How to Be Registered Professional Land Surveyor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 11, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Professional Land Surveyor plays a vital role in the development of land and real estate. By accurately measuring, describing, and mapping the boundaries of land, a Professional Land Surveyor ensures that land parcels are safely and properly divided and boundaries are clear. This ensures that property owners have a clear understanding of their rights to the land and that their legal rights are properly protected.

Accurate surveying is also essential for the development of roads, utilities, and infrastructure, as well as for the construction of buildings, as it provides the proper foundation for all construction projects. As a result, the services of a Registered Professional Land Surveyor are essential for any land or real estate development project.

Steps How to Become

Complete a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a Registered Professional Land Surveyor is to complete a bachelors degree in land surveying, geography, or a related field. A degree in civil engineering is also acceptable.
Obtain an Internship. Obtaining an internship with a professional land surveying firm is essential for gaining experience and learning the trade.
Pass the Fundamentals of Surveying Exam. After completing an educational program and/or an internship, the next step is to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying Exam. This exam is offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Become Licensed. Once you have passed the Fundamentals of Surveying Exam, you must apply for licensure in the state where you wish to practice. Each state has its own licensing requirements, so it is important to research the process for the state in which you are applying.
Pass the Professional Land Surveyor Exam. Upon obtaining licensure, you must then pass the Professional Land Surveyor Exam. This exam is also administered by the NCEES.
Obtain Experience. After passing both exams, you must gain experience in order to become a Registered Professional Land Surveyor. The amount of experience required will vary by state, but typically includes a minimum number of years of work experience in the field of land surveying.
Apply for Certification. Once you have obtained the required experience, you can then apply for certification as a Registered Professional Land Surveyor. You will need to submit an application to your state's licensing board, along with proof of your education, experience, and exam scores.
Maintain Certification. To maintain your certification as a Registered Professional Land Surveyor, you must adhere to continuing education requirements and abide by professional ethics and standards of practice.

Becoming a Registered Professional Land Surveyor requires a great deal of skill and knowledge. The process to become a Registered Professional Land Surveyor involves passing a comprehensive certification exam, obtaining a professional license, and gaining experience in the field. Passing the certification exam requires a thorough understanding of all aspects of the land surveying profession, including land measurement and mapping, title research, legal principles, topography, and more.

Obtaining a professional license requires meeting certain educational and experience requirements, such as having a bachelors degree in surveying and having several years of work experience. Finally, gaining experience in the field is essential to becoming a successful Registered Professional Land Surveyor. This can be done through internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.

ideal and capable Registered Professional Land Surveyors possess the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately measure and map land boundaries, property lines, and other land features.

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Job Description

Develop survey plans, maps, and diagrams of land boundaries.
Gather research data from public records, field notes, and aerial photographs.
Measure angles, distances, and elevations using sophisticated survey equipment.
Determine property lines and boundaries based on legal description of the property.
Prepare legal descriptions of properties for deeds and other documents.
Represent clients in court proceedings related to land surveys.
Maintain records of survey findings and reports.
Prepare drawings and maps using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Monitor, inspect, and analyze construction sites to ensure compliance with plans.
Consult with engineers and other professionals regarding survey projects.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expert knowledge in land surveying principles and practices.
Thorough understanding of the applicable laws, regulations and standards relevant to land surveying.
Ability to use a variety of specialized surveying instruments and equipment.
Ability to interpret and analyze survey data accurately and efficiently.
Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing tasks and deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical information to non-technical audiences.
Proficiency in the use of computer software applications such as AutoCAD, GIS, and other mapping programs.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to complete projects on time and within budget.
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions, if necessary.
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.

Having an in-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of land surveying is essential for any professional land surveyor. To be successful, a professional land surveyor must possess strong technical skills, such as the ability to accurately measure land boundaries and make detailed maps. they must be able to interpret legal documents and analyze data.

