If you’re interested in a rewarding career that blends science, math, and outdoor fieldwork, land surveying is a perfect fit. In California, becoming a licensed land surveyor opens the door to diverse opportunities.
But California’s path to licensure isn’t simple—and that’s why we created this guide.
In this article, we’ll walk you through each step to become a California licensed land surveyor. Let’s get you on a path to success.
Step 1: Meet the Education Requirements
To become a land surveyor in California, the first step is meeting the minimum educational requirements. These are set by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG).
Here are some common pathways:
- Bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering, or a closely related field
- Associate degree plus additional qualifying work experience
- No degree? You may still qualify based on experience, but requirements are stricter
Tip: Always review the latest education and experience criteria (BPELSG’s official site)
Step 2: Accumulate Work Experience
Next, you’ll need to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS).
California requires:
- 6 years of qualifying experience, which can include a combination of education and fieldwork
- A minimum of 2 years under direct supervision of a California-licensed land surveyor
You’ll document your experience as part of your application for licensure.
Step 3: Pass the Required Exams
Licensure requires passing three major exams:
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS)
- Administered by NCEES
- Tests basic surveying knowledge
- Often the first exam you’ll take (can be taken while finishing school)
Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS)
- Also administered by NCEES
- More advanced, focusing on professional-level practice
California State-Specific Land Surveyor Exam
This is where many candidates get tripped up—and why a targeted prep course is so important.
This exam covers:
- California land survey law and regulations
- Subdivision Map Act
- Professional practices and standards
- Water rights, boundary law, and more
Our new California Land Surveyor Exam Prep Course is designed specifically for this portion of the exam. Shop our state specific material now.
Step 4: Apply for Licensure with BPELSG
Once you’ve passed the FS and PS exams (or are eligible to), you can apply to BPELSG to take the California state exam and complete your licensure process.
You’ll need to submit:
- Completed application
- Work experience documentation
- Educational transcripts
- Application and exam fees
Allow a few weeks for processing, and be sure to apply ahead of the next exam window.
Step 5: Maintain Your License
After passing all exams and earning your PLS license, you’ll need to maintain it by:
- Renewing every two years
- Staying current with California surveying law
- Completing continuing education (as required)
The Best Tool to Help You Pass: Our California PLS Exam Prep Course
The California-specific portion of the licensing exam is unlike any other in the U.S. That’s why we created a comprehensive, state-specific course built exclusively for California candidates.
What’s included:
- California survey statutes & law
- Detailed breakdowns of exam topics
- Practice questions, plus statute laws and rules
- Taught by licensed surveyors who know the California exam inside and out
Pass the California state-specific exam with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a licensed land surveyor in California is a serious achievement—and a smart career move. While the path involves multiple steps, the right education, mentorship, and exam prep can make the journey much smoother.
If you’re planning to sit for the California exam soon, let us help you prepare the right way.
Ready to get started?
Enroll in our California Land Surveyor Exam Prep Course today →
