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Pennsylvania Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-PA · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Surveyor-in-Training

Surveyor-in-training certificate; valid without time limitation until professional licensure; not authority for independent practice.

Licensing authority: State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists · Application information

Surveyor in training certification — associate degree
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Board approval and required application, documentation and fees through PALS.
Certificate duration
No time limitation; remains certified until professional licensure.
Character
Good moral character; statutory English-language requirement.
Military processing
A documented military applicant receives expedited processing under 63 Pa.C.S. §3302; relocation under military orders exempts a military spouse from initial-license fees under §3306.
Qualification
Graduate from an ABET-accredited associate-degree surveying-technology curriculum.
Surveyor in training certification — bachelors degree
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Board approval and required application, documentation and fees through PALS.
Certificate duration
No time limitation; remains certified until professional licensure.
Character
Good moral character; statutory English-language requirement.
Military processing
A documented military applicant receives expedited processing under 63 Pa.C.S. §3302; relocation under military orders exempts a military spouse from initial-license fees under §3306.
Qualification
Graduate from an ABET-accredited four-year civil-engineering curriculum with at least 10 surveying credit hours or an ABET-accredited four-year surveying curriculum. A currently enrolled student who has completed two years may take FS with Board approval; certification requires graduation.
Surveyor in training certification — equivalent experience
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Board approval and required application, documentation and fees through PALS.
Certificate duration
No time limitation; remains certified until professional licensure.
Character
Good moral character; statutory English-language requirement.
Military processing
A documented military applicant receives expedited processing under 63 Pa.C.S. §3302; relocation under military orders exempts a military spouse from initial-license fees under §3306.
Qualification
Six years of progressive surveying experience and equivalent knowledge, skill and education, including at least 25% field and 25% office experience; references required by §37.48.
Surveyor in training certification with military education or experience credit
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Education
Credit substantially equivalent military training and experience at Board discretion under §§3303–3304.
Military status
Document qualifying military status.
Other requirements
All noneducational requirements and FS passage remain applicable.
Practice
At least two of the preceding five years in active practice, including relevant military duties.
Reinstatement of a suspended surveyor in training certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board determination
A majority of all Board members must determine reinstatement of the suspended certificate just and proper; comply with applicable orders.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New certificate application after revocation
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Prior scores
Board acceptance of a previously obtained FS score is an applicant condition; FS remains a leaf.
Qualifications
Meet applicable current surveyor-in-training qualification, character and examination requirements.
Waiting period
Act 367 §4(g) requires a new application after five years, subject to its court-order exception.

Professional Land Surveyor

Full professional license to practice land surveying in Pennsylvania.

Licensing authority: State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists · Application information

Licensure by endorsement under 63 Pa.C.S. §3111 and 49 Pa. Code §37.20
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply in the Board-prescribed form and pay applicable fees; interview and additional competency documentation may be requested.
Board bulletin exam demand
March 2026 Pearson bulletin, p.1, states for an already licensed applicant: "pleted the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying"; "examination and the Principles and Practices of"; "• Successful completion of the State Specific"; "Land Surveyor examination, this is a mandatory"; "requirement." These statements describe the conventional application and may be raised by the Board.
Competency
At least two of the last five years actively practicing in the issuing jurisdiction, or 24 qualifying PDH completed in the 24 months before application.
Conduct
No disqualifying conduct or discipline, unless the Board exercises the discretion allowed by §37.20(c).
License elsewhere
Current license, certificate, registration or permit in good standing in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent or greater requirements; provide current law with enactment date and a verified professional translation if needed.
Source ranking
The exhaustive §3111(a) and §37.20 endorsement conditions provide no examination slot. The broader March 2026 Pearson bulletin is lower-ranked and does not expressly distinguish Act 41; its demand is retained as an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation following deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Applicable continuing-education extension under §3305(c), and other reactivation requirements.
Eligibility
Renewal period occurred during deployment outside Pennsylvania; seek reactivation within one month after deployment ends.
Penalty
Board may reactivate without penalty; the statute also applies to a military spouse residing with the servicemember during deployment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal for deployed servicemember or accompanying military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Advance submission
Submit all renewal requirements before deployment; Board processes renewal when the next renewal opens.
Continuing education
Extension up to six months after deployment ends when all other renewal requirements are met.
Deployment
Service member deployed outside Pennsylvania during renewal, or military spouse residing with the service member.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Grandfather licensure by examination — associate degree

