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Texas Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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

Provisional License or Registration

Provisional form of RPLS registration: criminal-history pathway under §53.0211 or pending military alternative licensing under §55.004(b-1).

Licensing authority: Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors · Application information

Interim provisional license pending military alternative licensing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Qualifying military applicant under §134.29(b) and §55.004(a)(2), formerly holding the corresponding Texas credential within five years.
Pending Application
On receipt of a qualifying alternative-license application, the agency promptly issues the provisional license while processing the application or issues the requested full license. No examination is prescribed for the interim issuance.
Term
Expires on approval or denial of the full-license application or on the 180th day after provisional issuance, whichever occurs first.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Provisional rpls reciprocal issuance under §53.0211
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, legal name and social security number, fee, transcripts, supplementary experience record and at least three reference statements; previously submitted documentation or an NCEES record may be accepted under §134.21.
Conduct
New offenses, revocation of supervision or breach of practice laws/rules require revocation of the provisional license.
Course Distribution
If SIT certification is waived, the specified 9 surveying, 3 land law and 6 mathematics hours apply to reciprocal applications received after January 1, 2026 (§134.31(b)(4)).
Criminal History
Disclose required criminal-history information and submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check unless previously submitted as permitted; Board approval remains subject to eligibility review.
Criminal History Eligibility
The Board may issue a provisional license under §53.0211 to an otherwise qualified applicant with eligible prior convictions, subject to that section’s exclusions and any additional Board conditions under §134.11(4).
Degree
Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including 32 semester hours of Board-acceptable coursework under §1071.254(a)(4).
Degree Waiver
A bachelor’s-degree waiver may be authorized only on the statutory findings of sufficient qualifications and no threat to public health, safety or welfare (§1071.254(c)).
English
Speak and write English; an English-taught accredited degree, qualifying TOEFL score (550 written, 200 computer or 95 internet) or Board-acceptable academic or work evidence may establish proficiency.
Exam Sequence
The current statute §1071.254(a)(2) and pinned RPLS application page require a passing PS score before the RPLS/TSSE application. The older PS & TSSE FAQ states: A: No. You may take either exam in any order. You can also continue to take exams in any order if you do not pass the first time until you have passed both exams. The statutory prerequisite controls.
Experience
Provide an acceptable supplementary experience record. An FS waiver requires at least four years of creditable post-licensure surveying experience under §134.69(b).
Fs Waiver
Request the FS waiver in writing at application; it is available only to eligible out-of-state registration holders with at least four years of creditable post-licensure surveying experience and no threat to public health, safety or welfare. FS remains a leaf because the route involves the currently offered exam, with waiver as a condition.
Immigration
Applicants who are citizens of another country must provide immigration documentation sufficient for professional-license eligibility.
Military Credit And Fees
Qualifying military applicants receive statutory training/education credit and fee relief; these are applicant conditions, not separate examinations.
Prior PS
Reciprocal applicants must have previously passed NCEES PS and must pass TSSE; a previously passed current examination remains a leaf.
Score Recognition
Official verification of passing FS or PS scores avoids retaking those examinations (§134.61(g)); a passed TSSE is not retaken (§134.67(i)).
Sit Certification
Reciprocal application is available to a current professional land surveyor licensed or registered in another U.S. jurisdiction with substantially equivalent standards under §1071.259 and §134.25; waiver of registration requirements is determined by the Board.
Supervision
If on community supervision, mandatory supervision or parole, give the authority probation/parole department contact information.
Term
The §53.0211 provisional license has a 12-month term; an imprisoned applicant’s term begins on release.
Tsse Attempts
Approval allows no more than three TSSE attempts within four years. After unsuccessful attempts, reapplication requires one additional year of qualifying experience or six additional semester hours in relevant college courses; military extensions are available under §134.61(i).
Provisional rpls standard issuance under §53.0211
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, legal name and social security number, fee, transcripts, supplementary experience record and at least three reference statements; previously submitted documentation or an NCEES record may be accepted under §134.21.
Conduct
New offenses, revocation of supervision or breach of practice laws/rules require revocation of the provisional license.
