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 1
Legal Descriptions
Legal Descriptions
Overview
Legal descriptions uniquely identify parcels of land for conveyance and recording. Surveyors must write clear, unambiguous descriptions that accurately describe property boundaries.
Learning Objectives
- Write metes and bounds descriptions
- Reference recorded maps appropriately
- Avoid ambiguity in descriptions
- Review descriptions for adequacy
Key Concepts
Description Types
Forms of legal descriptions:
- Metes and Bounds: Courses and distances from a point of beginning
- Lot and Block: Reference to recorded subdivision
- PLSS: Government survey subdivision reference
- Coordinate: Based on coordinate system
Metes and Bounds Elements
Essential components:
- Caption (county, state identification)
- Point of beginning description
- Course descriptions (bearing, distance)
- Monument calls
- Area statement (optional)
- Closure statement
Description Writing Standards
Best practices:
- Start from identifiable point
- Proceed in logical sequence
- Use consistent terminology
- Include all bounding elements
- Close back to point of beginning
Common Errors
Mistakes to avoid:
- Ambiguous point of beginning
- Failure to close
- Inconsistent direction references
- Missing curve data
- Unclear monument references
Key Terms
- Point of Beginning: Starting location for description
- Course: Direction and distance of a boundary line
- Call: Reference to direction, distance, or monument
Practice Questions
- What are the essential elements of a metes and bounds description?
- How should curves be described in a legal description?