NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam Content
NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) is the computer-based exam that Kansas uses for the Land Surveyor Intern credential. It tests foundational surveying knowledge across legal principles, mathematics, measurement, instruments, computations, mapping, and professional practice.
Format and blueprint
- CBT at Pearson VUE; 110 questions; 6-hour appointment; multiple-choice; NCEES publishes exam specifications, so use the current topic weights.
- Expect standalone items and items with data tables; there is no field work. Bring an NCEES-approved calculator and know its trig functions.
- Results are pass/fail and scaled; NCEES limits repeat attempts in a 12-month period, so plan the sequence with your KSBTP application.
High-yield content
- Legal principles: boundary retracement, deeds, easements, adverse possession, ethics.
- Math: trigonometry, coordinate geometry, statistics, error propagation, unit conversions.
- Measurement: leveling, angles, EDM, GNSS, sources of error, adjustments.
- Computations: traverses, areas, curves, volumes, coordinates; mapping: contours, plan reading, GIS/CAD.
Worked example
A traverse starts at A (N 5000.00, E 5000.00). Line AB bears N 30° E for 100.00 ft. Latitude = 100 cos30° = +86.60 ft; departure = 100 sin30° = +50.00 ft. So B = (5086.60, 5050.00). Line BC bears S 45° E for 100.00 ft: latitude = -70.71 ft; departure = +70.71 ft. C = (5015.89, 5120.71). If the item asks distance AC: ΔN = +15.89, ΔE = +120.71; distance = √(15.89² + 120.71²) = 121.75 ft. Show signs: north/east positive, south/west negative.
Traps
- Using the wrong quadrant sign for a bearing; sketch the line.
- Mixing azimuth (clockwise from north) with bearing (acute angle from north/south).
- Leaving the calculator in radians.
- Rounding too early; carry extra digits and round the final answer.
- Forgetting that grid versus ground distances differ; check the basis.
- Ignoring closure checks.