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Vermont Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Land Surveyor

Personal, nontransferable authority to practice land surveying in Vermont.

Licensing authority: board of land surveyors · Application information

Associate’s degree, internship, portfolio, and examination
Application
Submit the sworn application on Board forms and pay the required application fee.
Education
Associate’s degree from an ABET-accredited land-surveying program; certified transcript.
Examinations
Provide proof of passing NCEES FS and PS and take and pass the Vermont examination. Earlier passage of currently offered examinations remains part of this route.
Internship
36-month internship.
Military recognition
The Office may recognize qualifying military education, training and experience on a case-by-case basis. Active-duty applicants, veterans within two years of discharge, and qualifying military spouses submit the official affidavit and supporting military documentation.
Portfolio
Submit a portfolio documenting education and supervised experience; the Board reviews it for educational exposure and may request explanation or additional documentation. The January 2026 instructions require two copies and three or fewer portfolios.
Supervision
The supervising land surveyor must have been licensed for at least three years; submit supervisor documentation of qualifying experience.
Bachelor’s degree, internship, portfolio, and examination
Application
Submit the sworn application on Board forms and pay the required application fee.
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited land-surveying program; certified transcript.
Examinations
Provide proof of passing NCEES FS and PS and take and pass the Vermont examination. Earlier passage of currently offered examinations remains part of this route.
Internship
24-month internship.
Military recognition
The Office may recognize qualifying military education, training and experience on a case-by-case basis. Active-duty applicants, veterans within two years of discharge, and qualifying military spouses submit the official affidavit and supporting military documentation.
Portfolio
Submit a portfolio documenting education and supervised experience; the Board reviews it for educational exposure and may request explanation or additional documentation. The January 2026 instructions require two copies and three or fewer portfolios.
Supervision
The supervising land surveyor must have been licensed for at least three years; submit supervisor documentation of qualifying experience.
Licensure by endorsement
Vermont Land Surveyor State Jurisprudence Exam
Application
Submit the online application and application fee.
Board ncees score instruction
The January 2026 Land Surveyor Application Instructions, Apply by Endorsement, state: "Proof of passing the Fundamentals and Principals & Practice exam (From the NCEES) and take and pass the State of Vermont Land Surveying examination." The controlling 26 V.S.A. § 2592a and Rule 2.7 specify the Vermont portion for endorsement; the additional NCEES score demand is retained here as the lower-ranked implementing instruction.
License
Hold a land-surveying license or registration in good standing in a United States or Canadian jurisdiction with requirements the Board finds substantially equivalent; a missing portfolio requirement does not preclude equivalence.
Military expedition
The Office may recognize qualifying military education, training and experience on a case-by-case basis. Active-duty applicants, veterans within two years of discharge, and qualifying military spouses submit the official affidavit and supporting military documentation.
Verification
Provide official license verification directly from the initial and most recent licensing authorities.
Fast Track Endorsement
Vermont Land Surveyor State Jurisprudence Exam
Application
Submit the online application and application fee.
License
An active license or certification in good standing in another United States jurisdiction for three or more years immediately preceding application; the statutory process does not require substantially similar licensing requirements.
Military expedition
The Office may recognize qualifying military education, training and experience on a case-by-case basis. Active-duty applicants, veterans within two years of discharge, and qualifying military spouses submit the official affidavit and supporting military documentation.
Practice waiver
Under 3 V.S.A. § 136a(c), the Director may waive the practice requirement on a showing that the waiver follows State policy and adequately protects the public.
Verification
Have the licensing authority send verification of continuous licensure in good standing for the preceding three years directly to OPR.
Foreign credential equivalence: Associate’s degree, internship, portfolio, and examination
Application
Submit the sworn application on Board forms and pay the required application fee.
Education
Associate’s degree from an ABET-accredited land-surveying program; certified transcript.
Examinations
Provide proof of passing NCEES FS and PS and take and pass the Vermont examination. Earlier passage of currently offered examinations remains part of this route.
Foreign qualifications
Applicants with qualifications obtained outside the United States obtain a course-by-course education evaluation or other credential-equivalence determination from a NACES or AICE member CES, as applicable. The CES sends original reports directly to OPR; the applicant pays the cost. Equivalence substitutes the corresponding qualification, partial equivalence requires completion of identified deficiencies, and the required Vermont profession examinations remain required.
Internship
36-month internship.
Military recognition
The Office may recognize qualifying military education, training and experience on a case-by-case basis. Active-duty applicants, veterans within two years of discharge, and qualifying military spouses submit the official affidavit and supporting military documentation.