All of the following:

Application
Apply through PALS, submit supporting documents and applicable fees, and obtain Board examination approval before registration.
Background check
The March 2026 bulletin requires criminal-history checks dated within 180 days of application for jurisdictions of residence or work in the preceding five years.
Character
Good moral character; the Registration Law also requires speaking and writing English.
Examination order
Pass FS before admission to PS and the state-specific examination.
Experience supervision
Experience under a professional or equivalently qualified surveyor; sufficient for responsible charge and at least 25% field and 25% office work.
Grandfather eligibility
Qualifying degree before June 30, 1994, or qualifying experience begun before February 19, 1991, under §37.49(a).
Military processing
A documented military applicant receives expedited processing under 63 Pa.C.S. §3302; relocation under military orders exempts a military spouse from initial-license fees under §3306.
Qualifications
ABET-accredited associate surveying degree and four years of progressive surveying experience.
References
Provide five references under 49 Pa. Code §37.48, at least three unrelated U.S.-licensed professional land surveyors; remaining qualified references and any required curriculum vitae must meet that section.
Grandfather licensure by examination — bachelors degree

All of the following:

Application
Apply through PALS, submit supporting documents and applicable fees, and obtain Board examination approval before registration.
Background check
The March 2026 bulletin requires criminal-history checks dated within 180 days of application for jurisdictions of residence or work in the preceding five years.
Character
Good moral character; the Registration Law also requires speaking and writing English.
Examination order
Pass FS before admission to PS and the state-specific examination.
Experience supervision
Experience under a professional or equivalently qualified surveyor; sufficient for responsible charge and at least 25% field and 25% office work.
Grandfather eligibility
Qualifying degree before June 30, 1994, or qualifying experience begun before February 19, 1991, under §37.49(a).
Military processing
A documented military applicant receives expedited processing under 63 Pa.C.S. §3302; relocation under military orders exempts a military spouse from initial-license fees under §3306.
Qualifications
ABET-accredited undergraduate civil-engineering degree with at least 10 surveying credit hours and four years of progressive surveying experience.
References
Provide five references under 49 Pa. Code §37.48, at least three unrelated U.S.-licensed professional land surveyors; remaining qualified references and any required curriculum vitae must meet that section.
Grandfather licensure by examination — experience only

All of the following:

Application
Apply through PALS, submit supporting documents and applicable fees, and obtain Board examination approval before registration.
Background check
The March 2026 bulletin requires criminal-history checks dated within 180 days of application for jurisdictions of residence or work in the preceding five years.
Character
Good moral character; the Registration Law also requires speaking and writing English.
Examination order
Pass FS before admission to PS and the state-specific examination.
Experience supervision
Experience under a professional or equivalently qualified surveyor; sufficient for responsible charge and at least 25% field and 25% office work.
Grandfather eligibility
Qualifying degree before June 30, 1994, or qualifying experience begun before February 19, 1991, under §37.49(a).
Military processing
A documented military applicant receives expedited processing under 63 Pa.C.S. §3302; relocation under military orders exempts a military spouse from initial-license fees under §3306.
Qualifications
Ten years of progressive land-surveying experience, including five years in responsible charge of primary land-surveying functions.
References
Provide five references under 49 Pa. Code §37.48, at least three unrelated U.S.-licensed professional land surveyors; remaining qualified references and any required curriculum vitae must meet that section.
Initial licensure by examination — teaching experience

All of the following:

