How to Become a Licensed Land Surveyor: State-by-State Guide (2026)

Land surveying is one of the oldest professions in America — and one of the most in-demand today. With infrastructure spending at historic highs and real estate development continuing to grow, licensed land surveyors enjoy strong earning potential and long-term career stability. But the path to licensure varies significantly from state to state.

This state-by-state guide breaks down the education, exam, experience, and fee requirements for becoming a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) in all 51 states we track. Whether you're a student exploring the profession or a working surveyor considering licensure in a new state, this comparison will help you plan your path.

Land Surveyor Requirements by State

The table below summarizes surveyor licensing requirements across all 51 states. Click any state name for the full breakdown of requirements, fees, and application steps.

The Typical Path to Becoming a Surveyor

While each state sets its own specific requirements, the path to becoming a licensed Professional Land Surveyor follows a common structure across the country. Here are the major milestones:

1. Earn a qualifying degree: Complete a bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, or a closely related field. 18 states specifically require the program to be ABET-accredited. Programs typically cover geodesy, mapping, boundary law, photogrammetry, and GIS.
2. Pass the FS exam: Take and pass the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam. Many candidates sit for this exam during their final year of college or shortly after graduation. Passing earns you a Surveyor Intern (SI) credential in most states.
3. Gain supervised experience: Work under a licensed Professional Land Surveyor for the required period. The national average is 4 years of supervised work experience. Some states require progressive responsibility during this period.
4. Pass the PS exam: After accumulating sufficient experience, take and pass the NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. This exam tests your readiness for independent professional practice.
5. Complete any state-specific requirements: 43 states require an additional state exam covering local boundary law, the public land survey system, or state-specific regulations. Submit your application with all required documentation and fees.

States That Don't Require a Degree

While most states require a bachelor's degree in surveying or a related field, some states offer alternative pathways for candidates with extensive field experience. These experience-only routes typically require significantly more years of supervised work — often 6–12 years instead of the standard 4 years with a degree.

The following 51 states offer pathways that may not strictly require a traditional four-year degree:

Even in states that allow experience-only pathways, the trend is toward requiring a four-year degree. If you're starting your career, a degree from an ABET-accredited program provides the most flexibility across state lines and positions you for NCEES comity.

NCEES FS and PS Exams Explained

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) administers two national exams that form the foundation of surveyor licensure in virtually every state. Both exams are computer-based tests (CBT) administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.

FS — Fundamentals of Surveying

The FS exam is a 110-question, 6-hour computer-based test that covers the foundational knowledge expected of entry-level surveyors. Topics include mathematics, measurement analysis, geodesy, mapping sciences, and legal principles of surveying. The exam fee is approximately $225. Most candidates take the FS during their final year of college or shortly after graduation.

PS — Principles and Practice of Surveying

The PS exam is a 100-question, 8-hour computer-based test that assesses advanced professional competence. It covers the practice of surveying, boundary law, the public land survey system, and professional responsibilities. The exam fee is approximately $375. You must have accumulated the required supervised experience before sitting for the PS in most states.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Surveyor?

The total time to become a licensed Professional Land Surveyor is typically 6–10 years. This includes approximately 4 years for a bachelor's degree plus an average of 4 years of supervised experience across all states. Some states allow candidates to begin accumulating experience while still in school, which can shorten the overall timeline.

Candidates who pursue the experience-only pathway (in states that allow it) may need 6–12 years of supervised work, but they skip the time spent in formal education. Either way, you'll need to budget time for exam preparation — most candidates spend several months studying for each of the FS and PS exams.

After passing all required exams and meeting experience requirements, the state application process itself typically takes 4–12 weeks, depending on the board's review schedule and any background check requirements.

Land Surveyor Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for surveyors is approximately $65,590. Experienced professionals, firm owners, and those specializing in high-demand areas like construction surveying or GIS can earn well over $100,000 per year.

The job outlook for surveyors remains positive, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, real estate development, and the growing need for accurate geospatial data. States with high construction activity, energy development, or large-scale public works tend to offer the strongest demand and highest salaries for licensed surveyors.

Earning your PLS license significantly increases your earning potential — licensed surveyors command higher salaries than unlicensed survey technicians, and licensure is required to start your own surveying firm or sign and seal survey plats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree do I need to become a surveyor?

Most states require a bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, or a closely related field from an ABET-accredited program. 18 states specifically require ABET accreditation. Some states offer alternative pathways combining education and extended experience.

How long does it take to get a surveyor license?

Typically 6–10 years total: 4 years for a bachelor's degree plus 4 years of supervised experience on average. Some states allow concurrent experience during education, which can shorten this timeline.

What's the difference between FS and PS exams?

The FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam tests foundational knowledge and is typically taken during or after education. The PS (Principles and Practice of Surveying) exam tests advanced professional skills and is taken after gaining required experience. Both are administered by NCEES at Pearson VUE testing centers.

Can I become a surveyor without a degree?

Some states allow licensure through extended experience in lieu of a degree, typically requiring 6–12 years of supervised surveying work. However, most states are moving toward requiring a 4-year degree, and 18 states already require an ABET-accredited program specifically.

Do surveyors need to be licensed in every state?

Yes, surveying is a licensed profession in all 50 states. However, 51 states participate in NCEES comity, which simplifies the process of obtaining licensure in additional states. If you hold an NCEES Record, comity states can verify your credentials without requiring you to resubmit all documentation.

What does a land surveyor do?

Land surveyors establish property boundaries, create topographic maps, verify construction measurements, and provide legal descriptions for real estate transactions. They use specialized equipment including GPS, total stations, and GIS software. Licensed surveyors also sign and seal survey plats, making them legally responsible for the accuracy of their work.

Next Steps

Becoming a licensed land surveyor requires significant investment in education, exams, and experience — but the career rewards are substantial. Start by identifying your target state's specific requirements and working backward to build your plan.

Browse our surveyor licensing hub for detailed state-by-state requirements, or see our guide on land surveyor license costs by state to understand the full financial picture.

Sources

• Individual state surveyor licensing board websites (cited on each state page).
• NCEES — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (ncees.org): FS and PS exam specifications, fees, and administration details.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Surveyors (median salary and job outlook data).

Data was last verified in March 2026. Requirements can change as states update their regulations. Always confirm current requirements with your state's surveyor licensing board before beginning the licensure process.