FS Exam Requirements by State
The Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam is the first step toward becoming a licensed land surveyor. Requirements vary by state.
Click your state to see education, experience, and fee requirements.
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam — Quick Facts
Select Your State
All States & Territories (51)
What Every State Has in Common
The FS Exam Itself
- Administered by NCEES at Pearson VUE test centers nationwide
- 110 multiple-choice questions, approximately 6 hours
- Computer-based with a supplied reference handbook
- Same exam content regardless of state
- Year-round scheduling available
Typical Eligibility Path
- Bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, or related field
- Some states accept equivalent combinations of education and experience
- Most states allow recent graduates to sit for the FS without prior work experience; verify your state board's eligibility rules
- Create an NCEES account at ncees.org
- Check whether your state requires board approval before NCEES registration
After You Pass
- You become a Surveyor Intern (SI) or Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT)
- Begin accumulating qualifying experience toward the PS exam
- Most states require 4 years of experience before the PS exam
- Experience must be under a licensed Professional Land Surveyor
State-Law Checkpoints
49 state records include an additional state-law, jurisprudence, or board-specific checkpoint in our current dataset. Verify the exact requirement with the board before applying.
These checkpoints commonly cover surveying laws, standards of practice, administrative rules, or state-specific mapping law.
Common FS Pathways
Student / Recent Graduate
Verify eligibility, register through NCEES or the state board as required, pass FS, then apply for SI/LSIT recognition where available.
Experience-Based Candidate
Use documented field, office, and supervision experience to satisfy states that accept equivalent combinations of education and experience.
Planning for PS
After FS, start tracking qualifying experience and supervisor references early so your PS application does not stall later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the FS exam before I graduate?
Some states allow students in their final year of a qualifying program to sit for the FS exam. Check with your specific state board for their policy on student eligibility.
What if I fail the FS exam?
You can retake the FS exam. NCEES allows one attempt per testing window and no more than three attempts in a 12-month period. There is no lifetime limit on attempts.
How long is my FS exam score valid?
Your FS exam results do not expire. Once you pass, you have passed permanently. However, the time you have to complete the full licensure process (including the PS exam) may vary by state.
Do I need to take the FS exam in the state where I want to be licensed?
No. The FS exam is a national exam with the same content everywhere. You can take it at any Pearson VUE test center. Your results transfer to any state.
What calculator can I use on the FS exam?
Only NCEES-approved calculators are permitted. Check the current approved calculator list on the NCEES website before purchasing a calculator for the exam.
I don't have a degree in surveying. Can I still take the FS exam?
Many states allow candidates with degrees in related fields (civil engineering, geography, geomatics) or with sufficient work experience to qualify. Requirements vary significantly by state — check your state board.