Application
Apply through PALS, submit supporting documents and applicable fees, and obtain Board examination approval before registration.
Background check
The March 2026 bulletin requires criminal-history checks dated within 180 days of application for jurisdictions of residence or work in the preceding five years.
Character
Good moral character; the Registration Law also requires speaking and writing English.
Education or equivalent experience
An ABET-accredited four-year civil-engineering degree with at least 10 surveying credit hours or four-year surveying degree; an ABET-accredited associate surveying-technology degree; or six years of equivalent progressive surveying experience, with at least 25% field and 25% office experience, under §37.47(1).
Experience sequence board bulletin
The March 2026 Pearson bulletin states experience must be performed after issuance of the surveyor-in-training certificate. Current §37.47, amended effective February 7, 2026, and Act 367 §4.3(c) require qualifying experience before application but do not impose that sequence; the current statute and rule control. Bulletin wording: "land surveying work performed after the issu-" / "ance of the surveyor-in-training certificate".
Military processing
A documented military applicant receives expedited processing under 63 Pa.C.S. §3302; relocation under military orders exempts a military spouse from initial-license fees under §3306.
Qualifying experience
Four years of progressive full-time faculty teaching in an ABET-accredited surveying curriculum under a professional or equivalently qualified surveyor; third-year, fourth-year or graduate courses covering the breadth and depth of the curriculum.
References
Provide five references under 49 Pa. Code §37.48, at least three unrelated U.S.-licensed professional land surveyors; remaining qualified references and any required curriculum vitae must meet that section.
Surveyor in training
Be certified as a surveyor-in-training; FS passage remains a currently offered examination requirement even when completed before professional application.
Initial licensure by examination — work experience

All of the following:

Application
Apply through PALS, submit supporting documents and applicable fees, and obtain Board examination approval before registration.
Background check
The March 2026 bulletin requires criminal-history checks dated within 180 days of application for jurisdictions of residence or work in the preceding five years.
Character
Good moral character; the Registration Law also requires speaking and writing English.
Education or equivalent experience
An ABET-accredited four-year civil-engineering degree with at least 10 surveying credit hours or four-year surveying degree; an ABET-accredited associate surveying-technology degree; or six years of equivalent progressive surveying experience, with at least 25% field and 25% office experience, under §37.47(1).
Experience sequence board bulletin
The March 2026 Pearson bulletin states experience must be performed after issuance of the surveyor-in-training certificate. Current §37.47, amended effective February 7, 2026, and Act 367 §4.3(c) require qualifying experience before application but do not impose that sequence; the current statute and rule control. Bulletin wording: "land surveying work performed after the issu-" / "ance of the surveyor-in-training certificate".
Military processing
A documented military applicant receives expedited processing under 63 Pa.C.S. §3302; relocation under military orders exempts a military spouse from initial-license fees under §3306.
Qualifying experience
Four years of progressive surveying work under a professional or equivalently qualified surveyor, sufficient to qualify for responsible charge, before examination application.
References
Provide five references under 49 Pa. Code §37.48, at least three unrelated U.S.-licensed professional land surveyors; remaining qualified references and any required curriculum vitae must meet that section.
Surveyor in training
Be certified as a surveyor-in-training; FS passage remains a currently offered examination requirement even when completed before professional application.
Licensure with military education or experience credit

All of the following:

Application
Apply through PALS, submit supporting documents and applicable fees, and obtain Board examination approval before registration.
Education
Board may license a military applicant not meeting the educational requirement; credit substantially equivalent military training and experience using the Military Occupational Codes Crosswalk.
Military status
Document status as a servicemember, veteran or military spouse.
Other requirements
Meet all other noneducational requirements, obtain Board approval and pass all required examinations; statutory issuance is discretionary.
Practice
At least two of the preceding five years in active practice, including relevant military duties.
Licensure without examination on NCEES certificate of qualifications under Act 367 §4(b)(2)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The statute expressly permits licensure without examination. This route represents that discretionary waiver; obtaining an NCEES Record alone does not guarantee issuance.
Certificate
Hold the statute-named certificate of qualifications issued by the National Bureau of Engineering Registration of NCEES; the Board must find its qualifications at least equal to Pennsylvania standards.
Character
Good moral character; the Registration Law also requires speaking and writing English.
Scope
The source identifies a certificate of qualifications, not an additional named examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after lapsed or inactive registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Current registration fee and reactivation application verifying time without Pennsylvania practice.
Continuing education
Complete delinquent continuing education, no more than 24 PDH, unless excused for good cause; this is additional to the reactivation biennium requirement.
Unlicensed practice
Late fees apply when practice occurred during a lapse; absence of practice avoids preceding-cycle late fees, and payment does not prevent discipline.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity under Act 367 §4(b)(1)

