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Tennessee Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-TN · License preparation

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Professional Land Surveyor in Training (PLSIT)

Training certificate; all surveying work remains under a licensed professional land surveyor’s direct supervision.

Licensing authority: State Board of Examiners for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors · Application information

PLSIT certification — associate
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Complete PLSIT application, official transcripts, FS passing-score evidence, and $25 fee.
Character
Good character and reputation; applicant must speak and write English.
Education
Board-approved associate degree in surveying technology or a related science, engineering, or technical field.
Experience
Four years of progressive practical experience under the direct supervision of a practicing professional land surveyor.
References
Three character references, one from a professional land surveyor.
Supervision
The certificate does not authorize independent practice; surveying duties remain under the direct supervision and responsibility of a licensed professional land surveyor.
Surveying coursework
At least 30 semester hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.
PLSIT certification — high school
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Complete PLSIT application, official transcripts, FS passing-score evidence, and $25 fee.
Character
Good character and reputation; applicant must speak and write English.
Education
High school diploma or GED.
Experience
Six years of progressive practical experience under the direct supervision of a practicing professional land surveyor.
References
Three character references, one from a professional land surveyor.
Supervision
The certificate does not authorize independent practice; surveying duties remain under the direct supervision and responsibility of a licensed professional land surveyor.
Surveying coursework
The PLSIT high-school pathway has no stated surveying-coursework prerequisite in section 62-18-109(b)(1)(F)(v); the 18-hour requirement belongs to professional licensure.
PLSIT certification — related bachelors
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Complete PLSIT application, official transcripts, FS passing-score evidence, and $25 fee.
Character
Good character and reputation; applicant must speak and write English.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree of at least four years in a science, engineering, or technology curriculum related to land surveying.
References
Three character references, one from a professional land surveyor.
Supervision
The certificate does not authorize independent practice; surveying duties remain under the direct supervision and responsibility of a licensed professional land surveyor.
Surveying coursework
At least 24 semester hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.
PLSIT certification — surveying bachelors
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Complete PLSIT application, official transcripts, FS passing-score evidence, and $25 fee.
Character
Good character and reputation; applicant must speak and write English.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree from a surveying or surveying-technology curriculum of at least four years.
References
Three character references, one from a professional land surveyor.
Supervision
The certificate does not authorize independent practice; surveying duties remain under the direct supervision and responsibility of a licensed professional land surveyor.
PLSIT certification — unrelated bachelors
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Complete PLSIT application, official transcripts, FS passing-score evidence, and $25 fee.
Character
Good character and reputation; applicant must speak and write English.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree of at least four years in a curriculum unrelated to surveying.
References
Three character references, one from a professional land surveyor.
Supervision
The certificate does not authorize independent practice; surveying duties remain under the direct supervision and responsibility of a licensed professional land surveyor.
Surveying coursework
At least 36 additional semester hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.

Professional Land Surveyor

Registration authorizing the practice of professional land surveying in Tennessee.

Licensing authority: State Board of Examiners for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors · Application information

Biennial renewal of active registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
30 PDHs per biennial period, including at least 2 in surveying ethics and standards of practice; at most 15 PDHs carry forward. New-registration and hardship exemptions are subject to the rule.
Existing registration
Current active Tennessee professional land surveyor registration.
Fees
Renewal fee and any applicable late fees.
Implementation difference
The Board page exempts applicants licensed for less than two years at first renewal; Rule 0820-05-.03(3) exempts the initial one-year period and requires CE for the second year when the initial license includes two years. The rule controls.
Renewal period
Registration expires December 31 of each odd-numbered year; renewal opens 60 days beforehand.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Registration by comity — associate

All of the following:

Application
Complete application and required fees, official transcripts, and verification of experience.
Board review
The Board determines educational credit and may review qualifications at an interview; this is an applicant qualification review, not a separately identified examination.
Character
Good character and reputation.
Education
Board-approved associate degree in surveying technology or a related science, engineering, or technical field.
Equivalency review
Board May 2025 minutes apply section 62-18-109 or its equivalency to reciprocal applications; the current Board page calls this comity and does not offer automatic reciprocity.
Exam verification
Proof of prior FS and PS passes may be supplied by the applicant, NCEES profile, or another licensing board; proof of Tennessee TS passage is also required.
Existing license
Active professional land surveyor license in at least one other state or jurisdiction; the Board permits comity application without first acquiring a Tennessee PLSIT certificate.
Experience
Six years of progressive practical experience in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor.
Language
Applicant must speak and write English.
Plats
Two current survey plats with written legal descriptions, prepared under a registered land surveyor’s supervision and bearing the supervising surveyor’s seal and signature.
References
Five references, three of whom are professional land surveyors or Board-approved persons with personal knowledge of the applicant’s surveying experience.
Surveying coursework
At least 30 semester hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.
Registration by comity — high school

