Thinking about a career in land surveying?
If you live in Louisiana, the path to becoming a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) involves specific education, exams, and state-specific requirements. Whether you’re just getting started or preparing for your final licensing step, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to become a land surveyor in Louisiana.
Why Become a Land Surveyor in Louisiana?
Land surveyors play a vital role in land development, boundary resolution, and legal mapping. In Louisiana—a state shaped by rivers, marshlands, and coastal development—the need for accurate surveying is especially critical.
Licensed surveyors enjoy:
- Job stability in both public and private sectors
- Opportunities for independent consulting
- Strong income potential and long-term growth
Step 1: Get the Right Education
To begin your journey, you’ll need a solid educational foundation. The Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS) requires one of the following:
- Earn an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree, such as in Geomatics (ASAC/ABET) or a comparable ABET-accredited surveying and mapping program.
- Pass the national NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, which assesses core surveying knowledge and skills.
- Obtain a recommendation from a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) who holds an active license in Louisiana.
Tip: While there are multiple paths, completing an accredited surveying program is the fastest and most straightforward.
Step 2: Pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Next, you’ll need to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam offered by NCEES. This is a national exam that tests your general knowledge of surveying principles and mathematics.
Once you pass, you’ll be recognized as a Land Surveyor Intern (LSI)—a crucial step toward full licensure.
Step 3: Gain Work Experience
Louisiana requires four or more years of supervised experience under a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS). This hands-on work will help you build the practical skills needed for professional practice and prepare you for the final exams.
Experience must be:
- Documented and verifiable
- Relevant to the practice of surveying
- Completed after passing the FS exam
Step 4: Pass the Louisiana State-Specific Exam
To become licensed in Louisiana, you must pass the state-specific surveying exam administered by LAPELS. This exam covers:
- Louisiana Revised Statutes related to surveying
- Administrative Code and Board Rules
- Local boundary law principles and coastal surveying regulations
Need help studying? Our school offers the following resources:
- Louisiana Statutes Binder– Organized, printed collection of the exact laws and rules tested
- Louisiana Practice Exam – Full-length, hard copy exam to simulate real test conditions
- Louisiana Prep Bundle – Includes both resources at a discounted rate for complete readiness
- Louisiana Laws of Land Surveying Combo – Includes Louisiana full-practice exam, a Louisiana Statutes binder, ACSM Terms & Definitions Book, Federal and State Lands in LA by John Madden, Legal Aspects of Boundary Surveying in LA by LSPS, General Instructions to US Deputy Surveyors by the LA State Land Office, and History of Land Titles in the State of Louisiana by Ory Poret.
Step 5: Apply for Licensure Through LAPELS
Once you’ve passed the required exams and completed your experience, you’re ready to submit your PLS application to the Louisiana Board.
Your application will include:
- Transcripts and experience documentation
- Exam results (FS, PS, and Louisiana-specific)
- Application fees
- References from licensed surveyors
Step 6: Maintain Your License
Louisiana PLSs must renew their licenses annually and complete professional development hours (PDHs) to stay in compliance.
Current requirements include:
- 30 PDHs every two years
- At least 1 PDH in professional ethics
Staying current helps you maintain your license and continue practicing without interruption.
Final Thoughts on Becoming a LA Land Surveyor
The path to becoming a land surveyor in Louisiana is detailed, but absolutely achievable. With the right combination of education, hands-on experience, and focused exam preparation, you’ll be on your way to joining the ranks of Louisiana’s licensed Professional Land Surveyors.
Ready to Prep for the Louisiana Exam?
Our Louisiana-specific course materials are designed by surveyors—for surveyors.
Get started with:
- Louisiana Statutes Binder
- Hard Copy Practice Exam
- Complete Louisiana Prep Bundle
- Louisiana Laws of Land Surveying Combo
Shop now or reach out with any questions you may have.
