FS Study Plans
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam Study Plans
Get a Structured 3-Month and 6-Month study timeline designed to help you prepare confidently for the FS Exam.
Whether you’re a first-time test taker, working professional, or retaking the exam.
Designed for Every FS Exam Candidate
Explore a preview of our comprehensive Fundamentals Of Surveying (FS) Exam Workshop, specially designed to equip aspiring surveyors with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the FS exam.
First-Time FS Exam Takers
-
Step-by-step progression from fundamentals to applied topics
-
Prevents overload by building concepts in the right order
Working Professionals
-
Flexible pacing that fits full-time schedules
-
Modular approach lets you focus on one topic at a time
Repeat Exam Testers
-
Emphasis on historically challenging topics
-
Easy to skip familiar material and target weak areas
What's included in the study plans
3-Month FS Study Plan
Best for
- Candidates with strong math or technical backgrounds
- Recent surveying graduates
- Repeat FS exam takers
- Those able to commit 12–15+ hours per week
What it covers
-
All 17 FS exam modules in a condensed timeline
-
Foundations, applied surveying, and legal topics are grouped efficiently
-
GNSS, GIS, photogrammetry, and business fundamentals
- Full-length practice exam and final exam readiness
6-Month FS Study Plan
BEST FOR
-
Repeat test takers
-
Recent graduates
-
Candidates with strong math or surveying backgrounds
What it covers
-
Structured review of all FS exam topics
-
Emphasis on problem-solving and exam strategy
-
Boundary, legal, PLSS, and applied surveying focus
- Dedicated final review and full-length practice exam
3-Month Plan Overview
Month 1: Foundations, Math & Surveying Principles
- FS exam format, test strategy, and calculator setup
- Mathematics, trigonometry, algebra, and COGO
- Basic surveying principles and measurement science
- Errors, precision vs. accuracy, and leveling
- Geodesy, datums, and coordinate systems
Month 2: Applied Surveying, Boundary & Legal Topics
- Route and construction surveys
- Graphic communication and plan interpretation
- Boundary establishment principles
- Legal descriptions and survey law
- PLSS concepts, breakdowns, and applications
Month 3: Technology, Business & Final Review
- GNSS, GIS, LiDAR, UAVs, and photogrammetry basics
- Business management and professional communication
- Statistics and survey adjustments
- Full-length practice exam
- Final formula review and exam pacing
6-Month Plan Overview
Month 1: Foundations & Exam Strategy
- FS exam structure and pacing
- Mathematics, trigonometry, and COGO
- Calculator workflows and efficiency
Month 2: Core Surveying Concepts
- Basic surveying principles
- Measurement science
- Errors, adjustments, and geodetic fundamentals
Month 3: Applied Surveying
- Route geometry and layout
- Construction surveying problems
- Graphic communication and plan interpretation
Month 4: Boundary, Legal & PLSS
- Boundary resolution principles
- Legal descriptions and survey law
- PLSS calculations and interpretation
Month 5: Technology & Statistics
- GNSS and GIS fundamentals
- Remote sensing and photogrammetry
- Statistics and survey adjustments
Month 6: Final Review & Exam Readiness
- Full-length practice exam
- Target weak areas
- Final formula review
- Exam strategy and confidence building
How to Get the Most Out of These Study Plans
- Study 3–5 days per week, even 30–60 minutes per session
- Prioritize practice problems over passive reading
- Track weak topics and revisit them regularly
- Master calculator workflows early
Download the Free FS Study Plan
Get both the 3-month and 6-month study timelines delivered straight to your inbox.
Fundamentals Of Surveying (FS)
Online Course
Fundamentals of Surveying Exam coming up?
what's included
- Full online FS exam preparation course
- Video lessons, concept reviews, and guided instruction
- Full-length practice exam aligned with NCEES
- Lesson handouts and downloadable resources
- Designed to pair with structured study plans
-
Not sure where to start? → Download the free FS Study Plan
FAQ
What is included in the free course previews for the FS and PS exams?
The free course preview offers access to a curated selection of our course content including lessons and resources. They include sample lessons, interactive practice questions, and printable resources such as workbooks and study materials for offline use. Additionally, the previews feature introductory videos that cover key concepts and provide study tips to help you prepare effectively for the exam, allowing a prospective student to gauge the depth and quality of the full course material.
Do I need to create an account to access the free preview mode?
Yes, an account is required to access the free course previews. Creating a free account is simple and provides you with instant access to the preview.
Is there a time limit to the free preview mode, or can I access it anytime?
Once you register, you’ll have unlimited access to the free course preview. This allows you to explore the content at your own pace and revisit lessons, quizzes, or practice questions as often as you need to determine whether to continue with the full course. (Even if you are not an enrolled student, you may want to visit our blog page for additional resources.)
How can I transition from the free preview to the full FS or PS exam prep course?
Upgrading to the full FS or PS course is straightforward. When you feel ready to move forward, you can enroll through your account dashboard. Once enrolled, you’ll gain access to all selected lessons, study materials, and in-depth practice exams. Additionally, after completing all sections, you’ll unlock a full-length practice exam. If you have any questions, enrolled students can reach out to instructors for assistance with specific content.
What specific topics are covered in the free preview for the FS and PS exams?
The free preview includes essential topics from both the FS and PS exam prep courses. For the FS exam, a prospective student will find coverage of fundamental concepts like mathematical computations, geodesy, and mapping principles. For the PS exam, the preview offers insights into more advanced topics such as boundary law, legal aspects of surveying, and professional practice issues. These topics represent a sample of the full range of materials that you’ll need to master for each exam.
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS,
WE HAVE ANSWERS
Stay up-to-date with NLC PREP Newsletter!
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, special offers, and surveying insights. Connect with us on social media for even more valuable content and engagement