All of the following:

Application
Complete application and required fees, official transcripts, and verification of experience.
Board review
The Board determines educational credit and may review qualifications at an interview; this is an applicant qualification review, not a separately identified examination.
Character
Good character and reputation.
Education
High school diploma or GED.
Equivalency review
Board May 2025 minutes apply section 62-18-109 or its equivalency to reciprocal applications; the current Board page calls this comity and does not offer automatic reciprocity.
Exam verification
Proof of prior FS and PS passes may be supplied by the applicant, NCEES profile, or another licensing board; proof of Tennessee TS passage is also required.
Existing license
Active professional land surveyor license in at least one other state or jurisdiction; the Board permits comity application without first acquiring a Tennessee PLSIT certificate.
Experience
Ten years of progressive practical experience in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor.
Language
Applicant must speak and write English.
Plats
Two current survey plats with written legal descriptions, prepared under a registered land surveyor’s supervision and bearing the supervising surveyor’s seal and signature.
References
Five references, three of whom are professional land surveyors or Board-approved persons with personal knowledge of the applicant’s surveying experience.
Surveying coursework
At least 18 hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.
Registration by comity — related bachelors

All of the following:

Application
Complete application and required fees, official transcripts, and verification of experience.
Board review
The Board determines educational credit and may review qualifications at an interview; this is an applicant qualification review, not a separately identified examination.
Character
Good character and reputation.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree of at least four years in a science, engineering, or technology curriculum related to land surveying.
Equivalency review
Board May 2025 minutes apply section 62-18-109 or its equivalency to reciprocal applications; the current Board page calls this comity and does not offer automatic reciprocity.
Exam verification
Proof of prior FS and PS passes may be supplied by the applicant, NCEES profile, or another licensing board; proof of Tennessee TS passage is also required.
Existing license
Active professional land surveyor license in at least one other state or jurisdiction; the Board permits comity application without first acquiring a Tennessee PLSIT certificate.
Experience
Two years of progressive practical experience in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor.
Language
Applicant must speak and write English.
Plats
Two current survey plats with written legal descriptions, prepared under a registered land surveyor’s supervision and bearing the supervising surveyor’s seal and signature.
References
Five references, three of whom are professional land surveyors or Board-approved persons with personal knowledge of the applicant’s surveying experience.
Surveying coursework
At least 24 semester hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.
Registration by comity — surveying bachelors

All of the following:

Application
Complete application and required fees, official transcripts, and verification of experience.
Board review
The Board determines educational credit and may review qualifications at an interview; this is an applicant qualification review, not a separately identified examination.
Character
Good character and reputation.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree from a surveying or surveying-technology curriculum of at least four years.
Equivalency review
Board May 2025 minutes apply section 62-18-109 or its equivalency to reciprocal applications; the current Board page calls this comity and does not offer automatic reciprocity.
Exam verification
Proof of prior FS and PS passes may be supplied by the applicant, NCEES profile, or another licensing board; proof of Tennessee TS passage is also required.
Existing license
Active professional land surveyor license in at least one other state or jurisdiction; the Board permits comity application without first acquiring a Tennessee PLSIT certificate.
Experience
Two years of progressive practical experience in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor.
Language
Applicant must speak and write English.
Plats
Two current survey plats with written legal descriptions, prepared under a registered land surveyor’s supervision and bearing the supervising surveyor’s seal and signature.
References
Five references, three of whom are professional land surveyors or Board-approved persons with personal knowledge of the applicant’s surveying experience.
Registration by comity — unrelated bachelors

All of the following:

