Surveying Exams By State
Land Surveyor Requirements
Discover state-specific land surveyor requirements.
Are you ready to crush your professional land surveyor license exam? Start your journey today!
Land Surveyor Requirements by State
Each state has its own land surveyor requirements. As you must meet them, it’s important you understand exactly what is needed.
Typically, the process includes completing a degree in surveying or a related field. Then, passing two national and a state-specific exam.. It also usually includes practical field experience under a licensed surveyor.
Please keep in mind that many states require continuing education. This ensures you are staying updated with industry standards and technology. And we are happy to help!
State Specific Surveyor Requirements
Requirements will vary significantly state to state.
Below is a table summarizing the general requirements for the LSIT (Land Surveyor in Training) and FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exams across various states.
While we’ve provided an overview to help you understand what’s typically expected, requirements can change and vary. We strongly recommend verifying the specifics directly with your State Board.
If you have questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out to the NLC Prep team for guidance. This resource is designed to give you a starting point as you plan your path toward becoming a licensed surveyor.
| State | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Alabama | BS and Experience |
| California | Experience |
| Delaware | BS and Experience |
| Idaho | BS |
| Kansas | AS and Experience |
| Maryland | None |
| Mississippi | AS and Experience |
| Nevada | Pass FS Exam |
| New York | BS |
| Oklahoma | BS |
| South Carolina | BS |
| Utah | None |
| Wisconsin | None |
| State | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Alaska | None |
| Colorado | HS and Experience |
| Florida | B |
| Illinois | BS |
| Kentucky | (Certification not required) |
| Massachusetts | BS and Experience |
| Missouri | BS |
| New Hampshire | Pass FS Exam |
| North Carolina | AS and Experience |
| Oregon | Pass FS Exam |
| South Dakota | None |
| Vermont | None |
| West Virginia | BS |
| State | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Arizona | BS |
| Connecticut | AS and Experience |
| Georgia | AS and Experience |
| Indiana | Master |
| Louisiana | BS and Experience |
| Michigan | None |
| Montana | BS |
| New Jersey | BS |
| North Dakota | AS and Experience |
| Pennsylvania | AS |
| Tennessee | AS |
| Virginia | BS and Experience |
| Wyoming | AS and Experience |
| State | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | BS |
| District of Columbia | BS and Experience |
| Hawaii | BS and Experience |
| Iowa | BS and Experience |
| Maine | AS and Experience |
| Minnesota | BS |
| Nebraska | BS |
| New Mexico | BS |
| Ohio | BS |
| Rhode Island | None |
| Texas | BS |
| Washington | AS and Experience |
WHY DO I NEED NLC PREP?
The Fundamentals of Surveying exam is tough.
Fortunately, NLC’S up to date test prep material, online courses, practice exams, and study guides are designed to help you pass your surveying exam on the first try. The overall pass rate on the FS exam for 2020 was only 66%. NLC Prep wants to help you achieve a passing score and we’ve worked hard to bring you the most up to date exam prep material.
Fortunately, NLC’S up to date test prep material, online courses, practice exams, and study guides are designed to help you pass your surveying exam on the first try. The overall pass rate on the FS exam for 2020 was only 66%. NLC Prep wants to help you achieve a passing score and we’ve worked hard to bring you the most up to date exam prep material.
Pass Rates Straight From Ncees:
Exam
FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING (FS)
- First Time
Takers Volume398
- First Time
Pass Rate66%
- Repeat Takers
Volume253
- Repeat Takers
Pass Rate49%
- Format
CBT
- Availability
Year
Round - Last Update
Jan
2021
WHY DO I NEED NLC PREP ?
Surveying exams are tough. Fortunately, NLC’S up-to-date test prep material, practice exams, and study guides are designed to help you pass your surveying exam on the first try. The overall pass rate on the FS exam for 2020 was only 66%. NLC Prep wants to help you achieve a passing score and we’ve worked hard to bring you the most up-to-date exam prep material.
Each state-specific exam will have its own pass rates, but this information can be difficult to locate. Often, you’ll need to request this data directly from the board.
Learn More About State-Specific Surveying Exams
Taking your state-specific surveying exam is the last step to becoming a professional land surveyor.
Each state has their own LSIT requirements for the exam, The fundamentals of surveying and Principles and Practices exams required by every state. Each state has their own requirements before you can sign-up for the exam, so be sure to check with your state board before scheduling your exam or give us a call to help guide you through.
It is required before taking the state specific exams. To learn more about the requirements, exam times, and categories, speak with a NLC Prep team member today.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
What types of materials are included for each state's exam prep?
Each state page provides a comprehensive set of materials tailored to that state’s land surveying exam. This surveying coursework goes way beyond general information on land surveying. Here are a few examples – Detailed study guides that cover key concepts. Practice exams to help prepare you for question formats and topics. Additional resource materials for a deeper understanding. You also receive a statutes binder containing state specific laws and regulations. Together, you receive a wealth of resources to set you up to become a professional surveyor!
Is there a cost to access the state-specific exam prep materials?
Some materials are free to access through the board’s website, while others may require a purchase. Pricing details are listed on each state’s individual page. Interested in becoming a licensed land surveyor in a specific state? We always suggest checking that state’s board information regarding an applicant’s education and experience requirements.
Do you offer practice exams for my state's land surveyor exam?
Yes, we provide practice land surveying exams for every state we serve. Please check back or speak with a team member about states not listed. (NLC Prep is currently working on additional states.) State board exams are designed to help you familiarize yourself with the format, structure, and types of questions. Practice exams include a variety of question styles and topics. They are tailored to your state’s specific requirements. These resources can help you identify areas where you may need further review. This way, you are well on your way to becoming a professional land surveyor.
Do these materials cover both state-specific laws and national exam content?
No, the materials for state-specific laws are separate from those for the national licensure exams. There may be some overlap in general principles. The state-specific content focuses exclusively on a state’s unique laws, regulations, and standards. The national surveying examination covers broader topics such as surveying fundamentals. If you’re preparing for both, we recommend studying state-specific materials – and national exam content. This way, you are fully prepared for each.
What if my state changes its exam format or requirements?
NLC Prep closely monitors changes to state exam formats and requirements. It is important that our materials remain accurate and up-to-date. Interested in becoming a licensed professional land surveyor in one or multiple states? It is important to check each state board of surveyor’s to see what type of education, continuing education requirement, and qualifying experience needed. If your state isn’t currently available in our offerings, we’re actively working to expand our coverage and hope to include it soon. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need guidance regarding recent changes in your state.
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