Portfolio
Submit a portfolio documenting education and supervised experience; the Board reviews it for educational exposure and may request explanation or additional documentation. The January 2026 instructions require two copies and three or fewer portfolios.
Supervision
The supervising land surveyor must have been licensed for at least three years; submit supervisor documentation of qualifying experience.
Foreign credential equivalence: Bachelor’s degree, internship, portfolio, and examination
Application
Submit the sworn application on Board forms and pay the required application fee.
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited land-surveying program; certified transcript.
Examinations
Provide proof of passing NCEES FS and PS and take and pass the Vermont examination. Earlier passage of currently offered examinations remains part of this route.
Foreign qualifications
Applicants with qualifications obtained outside the United States obtain a course-by-course education evaluation or other credential-equivalence determination from a NACES or AICE member CES, as applicable. The CES sends original reports directly to OPR; the applicant pays the cost. Equivalence substitutes the corresponding qualification, partial equivalence requires completion of identified deficiencies, and the required Vermont profession examinations remain required.
Internship
24-month internship.
Military recognition
The Office may recognize qualifying military education, training and experience on a case-by-case basis. Active-duty applicants, veterans within two years of discharge, and qualifying military spouses submit the official affidavit and supporting military documentation.
Portfolio
Submit a portfolio documenting education and supervised experience; the Board reviews it for educational exposure and may request explanation or additional documentation. The January 2026 instructions require two copies and three or fewer portfolios.
Supervision
The supervising land surveyor must have been licensed for at least three years; submit supervisor documentation of qualifying experience.
Foreign credential equivalence: Internship, portfolio, and examination
Application
Submit the sworn application on Board forms and pay the required application fee.
Education
No degree is prescribed for the 72-month internship route.
Examinations
Provide proof of passing NCEES FS and PS and take and pass the Vermont examination. Earlier passage of currently offered examinations remains part of this route.
Foreign qualifications
Applicants with qualifications obtained outside the United States obtain a course-by-course education evaluation or other credential-equivalence determination from a NACES or AICE member CES, as applicable. The CES sends original reports directly to OPR; the applicant pays the cost. Equivalence substitutes the corresponding qualification, partial equivalence requires completion of identified deficiencies, and the required Vermont profession examinations remain required.
Internship
72-month internship.
Military recognition
The Office may recognize qualifying military education, training and experience on a case-by-case basis. Active-duty applicants, veterans within two years of discharge, and qualifying military spouses submit the official affidavit and supporting military documentation.
Portfolio
Submit a portfolio documenting education and supervised experience; the Board reviews it for educational exposure and may request explanation or additional documentation. The January 2026 instructions require two copies and three or fewer portfolios.
Supervision
The supervising land surveyor must have been licensed for at least three years; submit supervisor documentation of qualifying experience.
Internship, portfolio, and examination
Application
Submit the sworn application on Board forms and pay the required application fee.
Education
No degree is prescribed for the 72-month internship route.
Examinations
Provide proof of passing NCEES FS and PS and take and pass the Vermont examination. Earlier passage of currently offered examinations remains part of this route.
Internship
72-month internship.
Military recognition
The Office may recognize qualifying military education, training and experience on a case-by-case basis. Active-duty applicants, veterans within two years of discharge, and qualifying military spouses submit the official affidavit and supporting military documentation.
Portfolio
Submit a portfolio documenting education and supervised experience; the Board reviews it for educational exposure and may request explanation or additional documentation. The January 2026 instructions require two copies and three or fewer portfolios.
Supervision
The supervising land surveyor must have been licensed for at least three years; submit supervisor documentation of qualifying experience.
Military training and experience equivalency
Application
Submit the sworn application on Board forms and pay the required application fee.
Eligibility
Military education, training and experience accepted toward the applicable statutory surveying education and internship requirements by an Office case-by-case determination; a portfolio and the profession examinations remain required.
Examinations
Provide proof of passing NCEES FS and PS and take and pass the Vermont examination. Earlier passage of currently offered examinations remains part of this route.
Military recognition
The Office may recognize qualifying military education, training and experience on a case-by-case basis. Active-duty applicants, veterans within two years of discharge, and qualifying military spouses submit the official affidavit and supporting military documentation.
Portfolio
Submit a portfolio documenting education and supervised experience; the Board reviews it for educational exposure and may request explanation or additional documentation. The January 2026 instructions require two copies and three or fewer portfolios.
Supervision
The supervising land surveyor must have been licensed for at least three years; submit supervisor documentation of qualifying experience.
