking country.
Qualifying experience
Experience must be completed when applying and be progressive; field, office, records research and boundary-line work count. Initial applicants need boundary-line work for at least 50% of the required period. Rule 5.2 controls qualifying supervision.
References
At least five references, at least three professional surveyors. Initial applicants need a supervisor reference dated within six months. Rule 5.3 governs reference currency; NCEES-record comity uses a reference within twelve months, other comity within six months.
Residency
Mississippi domicile is required for initial licensure. Rule 5.6 permits otherwise-qualified military personnel, spouses and dependents assigned to a Mississippi military installation to apply despite out-of-state legal residence.
Initial licensure experience
Application instruction currency
May 2025 application instructions cite former statutory numbering and older exam-approval instructions. Current Rule 5.4 allows direct NCEES FS/PPS scheduling without Board approval.
Character
Good character and reputation; sworn application; full name and Social Security number or applicable affidavit; application fee. See §73-13-23(5), §73-13-25 and Rule 5.6.
Course curriculum
Where 62 semester hours are required: surveying 12, mathematics 6, technical courses 6, graphics 6, English 6, electives 26; GPA at least 2.00/4.00. Related science means engineering, mathematics, forestry, GIS, cartography or Board-approved similar science.
Education
High-school diploma or equivalent.
Examination timing
FS and PPS must be passed before applying for professional licensure; Mississippi Section citation follows satisfaction of experience and all statutory/rule requirements.
Experience
At least 12 years of qualifying surveying experience.
Language
Initial applicants whose primary language is not English must provide TOEFL PBT >=550, TOEFL iBT >=79 or IELTS >=6.5, taken within two years, unless they received a degree in an English-speaking country.
Qualifying experience
Experience must be completed when applying and be progressive; field, office, records research and boundary-line work count. Initial applicants need boundary-line work for at least 50% of the required period. Rule 5.2 controls qualifying supervision.
References
At least five references, at least three professional surveyors. Initial applicants need a supervisor reference dated within six months. Rule 5.3 governs reference currency; NCEES-record comity uses a reference within twelve months, other comity within six months.
Residency
Mississippi domicile is required for initial licensure. Rule 5.6 permits otherwise-qualified military personnel, spouses and dependents assigned to a Mississippi military installation to apply despite out-of-state legal residence.
Initial licensure related science 62 hours
Application instruction currency
May 2025 application instructions cite former statutory numbering and older exam-approval instructions. Current Rule 5.4 allows direct NCEES FS/PPS scheduling without Board approval.
Character
Good character and reputation; sworn application; full name and Social Security number or applicable affidavit; application fee. See §73-13-23(5), §73-13-25 and Rule 5.6.
Course curriculum
Where 62 semester hours are required: surveying 12, mathematics 6, technical courses 6, graphics 6, English 6, electives 26; GPA at least 2.00/4.00. Related science means engineering, mathematics, forestry, GIS, cartography or Board-approved similar science.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a Board-approved related science with 62 semester hours of surveying curriculum.
Examination timing
FS and PPS must be passed before applying for professional licensure; Mississippi Section citation follows satisfaction of experience and all statutory/rule requirements.
Experience
At least 5 years of qualifying surveying experience.
Language
Initial applicants whose primary language is not English must provide TOEFL PBT >=550, TOEFL iBT >=79 or IELTS >=6.5, taken within two years, unless they received a degree in an English-speaking country.
Qualifying experience
Experience must be completed when applying and be progressive; field, office, records research and boundary-line work count. Initial applicants need boundary-line work for at least 50% of the required period. Rule 5.2 controls qualifying supervision.
References
At least five references, at least three professional surveyors. Initial applicants need a supervisor reference dated within six months. Rule 5.3 governs reference currency; NCEES-record comity uses a reference within twelve months, other comity within six months.
Residency
Mississippi domicile is required for initial licensure. Rule 5.6 permits otherwise-qualified military personnel, spouses and dependents assigned to a Mississippi military installation to apply despite out-of-state legal residence.
Initial licensure related science bachelor
Application instruction currency
May 2025 application instructions cite former statutory numbering and older exam-approval instructions. Current Rule 5.4 allows direct NCEES FS/PPS scheduling without Board approval.
Character
Good character and reputation; sworn application; full name and Social Security number or applicable affidavit; application fee. See §73-13-23(5), §73-13-25 and Rule 5.6.
Course curriculum
Where 62 semester hours are required: surveying 12, mathematics 6, technical courses 6, graphics 6, English 6, electives 26; GPA at least 2.00/4.00. Related science means engineering, mathematics, forestry, GIS, cartography or Board-approved similar science.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a Board-approved related science.
Examination timing
FS and PPS must be passed before applying for professional licensure; Mississippi Section citation follows satisfaction of experience and all statutory/rule requirements.
Experience
At least 6 years of qualifying surveying experience.
Language
Initial applicants whose primary language is not English must provide TOEFL PBT >=550, TOEFL iBT >=79 or IELTS >=6.5, taken within two years, unless they received a degree in an English-speaking country.
Qualifying experience
Experience must be completed when applying and be progressive; field, office, records research and boundary-line work count. Initial applicants need boundary-line work for at least 50% of the required period. Rule 5.2 controls qualifying supervision.
References
At least five references, at least three professional surveyors. Initial applicants need a supervisor reference dated within six months. Rule 5.3 governs reference currency; NCEES-record comity uses a reference within twelve months, other comity within six months.
Residency
Mississippi domicile is required for initial licensure. Rule 5.6 permits otherwise-qualified military personnel, spouses and dependents assigned to a Mississippi military installation to apply despite out-of-state legal residence.
Initial licensure surveying bachelor
Application instruction currency
May 2025 application instructions cite former statutory numbering and older exam-approval instructions. Current Rule 5.4 allows direct NCEES FS/PPS scheduling without Board approval.
Character
Good character and reputation; sworn application; full name and Social Security number or applicable affidavit; application fee. See §73-13-23(5), §73-13-25 and Rule 5.6.
Course curriculum
Where 62 semester hours are required: surveying 12, mathematics 6, technical courses 6, graphics 6, English 6, electives 26; GPA at least 2.00/4.00. Related science means engineering, mathematics, forestry, GIS, cartography or Board-approved similar science.
Education
Board-approved bachelor’s degree in geomatics, surveying or surveying technology, minimum 120 semester hours of surveying curriculum.
Examination timing
FS and PPS must be passed before applying for professional licensure; Mississippi Section citation follows satisfaction of experience and all statutory/rule requirements.
Experience
At least 4 years of qualifying surveying experience.
Language
Initial applicants whose primary language is not English must provide TOEFL PBT >=550, TOEFL iBT >=79 or IELTS >=6.5, taken within two years, unless they received a degree in an English-speaking country.
Qualifying experience
Experience must be completed when applying and be progressive; field, office, records research and boundary-line work count. Initial applicants need boundary-line work for at least 50% of the required period. Rule 5.2 controls qualifying supervision.
References
At least five references, at least three professional surveyors. Initial applicants need a supervisor reference dated within six months. Rule 5.3 governs reference currency; NCEES-record comity uses a reference within twelve months, other comity within six months.
Residency
Mississippi domicile is required for initial licensure. Rule 5.6 permits otherwise-qualified military personnel, spouses and dependents assigned to a Mississippi military installation to apply despite out-of-state legal residence.
Reinstatement lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cpc
12 PDHs obtained in the past year, including 1 ethics and 1 Mississippi Standards of Practice PDH.
Good standing
Good standing with the Board, completed application and applicable back fees.
Prior license
Lapsed Mississippi Professional Surveyor license; Board forms distinguish reinstatement retaining the number for a lapse shorter than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Late renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Boundary
Section 73-13-31 requires a new application at six months or more; Rule 6.6 describes more than six months. At six months follow the statute.
Cpc
Renewal CPC requirements apply.
Existing license
Expired license within the late-renewal interval; current Board renewal page accepts late renewals through June 30.
Fee
Renewal fee plus 10% for each delayed month.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-11-21.