Course Distribution
For an RPLS applicant whose SIT application was after January 1, 2026, the 32 hours include at least 9 surveying, 3 land law and 6 mathematics hours under §134.31(b). Other acceptable subjects are civil engineering, photogrammetry, forestry and physical sciences.
Criminal History
Disclose required criminal-history information and submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check unless previously submitted as permitted; Board approval remains subject to eligibility review.
Criminal History Eligibility
The Board may issue a provisional license under §53.0211 to an otherwise qualified applicant with eligible prior convictions, subject to that section’s exclusions and any additional Board conditions under §134.11(4).
Degree
Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including 32 semester hours of Board-acceptable coursework under §1071.254(a)(4).
Degree Waiver
A bachelor’s-degree waiver may be authorized only on the statutory findings of sufficient qualifications and no threat to public health, safety or welfare (§1071.254(c)).
English
Speak and write English; an English-taught accredited degree, qualifying TOEFL score (550 written, 200 computer or 95 internet) or Board-acceptable academic or work evidence may establish proficiency.
Exam Sequence
The current statute §1071.254(a)(2) and pinned RPLS application page require a passing PS score before the RPLS/TSSE application. The older PS & TSSE FAQ states: A: No. You may take either exam in any order. You can also continue to take exams in any order if you do not pass the first time until you have passed both exams. The statutory prerequisite controls.
Experience
At least two years of Board-satisfactory delegated-responsible-charge experience as an SIT under a qualified licensed or registered surveyor.
Immigration
Applicants who are citizens of another country must provide immigration documentation sufficient for professional-license eligibility.
Military Credit And Fees
Qualifying military applicants receive statutory training/education credit and fee relief; these are applicant conditions, not separate examinations.
Score Recognition
Official verification of passing FS or PS scores avoids retaking those examinations (§134.61(g)); a passed TSSE is not retaken (§134.67(i)).
Sit Certification
Hold a current Texas SIT certificate before applying under §134.21(b).
Supervision
If on community supervision, mandatory supervision or parole, give the authority probation/parole department contact information.
Term
The §53.0211 provisional license has a 12-month term; an imprisoned applicant’s term begins on release.
Tsse Attempts
Approval allows no more than three TSSE attempts within four years. After unsuccessful attempts, reapplication requires one additional year of qualifying experience or six additional semester hours in relevant college courses; military extensions are available under §134.61(i).

Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS)

Individual registration to practice professional land surveying. Inactive or retired designations are statuses of this registration.

Licensing authority: Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors · Application information

New registration after expiration of two or more years
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, legal name and social security number, fee, transcripts, supplementary experience record and at least three reference statements; previously submitted documentation or an NCEES record may be accepted under §134.21.
Course Distribution
For an RPLS applicant whose SIT application was after January 1, 2026, the 32 hours include at least 9 surveying, 3 land law and 6 mathematics hours under §134.31(b). Other acceptable subjects are civil engineering, photogrammetry, forestry and physical sciences.
Criminal History
Disclose required criminal-history information and submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check unless previously submitted as permitted; Board approval remains subject to eligibility review.
Degree
Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including 32 semester hours of Board-acceptable coursework under §1071.254(a)(4).
Degree Waiver
A bachelor’s-degree waiver may be authorized only on the statutory findings of sufficient qualifications and no threat to public health, safety or welfare (§1071.254(c)).
English
Speak and write English; an English-taught accredited degree, qualifying TOEFL score (550 written, 200 computer or 95 internet) or Board-acceptable academic or work evidence may establish proficiency.
Exam Sequence
The current statute §1071.254(a)(2) and pinned RPLS application page require a passing PS score before the RPLS/TSSE application. The older PS & TSSE FAQ states: A: No. You may take either exam in any order. You can also continue to take exams in any order if you do not pass the first time until you have passed both exams. The statutory prerequisite controls.
Experience
At least two years of Board-satisfactory delegated-responsible-charge experience as an SIT under a qualified licensed or registered surveyor.
Former Registration
Original registration expired at least two years ago; meet current original-registration requirements. Previously passed current exams need not be retaken. A discontinued former RPLS examination score is prior evidence only.
Immigration
Applicants who are citizens of another country must provide immigration documentation sufficient for professional-license eligibility.
