Land Surveyor License Requirements
All 50 States, Verified

The total cost to obtain a surveyor license ranges from $700 in North Dakota to $1,100 in Arizona, with an average of $835. This includes application fees, NCEES exam fees, state-specific exam fees (where required), and initial licensing fees. The NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam costs $225 and the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam costs $375 across all states.

To become a licensed surveyor, you must pass the N/A, which includes the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam and the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. Many states also require passing a state-specific exam covering local laws and surveying standards. All exams are administered through computer-based testing at Pearson VUE centers year-round.

Continuing education requirements for surveyors vary by state, ranging from 12 to 36 hours per renewal period, with an average of 25 hours. 3 states do not require continuing education for license renewal. Most states require professional development hours (PDH) covering topics like surveying law and ethics, technical surveying subjects, and emerging technologies.

0 states accept surveyor license transfers through NCEES comity or reciprocal licensure agreements. Most states participate in the NCEES Model Law Surveyor program, which facilitates license transfer for qualified professionals. However, many states require passing a state-specific exam on local laws and standards, even when accepting comity applications from other jurisdictions.

The most common education requirement is a N/A. However, states offer alternative pathways including related degrees with additional experience or extensive progressive experience under a licensed surveyor (typically 6-8 years). Some states require ABET-accredited programs, while others accept non-ABET degrees with additional qualifications. Experience requirements vary based on educational background.

The timeline to obtain a surveyor license depends on your education and experience background, as most states require 4+ years of progressive surveying experience under a licensed professional. Once you meet the education and experience requirements, the licensing process typically involves passing the required exams and submitting application materials, which can take several months to complete depending on exam scheduling and state processing times.

51 out of 51 jurisdictions require professional licensing to practice land surveying. Professional land surveying involves legally significant boundary determinations and property surveys that require licensure in virtually all U.S. jurisdictions. The licensing requirements help ensure public safety and professional competency in surveying practice, as surveyors' work directly affects property rights and legal boundaries.