Montana Surveying Law and Board Regulations
Montana's surveying law exam tests the statutory and rule framework you must apply on every project, not just the definitions. The core sources are MCA Title 37, chapter 67, and ARM Title 24, chapter 183, administered by the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors within the Department of Labor and Industry's Business Standards Division.
Scope of practice and authority
The statute defines land surveying to include establishing or reestablishing boundaries and corners, preparing plats and certificates of survey (COS), geodetic, topographic, and photogrammetric surveying, and laying out subdivisions and easements. A person may not use the title "land surveyor" or offer surveying services unless licensed. The Board adopts rules, approves examinations, issues and renews licenses, and investigates complaints. Its disciplinary options include reprimand, fine, additional education, suspension, and revocation.
Responsible charge and records
Survey work must be performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed land surveyor who is in responsible charge. The licensee signs and seals the survey and is accountable for field evidence, calculations, and the final document. Montana requires certificates of survey for specified boundary and subdivision work; they must meet Board content and monumentation standards and are filed with the county clerk and recorder. Filing does not cure a deficient survey.
Worked example
A technician sets a corner and drafts a COS. The licensed surveyor reviews it from another office and seals it without checking field evidence. Even if the corner is later found correct, the seal is improper: the surveyor did not exercise responsible charge. The surveyor should document supervision, verify the field data, and seal only work they can defend.
Traps
Do not assume an engineer's license authorizes surveying, that county filing validates a survey, or that "responsible charge" is a signature formality. Watch for expired licenses and unlicensed practice by staff.