Reinstatement after revocation
Application
Explain the requested reinstatement, show that current licensure/enrollment requirements have been met and good standing; Board grants a hearing and decides reinstatement.
Cpc
For reinstating a professional license, 12 PDHs in the past year including ethics and Mississippi Standards under Rule 6.7.
Prior passes
Existing passes of currently offered FS/PS/state examinations are leaves; whether further sitting is required is determined for the applicant.
Revocation
Wait at least two years after final revocation, or five years for a crime of moral turpitude and restoration of civil rights.
Relicensure after extended lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cpc
Current Rule 6.7 requires half the biennial PDHs (12), including ethics and Mississippi Standards, during the past year.
Older board instruction
The linked January 2012 Board instructions quote former §73-13-85: "reexamination in the principles and practice may be required" after five years, waivable for continued practice elsewhere. The current §73-13-31 and mandatory reinstatement in Rule 6.7 control this route; this lower-ranked instruction is retained for the applicant.
Older instruction quote
Mississippi’s statute (73-13-85) states, “If a certificate (of licensure) has expired for six (6) months or more, the licensee shall be required to submit a new application, paying back fees and submitting proof of continuing professional competency compliance. If the certificate has expired for five (5) years or more, in addition to submitting a new application and proof of continuing professional competency compliance, reexamination in the principles and practice may be required. The reexamination requirement may be waived by the board provided the applicant has continued to practice in another jurisdiction from the date of expiration of this certificate.”
Prior license
Board forms offer relicensure with a new number after more than five years of lapse.
References
Five references, at least three professional surveyors, sworn application and applicable fee under §73-13-25.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cpc
24 PDHs each biennial period; 1 ethics PDH. Mississippi Standards: 1 PDH annually for five or fewer years of Mississippi licensure, otherwise 1 each biennial period; Rule 6.4 exemptions apply.
Existing license
Existing active Professional Surveyor license.
Renewal
Initial year ends December 31; subsequent renewals are biennial. File online and pay the fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-11-21.

Reactivation from retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Reinstatement application and evidence of good standing.
Cpc
12 PDHs in the past year including 1 ethics and 1 Mississippi Standards of Practice PDH.
Prior status
Retired Mississippi Professional Surveyor.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-11-21.

Restoration after support suspension administrative
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Division must notify the licensing entity in writing that arrears are cleared or a stipulated agreement and agreed judgment has been entered; entity immediately reinstates.
Suspension
License suspended under §93-11-157 for support noncompliance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Restoration after support suspension court
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
Court orders reinstatement when delinquency is purged; applicable administrative reinstatement fees.
Suspension
License suspended on a court order under §93-11-163.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Mississippi Section Examination

Provider
Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors
Format
Closed-book computer-based examination; multiple-choice questions
Exam questions
100
Time limit
2 hours
Passing score
70 points out of 100
Examination outline
  • General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management (30%)
  • Standards of Practice (20%)
  • State Plane Coordinates (5%)
  • Licensure Law (10%)
  • General Knowledge (15%)
  • Rules and Regulations (20%)
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