Washington FS Exam Requirements
Everything you need to know about taking the Fundamentals of Surveying exam in Washington.
Quick Facts
Washington 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 from an ABET-accredited program; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 2Confirm whether the board requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
- 3Pass the NCEES FS exam.
- 4Apply for Washington 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 Washington's PS path before changing employers or supervisors.
Examinees must first apply to the Washington board for approval to sit for the exam. Visit the board's website for instructions on the approval process. After the board has notified you of your approval, register online with NCEES to reserve your seat for the 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 or related field from an ABET-accredited program; 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.
Washington State-Law Checkpoint: Washington State-Specific Exam
Washington requires a state-specific exam covering Washington surveying law (RCW 18.43), standards of practice, and Donation Land Claims unique to Oregon and Washington.
Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.
How to Apply
- 1Check the Washington Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and 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; must pass state-specific exam
Continuing Education
30 PDH per biennial renewal