Military Credit And Fees
Qualifying military applicants receive statutory training/education credit and fee relief; these are applicant conditions, not separate examinations.
Score Recognition
Official verification of passing FS or PS scores avoids retaking those examinations (§134.61(g)); a passed TSSE is not retaken (§134.67(i)).
Sit Certification
Hold a current Texas SIT certificate before applying under §134.21(b).
Tsse Attempts
Approval allows no more than three TSSE attempts within four years. After unsuccessful attempts, reapplication requires one additional year of qualifying experience or six additional semester hours in relevant college courses; military extensions are available under §134.61(i).
Updated Records
New application and fee, updated supplementary experience covering at least the last two years, three references with verification of the required experience, and fingerprints unless previously submitted. A new serial number is assigned.
Inactive or retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Designation
Use an allowed professional designation only with Inactive or Retired; this is a status of the existing credential, not a separate professional authorization.
Renewal
Pay inactive renewal fees; continuing-education requirements are suspended while inactive.
Request
Request inactive status in writing at any time; no surveying practice is permitted.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Expired for no more than 90 days.
Requirements
Required renewal and late fees and CE documentation under §138.9; for the one-to-two-year route CE covers each delinquent year or part thereof. Renewal restrictions, fingerprint requirements and documented military penalty relief continue to apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Late renewal between one and two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Expired more than one year but less than two years.
Requirements
Required renewal and late fees and CE documentation under §138.9; for the one-to-two-year route CE covers each delinquent year or part thereof. Renewal restrictions, fingerprint requirements and documented military penalty relief continue to apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Late renewal between 90 days and one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
Expired more than 90 days but less than one year.
Requirements
Required renewal and late fees and CE documentation under §138.9; for the one-to-two-year route CE covers each delinquent year or part thereof. Renewal restrictions, fingerprint requirements and documented military penalty relief continue to apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Renewal of military expedited license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License History
License was issued through §55.005 military expedited licensing.
Renewal Requirements
The agency determines renewal requirements and notifies the holder in writing or electronically under §55.006; ordinary surveying renewal requirements and any applicable military relief apply. No examination is specified in §55.006 or the surveying renewal rule.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Military extension of late renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Extension
The Board may grant up to two additional years to renew an expired license or registration. Submit applicable renewal materials and document military service for statutory late-penalty relief.
Military Status
Military service member within the definition referenced by §138.9(d).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Military alternative licensing for former Texas license holders
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, legal name and social security number, fee, transcripts, supplementary experience record and at least three reference statements; previously submitted documentation or an NCEES record may be accepted under §134.21.
Course Distribution
For an RPLS applicant whose SIT application was after January 1, 2026, the 32 hours include at least 9 surveying, 3 land law and 6 mathematics hours under §134.31(b). Other acceptable subjects are civil engineering, photogrammetry, forestry and physical sciences.
Criminal History
Disclose required criminal-history information and submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check unless previously submitted as permitted; Board approval remains subject to eligibility review.
Degree
Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including 32 semester hours of Board-acceptable coursework under §1071.254(a)(4).
Degree Waiver
A bachelor’s-degree waiver may be authorized only on the statutory findings of sufficient qualifications and no threat to public health, safety or welfare (§1071.254(c)).
English
Speak and write English; an English-taught accredited degree, qualifying TOEFL score (550 written, 200 computer or 95 internet) or Board-acceptable academic or work evidence may establish proficiency.
Exam Sequence
The current statute §1071.254(a)(2) and pinned RPLS application page require a passing PS score before the RPLS/TSSE application. The older PS & TSSE FAQ states: A: No. You may take either exam in any order. You can also continue to take exams in any order if you do not pass the first time until you have passed both exams. The statutory prerequisite controls.
Experience
At least two years of Board-satisfactory delegated-responsible-charge experience as an SIT under a qualified licensed or registered surveyor.
Immigration
Applicants who are citizens of another country must provide immigration documentation sufficient for professional-license eligibility.
Military Credit And Fees
Qualifying military applicants receive statutory training/education credit and fee relief; these are applicant conditions, not separate examinations.
Military Status
Military service member, military veteran or military spouse who held the applicable Texas RPLS registration or LSLS license within five years preceding application (§134.29(b)).
