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eady to Become a

Getting Ready to Become a
Getting R
Licensed Professional Land Surveyor
Licensed Pr ofessional La nd Surv eyor
eady?
(Are you really ready?))
e you
really
r
(Ar
oseph
aiv
hD, PS, P
a, P
E
y J
By Joseph V.R. Paiva, PhD, PS, PE
B
V
.R. P
Wanting to become a licensed land surveyor is an admirable
goal. However, wanting and becoming are two different
New York
things. From having interacted with many aspiring land New Yor k
surveyors, I am not sure that all who are considering it have
State
a realistic understanding of the process, the requirements State
one must have and an unbiased self-evaluation of one’s
Exami
nati
on
experience, education and abilities to effectively reach Examination
that goal. In the process of speaking at conferences and
Requ

irements
especially teaching exam prep courses over the years, here Requirements
are some things to consider. It is not stretching the point
to say that you need to “arm” yourself for the journey.

Before you can be licensed, you
The journey begins when the aspirant asks “Do I want Before you can be licensed, you
to become a licensed land surveyor?” Sometimes, it may must pass:
must pass:
be someone you trust such as a boss, mentor or peer who
� Part 1 - NCEES Fundamentals
may trigger this question. If the answer is “yes,” then there � Part 1 - NCEES Fundamentals
are many follow-up questions that must be answered. If of Surveying (FS) exam;
of Surveying (FS) exam;
the answer to some of the follow-up is “no,” that isn’t
� Part 2 - NCEES Principles and
a deal breaker, but the prospective surveyor needs to � Part 2 - NCEES Principles and
Practice of Surveying (PS)
understand what can make it a “yes,” and then do the Practice of Surveying (PS)
work to make it so. exam; and
exam; and
To properly answer the follow-up questions one must go to
� Part 3 - New York State
the website of the New York State Board for Engineering, � Part 3 - New York State
Specific Land Surveying
Land Surveying & Geology. Then read every relevant page Specific Land Surveying
that applies to you in the licensure process. If you think
exam.
you “can do it,” the next step is to copy all that information exam.
from the website into a loose-leaf binder, which will build as
time goes on. Do the same at NCEES.org on the sections Parts 1 and 2 are developed by the
Parts 1 and 2 are developed by the
pertaining to surveying exams.
National Council of Examiners for
Read the experience and education requirements carefully. National Council of Examiners for
Engineering and Surveying
Would a person who doesn’t know you, read your Engineering and Surveying
(NCEES). Part 3 is developed by
summary of your background and agree that you fit the (NCEES). Part 3 is developed by
requirements? This is a combination of what you have, and
the New York State Board for
the quality of what you write. The ability to communicate the New York State Board for
Engineering and Land Surveying.
information about yourself accurately and concisely is one Engineering and Land Surveying.
of the requirements to be a land surveyor today. Get help,
whether from a mentor, a writing class, etc. Remember,
All exam applicants are required to
you are not just “jumping through hoops,” you are also All exam applicants are required to
read the "NCEES Examinee Guide"
preparing yourself to be a competent land surveyor. This read the "NCEES Examinee Guide"
means building skills, as being a professional means
(ncees.org/exams/cbt/exam) prior
committing to life-long learning. (ncees.org/exams/cbt/exam) prior
to being allowed to register for the
to being allowed to register for the
Once you think you have the experience and education
exam.
required, there are the exams to consider; three to be exam.
specific in New York. Some states may have four.
8 EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 57 • NO 5 / 2021 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER