California FS Exam Requirements
Everything you need to know about taking the Fundamentals of Surveying exam in California.
Quick Facts
California 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.
- 1No education requirement to sit for the FS exam itself. Anyone may register and take the FS through NCEES.
- 2Confirm whether the board requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
- 3Pass the NCEES FS exam.
- 4Apply for California 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.
- 1No experience required to sit for the FS exam
- 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 California's PS path before changing employers or supervisors.
The California board does not require FS examinees to submit an application or an additional fee prior to registering with NCEES and scheduling an exam.
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
No education requirement to sit for the FS exam itself. Anyone may register and take the FS through NCEES.
Verify the exact current education rule with the board before applying.
Experience Planning Notes
No experience required to sit for the FS exam
Experience substitutions, supervisor requirements, and intern titles vary by board.
California State-Law Checkpoint: California PLS Exam
State-specific exam testing California laws, codes, and surveying practices. Approximately 70 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours, computer-based, open-book at Prometric centers. Given in April and October.
Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.
Learn more about the California PLS Exam →Important Notes
Passing the FS exam alone does NOT grant LSIT status. LSIT certification requires: (1) passing the FS exam, (2) 2 years of land surveying education, experience, or combination, (3) application + $75 fee, (4) fingerprint/background check, and (5) BPELSG board approval.
How to Apply
- 1Check the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG) 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
No direct reciprocity — all applicants must pass the CA PLS exam regardless of other state licenses
Continuing Education
Not required for renewal