Prerequisite Waiver
The executive director may waive any prerequisite after reviewing credentials under §55.004(b). The default named examinations remain involved; whether an individual is excused is a condition.
Processing
Expedited full issuance under §55.005 must confer ordinary-license rights; the interim provisional authority is separately stated in §55.004(b-1).
Scope Determination
The Board’s §134.29(c) determination rejects similarly scoped licenses for purposes of §§55.004 and 55.0041; no reciprocal-recognition route is inferred from another jurisdiction.
Score Recognition
Official verification of passing FS or PS scores avoids retaking those examinations (§134.61(g)); a passed TSSE is not retaken (§134.67(i)).
Sit Certification
Hold a current Texas SIT certificate before applying under §134.21(b).
Tsse Attempts
Approval allows no more than three TSSE attempts within four years. After unsuccessful attempts, reapplication requires one additional year of qualifying experience or six additional semester hours in relevant college courses; military extensions are available under §134.61(i).
New license for former Texas holder practicing elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Previously licensed in Texas, moved away, currently licensed elsewhere, and practicing there throughout the two years preceding application.
Fee
Pay twice the normal renewal fee. Section 1001.278 expressly authorizes a new license without reexamination.
Overriding Statute
The general reapplication rules remain applicant guidance; this special statutory route controls its no-reexamination eligibility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Full license after §53.0211 provisional term
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Provisional Term
Complete the provisional term without any conduct requiring revocation under §53.0211(d). The full-license conversion in subsection (e) imposes no new examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Inactive one year or less: 12 CE units. Inactive more than one year: 24 units earned within two years before reactivation.
Frequency
Inactive-to-active change is allowed only once during a renewal period; return within the same period requires its full CE.
Requirements
Written request, applicable renewal fee, fingerprints unless previously supplied, and required continuing education. No reinstatement examination is required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Reciprocal registration
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, legal name and social security number, fee, transcripts, supplementary experience record and at least three reference statements; previously submitted documentation or an NCEES record may be accepted under §134.21.
Course Distribution
If SIT certification is waived, the specified 9 surveying, 3 land law and 6 mathematics hours apply to reciprocal applications received after January 1, 2026 (§134.31(b)(4)).
Criminal History
Disclose required criminal-history information and submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check unless previously submitted as permitted; Board approval remains subject to eligibility review.
Degree
Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including 32 semester hours of Board-acceptable coursework under §1071.254(a)(4).
Degree Waiver
A bachelor’s-degree waiver may be authorized only on the statutory findings of sufficient qualifications and no threat to public health, safety or welfare (§1071.254(c)).
English
Speak and write English; an English-taught accredited degree, qualifying TOEFL score (550 written, 200 computer or 95 internet) or Board-acceptable academic or work evidence may establish proficiency.
Exam Sequence
The current statute §1071.254(a)(2) and pinned RPLS application page require a passing PS score before the RPLS/TSSE application. The older PS & TSSE FAQ states: A: No. You may take either exam in any order. You can also continue to take exams in any order if you do not pass the first time until you have passed both exams. The statutory prerequisite controls.
Experience
Provide an acceptable supplementary experience record. An FS waiver requires at least four years of creditable post-licensure surveying experience under §134.69(b).
Fs Waiver
Request the FS waiver in writing at application; it is available only to eligible out-of-state registration holders with at least four years of creditable post-licensure surveying experience and no threat to public health, safety or welfare. FS remains a leaf because the route involves the currently offered exam, with waiver as a condition.
Immigration
Applicants who are citizens of another country must provide immigration documentation sufficient for professional-license eligibility.
Military Credit And Fees
Qualifying military applicants receive statutory training/education credit and fee relief; these are applicant conditions, not separate examinations.
Prior PS
Reciprocal applicants must have previously passed NCEES PS and must pass TSSE; a previously passed current examination remains a leaf.
Score Recognition
Official verification of passing FS or PS scores avoids retaking those examinations (§134.61(g)); a passed TSSE is not retaken (§134.67(i)).
Sit Certification
Reciprocal application is available to a current professional land surveyor licensed or registered in another U.S. jurisdiction with substantially equivalent standards under §1071.259 and §134.25; waiver of registration requirements is determined by the Board.
