How to Become a Land Surveyor: A Complete Guide
How to Become a Land Surveyor: A Complete Guide
Land surveying is a rewarding career that combines technical skills, fieldwork, and legal knowledge to define property boundaries and support construction, engineering, and land development projects.
Becoming a licensed land surveyor involves education, examinations, practical experience, and state-specific requirements. This step-by-step guide will cover how to become a land surveyor and help you navigate this career path.
What is a surveyor?
A land surveyor is a trained professional who measures and maps the physical features of the earth’s surface. They determine precise locations, distances, and boundaries of land parcels, which are essential for property ownership, construction, and development projects.
The responsibilities of a land surveyor include:
Measuring land boundaries: Establishing legal property lines to resolve disputes and prepare land for sale or development
Mapping terrain: Creating detailed maps and plans that show topography, natural features, and man-made structures
Supporting construction projects: Providing accurate measurements to guide architects, engineers, and builders during construction
Ensuring compliance: Verifying that land use complies with zoning laws, environmental regulations, and building codes
Using advanced technology: Employing tools like GPS, drones, total stations, and GIS (geographic information systems) to collect and analyze data
How to become a licensed land surveyor
Land surveyors are essential for accurately measuring and documenting land, supporting everything from new neighborhoods to major infrastructure projects–a responsibility that starts with a strong educational foundation.
1. Complete your education
To become a land surveyor, you’ll need to start by meeting the necessary educational requirements. Most employers and state licensing boards expect candidates to have a bachelor’s degree, as the field relies heavily on advanced mathematics and sophisticated technical equipment.
A four-year degree is the standard path into the profession, and many states require that your degree come from an ABET-accredited program to ensure you qualify for licensure.
In a bachelor’s program for surveying or geomatics, you’ll study subjects like calculus, physics, geography, geology, cartography, and surveying techniques. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with modern measurement equipment, learn to analyze geospatial data, and understand the legal aspects of land ownership. This strong educational foundation prepares you for both the technical and professional demands of a surveying career.
2. Pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
After completing your education, the next step is to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam. This exam, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), is designed to test your understanding of basic surveying principles and knowledge.
The FS exam is typically taken near the end of your degree program or shortly after graduation. Passing the FS exam qualifies you as a Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) or Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT), depending on your state. This designation is required before you can begin accumulating the supervised work experience needed for licensure.
3. Gain practical experience
After passing the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam and earning your Surveyor-in-Training (SIT) or Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) status, you need to gain supervised practical experience. Most states require 2 to 4 years of work under the supervision of a licensed surveyor. This experience allows you to apply your education to real projects, develop technical skills, and become familiar with both fieldwork and office tasks.
During this time, you will work with modern surveying equipment, interpret property records, conduct boundary surveys, and prepare legal descriptions. Keeping detailed records of your work is important for your licensure application. This hands-on experience is essential for building the professional judgment and expertise needed to practice independently as a land surveyor.
Requirements for supervised experience vary by state, so check with your state licensing board to understand the specific hours and types of work needed for licensure.
4. Pass the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam
After you complete your supervised experience, you’ll need to pass the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam, as well as any state-specific exams required for licensure.
PS exam: This computer-based exam, also administered by the NCEES, tests your understanding of advanced surveying topics, including boundary law, legal descriptions, professional ethics, and surveying methods.
State-specific exams: Many states require an additional exam that focuses on local laws, regulations, and surveying practices unique to that state. These exams ensure you are familiar with the legal and professional standards where you intend to work.
5. Obtain state licensure
After passing the PS exam and any required state-specific exams, you can apply for your professional surveyor license. The application process involves these steps:
Education and exam proof: Submit transcripts verifying your degree and documentation of passing the PS and any state exams.
Experience and references: Provide records of your supervised practical experience along with professional references from licensed surveyors.
Background checks and fees: Complete fingerprinting or background checks as required and pay the application fee.
Application review: The licensing board reviews your submission and issues your license upon approval.
Check your state licensing board’s website for specific forms, deadlines, and requirements to ensure a smooth process.
6. Earn industry certifications
Earning industry certifications is optional but is an effective way to advance your surveying career and demonstrate your expertise. Credentials like the Certified Survey Technician (CST) from the National Society of Professional Surveyors or the Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) can help you qualify for specialized roles, stand out to employers, and keep your skills current as technology and standards evolve.