Application
Complete application and required fees, official transcripts, and verification of experience.
Board review
The Board determines educational credit and may review qualifications at an interview; this is an applicant qualification review, not a separately identified examination.
Character
Good character and reputation.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree of at least four years in a curriculum unrelated to surveying.
Equivalency review
Board May 2025 minutes apply section 62-18-109 or its equivalency to reciprocal applications; the current Board page calls this comity and does not offer automatic reciprocity.
Exam verification
Proof of prior FS and PS passes may be supplied by the applicant, NCEES profile, or another licensing board; proof of Tennessee TS passage is also required.
Existing license
Active professional land surveyor license in at least one other state or jurisdiction; the Board permits comity application without first acquiring a Tennessee PLSIT certificate.
Experience
Two years of progressive practical experience in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor.
Language
Applicant must speak and write English.
Plats
Two current survey plats with written legal descriptions, prepared under a registered land surveyor’s supervision and bearing the supervising surveyor’s seal and signature.
References
Five references, three of whom are professional land surveyors or Board-approved persons with personal knowledge of the applicant’s surveying experience.
Surveying coursework
At least 36 additional semester hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.
Registration by examination — associate

All of the following:

Application
Complete application and required fees, official transcripts, and verification of experience.
Board review
The Board determines educational credit and may review qualifications at an interview; this is an applicant qualification review, not a separately identified examination.
Character
Good character and reputation.
Education
Board-approved associate degree in surveying technology or a related science, engineering, or technical field.
Experience
Six years of progressive practical experience in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor.
Language
Applicant must speak and write English.
Plat narrative
The Board’s examination-route page also requires a separate detailed narrative of the applicant’s role, and plats modified to Tennessee requirements marked FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES.
Plats
Two current survey plats with written legal descriptions, prepared under a registered land surveyor’s supervision and bearing the supervising surveyor’s seal and signature.
References
Five references, three of whom are professional land surveyors or Board-approved persons with personal knowledge of the applicant’s surveying experience.
Surveying coursework
At least 30 semester hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.
Training certificate
Obtain PLSIT certification before applying to upgrade. FS is retained as a currently offered examination required for that certification, even when passed before this application.
Registration by examination — high school

All of the following:

Application
Complete application and required fees, official transcripts, and verification of experience.
Board review
The Board determines educational credit and may review qualifications at an interview; this is an applicant qualification review, not a separately identified examination.
Character
Good character and reputation.
Education
High school diploma or GED.
Experience
Ten years of progressive practical experience in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor.
Language
Applicant must speak and write English.
Plat narrative
The Board’s examination-route page also requires a separate detailed narrative of the applicant’s role, and plats modified to Tennessee requirements marked FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES.
Plats
Two current survey plats with written legal descriptions, prepared under a registered land surveyor’s supervision and bearing the supervising surveyor’s seal and signature.
References
Five references, three of whom are professional land surveyors or Board-approved persons with personal knowledge of the applicant’s surveying experience.
Surveying coursework
At least 18 hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.
Training certificate
Obtain PLSIT certification before applying to upgrade. FS is retained as a currently offered examination required for that certification, even when passed before this application.
Registration by examination — related bachelors

All of the following:

Application
Complete application and required fees, official transcripts, and verification of experience.
Board review
The Board determines educational credit and may review qualifications at an interview; this is an applicant qualification review, not a separately identified examination.
Character
Good character and reputation.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree of at least four years in a science, engineering, or technology curriculum related to land surveying.
Experience
Two years of progressive practical experience in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor.
Language
Applicant must speak and write English.
Plat narrative
The Board’s examination-route page also requires a separate detailed narrative of the applicant’s role, and plats modified to Tennessee requirements marked FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES.
Plats
Two current survey plats with written legal descriptions, prepared under a registered land surveyor’s supervision and bearing the supervising surveyor’s seal and signature.
References
Five references, three of whom are professional land surveyors or Board-approved persons with personal knowledge of the applicant’s surveying experience.
Surveying coursework
At least 24 semester hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.
Training certificate
Obtain PLSIT certification before applying to upgrade. FS is retained as a currently offered examination required for that certification, even when passed before this application.
Registration by examination — surveying bachelors

All of the following:

