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 5
Title Conflicts
Title Conflicts
Overview
Title conflicts involve competing claims to ownership or property rights. Surveyors must understand these issues to properly interpret records and advise clients when legal consultation is needed.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize title conflict situations
- Understand priority of conveyances
- Distinguish survey from title issues
- Know when to recommend legal counsel
Key Concepts
Title vs. Boundary Issues
Distinguishing between:
- Title Issues: Ownership questions (legal)
- Boundary Issues: Location questions (surveying)
- Overlap areas requiring both expertise
Priority of Conveyances
General priority rules:
- First in time, first in right
- Recorded vs. unrecorded interests
- Actual vs. constructive notice
- Race-notice recording statutes
Common Title Issues
Situations affecting surveys:
- Breaks in chain of title
- Undisclosed easements
- Boundary line agreements
- Unrecorded instruments
- Tax deed issues
Surveyor's Role
Appropriate surveyor actions:
- Report evidence of title issues
- Don't determine ownership
- Recommend title examination
- Document potential conflicts
- Provide objective findings
Key Terms
- Chain of Title: Sequence of ownership transfers
- Constructive Notice: Knowledge imputed from recording
- Cloud on Title: Defect affecting marketability
Practice Questions
- What is the difference between a boundary issue and a title issue?
- When should a surveyor recommend that a client consult an attorney?