Expedited military spouse endorsement
Vermont Land Surveyor State Jurisprudence Exam
Application
Submit the online application and application fee.
Board ncees score instruction
The January 2026 Land Surveyor Application Instructions, Apply by Endorsement, state: "Proof of passing the Fundamentals and Principals & Practice exam (From the NCEES) and take and pass the State of Vermont Land Surveying examination." The controlling 26 V.S.A. § 2592a and Rule 2.7 specify the Vermont portion for endorsement; the additional NCEES score demand is retained here as the lower-ranked implementing instruction.
License
Hold a land-surveying license or registration in good standing in a United States or Canadian jurisdiction with requirements the Board finds substantially equivalent; a missing portfolio requirement does not preclude equivalence.
Military expedition
The Office may recognize qualifying military education, training and experience on a case-by-case basis. Active-duty applicants, veterans within two years of discharge, and qualifying military spouses submit the official affidavit and supporting military documentation.
Military transfer
A person licensed in good standing elsewhere whose spouse is a U.S. Armed Forces member transferred to Vermont, and who left employment to accompany that spouse; submit the military affidavit, orders and military identification.
Verification
Provide official license verification directly from the initial and most recent licensing authorities.
Reinstatement within one biennial period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete and document 20 hours of Board-approved continuing education in the preceding biennium. Initial licensees start mandatory continuing education with the first biennial renewal period following initial issuance; records are retained for four years.
Cycle
Renew every two years on the assigned schedule; the July 2025 policy lists September 30 of even years for Land Surveyors.
Discretionary statutory power
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) authorizes a Vermont statutes and rules examination for licensure, renewal or reinstatement without identifying an additional specific examination or establishing that every renewal applicant must sit one.
Eligibility
The license expired for no more than one biennial period and the absence from practice is fewer than five years.
Fees
Submit the renewal application and required fee before expiration.
Penalty
Pay renewal and nondisciplinary reinstatement penalties under 3 V.S.A. § 127(d); relief may be granted for exceptional circumstances or extreme hardship, and active-duty periods are exempt from penalty assessment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete and document 20 hours of Board-approved continuing education in the preceding biennium. Initial licensees start mandatory continuing education with the first biennial renewal period following initial issuance; records are retained for four years.
Cycle
Renew every two years on the assigned schedule; the July 2025 policy lists September 30 of even years for Land Surveyors.
Discretionary statutory power
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) authorizes a Vermont statutes and rules examination for licensure, renewal or reinstatement without identifying an additional specific examination or establishing that every renewal applicant must sit one.
Fees
Submit the renewal application and required fee before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal after five or more years of absence from practice
Director determination
Under 3 V.S.A. § 135(b), the Director may find retained competence and grant an unencumbered license, or find insufficient retained competence and require reexamination or reapplication as a new applicant. Whether an individual must retake an examination is the Director’s determination.
Eligibility
An expired or lapsed license and at least five years of absence from practice.
Hardship
Rule 6.4(c) permits waivers or extensions for extreme hardship.
Older board rule
Rule 6.4(b) names the currently offered FS, PS and Vermont examinations and specifies successful completion within one year of the renewal application for licenses expired three or more years; this is subject to the controlling statutory discretion.
Renewal documents
Submit the renewal application, fees and the competence or examination evidence required by the Director.
Renewal after fewer than five years of absence from practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competence
Under the controlling 3 V.S.A. § 135(a), readiness is inferred from continuing education that continuous licensure would have required, or a less burdensome permitted showing.
Continuing education
Complete and document 20 hours of Board-approved continuing education in the preceding biennium. Initial licensees start mandatory continuing education with the first biennial renewal period following initial issuance; records are retained for four years.
Cycle
Renew every two years on the assigned schedule; the July 2025 policy lists September 30 of even years for Land Surveyors.
Discretionary statutory power
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) authorizes a Vermont statutes and rules examination for licensure, renewal or reinstatement without identifying an additional specific examination or establishing that every renewal applicant must sit one.
Eligibility
An expired or lapsed license and fewer than five years away from practice; this is absence from practice, rather than merely time since license expiration.
Fees
Submit the renewal application and required fee before expiration.
Older rule
Rule 6.4(b) states that a license expired for three or more years requires proof of FS, PS and Vermont examinations passed within one year. The later statute says "Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary" and supplies the controlling readiness standard for fewer than five years away from practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Vermont Emergency Temporary License