Application
Complete application and required fees, official transcripts, and verification of experience.
Board review
The Board determines educational credit and may review qualifications at an interview; this is an applicant qualification review, not a separately identified examination.
Character
Good character and reputation.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree from a surveying or surveying-technology curriculum of at least four years.
Experience
Two years of progressive practical experience in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor.
Language
Applicant must speak and write English.
Plat narrative
The Board’s examination-route page also requires a separate detailed narrative of the applicant’s role, and plats modified to Tennessee requirements marked FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES.
Plats
Two current survey plats with written legal descriptions, prepared under a registered land surveyor’s supervision and bearing the supervising surveyor’s seal and signature.
References
Five references, three of whom are professional land surveyors or Board-approved persons with personal knowledge of the applicant’s surveying experience.
Training certificate
Obtain PLSIT certification before applying to upgrade. FS is retained as a currently offered examination required for that certification, even when passed before this application.
Registration by examination — unrelated bachelors

All of the following:

Application
Complete application and required fees, official transcripts, and verification of experience.
Board review
The Board determines educational credit and may review qualifications at an interview; this is an applicant qualification review, not a separately identified examination.
Character
Good character and reputation.
Education
Board-approved baccalaureate degree of at least four years in a curriculum unrelated to surveying.
Experience
Two years of progressive practical experience in responsible charge of duties under a practicing professional land surveyor.
Language
Applicant must speak and write English.
Plat narrative
The Board’s examination-route page also requires a separate detailed narrative of the applicant’s role, and plats modified to Tennessee requirements marked FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES.
Plats
Two current survey plats with written legal descriptions, prepared under a registered land surveyor’s supervision and bearing the supervising surveyor’s seal and signature.
References
Five references, three of whom are professional land surveyors or Board-approved persons with personal knowledge of the applicant’s surveying experience.
Surveying coursework
At least 36 additional semester hours of Board-approved surveying-science coursework.
Training certificate
Obtain PLSIT certification before applying to upgrade. FS is retained as a currently offered examination required for that certification, even when passed before this application.
Reactivate inactive registration — at least one year but less than two years
Tennessee State Specific Land Surveying Examination (practice unavailable)
Alternative to exam
Rule 0820-05-.07(1)(a) permits CE instead: biennial PDHs multiplied by inactive years, capped at 30; the TS examination is a leaf because it is an expressly named current alternative.
Board page
The Board page describes a CE-based return to active status; the rule also identifies the TS exam alternative.
Fees
Written request and $25 fee.
Overlapping ce rule
Paragraph (2) independently requires the biennial PDHs for periods of less than two years; retain that requirement with the paragraph (1) exam alternative.
Prior status
Inactive for at least one year but less than two years.
Score age
If using TS for paragraph (1)(b), pass within one year immediately before applying for reinstatement.
Reactivate inactive registration — at least two years
Tennessee State Specific Land Surveying Examination (practice unavailable)
Alternative to exam
Rule 0820-05-.07(1)(a) permits CE instead: biennial PDHs multiplied by inactive years, capped at 30; the TS examination is a leaf because it is an expressly named current alternative.
Board page
The Board page describes a CE-based return to active status; the rule also identifies the TS exam alternative.
Fees
Written request and $25 fee.
Prior status
Inactive for at least two years.
Score age
If using TS for paragraph (1)(b), pass within one year immediately before applying for reinstatement.
Reactivate registration inactive for less than one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Meet the biennial PDH requirement under Rule 0820-05-.07(2).
Prior status
Inactive for less than one year.
Request
Request active status and attest that no practice or use of title occurred while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within one year of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Applicable biennial continuing-education requirements remain prerequisites to active renewal.
Expiration
Registration expired no more than one year ago; practice is not authorized while registration is expired.
Fees
Renewal fee plus Board-set monthly penalty.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited full licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current statute
Current T.C.A. 4-3-1304(d) separately allows qualifying active servicemembers and spouses stationed in Tennessee to practice on current, good-standing out-of-state licenses with reasonably similar standards after written submission to Tennessee jurisdiction and notice registration; Tennessee licensure must be sought before the other license expires or within one year of beginning Tennessee practice, whichever is first.
Equivalency
Out-of-state certification or licensure requirements must be substantially equivalent in the Board’s opinion; application and regular-license fees are required.
Rule eligibility
Rule 0820-01-.07(1) invokes T.C.A. 4-3-1304(d)(1). The obtained current statute uses that numbering for definitions, with notice-based out-of-state license recognition in paragraph (2). Applicant eligibility and acceptance of an expedited or temporary-license application require the Board’s determination; the obsolete cross-reference is not silently rewritten.
Scope
This route is the issuance or continuation described by the still-published Rule 0820-01-.07. The rule names no currently offered examination for this pathway. Any Board-specified additional qualification is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal following National Guard or reserve activation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Statutory CE relief requires qualifying military-duty circumstances and waiver request, or documented performance of the occupation in military duties.
Deadline
Statute provides six months after release; the lower-ranked rule states one year. Apply the statutory six-month period.
Fees
Late fees and penalties are waived.
Military service
National Guard or reserve member whose registration expired during activation; provide supporting activation documentation.
Other requirements
Statute exempts other acts typically required for renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of temporary license to full licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Completion
Complete the Board’s additional requirements and provide the proof it requires; full-license issuance remains subject to compelling reasons for denial. Its issuance date is the initial temporary-license date and its expiration is calculated from that date.
Current statute
Current T.C.A. 4-3-1304(d) separately allows qualifying active servicemembers and spouses stationed in Tennessee to practice on current, good-standing out-of-state licenses with reasonably similar standards after written submission to Tennessee jurisdiction and notice registration; Tennessee licensure must be sought before the other license expires or within one year of beginning Tennessee practice, whichever is first.
Rule eligibility
Rule 0820-01-.07(1) invokes T.C.A. 4-3-1304(d)(1). The obtained current statute uses that numbering for definitions, with notice-based out-of-state license recognition in paragraph (2). Applicant eligibility and acceptance of an expedited or temporary-license application require the Board’s determination; the obsolete cross-reference is not silently rewritten.
Scope
This route is the issuance or continuation described by the still-published Rule 0820-01-.07. The rule names no currently offered examination for this pathway. Any Board-specified additional qualification is an applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after expired registration — more than four years