Tsse Attempts
Approval allows no more than three TSSE attempts within four years. After unsuccessful attempts, reapplication requires one additional year of qualifying experience or six additional semester hours in relevant college courses; military extensions are available under §134.61(i).
Reactivation of administratively withdrawn reciprocal application
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, legal name and social security number, fee, transcripts, supplementary experience record and at least three reference statements; previously submitted documentation or an NCEES record may be accepted under §134.21.
Course Distribution
If SIT certification is waived, the specified 9 surveying, 3 land law and 6 mathematics hours apply to reciprocal applications received after January 1, 2026 (§134.31(b)(4)).
Criminal History
Disclose required criminal-history information and submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check unless previously submitted as permitted; Board approval remains subject to eligibility review.
Degree
Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including 32 semester hours of Board-acceptable coursework under §1071.254(a)(4).
Degree Waiver
A bachelor’s-degree waiver may be authorized only on the statutory findings of sufficient qualifications and no threat to public health, safety or welfare (§1071.254(c)).
English
Speak and write English; an English-taught accredited degree, qualifying TOEFL score (550 written, 200 computer or 95 internet) or Board-acceptable academic or work evidence may establish proficiency.
Exam Sequence
The current statute §1071.254(a)(2) and pinned RPLS application page require a passing PS score before the RPLS/TSSE application. The older PS & TSSE FAQ states: A: No. You may take either exam in any order. You can also continue to take exams in any order if you do not pass the first time until you have passed both exams. The statutory prerequisite controls.
Experience
Provide an acceptable supplementary experience record. An FS waiver requires at least four years of creditable post-licensure surveying experience under §134.69(b).
Fs Waiver
Request the FS waiver in writing at application; it is available only to eligible out-of-state registration holders with at least four years of creditable post-licensure surveying experience and no threat to public health, safety or welfare. FS remains a leaf because the route involves the currently offered exam, with waiver as a condition.
Immigration
Applicants who are citizens of another country must provide immigration documentation sufficient for professional-license eligibility.
Military Credit And Fees
Qualifying military applicants receive statutory training/education credit and fee relief; these are applicant conditions, not separate examinations.
Prior PS
Reciprocal applicants must have previously passed NCEES PS and must pass TSSE; a previously passed current examination remains a leaf.
Reactivation
Within six months of administrative withdrawal, submit the reactivation fee, new signed application, updated experience record and fingerprints unless already submitted. Correct all deficiencies; after six months the application is withdrawn and a new application is required.
Score Recognition
Official verification of passing FS or PS scores avoids retaking those examinations (§134.61(g)); a passed TSSE is not retaken (§134.67(i)).
Sit Certification
Reciprocal application is available to a current professional land surveyor licensed or registered in another U.S. jurisdiction with substantially equivalent standards under §1071.259 and §134.25; waiver of registration requirements is determined by the Board.
Tsse Attempts
Approval allows no more than three TSSE attempts within four years. After unsuccessful attempts, reapplication requires one additional year of qualifying experience or six additional semester hours in relevant college courses; military extensions are available under §134.61(i).
Regular biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Page Timing
The older Board RPLS page describes annual renewal periods. The controlling statute and current §138.7 require biennial renewal; use the expiration date assigned by the Board.
Continuing Education
24 PDH per renewal period, including at least 4 PDH of professional ethics, roles/responsibilities, Texas surveying case law or Acts/Rules; statutory and rule exemptions may apply.
Requirements
Pay the renewal fee, certify required CE and supply fingerprints unless previously submitted; unpaid penalties or noncompliance with orders may prevent renewal.
Term
Renew every two years under §1071.301 and §138.7.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Discretionary reissuance after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Decision
The Board must find sufficient reasons for reissuance, and at least six Board members must vote in favor under §1071.405.
Case Specific Conditions
Section 1071.405 itself prescribes no examination. Comply with the Board’s individual reissuance decision; it does not establish an automatic entitlement or a new original-license application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-06-18.

Standard registration by examination
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, legal name and social security number, fee, transcripts, supplementary experience record and at least three reference statements; previously submitted documentation or an NCEES record may be accepted under §134.21.
