CA PLS Exam Preparation
Comprehensive preparation for the California Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) exam. Based on the January 2025 Test Plan with 6 modules and 57 topics. Content adapted from CalTrans LS/LSIT Video Exam Preparation Course materials.
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Module 1: Business Practices and Project Management
1Explaining Land Surveying to the Public2Proposals and Contracts3Procuring Surveying Services4Directing Personnel5Coordinating with Third Parties6Project Standards7Project Execution Planning8Monument Preservation9Managing a Surveying Business10Subdivision Map Act11Professional Land Surveyors Act12Conflicts of Interest
Module 2: Research, Project Planning and Preparation
Module 3: Field Operations and Investigations
Module 4: Analysis and Evaluation
33Analyzing Field Evidence and Documentation34Evaluating Historic vs. Measured Accuracy35Spatial Relationships of Maps and Data36Boundary Location Conflicts37Title Conflicts38Survey Adjustments (Least Squares, Error Analysis)39Quality Assurance and Control40Reconciling Deeds with Field Evidence41Technology Limitations in Practice
Module 5: Mapping and Document Preparation
Lesson 11
Professional Land Surveyors Act
Professional Land Surveyors Act
Overview
The California Professional Land Surveyors Act establishes the legal framework for land surveying practice in California, including licensing requirements, practice standards, and disciplinary procedures.
Learning Objectives
- Understand licensing requirements
- Know the scope of surveying practice
- Identify prohibited activities
- Understand disciplinary procedures
Key Concepts
Licensing Requirements
To obtain a California PLS license:
- Education requirements (degree or experience)
- Experience under licensed surveyor
- Pass national (NCEES) examinations
- Pass California-specific examination
- Maintain license through renewal and CE
Scope of Practice
Licensed surveyors may perform:
- Boundary determination and monumentation
- Land division and subdivision
- Topographic and control surveys
- Legal description preparation
- Expert testimony on land matters
Activities Requiring Licensure
Work requiring a PLS license:
- Determining land boundaries
- Preparing Record of Surveys
- Certifying subdivision maps
- Creating lot line adjustments
- Setting boundary monuments
Disciplinary Actions
The Board may discipline for:
- Negligence or incompetence
- Fraud or misrepresentation
- Violation of the Act or regulations
- Conviction of related crimes
- Aiding unlicensed practice
Key Terms
- Responsible Charge: Direct control over professional work
- Continuing Education: Required learning for license renewal
- Board for Professional Engineers: Regulatory body for PLSs
Practice Questions
- What activities require a Professional Land Surveyor license in California?
- What are grounds for disciplinary action against a licensed surveyor?