New York FS Exam Requirements
Everything you need to know about taking the Fundamentals of Surveying exam in New York.
Quick Facts
New York 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 from a program registered by the NY State Education Department; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 2Confirm whether the board requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
- 3Pass the NCEES FS exam.
- 4Apply for New York 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 New York's PS path before changing employers or supervisors.
If you meet one of the criteria listed in item number 1 below you are no longer required to obtain approval from the NYS Board prior to registering for the FS exam with NCEES. Please visit the website for more information: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions-index ETAC or EAC/ABET surveying programs —Students and applicants who are within twenty credits of graduation (generally your final semester) or have graduated from an EAC or ETAC ABET accredited baccalaureate program in surveying are automatically eligible to sit for the NCEES FS 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
Bachelor's degree in surveying from a program registered by the NY State Education Department; 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.
New York State-Law Checkpoint: New York State-Specific Exam
New York requires a state-specific exam covering New York surveying law (Education Law Article 145, Title VIII) and standards of practice.
Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.
How to Apply
- 1Check the New York State Education Department — Office of the Professions 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 on a case-by-case basis; may require state-specific exam
Continuing Education
36 hours per triennial (3-year) renewal