NJ Land Surveyor
NJ Land Surveyor Licensure Examination
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ExploreAbout this exam
The New Jersey Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) credential is issued by the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, which regulates the practice, licensure, and certification of land surveyors, land surveyors-in-training, and firms offering surveying services in New Jersey to safeguard life, health, and property and promote the public welfare. Candidates generally follow the path described by NCEES: a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited surveying program, four years of acceptable, progressive, and verifiable work experience, and passing the FS exam, the PS exam, and a state-specific exam. The New Jersey board no longer requires registration or approval before taking the FE and PE examinations; candidates register online with NCEES. Once an exam is passed, the candidate visits the board website for licensure application instructions. Paper applications for Engineers In Training or Professional Engineers are not accepted as of February 4, 2022; the online application is available through the board’s online licensing portal. To prepare, study the NCEES exam specifications, build a study plan covering the FS and PS knowledge areas, practice problem-solving under timed conditions, and review New Jersey laws and regulations relevant to surveying practice.
What you'll study
About NJ Land Surveyor preparation
What exams do I need to pass to become a licensed land surveyor in New Jersey?
NCEES states that surveying licensure candidates typically must pass the FS exam and the PS exam, as well as a state-specific exam. New Jersey follows this path, and the board’s website provides licensure application instructions after you pass. Always verify current requirements with the New Jersey board and NCEES before applying.
Do I need board approval before registering for the NCEES exams?
No. The New Jersey Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors no longer requires registration or approval prior to taking the FE and PE examinations. You must register online with NCEES through your MyNCEES account. After passing, visit the board website for licensure application instructions.
What is the format of the FS and PS exams?
Both the FS and PS exams are computer-based NCEES exams. NCEES provides the current exam specifications, including content areas and number of items, on its website. The New Jersey board does not publish separate format details; rely on NCEES for the latest exam structure and use the specifications to guide your study plan.
How difficult are the FS and PS exams?
The exams are designed to verify minimum competency for public protection. NCEES reports that pass rates vary by exam and administration. Difficulty depends on your education and experience. Focus on understanding fundamental surveying principles for the FS and advanced practice, business, and legal concepts for the PS, and practice with timed problems.
Can I retake the FS or PS exam if I fail?
NCEES administers the exams and sets retake policies, including any waiting periods. The New Jersey board website does not publish retake rules. Check your MyNCEES account and the NCEES exam pages for current retake policies and registration windows before scheduling a new attempt.
How long does it take to get licensed after passing the exams?
Timelines vary. After passing, you must submit a licensure application to the New Jersey board through its online licensing portal. The board reviews applications and may request transcripts or other documents. The board publishes a Phases and Timelines document on its website; consult that and contact the board for current processing times.
What should I study first for the FS exam?
Start with the NCEES FS exam specifications. Build a plan covering the listed knowledge areas, then practice problems under timed conditions. Strengthen fundamentals such as boundary law, math, and measurement concepts. Use the PS specifications later to guide advanced study. The New Jersey board does not endorse specific prep materials.
What are common failure modes on surveying licensing exams?
Candidates often lose points by misallocating time, misreading questions, and lacking familiarity with boundary law and ethics. Weak math fundamentals and insufficient practice with timed problems also contribute. Review the NCEES exam specifications, practice under exam conditions, and study New Jersey laws and regulations relevant to surveying practice.
Does New Jersey accept paper applications for licensure?
No. As of February 4, 2022, the Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors Board no longer accepts paper applications for Engineers In Training or Professional Engineers. Any paper applications received after that date are returned with instructions. Use the online application available through the board’s online licensing portal.