Colorado FS Exam Requirements
Everything you need to know about taking the Fundamentals of Surveying exam in Colorado.
Quick Facts
Colorado 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; or equivalent education and experience combination
- 2Confirm whether the board requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
- 3Pass the NCEES FS exam.
- 4Apply for Colorado 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 — some states require board approval before registering with NCEES. Check with your state board.
- 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 Colorado's PS path before changing employers or supervisors.
By scheduling and taking the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) examination, you attest under penalty of perjury as defined in §18-8-503, Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S), that you have obtained the prerequisite education and/or experience necessary PRIOR to taking the examination pursuant to section 12-120-410, C.R.S., sections 1.4 (A) through (H) of the Colorado Board Rules located at the Colorado Board’s Laws, Rules, and Policies webpage .
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; or equivalent education and experience combination
Verify the exact current education rule with the board before applying.
Experience Planning Notes
Eligibility to sit for the FS exam varies — some states require board approval before registering with NCEES. Check with your state board.
Experience substitutions, supervisor requirements, and intern titles vary by board.
Colorado State-Law Checkpoint: Colorado State-Specific Exam
Colorado requires a state-specific surveying exam covering Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 51 (Survey Plat Act) and state regulations.
Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.
How to Apply
- 1Check the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional 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 with NCEES record; must pass state-specific exam
Continuing Education
30 PDH per biennial renewal