PS Standards and Professional Practice Guide
Survey Bible

Source Check
Aligned to the NCEES PS specifications for professional survey practices, standards and specifications, business practices, risk management, professional conduct, ALTA/NSPS standards, BLM Manual principles, and FEMA-related work.

Professional Practice Themes
The PS exam expects a licensed-surveyor mindset: protect the public, understand standards, document work, communicate clearly, and know when specialized judgment is required.

Standards and Specifications
Be familiar with the role of:
- State statutes and board rules.
- ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey standards.
- BLM Manual principles for public lands.
- FEMA elevation-related work and floodplain documentation.
- Client scope, contracts, and deliverable requirements.

Responsible Charge
Responsible charge means more than signing a finished document. It includes supervision, review, decision-making, quality control, and professional accountability.

Records and Documentation
Good records include research notes, field notes, raw data, calculations, adjustment reports, correspondence, assumptions, deliverables, and revision history. Documentation should let another qualified surveyor understand what was done and why.

Risk Management
Reduce professional risk by:
- Defining scope clearly.
- Identifying exclusions and assumptions.
- Communicating conflicts early.
- Using appropriate checks.
- Avoiding opinions outside your expertise.
- Preserving evidence and work records.

Exam Strategy
When two answers seem technically possible, choose the one that best protects the public, follows the standard of care, and documents the surveyor's reasoning.