All of the following:

Application
Reapply for professional land surveyor registration.
Board implementation
Board page requests five references, three professional land surveyors, in addition to 30 PDHs completed within the two years before reapplication.
Expiration
More than four years
Implementation quote
Any person seeking renewal of a registration more than one (1) year after the expiration date is required to reapply for registration.   Complete the reinstatement application online at core.tn.gov . Expired less than four (4) years: Provide proof of completion of 30 PDHs completed within the two years preceding the date of reapplication. Expired more than four (4) years: Provide proof of completion of 30 PDHs completed within the two years preceding the date of reapplication, and provide five (5) references, three (3) being Professional Land Surveyors (PLS). Please have the reference form filled out and returned to you, as the completed form is required to be provided to us alongside the online application.
Prior scores
The sources do not state that every applicant must retake every examination; passing-score history and any Board waiver determine the applicant’s obligations.
Waiver
T.C.A. 62-18-114(c): the Board may, in its discretion, waive any further examination. The registered FS, PS and Tennessee examinations remain leaves as current registration examinations; waiver applies to the applicant.
Reapplication after expired registration — more than one year and no more than four years

All of the following:

Application
Reapply for professional land surveyor registration.
Board implementation
Board page requests proof of 30 PDHs completed within the two years before reapplication.
Expiration
More than one year and no more than four years
Implementation quote
Any person seeking renewal of a registration more than one (1) year after the expiration date is required to reapply for registration.   Complete the reinstatement application online at core.tn.gov . Expired less than four (4) years: Provide proof of completion of 30 PDHs completed within the two years preceding the date of reapplication. Expired more than four (4) years: Provide proof of completion of 30 PDHs completed within the two years preceding the date of reapplication, and provide five (5) references, three (3) being Professional Land Surveyors (PLS). Please have the reference form filled out and returned to you, as the completed form is required to be provided to us alongside the online application.
Prior scores
The sources do not state that every applicant must retake every examination; passing-score history and any Board waiver determine the applicant’s obligations.
Waiver
T.C.A. 62-18-114(c): the Board may, in its discretion, waive any further examination. The registered FS, PS and Tennessee examinations remain leaves as current registration examinations; waiver applies to the applicant.
Reinstate retired license — at least one year

All of the following:

Application
Acceptable reinstatement application and full active-license renewal fee.
Board implementation
The current Board page describes a retired-to-active return using renewal fees, a no-practice attestation and CE capped at 30 hours. The statute controls examination involvement.
Lower ranked rule
Rule 0820-05-.07 describes CE or a TS pass within the prior year for periods of one year or more, and CE for periods under two years; these do not remove examination requirements stated by the statute.
Lower ranked rule quote
(1) An inactive or retired registrant seeking to reinstate an inactive or retired registration of one (1) year or more must submit a request in writing to the Board with a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and must satisfy one (1) of the following requirements: (a) Satisfaction of the biennial PDH requirement multiplied by the number of years of inactive or retired status up to a maximum of thirty (30) PDH’s; or (b) Successful completion of the Tennessee State Specific Land Surveying examination within one (1) year immediately prior to application for reinstatement.
Prior status
Retired for at least one year.
Short period rule quote
(2) An inactive or retired registrant seeking to reinstate an inactive or retired registration of less than two (2) years must meet the biennial PDH requirement.
Statutory requirement
T.C.A. 62-18-128(c) requires fulfillment of all chapter requirements, including successful completion of all examination requirements. Current FS, PS and TS are retained; the statute does not specify a new passing date for FS or PS.
Reinstate retired license — less than one year

All of the following:

Application
Acceptable reinstatement application and full active-license renewal fee.
Board implementation
The current Board page describes a retired-to-active return using renewal fees, a no-practice attestation and CE capped at 30 hours. The statute controls examination involvement.
Lower ranked rule
Rule 0820-05-.07 describes CE or a TS pass within the prior year for periods of one year or more, and CE for periods under two years; these do not remove examination requirements stated by the statute.
Lower ranked rule quote
(1) An inactive or retired registrant seeking to reinstate an inactive or retired registration of one (1) year or more must submit a request in writing to the Board with a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and must satisfy one (1) of the following requirements: (a) Satisfaction of the biennial PDH requirement multiplied by the number of years of inactive or retired status up to a maximum of thirty (30) PDH’s; or (b) Successful completion of the Tennessee State Specific Land Surveying examination within one (1) year immediately prior to application for reinstatement.
Prior status
Retired for less than one year.
Short period rule quote
(2) An inactive or retired registrant seeking to reinstate an inactive or retired registration of less than two (2) years must meet the biennial PDH requirement.
Statutory requirement
T.C.A. 62-18-128(c) requires fulfillment of all chapter requirements, including successful completion of all examination requirements. Current FS, PS and TS are retained; the statute does not specify a new passing date for FS or PS.

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

Tennessee State Specific Land Surveying Examination

Provider
PSI
Format
Computer-based, multiple choice, closed book
Exam questions
30 scored items
Time limit
2 hours
Passing score
Rule 0820-01-.03(2): at least 70% on each of two subparts
Examination outline
  • Mathematics applied to land surveying
    • The applicant should be able to apply the principles of algebra, plane geometry, and trigonometry to land surveying problems of regular, irregular, and curvilinear boundaries.
  • Fundamentals of surveying
    • The applicant should have a thorough knowledge of the legal aspects of land surveying and land surveying terms; consistency of angular and linear measurements, the interrelation of errors; steel tape corrections; instrument care and adjustment, the Tennessee Coordinate System; astronomical observations for azimuth; meridian or longitude and parallel of latitude; magnetic declination; magnetic variation; and magnetic bearings, true bearings, differential leveling; profile leveling; cross sections; cut sheets; the theory and use of stadia; topographic surveying; and control surveys by triangulation and traverse, for both ground and aerial surveys.
  • Surveying of areas for their correction, determination and description
    • The applicant should be able to plot and write property descriptions, obtain property descriptions from legal records and lay out and monument such property; he or she should know the relative weights legally to be given monuments, distance, bearings, angles, and areas in the redetermination of old boundaries; he or she should be able to determine the directions of lines of a traverse by the deflection angles and by azimuths; he or she should be able to compute latitudes and departures, determine missing data from descriptions, adjust a traverse for closure error, compute coordinates of traverse points, and compute areas of irregular parcels including those bounded by curvilinear courses.
  • Surveying of areas for the conveyancing of land and for the establishment and reestablishment of internal and external land boundaries, and the plotting of land and subdivisions thereof
    • The applicant should be able to divide areas into smaller tracts; determine the internal and external boundaries thereof; determine missing data from descriptions; lay out and plot roads, street and sidewalks, topography, and contours setting forth road grades, and determining drainage on the surface, reducing topographic notes; interpolate contours from elevations; prepare topographic maps using ground surveys and aerial surveys with photogrammetric methods of compiling aerial photographs; and compute horizontal curves and vertical curves.
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