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Wisconsin Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Professional Land Surveyor

License to engage in professional land surveying under Wis. Stat. § 443.06. Section 443.06(2)(cm) applies only to applications submitted before July 1, 2019 and does not create a current ten-year-experience initial application route.

Licensing authority: Professional Land Surveyor Section of the Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, Professional Land Surveyors and Registered Interior Designers · Application information

Licensure by examination — associate degree
Application
Submit the sworn application, required fees, official transcripts, chronological employment history, and requested supporting material. A-E 6.06 requires five references who know the applicant’s surveying experience, including three professional land surveyors. DSPS requests Forms 463, 474 and 931 and Form 475 when examination verification is needed.
Background
Arrest and conviction records are assessed subject to Wis. Stat. §§ 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335 (§ 443.06(1)(a)).
Education
Approved associate degree of at least two years and 60 semester credits in professional land surveying or a related field, including at least 12 surveying credits: at least eight legal/technical credits and no more than four specified related credits; plus four years of approved practice (A-E 6.04(1)).
Experience
A-E 6.03 requires at least two-thirds of experience in its specified boundary and mapping work and no more than one-third in its specified other work; no more than one year of credit per calendar year. Coursework or teaching may receive equivalent-experience credit subject to § 443.06(1)(b).
Passing score window
A-E 6.05(3) states that applicants must pass FS, PS and the Wisconsin jurisdictional examination within four years of applying for licensure. Passing-score timing is an applicant condition; already-passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Licensure by examination — bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
Application
Submit the sworn application, required fees, official transcripts, chronological employment history, and requested supporting material. A-E 6.06 requires five references who know the applicant’s surveying experience, including three professional land surveyors. DSPS requests Forms 463, 474 and 931 and Form 475 when examination verification is needed.
Background
Arrest and conviction records are assessed subject to Wis. Stat. §§ 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335 (§ 443.06(1)(a)).
Education
Approved four-year bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from a regionally accredited institution, including at least 24 surveying semester credits: at least 16 concentrating on legal principles and technical aspects and no more than eight in other specified surveying subjects; plus two years of approved practice (A-E 6.04(2)(b)).
Experience
A-E 6.03 requires at least two-thirds of experience in its specified boundary and mapping work and no more than one-third in its specified other work; no more than one year of credit per calendar year. Coursework or teaching may receive equivalent-experience credit subject to § 443.06(1)(b).
Passing score window
A-E 6.05(3) states that applicants must pass FS, PS and the Wisconsin jurisdictional examination within four years of applying for licensure. Passing-score timing is an applicant condition; already-passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Licensure by examination — bachelor’s degree in professional land surveying
Application
Submit the sworn application, required fees, official transcripts, chronological employment history, and requested supporting material. A-E 6.06 requires five references who know the applicant’s surveying experience, including three professional land surveyors. DSPS requests Forms 463, 474 and 931 and Form 475 when examination verification is needed.
Background
Arrest and conviction records are assessed subject to Wis. Stat. §§ 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335 (§ 443.06(1)(a)).
Education
Approved four-year bachelor’s degree in professional land surveying from a regionally accredited institution and at least two years of approved professional land-surveying practice.
Experience
A-E 6.03 requires at least two-thirds of experience in its specified boundary and mapping work and no more than one-third in its specified other work; no more than one year of credit per calendar year. Coursework or teaching may receive equivalent-experience credit subject to § 443.06(1)(b).
Passing score window
A-E 6.05(3) states that applicants must pass FS, PS and the Wisconsin jurisdictional examination within four years of applying for licensure. Passing-score timing is an applicant condition; already-passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Renewal after five years or more
Board discretion
A-E 2.05(2)(b) allows reasonable reinstatement conditions, including any current original-licensure requirements; FS, PS and the jurisdictional exam remain identified leaves despite possible applicant-specific excusal.
Continuing education
