IL

Illinois FS Exam Requirements

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

Quick Facts

Licensing Board
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
License Title
Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)
NCEES Exam Fee
$225 NCEES exam fee + state application fee
Board Phone
(888) 473-4858

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in surveying or related field; or associate's degree + additional experience; or high school diploma + 30 semester hours of surveying coursework + experience

Experience Requirements

Eligibility to sit for the FS exam varies — some states require board approval before registering with NCEES. Check with your state board.

Illinois Also Requires: Illinois State-Specific Exam

Illinois requires a state-specific exam covering Illinois surveying laws (225 ILCS 330) and minimum standards.

How to Apply

  1. 1Check the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website for current eligibility requirements and application forms.
  2. 2Create a MyNCEES account at ncees.org.
  3. 3Submit your application to your state board (most states require board 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 equivalent qualifications

Continuing Education

30 PDH per biennial renewal

Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before applying. Last reviewed April 2026.

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