Alabama FS Exam Requirements
Everything you need to know about taking the Fundamentals of Surveying exam in Alabama.
Quick Facts
Alabama FS Pathways
Use these as planning paths, then confirm the exact gate with the board before applying.
Student or Recent Graduate Path
The usual first route into surveying licensure.
- 1Bachelor's degree in surveying or related field from an ABET-accredited program; or associate's degree + additional experience; or qualifying combination of education and experience
- 2Confirm whether the board requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
- 3Pass the NCEES FS exam.
- 4Apply for Alabama intern or trainee recognition if the board offers it.
Experience or Mixed-Qualification Path
For candidates who do not fit the standard degree-first route.
- 1Eligibility to sit for the FS exam varies by state — check with your state board for current requirements
- 2Document education, field work, office work, responsible charge exposure, and supervisor references.
- 3Ask the board how it evaluates substitutions before paying exam or application fees.
After Passing FS
The FS exam is usually a milestone, not the license itself.
- 1Save your NCEES result and any state intern certificate.
- 2Start logging qualifying experience for PS eligibility.
- 3Review Alabama's PS path before changing employers or supervisors.
The Alabama board does not require examinees to submit an application or an additional fee prior to registering with NCEES and scheduling an exam. Examinees may register for their exams by creating a MyNCEES account.
NCEES FS registration pageFees, application order, intern titles, and state-law exams change. Verify the board page, then use Survey Bible for exam prep and tracking.
Education Planning Notes
Bachelor's degree in surveying or related field from an ABET-accredited program; or associate's degree + additional experience; or qualifying combination of education and experience
Verify the exact current education rule with the board before applying.
Experience Planning Notes
Eligibility to sit for the FS exam varies by state — check with your state board for current requirements
Experience substitutions, supervisor requirements, and intern titles vary by board.
Alabama State-Law Checkpoint: Alabama State-Specific Exam
Alabama requires a state-specific exam covering Alabama surveying laws (Code of Alabama Title 34, Chapter 11), rules, and minimum standards for surveying.
Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.
Important Notes
After passing the FS, you may be eligible to apply for Surveyor Intern (SI) status — check with the Alabama board for additional SI application requirements.
How to Apply
- 1Check the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors website for current eligibility requirements and application forms.
- 2Create a MyNCEES account at ncees.org.
- 3Submit a state board application first if your state requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
- 4Once approved, register and pay through your MyNCEES account ($225 exam fee).
- 5Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center.
Reciprocity / Comity
Accepts comity applications with active PLS license from another state
Continuing Education
15 PDH per annual renewal