How to Register
Complete guide to registering for the California Professional Land Surveyor
Quick Facts
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have passed the NCEES FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam
- Must have passed the NCEES PS (Principles and Practice of Surveying) exam
- Qualifying land surveying experience (years vary by education level)
- Must pass the online Laws and Rules exam as part of the application
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Pass the NCEES FS Exam
Complete and pass the national Fundamentals of Surveying exam. This grants Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT) status in California.
Tip: Register through your MyNCEES account. Offered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers.
Gain Qualifying Experience
Accumulate required years of progressive land surveying experience under a licensed surveyor.
Tip: Document your experience thoroughly as you go. You'll need a minimum of 4 completed Work Experience Engagements/References.
Pass the NCEES PS Exam
Complete and pass the national Principles and Practice of Surveying exam.
Tip: Most states require 4 years of experience post-FS before the PS exam.
Create BPELSG Connect Account
Register at BPELSG Connect using your email. This is your portal for the entire application process.
Tip: Use a permanent email address — all communications come through this portal.
Complete and Submit Application
Fill out all application tabs in BPELSG Connect: qualifications, education, experience, fingerprints, and fee payment.
Tip: All tabs must show green checkmarks before submission. Have transcripts and references ready.
Pass the Laws and Rules Exam
Complete the online Laws and Rules exam within BPELSG Connect (70% minimum to pass, 2-hour time limit, unlimited retakes).
Tip: Study the Professional Land Surveyors' Act (B&P Code §8700-8805) and Board Rules (Title 16, CCR §400-476).
Application Review
BPELSG will review your application in two stages: evaluator review and technical review.
Tip: Respond promptly to any deficiency notices. Monitor your BPELSG Connect dashboard for status updates.
Pay Exam Fee and Select Exam Date
Once approved, log into BPELSG Connect to pay the $175 exam fee and select the spring or fall exam date.
Tip: Filing deadline is March 9 for spring and September 9 for fall. You may not be able to schedule at Prometric until 120 days before the exam.
Schedule and Take the CA PLS Exam
After receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT) via email, schedule at a Prometric test center. The exam is approximately 70 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours, computer-based, and open-book.
Tip: Review the Candidate Information Bulletin for approved reference materials and what to bring on exam day.
Receive Results and License
Results are emailed after the testing window closes. Upon passing, receive your California Professional Land Surveyor license.
Required Documents
Important Timeline
Additional Information
- •The CA PLS exam is ~70 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours, computer-based at Prometric, and open-book with approved references
- •California requires passing the state-specific PLS exam in addition to the national FS and PS exams
- •The CA PLS exam tests knowledge of California-specific laws, codes, and surveying practices
- •California is one of the most stringent states for surveying licensure
- •Maintaining your license requires continuing education
- •Out-of-state surveyors must still meet CA-specific requirements for comity