How to become a land surveyor without a degree
The main difference in becoming a land surveyor without a degree is that you’ll need to gain more years of supervised, hands-on field experience–typically starting in entry-level roles like survey technician or assistant before qualifying for licensing exams.
Many states recognize this alternative pathway and allow candidates to sit for the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exams based on documented experience rather than academic credentials.
Experience requirements
Expect to provide several additional years of verifiable surveying experience compared to degree holders. This experience usually must be under the supervision of a licensed surveyor and may need to be carefully documented and verified by your supervisors.
Application process
You’ll need to submit detailed experience records, supervisor references, and pass background checks. Some states may require additional coursework or continuing education.
State-specific information
Florida: Florida allows candidates without a degree to sit for the FS and PS exams if they have substantial, verifiable surveying experience (typically 6+ years). The Florida Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers evaluates non-degree applicants on a case-by-case basis.
Texas: Texas is one of the more flexible states, explicitly allowing candidates to qualify for the LSIT and Professional Land Surveyor exams through a combination of self-education and practical experience without a degree. However, expect to provide detailed proof of your work experience, which typically exceeds the requirement for degree holders.
California: In California, you can begin as a survey technician and progress toward licensure through on-the-job training. The state requires more years of experience for non-degree applicants before being eligible to take the licensing exams.
Other states: Many states have similar alternative pathways, but the number of required experience years and the types of acceptable experience vary. Always check with your state’s licensing board for specifics.
How to become a land surveyor online
You can start learning land surveying online through a variety of courses and certificate programs, but becoming a fully licensed land surveyor cannot be completed entirely online. While much of the coursework and exam preparation can be done remotely, all states require hands-on field experience and in-person state exams to qualify for licensure.
Land surveyor career paths
The surveying field offers a variety of career paths, each with unique roles and responsibilities:
Boundary land surveyor: Determines property lines and prepares legal land descriptions for deeds and titles
Construction surveyor: Provides precise measurements and layout for construction projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings
Geodetic surveyor: Uses advanced technology to measure large areas of the Earth’s surface for mapping and research
Hydrographic surveyor: Maps underwater features and bodies of water for navigation, construction, and environmental monitoring
GIS analyst: Analyzes geographic data and creates digital maps using Geographic Information Systems
Survey crew chief or supervisor: Leads field teams, manages projects, and ensures data accuracy and safety
Survey technician or drafter: Assists with field measurements, prepares drawings, and processes survey data
Urban planner: Uses survey data to help design and organize land use in cities and communities
Project manager: Oversees surveying projects from planning through completion, coordinating teams and resources
FAQs about becoming a land surveyor
How much does a land surveyor earn?
Land surveyor salaries vary based on experience, location, and certification, with the average annual pay in the U.S. around $74,700 to $88,000. Entry-level surveyors typically earn between $40,000 and $50,000, while experienced and licensed professionals often make $75,000 to $100,000+ per year, with top earners reaching $130,000 or more.
Understanding these salary ranges can help when considering the land survey cost for projects, which varies depending on factors like property size, complexity, and survey type.
How long does it take to become a land surveyor?
Becoming a land surveyor typically takes 6 to 10 years, depending on your educational background and state requirements. Those with a four-year degree in surveying or a related field usually need 2 to 4 years of supervised experience before licensure, while individuals without a degree often require more years of hands-on experience.
How hard is it to become a land surveyor?
Becoming a land surveyor is moderately challenging, as it requires a combination of formal education or extensive field experience, several years of supervised training, and passing rigorous licensing exams.
How much does it cost to become a land surveyor?
The cost to become a land surveyor varies based on your educational path and state fees. Overall, expect to invest anywhere from $6,000 for a certificate to over $60,000 for a bachelor’s degree, plus several hundred to a few thousand dollars in exam, application, and continuing education fees, depending on your chosen path and location.
Choosing a land surveying education program
When selecting a land surveying education program, it’s important to choose one that prepares you well for your career and licensure. Look for the following:
Accreditation: Choose programs accredited by ABET or recognized by your state licensing board.
Curriculum: Ensure the program covers surveying fundamentals, boundary law, geospatial technology, and relevant math courses.
Hands-on training: Choose programs that include practical experience with surveying equipment and software.
Exam preparation: Opt for programs that prepare you for the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exams.
State requirements: Verify that the coursework meets your state’s specific educational criteria for licensure.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.