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About the PS Exam

Last Updated: September 25, 2025

Principles and Practices of Surveying Exam

The Principles and Practices of Surveying Exam is governed by NCEES and generally administered to practicing Surveyors-in-Training who have between 2 and 4 years of practical experience; however, check your state’s licensing requirements as they vary individually.

The PS Exam consists of 100 questions and the entire examination time takes 7 hours, with 60 minutes dedicated to an optional break and other test day requirements. You can take this exam at any time throughout the year at an NCEES -approved Pearson Vue Testing Center.

The Principles and Practices of Surveying Exam requires examinees to demonstrate a variety of approaches and methodologies that include design, analysis, and applications. All mathematics on the PS Exam uses the US Customary System of Units (USCS). For your convenience, we have provided the PS Exam section specifications below.

Not sure where to start or wondering the best strategies to pass the FS exam?

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call with NLC Prep, we are more than happy to discuss the PS Exam and how obtaining your PLS will boost your professional career as a surveyor. VISIT NCEES

Not sure where to start?

Wondering if a career as a professional surveyor is right for you? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call with NLC Prep. We are more than happy to discuss the PS Exam and what a career is like as a professionally licensed surveyor.

PS CBT Exam Specifications Effective January 1st, 2019

About our PS Exam Prep Materials

Are you interested in becoming a professionally licensed surveyor? Your career path begins with the Fundamentals of Surveying Exam, and your first step is to pass this difficult exam. Wouldn’t it be great to pass the FS Exam on the first try and get licensed as quickly as possible? Our FS Exam prep material is designed to do just that. Most of our past students have passed on their first try using our Fundamentals of Surveying Exam prep material and online courses.

Full Length Practice Exam

Our Full-Length PS Practice Exam was designed based on NCEES specifications and also Dr. Tony Nettleman’s 20 years of experience as a PLS. This full-length practice exam will give you ample practice for what to expect on the day of the exam.

Full Length Exam

Pre-Programmed HP35 Calculators

We offer Pre-Programmed HP-35 Calculators loaded with 15+ land surveying programs that make the PS Exam math sections a breeze. These calculators are approved for use during the exam and they seriously cut down on time needed to perform calculations. We also provide a user manual as well as plenty of videos on how to use your calculator efficiently and effectively.

Pre-Programmed HP35

HP35 Online Course

PS Exam Online Course

NLC Prep’s Online PS Prep Course Bundle was designed by Dr. Nettleman to best present and explain the material on each section of the PS Exam. The online course includes quizzes, specific questions, videos, explanations, and other PS Exam tips and tricks to ensure you obtain a passing score on your first try. Dr. Nettleman is so confident in the NLC Prep PS Online Course Bundle and Combos that he backs it with the NLC Pass Guarantee.

Students who do not pass their land survey exam on the first try will be able to access the online course for an additional year and receive coaching from NLC Team Members. The PS Exam Online Course Bundle is frequently updated to stay current with industry standards and NCEES revisions.

Online Course

Access to Office Hours

PS Exam Course Combo

You can also maximize your test day potential with the PS Exam Combo. Our PS Exam Combo includes the Pre-Programmed HP-35 calculator, PS Full-Length Practice Exam, the PS Exam Online Course Bundle, Boundaries and Landmarks: A Practical Manual by A.C. Mulford (1912), and the ACSM/NSPS Definitions of Surveying and Associated Terms (2005). The PS Exam Combo is, without-a-doubt, the best tool for passing your exam; not to mention it is also the best value, combining all three of our most popular PS Exam test products into one bundle.

Not sure where to start or wondering if a career as a professional surveyor is right for you? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call with NLC Prep.
We are more than happy to discuss the PS Exam and how obtaining your PLS will boost your professional career as a surveyor.

PS Exam Online Course

Pre-Programmed HP35

HP35 Online Course

Full Length Practice Exam

Study Guides and More

The Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam is a critical step for aspiring professional surveyors. It marks the transition from foundational knowledge to applied expertise in the field. Passing this exam demonstrates your competency in surveying principles, legal considerations, and practical applications.

Our program helps pave the way to licensure and career growth. As you prepare, familiarize yourself with the exam format, study effectively, and practice. Passing your PS national exam will establish you as a trusted professional in the surveying field. For more details, contact the NLC Prep team today.

Real Results

Student Testimonials

Read More Reviews

WOOOO. Thank you for everything, I passed the PS. This course seriously sets you up to pass. Now time to study for the California State exam.

MARCELO R.

PASSED! 1st attempt no less. Thank you for taking the time to put together the review material. It really helped me get back into the groove and turned me on to a few areas I wouldn’t have focused on otherwise.

GARY O.

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