DSPS requires 20 continuing-education hours with at least two in ethics/professional conduct, obtained within two years before application.
Examinations
The DSPS reapplication page requires the Wisconsin jurisdictional examination and states: "Applicants must also complete the required NCEES Fundamentals and Principles and Practice examinations, when applicable." Prior scores, individual competence and Board-imposed conditions determine whether an applicant must retest.
Lapse
The DSPS Renewal After 5 Years page expressly includes applicants when five years have passed since expiration. A-E 2.05(2) expressly mandates its competence inquiry when the application is made more than five years after expiration, including practice elsewhere within the preceding five years. At the exact five-year point this route follows the Board’s stated reapplication process; that does not rewrite the rule’s more-than-five-year wording.
Prior license
Previously issued a Wisconsin Professional Land Surveyor license.
Records
Submit Forms 2489 and 2490 or an NCEES record; submit Form 475 or an NCEES record for examination/licensure verification.
Late renewal less than five years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and required fee; the renewal date is February 1 of each even-numbered year (§ 440.08(2)(a)39).
Continuing education
Complete at least 20 approved hours in the preceding biennium, including at least two hours each in Wisconsin surveying statutes/rules, professional conduct/ethics, and surveying or related sciences. Certify compliance and retain records. The first renewal is exempt; A-E 10.07 permits individual hardship waivers.
Lapse
Apply less than five years after expiration; satisfy applicable renewal and late-fee requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocal licensure for service members, former service members and spouses
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed application and fee. Section 440.09(2m) permits an affidavit if military-status documentation cannot be supplied. A-E 6.02(1) expressly excepts this route from ordinary requirements.
Eligibility
A service member, qualifying former service member discharged other than dishonorably within four years, or spouse (including the qualifying spouse of a deceased service member), residing in Wisconsin.
Existing credential
Hold a governmental credential outside Wisconsin authorizing corresponding professional acts; be in good standing with every authority that has issued such a credential.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication required by Board order
Basis
A Board order specifically requires reapplication; comply with the individual order.
Continuing education
DSPS requires 20 continuing-education hours with at least two in ethics/professional conduct, obtained within two years before application.
Examinations
The DSPS reapplication page requires the Wisconsin jurisdictional examination and states: "Applicants must also complete the required NCEES Fundamentals and Principles and Practice examinations, when applicable." Prior scores, individual competence and Board-imposed conditions determine whether an applicant must retest.
Prior license
Previously issued a Wisconsin Professional Land Surveyor license.
Records
Submit Forms 2489 and 2490 or an NCEES record; submit Form 475 or an NCEES record for examination/licensure verification.
Reinstatement or reapplication following revocation
Basis
Section 443.12(4) permits reinstatement for reasons the Section deems sufficient if three members vote in favor; it excludes revocations under § 440.12.
Continuing education
DSPS requires 20 continuing-education hours with at least two in ethics/professional conduct, obtained within two years before application.
Examinations
The DSPS reapplication page requires the Wisconsin jurisdictional examination and states: "Applicants must also complete the required NCEES Fundamentals and Principles and Practice examinations, when applicable." Prior scores, individual competence and Board-imposed conditions determine whether an applicant must retest.
Prior license
Previously issued a Wisconsin Professional Land Surveyor license.
Records
Submit Forms 2489 and 2490 or an NCEES record; submit Form 475 or an NCEES record for examination/licensure verification.
Reapplication following voluntary surrender
Basis
The Wisconsin Professional Land Surveyor license was voluntarily surrendered; DSPS expressly includes this group in its reapplication process.
Continuing education
DSPS requires 20 continuing-education hours with at least two in ethics/professional conduct, obtained within two years before application.
Examinations
The DSPS reapplication page requires the Wisconsin jurisdictional examination and states: "Applicants must also complete the required NCEES Fundamentals and Principles and Practice examinations, when applicable." Prior scores, individual competence and Board-imposed conditions determine whether an applicant must retest.
Prior license
Previously issued a Wisconsin Professional Land Surveyor license.
Records
Submit Forms 2489 and 2490 or an NCEES record; submit Form 475 or an NCEES record for examination/licensure verification.
Licensure by reciprocity
Continuing education