Course Distribution
For an RPLS applicant whose SIT application was after January 1, 2026, the 32 hours include at least 9 surveying, 3 land law and 6 mathematics hours under §134.31(b). Other acceptable subjects are civil engineering, photogrammetry, forestry and physical sciences.
Criminal History
Disclose required criminal-history information and submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check unless previously submitted as permitted; Board approval remains subject to eligibility review.
Degree
Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including 32 semester hours of Board-acceptable coursework under §1071.254(a)(4).
Degree Waiver
A bachelor’s-degree waiver may be authorized only on the statutory findings of sufficient qualifications and no threat to public health, safety or welfare (§1071.254(c)).
English
Speak and write English; an English-taught accredited degree, qualifying TOEFL score (550 written, 200 computer or 95 internet) or Board-acceptable academic or work evidence may establish proficiency.
Exam Sequence
The current statute §1071.254(a)(2) and pinned RPLS application page require a passing PS score before the RPLS/TSSE application. The older PS & TSSE FAQ states: A: No. You may take either exam in any order. You can also continue to take exams in any order if you do not pass the first time until you have passed both exams. The statutory prerequisite controls.
Experience
At least two years of Board-satisfactory delegated-responsible-charge experience as an SIT under a qualified licensed or registered surveyor.
Immigration
Applicants who are citizens of another country must provide immigration documentation sufficient for professional-license eligibility.
Military Credit And Fees
Qualifying military applicants receive statutory training/education credit and fee relief; these are applicant conditions, not separate examinations.
Score Recognition
Official verification of passing FS or PS scores avoids retaking those examinations (§134.61(g)); a passed TSSE is not retaken (§134.67(i)).
Sit Certification
Hold a current Texas SIT certificate before applying under §134.21(b).
Tsse Attempts
Approval allows no more than three TSSE attempts within four years. After unsuccessful attempts, reapplication requires one additional year of qualifying experience or six additional semester hours in relevant college courses; military extensions are available under §134.61(i).
Reactivation of administratively withdrawn standard application
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, legal name and social security number, fee, transcripts, supplementary experience record and at least three reference statements; previously submitted documentation or an NCEES record may be accepted under §134.21.
Course Distribution
For an RPLS applicant whose SIT application was after January 1, 2026, the 32 hours include at least 9 surveying, 3 land law and 6 mathematics hours under §134.31(b). Other acceptable subjects are civil engineering, photogrammetry, forestry and physical sciences.
Criminal History
Disclose required criminal-history information and submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check unless previously submitted as permitted; Board approval remains subject to eligibility review.
Degree
Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including 32 semester hours of Board-acceptable coursework under §1071.254(a)(4).
Degree Waiver
A bachelor’s-degree waiver may be authorized only on the statutory findings of sufficient qualifications and no threat to public health, safety or welfare (§1071.254(c)).
English
Speak and write English; an English-taught accredited degree, qualifying TOEFL score (550 written, 200 computer or 95 internet) or Board-acceptable academic or work evidence may establish proficiency.
Exam Sequence
The current statute §1071.254(a)(2) and pinned RPLS application page require a passing PS score before the RPLS/TSSE application. The older PS & TSSE FAQ states: A: No. You may take either exam in any order. You can also continue to take exams in any order if you do not pass the first time until you have passed both exams. The statutory prerequisite controls.
Experience
At least two years of Board-satisfactory delegated-responsible-charge experience as an SIT under a qualified licensed or registered surveyor.
Immigration
Applicants who are citizens of another country must provide immigration documentation sufficient for professional-license eligibility.
Military Credit And Fees
Qualifying military applicants receive statutory training/education credit and fee relief; these are applicant conditions, not separate examinations.
Reactivation
Within six months of administrative withdrawal, submit the reactivation fee, new signed application, updated experience record and fingerprints unless already submitted. Correct all deficiencies; after six months the application is withdrawn and a new application is required.
Score Recognition
Official verification of passing FS or PS scores avoids retaking those examinations (§134.61(g)); a passed TSSE is not retaken (§134.67(i)).
Sit Certification
Hold a current Texas SIT certificate before applying under §134.21(b).