All of the following:

Application
Apply through PALS, submit supporting documents and applicable fees, and obtain Board examination approval before registration.
Character
Good moral character; the Registration Law also requires speaking and writing English.
Exam history
Current Board materials require prior FS and PS passage and the Pennsylvania state-specific examination; previously passed current examinations remain leaves.
License elsewhere
Unexpired license or registration from another jurisdiction whose standards at initial issuance were at least equal to Pennsylvania standards; reciprocal treatment of Pennsylvania licensees required.
References
Provide five references under 49 Pa. Code §37.48, at least three unrelated U.S.-licensed professional land surveyors; remaining qualified references and any required curriculum vitae must meet that section.
Waiver
Act 367 §4(b)(1) permits licensure without examination; the waiver is discretionary, while current Board implementing materials demand the identified examinations.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
24 PDH per biennium under §37.111 and Act §4.5, with statutory exemptions and permitted carryover.
Disclosures
Other professional licenses, disciplinary matters and criminal charges or convictions as required by §37.19(c).
Initial exemption
No PDH requirement during the initial licensure period.
Military
Deployment accommodations apply under 63 Pa.C.S. §3305.
Renewal
Submit renewal application and fee; registration expires September 30 of odd-numbered years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of restricted license to ordinary licensure

All of the following:

Eligibility
Conditional on issuance and successful completion of an applicable restricted-license term; Board implementation of restricted issuance remains a separate secondary note.
Ordinary qualifications
Meet all other qualifications for professional land-surveyor licensure under the practice act. Prior examination passage and any Board acceptance of earlier scores are applicant conditions; currently offered required examinations remain leaves.
Restricted license compliance
Supervising licensee provides compliance notice within 30 days of conclusion of the restricted term.
Return from retired status to active practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Request active status and pay applicable registration dues before resuming practice.
Continuing education
Complete professional-development hours for the years exempted, capped at the annual requirement for two years, and satisfy applicable reactivation requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after revocation

All of the following:

Prior scores
Acceptance of earlier passing scores is an applicant condition; the currently offered required examinations remain leaves irrespective of when passed.
Qualifications
Meet applicable current initial-license education, experience, character and examination requirements.
Waiting period
Act 367 §4(g) requires a new application after five years; reinstatement of the revoked license is prohibited absent court order.
Reinstatement of a suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board determination
A majority of all Board members must determine reinstatement just and proper; comply with applicable individual disciplinary orders.
Scope
This is restoration of a suspended license, not initial issuance after revocation.

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

Pennsylvania State Specific Land Surveyor examination (PLS)

Examination outline
  • Pennsylvania Professional Practice
    • Registration Law – Act 367, as amended
    • Professional Standards
    • Professional Ethics
    • Statute of Limitations/Statute of Repose
    • State Plane Coordinates
  • Unique Pennsylvania Legal Aspects
    • Record Research
    • Retracement Surveys
    • Senior Rights – Sequential Conveyances in a Subdivision
    • Rights-of-Way
    • Easements
    • Riparian Rights
    • Writing Boundary Descriptions
    • Municipal Planning Code (Act 247)
    • Condominiums
    • Other Statutes
  • Minor Engineering/Land Development Design
    • Stormwater Runoff/Hydrology
    • Rational Method
    • SCS I TR-55
    • Stormwater Management Systems
    • Hydraulics – pipes/swales
    • Detention Facilities
    • Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control
    • Roadway Design
    • Sanitary Sewer Extensions
    • On-Site Sewage Facilities
    • Permits
    • Penn Dot highway occupancy
    • DEP – stream encroachments, planning modules, sewer extensions, erosion and sediment pollution control, wetlands, etc.
    • SCS
    • Utilities
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