Furthermore, they need to have excellent communication and problem-solving skills in order to work with clients and colleagues, as well as collaborate with other professionals in the field. Being organized and having strong time management skills are also critical for success, as land surveying projects can often involve a lot of paperwork and require strict adherence to deadlines. Finally, a professional land surveyor should be knowledgeable about the latest technology and have the ability to use it efficiently.

By possessing all of these skills, a professional land surveyor can ensure that they are providing the best possible service to their clients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

Describe your experience in land surveying and what makes you a qualified professional?
What are your primary responsibilities as a Registered Professional Land Surveyor?
How have you handled difficult situations while working on land surveying projects?
What knowledge do you have of the latest surveying technologies and tools?
How do you keep up to date on changes in the laws and regulations that govern land surveying?
What challenges have you faced in your past land surveying projects?
What safety precautions do you take when conducting field work?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy in your land surveying work?
How do you collaborate with other professionals (engineers, designers, etc. ) on land surveying projects?
Describe how you would go about gathering data for a complex surveying project.

Common Tools in Industry

Total Station. A surveying instrument used to measure angles and distances for mapping and land surveying. (e. g. Leica TS16)
GPS Receiver. A device used to receive Global Positioning System (GPS) signals from satellites in order to determine location. (e. g. Trimble GPS Receiver)
Data Collector. A device used to collect and store data from a variety of sources such as maps, survey points, aerial photos, and more. (e. g. Trimble Data Collector)
Levels. An instrument used to measure differences in height or elevation between two points. (e. g. Topcon Digital Level)
CAD Software. Computer-aided design (CAD) software used to create detailed drawings, maps, and 3D models of a project. (e. g. AutoCAD)
GIS Software. Geographic information system (GIS) software used to analyze, store, manipulate, and visualize geographic data. (e. g. ArcGIS)
Total Station Software. Software used to control a total station, collect data, and generate surveys and maps. (e. g. Carlson SurvCE)
Drone. A unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used to collect aerial imagery and data for mapping and surveying applications. (e. g. DJI Phantom 4 Pro)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM)
National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Association for Geodetic Surveying (AAGS)
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)
American Land Title Association (ALTA)
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFM)
Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM)
International Association of Geodesy (IAG)

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Common Important Terms

Cadastral Survey. A survey of land and its boundaries, usually for the purpose of registering a legal title to the land.
Boundary Survey. A survey which determines the boundary lines of a parcel of land.
Topographic Survey. A survey that collects data on the physical features of an area, such as the elevation, contours, and other features.
Geodetic Survey. A survey which determines the precise location of points on the earth's surface by means of angular measurements and trigonometric calculations.
Hydrographic Survey. A survey which collects data on the physical features of bodies of water, such as depth and shoreline.
GPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite-based navigation system used to determine the exact location of a point on the Earth's surface.
GIS (Geographic Information System). A computer system used to store, manipulate and analyze geographic data.
ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey. A type of survey used to determine the boundaries, ownership and legal rights to a parcel of land for title insurance purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Registered Professional Land Surveyor?

A Registered Professional Land Surveyor is a professional who has been certified by the state to perform surveys and other related activities related to the mapping of land boundaries.

What qualifications are needed to become a Registered Professional Land Surveyor?

To become a Registered Professional Land Surveyor, an individual must typically possess a minimum of a bachelors degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field and have at least four years of professional experience in land surveying. In addition, most states require successful completion of a licensing exam and additional continuing education courses.

What types of tasks does a Registered Professional Land Surveyor typically perform?

A Registered Professional Land Surveyor typically performs a variety of tasks related to the mapping of land boundaries, including creating legal descriptions, verifying existing boundaries, locating property lines and monuments, and preparing maps and surveys.

What is the difference between a Registered Professional Land Surveyor and a Landscape Architect?

Whereas a Registered Professional Land Surveyor focuses on the mapping of land boundaries and related activities, a Landscape Architect focuses on the design and construction of outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, and public spaces.