Tsse Attempts
Approval allows no more than three TSSE attempts within four years. After unsuccessful attempts, reapplication requires one additional year of qualifying experience or six additional semester hours in relevant college courses; military extensions are available under §134.61(i).
New license or registration after voluntary surrender
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, legal name and social security number, fee, transcripts, supplementary experience record and at least three reference statements; previously submitted documentation or an NCEES record may be accepted under §134.21.
Course Distribution
For an RPLS applicant whose SIT application was after January 1, 2026, the 32 hours include at least 9 surveying, 3 land law and 6 mathematics hours under §134.31(b). Other acceptable subjects are civil engineering, photogrammetry, forestry and physical sciences.
Criminal History
Disclose required criminal-history information and submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check unless previously submitted as permitted; Board approval remains subject to eligibility review.
Degree
Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including 32 semester hours of Board-acceptable coursework under §1071.254(a)(4).
Degree Waiver
A bachelor’s-degree waiver may be authorized only on the statutory findings of sufficient qualifications and no threat to public health, safety or welfare (§1071.254(c)).
English
Speak and write English; an English-taught accredited degree, qualifying TOEFL score (550 written, 200 computer or 95 internet) or Board-acceptable academic or work evidence may establish proficiency.
Exam Sequence
The current statute §1071.254(a)(2) and pinned RPLS application page require a passing PS score before the RPLS/TSSE application. The older PS & TSSE FAQ states: A: No. You may take either exam in any order. You can also continue to take exams in any order if you do not pass the first time until you have passed both exams. The statutory prerequisite controls.
Experience
At least two years of Board-satisfactory delegated-responsible-charge experience as an SIT under a qualified licensed or registered surveyor.
Immigration
Applicants who are citizens of another country must provide immigration documentation sufficient for professional-license eligibility.
Military Credit And Fees
Qualifying military applicants receive statutory training/education credit and fee relief; these are applicant conditions, not separate examinations.
Prior Surrender
A voluntarily surrendered license or registration cannot be renewed; apply for a new license or registration under current requirements.
Score Recognition
Official verification of passing FS or PS scores avoids retaking those examinations (§134.61(g)); a passed TSSE is not retaken (§134.67(i)).
Sit Certification
Hold a current Texas SIT certificate before applying under §134.21(b).
Tsse Attempts
Approval allows no more than three TSSE attempts within four years. After unsuccessful attempts, reapplication requires one additional year of qualifying experience or six additional semester hours in relevant college courses; military extensions are available under §134.61(i).
Reapplication following unsuccessful TSSE attempts
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application, legal name and social security number, fee, transcripts, supplementary experience record and at least three reference statements; previously submitted documentation or an NCEES record may be accepted under §134.21.
Course Distribution
For an RPLS applicant whose SIT application was after January 1, 2026, the 32 hours include at least 9 surveying, 3 land law and 6 mathematics hours under §134.31(b). Other acceptable subjects are civil engineering, photogrammetry, forestry and physical sciences.
Criminal History
Disclose required criminal-history information and submit fingerprints for a criminal-history check unless previously submitted as permitted; Board approval remains subject to eligibility review.
Degree
Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including 32 semester hours of Board-acceptable coursework under §1071.254(a)(4).
Degree Waiver
A bachelor’s-degree waiver may be authorized only on the statutory findings of sufficient qualifications and no threat to public health, safety or welfare (§1071.254(c)).
English
Speak and write English; an English-taught accredited degree, qualifying TOEFL score (550 written, 200 computer or 95 internet) or Board-acceptable academic or work evidence may establish proficiency.
Exam Sequence
The current statute §1071.254(a)(2) and pinned RPLS application page require a passing PS score before the RPLS/TSSE application. The older PS & TSSE FAQ states: A: No. You may take either exam in any order. You can also continue to take exams in any order if you do not pass the first time until you have passed both exams. The statutory prerequisite controls.
Experience
At least two years of Board-satisfactory delegated-responsible-charge experience as an SIT under a qualified licensed or registered surveyor.
Immigration
Applicants who are citizens of another country must provide immigration documentation sufficient for professional-license eligibility.
Military Credit And Fees
Qualifying military applicants receive statutory training/education credit and fee relief; these are applicant conditions, not separate examinations.
