We counsel an average of five to ten people each week that are looking for information on how to become a land surveyor and many of them are shocked that it takes between 4 to 8 years to become licensed as a Texas RPLS. The combination of education requirements (2-year degree minimum), exams (FS, PS, and TSSE), and experience (about 2 years working full time), make becoming an RPLS a long, hard road. But if you dedicate yourself, it is a fulfilling career with endless possibilities.
Three Different Career Paths within Texas Land Surveying
Land surveying in Texas offers a variety of career paths, each with unique opportunities and requirements. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to advance in the field, understanding the different paths can help you choose the right route to become a licensed surveyor. In this guide, we’ll explore the three main career paths within Texas land surveying and the qualifications needed for each, providing insight into the process of becoming a registered professional land surveyor (RPLS).
Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS)
The highest level in the profession, a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) requires licensure through the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS). RPLSs oversee boundary surveys, prepare legal descriptions, and ensure compliance with state regulations. They often work independently or manage survey teams in firms, government agencies, or private industries.
Surveyor in Training (SIT)
The SIT is the first major step in becoming an RPLS, you have to first qualify with one of the four paths. Three of them require a certain amount of college classes while the fourth is proving to the board that you possess the required education through experience. You then have to pass the FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam.
Certified Survey Technician (CST)
NSPS (National Society of Professional Surveyors) have the CST program that offers 4 levels of certifications with 2 different paths, an office path and a field path. The highest CST certification Level 4 in the office path is typically regarded as the same level as an SIT in Texas.
Get Educated
The first step of becoming a Texas land surveyor is to gain the necessary education. Until recently, a bachelor’s degree in land surveying, or a bachelor’s degree in any subject plus 32 credits of surveying courses were required. This is not the place to debate the degree requirements of our profession; instead, I will bring your attention to the September 2019 statute change that lowered the degree requirements to either (1) an associate’s degree in surveying, or an associate’s degree in any subject plus 32 credits of surveying courses.
Pass the FS Exam
The second step of becoming an RPLS is to pass your Fundamentals of Surveying exam. This national exam is tough! Only about 50% of examinees pass on the first try depending on your educational background. Want to know what it takes to crush this exam? Check out this free course that explains everything that you need to know in order to succeed. https://nlcprep.com/product/fs-preview/
Get Land Surveying Experience
The third step of becoming an RPLS is to gain the necessary responsible charge time under a currently licensed Texas RPLS. This time totals 4000 hours which translates to working full-time for two years. But simply working in the field as a party chief or in the office as a drafter is not good enough. Be sure that you meet all the requirements as outlined in the Board webpage . Instead, the Surveyor-in-Training must accumulate 3 months in each of the following categories:
- Research
- Legal Principles/Boundary Reconciliations and Deed Sketches
- Computations/Traverse Accuracy Analysis
- Documentation/Descriptions/Monumentation/Preparing Final Surveys
- Field Experience
Do Some Sample Surveys
The fourth step of becoming an RPLS is to author two “sample surveys” and submit your work to the Board. These sample surveys – one rural (metes & bounds) and one urban (lot & block) – demonstrate to the Board that you can draft a complete and legal land survey plat. While minor details may be overlooked when drafting a survey for a client, since no one really reviews your work, the Board volunteers will catch every little mistake that you make! Do a good job and make sure that your boss reviews your work before submitting the survey plats to the Board.
Pass the RPLS Exam
The fifth step of becoming an RPLS is passing your RPLS exam. This is often a tough, frustrating exam for applicants for a variety of reasons. One reason is that the exam is not quite as polished as the NCEES exams. Mistakes happen in the exam room (diagram or question mix-ups given to students). Another reason is the lack of post-exam diagnostic reporting for non-passing examinees; you will receive a score if you did not pass, but there is no category reporting. So what do you study next time? Only God and the Board knows, and neither will discuss the exam contents with the applicant. Want to get started on the right foot with a customized game plan? Schedule a free call with me and let’s make one together.
Keep Your License in Good Standing
The final step of becoming an RPLS, not to be overlooked, is keeping your license in good standing. For some people, this is the hardest step of all. Pay your yearly fees, attend 12 hours of continuing education courses approved by the Texas Board, and do good work!
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