Temporary practice authority during a declared emergency, for up to 90 days or the emergency termination, whichever occurs first; reissuance is possible.

Licensing authority: Vermont Board of Land Surveyors and Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Emergency temporary issuance to an approved program graduate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
A declared state of emergency; a graduate of an approved education program during a period when licensing examinations are not reasonably available.
Fee
Fees are waived for this emergency license.
Term
Until emergency termination or 90 days, whichever occurs first, subject to remaining in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Emergency temporary issuance to an existing licensee
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
A declared state of emergency; applicant currently licensed, in good standing, and not subject to disciplinary proceedings in another jurisdiction.
Fee
Fees are waived for this emergency license.
Term
Until emergency termination or 90 days, whichever occurs first; holder must remain in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reissuance of emergency temporary license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
The Board may reissue the temporary license; fees are waived.
Eligibility
Hold an emergency temporary license, remain in good standing, and the declared emergency continues beyond 90 days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Land Surveyor Honorary License

Discretionary recognition of outstanding service; this license confers no right to practice.

Licensing authority: Board of Land Surveyors · Application information

Honorary issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Demonstrated outstanding service to the profession; grant is at the Board’s discretion.
Practice
The honorary license confers no right or privilege to practice land surveying.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional License

A discretionary 90-day provisional license pending final determination of a full-licensure application; statutory extension is possible.