New Eligibility
Following three unsuccessful attempts or expiration of the approval period, obtain one additional year of qualifying surveying experience or six semester hours of relevant college coursework, starting after the last TSSE attempt, then reapply under §134.21. If no TSSE was attempted during the approval period, §134.67(h) permits reapplication after that period expires. Previously passed current examinations are recognized.
Score Recognition
Official verification of passing FS or PS scores avoids retaking those examinations (§134.61(g)); a passed TSSE is not retaken (§134.67(i)).
Sit Certification
Hold a current Texas SIT certificate before applying under §134.21(b).
Tsse Attempts
Approval allows no more than three TSSE attempts within four years. After unsuccessful attempts, reapplication requires one additional year of qualifying experience or six additional semester hours in relevant college courses; military extensions are available under §134.61(i).

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

Texas Specific Surveying Examination (TSSE)

Provider
Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Format
In-person paper-and-pencil; multiple-choice and applied analytical question formats
Exam questions
Approximately 65
Time limit
4 hours
Examination outline
  • Domain 1 — Statutes and Rules
    • Surveying Acts and Board Rules (Texas) – all sections of Occupations Code 1071 and Board Rules .
    • Other Texas Statutes:
    • Natural Resource Code: Title 1 and Title 2 (as they pertain to land surveying)
    • Transportation Code: Title 1, Title 4, Title 5, and Title 6 (as they pertain to land surveying)
    • Local Government Code: Title 1, Title 2, Title 3, Title 6, Title 7, and Title 8 (as they pertain to land surveying)
    • Business and Commerce Code: Title 2
    • Civil Practice and Remedies Code: Title 2
    • Health and Safety Code: Title 8
    • Property Code: Title 1, Title 2, Title 3, Title 4, Title 6, Title 7, and Title 11
  • Domain 2 — Disposition of Public Domain
    • Public lands - history and disposition of the Texas public domain and current status of public lands
    • Legislative acts - Small Bill, vacancy statutes, deeds of acquittance, etc.
    • Types of grants – amount of acreage allowed to settlers, infrastructure companies (i.e., railroads, canal diggers, etc.), etc., depending on the sovereign in Texas history
    • Texas General Land Office – significant dates that affect the public domain
    • Common Law vs. Civil Law
    • Land Districts and District Surveyors
    • County Surveyors
    • State Surveyor Act
    • Licensed State Land Surveyors Act
    • Registered Surveyors Acts
    • Texas/Mexico border
  • Domain 3 — Riparian / Littoral Boundaries and Rights
    • Gradient boundary surveys
    • Navigable / non-navigable streams and rivers
    • Perennial /non-perennial stream
    • Original surveys along water boundaries
    • Coastal boundary
    • Mean Higher High Tide vs. Mean High Tide
    • Gulf of Mexico State Boundary
    • Ownership of land under lakes
    • Fluvial geomorphology as it affects riparian and littoral boundaries
    • Texas Open Beaches Act
    • Texas/Mexico border
    • Texas / Oklahoma border (Red River)
  • Domain 4 — Texas Specific Units of Measure
    • Spanish measurements
    • US Survey Foot
    • Texas Coordinate System
    • International Foot
    • Meter
    • Chains
  • Domain 5 — Case Law and Legal Principles
    • Landmark Boundary Cases in Texas
    • Legal descriptions - controlling elements in legal descriptions specific to Texas.
    • Date of survey vs date of recordation
    • Boundary Reconstruction
    • Railroad ROW (fee vs easement)
    • Simultaneous Conveyance
    • Sequential Conveyance
    • Junior/Senior Rights
    • Intent (expressed)
    • Follow Footsteps of the Original Surveyor
    • Dignity of calls
    • Best evidence
    • Original corners and marks
    • Lost Corners (methodology in Texas)
    • Witness Objects and Passing Calls
  • Domain 6 — Records Research
    • General Land Office Records – types of documents and records
    • Where records are stored
    • Spanish Archives
    • Scrap Files
    • Original and Correct Field Notes from the Land Grant Data Base and file jackets.
    • Roll Sketch Files
    • Sketch Files
Examination sources