Submit 20 continuing-education hours, including two in ethics/professional conduct, obtained within two years before application; DSPS exempts applicants initially licensed elsewhere less than two years before application.
Existing credential
Unexpired land-surveyor credential issued by a state, territory, possession or country with requirements meeting or exceeding Wisconsin’s standards (§ 443.06(2)(d), A-E 6.07(2)). DSPS’s application page states: "Ensure you have an active Professional Land Surveyor license in another state."
Ncees applicability
DSPS states: "Applicants must also complete the required NCEES Fundamentals and Principles and Practice examinations, when applicable." A-E 6.07(1)(f) requires verification of all A-E 6.05 exams; prior completion and any individual retesting conditions do not remove currently offered exam leaves.
Passing score window
A-E 6.05(3) states that applicants must pass FS, PS and the Wisconsin jurisdictional examination within four years of applying for licensure. Passing-score timing is an applicant condition; already-passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Records
Submit official transcripts, Forms 463 and 474, and Form 475 or direct verification from the licensing authority.
Verification
Submit qualifying-course transcripts, direct licensure verification from every jurisdiction in which a license was held, disclosure of discipline, complaints and investigations, and examination-completion verification (A-E 6.07).
Licensure by reciprocity — NCEES Council Record
Continuing education
Submit 20 continuing-education hours, including two in ethics/professional conduct, obtained within two years before application; DSPS exempts applicants initially licensed elsewhere less than two years before application.
Existing credential
Unexpired land-surveyor credential issued by a state, territory, possession or country with requirements meeting or exceeding Wisconsin’s standards (§ 443.06(2)(d), A-E 6.07(2)). DSPS’s application page states: "Ensure you have an active Professional Land Surveyor license in another state."
Ncees applicability
DSPS states: "Applicants must also complete the required NCEES Fundamentals and Principles and Practice examinations, when applicable." A-E 6.07(1)(f) requires verification of all A-E 6.05 exams; prior completion and any individual retesting conditions do not remove currently offered exam leaves.
Passing score window
A-E 6.05(3) states that applicants must pass FS, PS and the Wisconsin jurisdictional examination within four years of applying for licensure. Passing-score timing is an applicant condition; already-passed currently offered examinations remain leaves.
Records
Request transmission of the NCEES Council Record to Wisconsin DSPS.
Verification
Submit qualifying-course transcripts, direct licensure verification from every jurisdiction in which a license was held, disclosure of discipline, complaints and investigations, and examination-completion verification (A-E 6.07).
Ordinary biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application and required fee; the renewal date is February 1 of each even-numbered year (§ 440.08(2)(a)39).
Continuing education
Complete at least 20 approved hours in the preceding biennium, including at least two hours each in Wisconsin surveying statutes/rules, professional conduct/ethics, and surveying or related sciences. Certify compliance and retain records. The first renewal is exempt; A-E 10.07 permits individual hardship waivers.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from retired status to active practice
Competence
A-E 2.045(3) requires compliance with A-E 2.05(2): competence inquiry and reasonable conditions, including current original-licensure requirements. Retesting on FS, PS or the jurisdictional examination is applicant-specific; these identified examinations remain leaves.
Continuing education
Before resuming practice, DSPS requires continuing-education completion documents and the remaining half of the renewal fee.
Prior status
Hold the Wisconsin Professional Land Surveyor credential classified as retired and apply to remove that classification.

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

Wisconsin Jurisdictional Licensing Examination

Provider
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Format
Online, open book
Passing score
70%
Practice scope

The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.

  • I. U.S. Public Land Survey and Retracement in Wisconsin
    • History of Local Land Surveying Systems and Practices in Wisconsin
    • Obliterated Corners and the Evaluation of Evidence
    • Deviations from Federal Method (Location of Center Section (1853 to 1869); Special Instructions for Original Government Surveys)
    • Sources of Local Surveying Records
  • II. Wisconsin Statutes Relating to Land Surveying
    • Counties
    • Towns
    • Assessor's Plats
    • Platting
    • Certified Survey Maps
    • Condominium Plats
    • Examining Board
    • Other: Limitations/Adverse Possession, Highways, Cemetery Plats, and Storm Water Concentration and Impact
  • III. Wisconsin Administrative Code Provisions Relating to Land Surveying
    • Registration and Certification
    • Minimum Standards for Property Surveys
    • Rules of Professional Conduct
    • Land Divisions — DNR, DOT, and Court rulings
Examination sources