Licensing authority: Vermont Board of Land Surveyors and Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Provisional issuance pending background check: endorsement applicant
Vermont Land Surveyor State Jurisprudence Exam
Agreement
Voluntarily agree to the expedited provisional process and forgo traditional procedural rights pending final determination. Expressly agree to summary withdrawal upon discovery of inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Eligibility
A full-licensure endorsement applicant whose eligibility is contingent on completion of a background check.
Full application
Complete an application for full licensure and attest to material facts consistent with that route’s full-licensure requirements; the examination leaves are those currently offered examinations involved in the pending full application.
Term
Initial duration is 90 days at the Director’s discretion.
Underlying qualifications
Meet ordinary endorsement requirements, or the United States fast-track endorsement conditions when applicable; the Board application instructions additionally demand NCEES score proof on ordinary endorsement as recorded in that route.
Provisional issuance pending background check: examination applicant
Agreement
Voluntarily agree to the expedited provisional process and forgo traditional procedural rights pending final determination. Expressly agree to summary withdrawal upon discovery of inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Eligibility
A full-licensure examination applicant whose eligibility is contingent on completion of a background check.
Full application
Complete an application for full licensure and attest to material facts consistent with that route’s full-licensure requirements; the examination leaves are those currently offered examinations involved in the pending full application.
Term
Initial duration is 90 days at the Director’s discretion.
Underlying qualifications
Meet the applicable bachelor’s/24-month, associate’s/36-month, or 72-month internship pathway, portfolio and documentation requirements, including any accepted foreign or military qualification equivalence.
Provisional extension pending background check: endorsement applicant
Vermont Land Surveyor State Jurisprudence Exam
Agreement
Voluntarily agree to the expedited provisional process and forgo traditional procedural rights pending final determination. Expressly agree to summary withdrawal upon discovery of inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Eligibility
A full-licensure endorsement applicant whose eligibility is contingent on completion of a background check.
Extension
The Director may extend beyond the initial 90 days when the statutory reason for provisional issuance remains unresolved; full-application examinations remain involved.
Full application
Complete an application for full licensure and attest to material facts consistent with that route’s full-licensure requirements; the examination leaves are those currently offered examinations involved in the pending full application.
Term
Initial duration is 90 days at the Director’s discretion.
Underlying qualifications
Meet ordinary endorsement requirements, or the United States fast-track endorsement conditions when applicable; the Board application instructions additionally demand NCEES score proof on ordinary endorsement as recorded in that route.
Provisional extension pending background check: examination applicant
Agreement
Voluntarily agree to the expedited provisional process and forgo traditional procedural rights pending final determination. Expressly agree to summary withdrawal upon discovery of inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Eligibility
A full-licensure examination applicant whose eligibility is contingent on completion of a background check.
Extension
The Director may extend beyond the initial 90 days when the statutory reason for provisional issuance remains unresolved; full-application examinations remain involved.
Full application
Complete an application for full licensure and attest to material facts consistent with that route’s full-licensure requirements; the examination leaves are those currently offered examinations involved in the pending full application.
Term
Initial duration is 90 days at the Director’s discretion.
Underlying qualifications
Meet the applicable bachelor’s/24-month, associate’s/36-month, or 72-month internship pathway, portfolio and documentation requirements, including any accepted foreign or military qualification equivalence.
Provisional extension for active duty member or spouse: endorsement applicant
Vermont Land Surveyor State Jurisprudence Exam
Agreement
Voluntarily agree to the expedited provisional process and forgo traditional procedural rights pending final determination. Expressly agree to summary withdrawal upon discovery of inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Eligibility
A full-licensure endorsement applicant who is an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to Vermont or that member’s spouse.
Extension
The Director may extend beyond the initial 90 days when the statutory reason for provisional issuance remains unresolved; full-application examinations remain involved.
Full application
Complete an application for full licensure and attest to material facts consistent with that route’s full-licensure requirements; the examination leaves are those currently offered examinations involved in the pending full application.
Term
Initial duration is 90 days at the Director’s discretion.
Underlying qualifications
Meet ordinary endorsement requirements, or the United States fast-track endorsement conditions when applicable; the Board application instructions additionally demand NCEES score proof on ordinary endorsement as recorded in that route.
