Free Illinois Land Surveying Jurisdictional Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Illinois Land Surveying Jurisdictional Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which principal meridian virtually divides Illinois in half for PLSS reference purposes?

   1. A. Third Principal Meridian
   2. B. Second Principal Meridian
   3. C. Fourth Principal Meridian
   4. D. Fifth Principal Meridian

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The Illinois Department of Revenue states, "The most prominent meridian is the Third Principal Meridian, which virtually cuts Illinois in half." Therefore the Third Principal Meridian is the correct Illinois reference.

   Reference: § PTAX-1-M (R-01/26) — § PTAX-1-M (R-01/26), page 53

2. 2What Illinois Appendix A event triggers the Land Survey Monuments Act record requirement for a public land survey monument?

   1. A. Using the monument to make a survey
   2. B. Depicting the monument on an assessor map
   3. C. Finding the monument beside the parcel
   4. D. Citing the monument in an unverified deed

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Appendix A provides, "Only when a public land survey monument is used for making a survey is recording of a monument record a requirement of the Act." The trigger is use in making the survey.

   Reference: Rules Entire Direct — § 1270

3. 3Under the Illinois Land Survey Monuments Act, what creates an aliquot corner?

   1. A. Subdivision under county indexing procedures
   2. B. Subdivision under adjoining deed agreements
   3. C. Subdivision under the federal Manual's procedures
   4. D. Subdivision under municipal plat procedures

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Section 3.05 defines an aliquot corner as one "created by subdividing a section of land according to the rules of procedure" in the federal Manual.

   Reference: Articles — § 765 ILCS 220/3.05

4. 4The supplied deed description is insufficient because it calls to adjoining deeds. Who ordinarily must furnish the requested additional information?

   1. A. The recorder
   2. B. The adjoining owner
   3. C. The client, unless otherwise agreed
   4. D. The assessor

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Illinois places this duty on "the client (unless agreed upon otherwise)" when more information is required.

   Reference: Rules Entire Direct — § 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1270.56(b)(5)(A)

5. 5For an Illinois monument record prepared by a United States agency survey party, which official may sign it?

   1. A. The agency contracting officer
   2. B. The county recorder
   3. C. The chief of the federal survey party
   4. D. The adjoining highway official

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Appendix A states, "All monument records shall be signed by a licensed land surveyor or by the chief of a survey party in an agency of the United States government." For the federal-party scenario, the authorized official is its chief.

   Reference: Rules Entire Direct — § 1270

6. 6What baseline supplies the Illinois reference for the Third Principal Meridian?

   1. A. Beardstown Baseline
   2. B. Centralia Baseline
   3. C. Ohio River Baseline
   4. D. Chicago Baseline

   Answer: B

   Explanation: PTAX-1-M says, "The reference for the Third Principal Meridian exists at the intersection of the Centralia Baseline."

   Reference: § PTAX-1-M (R-01/26) — § PTAX-1-M (R-01/26), page 53

7. 7Which edition of the ALTA/NSPS requirements is incorporated into the current Illinois minimum standards?

   1. A. 2021 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements
   2. B. 2016 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements
   3. C. 2024 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements
   4. D. 2011 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements

   Answer: A

   Explanation: 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1270.56(a)(2) incorporates the "2021 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys."

   Reference: Rules Entire Direct — § 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1270.56(a)(2)

8. 8Which corner classes does Illinois Appendix A categorically treat as public land survey monuments?

   1. A. Section and quarter-section corners
   2. B. Sixteenth-section and lot corners
   3. C. Subdivision and condominium corners
   4. D. Geodetic and construction-control points

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Illinois Appendix A states, "Every section corner and quarter section corner is a public land survey monument." The other listed point classes are not the two categories made categorical by this provision.

   Reference: Rules Entire Direct — § 1270

9. 9Does the Illinois boundary-survey research rule impose a general obligation on the surveyor to research title of record?

   1. A. Yes, on every survey
   2. B. Yes, for unplatted parcels
   3. C. Only if acreage differs
   4. D. No; the rule expressly says it does not

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Section 1270.56(b)(5)(A) says, "This is not to be construed to indicate that the surveyor has an obligation to research the title of record."

   Reference: Rules Entire Direct — § 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1270.56(b)(5)(A)

10. 10An Illinois survey uses a public land survey monument as a control corner. Where must the monument record be filed?

    1. A. Municipal engineer's local office
    2. B. County recorder or Registrar of Titles
    3. C. Department of Revenue district office
    4. D. Federal land office for the region

    Answer: B

    Explanation: 765 ILCS 220/7 requires recording "with the recorder or Registrar of Titles in the county in which the survey was conducted."

    Reference: Articles — § 765 ILCS 220/7