California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Land Surveyor Application

WARNING:
If an applicant is unable to complete or print an online form, he or she is NOT relieved of the requirement to meet the final filing date requirement. WE STRONGLY URGE ALL CANDIDATES PLANNING TO USE THE WEBSITE FORMS TO COMPLETE THEIR ONLINE "TYPING" AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE. We also strongly recommend that you print one or two extra blank forms in case computer or printer problems force you to use a typewriter to meet the filing deadline. The Board is not responsible for any failure by an applicant to meet filing deadlines.

GENERAL - California grants the authority to use the title "Professional Land Surveyor" to licensed land surveyors who successfully complete an examination process. This application is required with evidence of experience and references.

The address you use on the application will be your address of record. Licensees' names and addresses are public records and are published in both electronic and print media, as well as disclosed upon request to the Board. You may choose to use a home address, a post office box, or a business address. If you wish to change your address of record for your civil license, use the Address Change Affidavit.

This information is a summary of some of the important requirements relating to certification to use the title "Professional Land Surveyor." It is not intended to apply to every situation. You are responsible for complying with the current complete requirements in the Professional Land Surveyors' Act and the Board Rules and Regulations.

ELIGIBILITY - Each applicant for authority to use the title "Professional Land Surveyor" must:

  • Pass the Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) examination, unless eligible for a waiver (see criteria on next page).
  • Provide evidence showing six years of equivalent full-time experience in land surveying, including other credits, with one year each being responsible field and responsible office training
  • Pass the six-hour national examination on the principles and practices of land surveying.
  • Pass the four-hour state-specific examination on land surveying.
  • Pass the Take Home examination on the California Laws and Board Rules.
  • Pay the required fee.

Neither U.S. citizenship nor California residence is required. However, disclosure of your social security number or individual taxpayer identification number is mandatory. U.S. citizens who do not have a social security number may contact their local United States Social Security Office at 1-800-722-1213 or http://www.ssa.gov/online/forms.html. Non-U.S. citizens without a social security number may request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Department of Treasury (Internal Revenue Service) at (215) 516-4846 or http://www.irs.gov.

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