Provisional extension for active duty member or spouse: examination applicant
Agreement
Voluntarily agree to the expedited provisional process and forgo traditional procedural rights pending final determination. Expressly agree to summary withdrawal upon discovery of inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Eligibility
A full-licensure examination applicant who is an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to Vermont or that member’s spouse.
Extension
The Director may extend beyond the initial 90 days when the statutory reason for provisional issuance remains unresolved; full-application examinations remain involved.
Full application
Complete an application for full licensure and attest to material facts consistent with that route’s full-licensure requirements; the examination leaves are those currently offered examinations involved in the pending full application.
Term
Initial duration is 90 days at the Director’s discretion.
Underlying qualifications
Meet the applicable bachelor’s/24-month, associate’s/36-month, or 72-month internship pathway, portfolio and documentation requirements, including any accepted foreign or military qualification equivalence.
Provisional extension pending license verification
Vermont Land Surveyor State Jurisprudence Exam
Agreement
Voluntarily agree to the expedited provisional process and forgo traditional procedural rights pending final determination. Expressly agree to summary withdrawal upon discovery of inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Eligibility
An endorsement applicant whose eligibility is contingent on acceptable verification of licensure from another jurisdiction.
Extension
The Director may extend beyond the initial 90 days when the statutory reason for provisional issuance remains unresolved; full-application examinations remain involved.
Full application
Complete an application for full licensure and attest to material facts consistent with that route’s full-licensure requirements; the examination leaves are those currently offered examinations involved in the pending full application.
Term
Initial duration is 90 days at the Director’s discretion.
Underlying qualifications
Meet ordinary endorsement requirements, or the United States fast-track endorsement conditions when applicable; the Board application instructions additionally demand NCEES score proof on ordinary endorsement as recorded in that route.
Provisional issuance for active duty member or spouse: endorsement applicant
Vermont Land Surveyor State Jurisprudence Exam
Agreement
Voluntarily agree to the expedited provisional process and forgo traditional procedural rights pending final determination. Expressly agree to summary withdrawal upon discovery of inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Eligibility
A full-licensure endorsement applicant who is an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to Vermont or that member’s spouse.
Full application
Complete an application for full licensure and attest to material facts consistent with that route’s full-licensure requirements; the examination leaves are those currently offered examinations involved in the pending full application.
Term
Initial duration is 90 days at the Director’s discretion.
Underlying qualifications
Meet ordinary endorsement requirements, or the United States fast-track endorsement conditions when applicable; the Board application instructions additionally demand NCEES score proof on ordinary endorsement as recorded in that route.
Provisional issuance for active duty member or spouse: examination applicant
Agreement
Voluntarily agree to the expedited provisional process and forgo traditional procedural rights pending final determination. Expressly agree to summary withdrawal upon discovery of inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Eligibility
A full-licensure examination applicant who is an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to Vermont or that member’s spouse.
Full application
Complete an application for full licensure and attest to material facts consistent with that route’s full-licensure requirements; the examination leaves are those currently offered examinations involved in the pending full application.
Term
Initial duration is 90 days at the Director’s discretion.
Underlying qualifications
Meet the applicable bachelor’s/24-month, associate’s/36-month, or 72-month internship pathway, portfolio and documentation requirements, including any accepted foreign or military qualification equivalence.
Provisional issuance pending license verification
Vermont Land Surveyor State Jurisprudence Exam
Agreement
Voluntarily agree to the expedited provisional process and forgo traditional procedural rights pending final determination. Expressly agree to summary withdrawal upon discovery of inconsistent or inaccurate application materials.
Eligibility
An endorsement applicant whose eligibility is contingent on acceptable verification of licensure from another jurisdiction.
Full application
Complete an application for full licensure and attest to material facts consistent with that route’s full-licensure requirements; the examination leaves are those currently offered examinations involved in the pending full application.
Term
Initial duration is 90 days at the Director’s discretion.
Underlying qualifications
Meet ordinary endorsement requirements, or the United States fast-track endorsement conditions when applicable; the Board application instructions additionally demand NCEES score proof on ordinary endorsement as recorded in that route.

