ID Land Surveyor

The PS exam is the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam, a computer-based test that NCEES describes as testing your ability to practice within the surveying profession competently. It is intended for surveyors who have gained at least four years of professional experience and are pursuing licensure through their state board.

The PS exam is administered year-round via computer-based testing (CBT) at approved Pearson test centers. You schedule your appointment through NCEES after your state board approves your eligibility. The exam is not offered on paper.

A $375 exam fee is payable directly to NCEES. This fee is separate from any state licensing or application fees your board may charge. Check your board's website for additional costs.

The exam covers the principles and practice of surveying, including boundary law, control surveys, measurement analysis, legal principles, and professional practice. NCEES provides the official exam specifications, which list the knowledge areas and their approximate weightings. Use those specifications to guide your study plan.

The PS exam is a professional licensure exam that requires broad knowledge and practical judgment. Difficulty varies by candidate, but most successful examinees prepare systematically over several months, focusing on weak areas and practicing problem-solving under timed conditions. The exam is designed to assess competence, not to trick you.

Retake policies are set by your state licensing board, not by NCEES. Some boards require a waiting period before you can retake the exam. Contact your board directly for its specific retake rules and any associated fees. NCEES does not administer retake approvals.

The source material does not state the exam duration. NCEES publishes the current exam schedule and time allotment on its website. Check the NCEES PS exam page for the most up-to-date information before you schedule your appointment.

Start with the NCEES exam specifications to identify the topics tested. Review fundamental surveying concepts, practice solving problems similar to those on the exam, and become familiar with the reference materials you can use during the test. Many candidates form study groups or take review courses. Consistent study over several months is more effective than cramming.

The Idaho Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors, part of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, oversees licensure in Idaho. Visit the DOPL website for board contact details, application procedures, and state-specific requirements. NCEES also provides a board directory with contact information for each jurisdiction.