HI

Hawaii FS Exam Requirements

Everything you need to know about taking the Fundamentals of Surveying exam in Hawaii.

Quick Facts

Licensing Board
Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects
License Title
Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)
Listed Fees
$225 NCEES exam fee + state application fee
Board Phone
(808) 586-3000

Hawaii 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.

  1. 1Bachelor's degree in surveying, civil engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  2. 2Confirm whether the board requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
  3. 3Pass the NCEES FS exam.
  4. 4Apply for Hawaii 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.

  1. 1Eligibility to sit for the FS exam varies — some states require board approval before registering with NCEES. Check with your state board.
  2. 2Document education, field work, office work, responsible charge exposure, and supervisor references.
  3. 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.

  1. 1Save your NCEES result and any state intern certificate.
  2. 2Start logging qualifying experience for PS eligibility.
  3. 3Review Hawaii's PS path before changing employers or supervisors.
Verified NCEES registration note
Direct NCEES registrationchecked 2026-05-05

The Hawaii 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 page
Planning checklist

Fees, 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, civil engineering, or related field; or equivalent 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 — some states require board approval before registering with NCEES. Check with your state board.

Experience substitutions, supervisor requirements, and intern titles vary by board.

Hawaii State-Law Checkpoint: Hawaii State-Specific Exam

Hawaii requires a state-specific exam covering traditional Hawaiian land tenure systems (kuleana, ahupuaa), Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 464, and state-specific survey practices.

Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.

How to Apply

  1. 1Check the Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects website for current eligibility requirements and application forms.
  2. 2Create a MyNCEES account at ncees.org.
  3. 3Submit a state board application first if your state requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
  4. 4Once approved, register and pay through your MyNCEES account ($225 exam fee).
  5. 5Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center.

Reciprocity / Comity

Accepts comity with NCEES record and equivalent qualifications

Continuing Education

24 PDH per biennial renewal

Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects before applying. Last reviewed April 2026.

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