Temporary Renewal License

Discretionary temporary renewal pending completion of continuing education.

Licensing authority: Vermont Board of Land Surveyors and Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Temporary renewal pending continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Corrective plan
The Board may require a specific corrective action plan completed within 90 days.
Eligibility
Continuing education is a renewal condition and the Board permits temporary renewal pending completion.
Fees
Ordinary applicable renewal fees and other renewal conditions remain applicable.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam

Provider
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES); administered year-round in testing windows at NCEES-approved Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based test, closed book with an electronic reference (NCEES FS Reference Handbook and the specified standards); includes alternative item types (AITs) in addition to traditional multiple-choice questions; uses both SI and U.S. Customary units
Exam questions
110 questions
Time limit
6-hour appointment: nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes), tutorial (8 minutes), exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), scheduled break (25 minutes)
Passing score
Results reported as pass or fail; failing examinees receive a diagnostic report by major topic
Exam fee
$225 exam fee payable directly to NCEES
Examination outline
  • 1. Surveying Processes and Methods (16–24 of 110 questions)
    • A. Instrumentation (e.g., GNSS/GPS, levels, total stations, robotic total stations, scanners, UAS)
    • B. GNSS/GPS surveys (e.g., static, kinematic, OPUS, real-time networks)
    • C. Control surveys (e.g., horizontal, vertical, network design, accuracy standards)
    • D. Cadastral (e.g., Public Land Survey System [PLSS], boundary, metes and bounds, land title)
    • E. Topographic surveys
    • F. Construction surveys (e.g., layout, as-built, quantity)
    • G. Land development (e.g., subdivision design/platting, land use, environmental, flood plains, wetlands)
    • H. Field record keeping and documentation (e.g., procedures, field books, raw data files)
  • 2. Mapping Processes and Methods (14–21 of 110 questions)
    • A. Basic mapping concepts (e.g., scaling, symbols, features, legend, contours, cartography)
    • B. Types of maps (e.g., plan and profile, cross section, plat, record of survey, ALTA, topographic, planimetric)
    • C. CAD (e.g., 2-D, 3-D, building information modeling [BIM])
    • D. GIS (e.g., feature collection, map projections, coordinate systems, metadata, database design and management, spatial data analysis, GIS applications)
    • E. Digital terrain model (e.g., machine control, triangulated irregular network [TIN], digital surface model, digital elevation model)
    • F. Photogrammetry and remote sensing (e.g., close range, conventional, softcopy, ground control, quality control, flight planning, project planning, UAS, drone, LiDAR, satellite, digital image analysis and processing)
  • 3. Boundary Law and Real Property Principles (19–29 of 110 questions)
    • A. Public records and descriptions (e.g., land descriptions, mineral rights, ownership rights, weighting evidence)
    • B. Common law principles (e.g., controlling elements, unwritten rights, adverse possession)
    • C. Easements (e.g., granted, implied/prescriptive)
    • D. Simultaneous and sequential conveyances
    • E. Metes and bounds
    • F. PLSS
    • G. Water law (e.g., riparian, littoral rights, water marks/levels)
    • H. Sources of law (e.g., federal/state/local, administrative, common, citations, legal research)
    • I. Encumbrances (e.g., restrictive covenants, mortgages, liens)
    • J. Real property law (e.g., deeds, chains of title)
  • 4. Surveying Principles (13–20 of 110 questions)
    • A. Basic surveying (e.g., horizontal surveys, vertical surveys, understanding of historical methods and instruments, route surveying, magnetic declination)
    • B. Geodesy (e.g., spherical trigonometry, geometric, physical, geodetic coordinates, orthometric corrections, convergence, geodetic reductions, gravity modeling, geoid modeling)
    • C. Applied geodesy (e.g., datums and datum conversions, latitude/longitude, coordinate transformations, state plane coordinate system [SPCS], map projections, control networks, reduction of observations, deflection of vertical, satellite coordinate systems)
  • 5. Survey Computations and Computer Applications (17–26 of 110 questions)
    • A. Coordinate geometry
    • B. Traverse closure and adjustments
    • C. Leveling (e.g., differential, trigonometric, reciprocal, precise)
    • D. Least squares adjustments
    • E. Area
    • F. Horizontal curves
    • G. Vertical curves
    • H. Volume (e.g., mass diagrams, earthwork)
    • I. Spreadsheets
    • J. Slopes and grades
  • 6. Business Concepts (11–17 of 110 questions)
    • A. Project planning (e.g., resource management, scheduling, cost estimation, tracking)
    • B. Safety (e.g., signage, basic first aid, safety equipment)
    • C. Liabilities (e.g., negligence, employee behavior, errors and omissions)
    • D. Contracts (e.g., basic elements, scope of work, specifications)
    • E. Supervision (e.g., survey team leadership, personnel management)
    • F. Project documentation and record management
    • G. Ethics
    • H. Communication (e.g., written communication, oral communication, alternate forms of communication, conflict resolution)
  • 7. Applied Mathematics and Statistics (10–15 of 110 questions)
    • A. College mathematics (e.g., trigonometry, analytical geometry and calculus, linear algebra and matrix theory)
    • B. Probability and statistics (e.g., mean, median, mode, hypothesis testing, normal distribution, linear regression)
    • C. Measurement science (e.g., error analysis, error propagation, positional tolerance, positional accuracy, random/systematic/blunder errors, unit conversions)
    • D. Quantitative reasoning (e.g., critical thinking, data analysis and validation, blunder detection, data quality, redundancy)
Examination sources

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

Vermont Land Surveyor State Jurisprudence Exam

Provider
Vermont Board of Land Surveyors
Format
Open-book multiple-choice examination; upload the answer sheet to the online application.
Exam questions
38 numbered questions; question 38 has four separately scored parts.
Time limit
Two hours
Examination outline
  • Vermont Statutes and Rules
  • Early Vermont History
  • Vermont Case Law
  • Vermont Survey Law
  • Early Vermont History
  • Brown & Eldridge
  • Brown Robillard and Wilson
  • Black’s Law Dictionary
Examination sources