Alabama PS Exam Requirements
Everything you need to know about taking the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam in Alabama.
Quick Facts
Alabama PS Pathways
Use these as planning paths, then confirm the exact gate with the board before applying.
Standard PS and Initial Licensure Path
For candidates moving from FS/LSIT into professional licensure.
- 1Must have passed the FS exam
- 24 years of progressive surveying experience under a licensed PLS with qualifying degree; up to 6 years without degree
- 3Confirm whether the board authorizes you before NCEES registration or lets you register first.
- 4Pass the NCEES PS exam.
Alternative Experience Path
For candidates relying on additional experience instead of a standard surveying degree.
- 1Request a board review before assuming your experience substitutes for education.
- 2Prepare detailed project history, supervisor verification, and examples of progressive responsibility.
- 3Expect experience-only paths to require more documentation and more total time.
Alabama State-Law Checkpoint
A board-specific exam, law module, or jurisdiction checkpoint may be required in addition to FS/PS.
- 1Alabama requires a state-specific exam covering Alabama surveying laws (Code of Alabama Title 34, Chapter 11), rules, and minimum standards for surveying.
- 2Study state statutes, board rules, recording requirements, standards of practice, and local mapping law.
- 3Confirm whether this is currently an exam, module, documentation review, or waived requirement directly with the board.
Comity or Reciprocity Path
For surveyors already licensed in another jurisdiction.
- 1Accepts comity applications with active PLS license from another state
- 2Prepare license verification, NCEES Record if accepted, references, and disciplinary-history disclosures.
- 3Plan for the Alabama State-Specific Exam unless the board grants a specific waiver.
The Alabama Board does not require PS examinees to submit an application or an additional fee prior to registering with NCEES and scheduling an exam as long as the examinee has passed the Fundamentals of Surveying exam and has a BS degree that is ABET-accredited or has written approval from the Alabama Board to register with NCEES for the exam.
NCEES PS registration pageFees, application order, intern titles, and state-law exams change. Verify the board page, then use Survey Bible for exam prep and tracking.
Prerequisite Planning Notes
Must have passed the FS exam
Verify the exact current prerequisite rule with the board before applying.
Experience Planning Notes
4 years of progressive surveying experience under a licensed PLS with qualifying degree; up to 6 years without degree
Experience substitutions, supervisor requirements, and responsible-charge rules vary by board.
Alabama State-Law Checkpoint: Alabama State-Specific Exam
Alabama requires a state-specific exam covering Alabama surveying laws (Code of Alabama Title 34, Chapter 11), rules, and minimum standards for surveying.
Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.
How to Apply
- 1Verify you meet Alabama's experience requirements through the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
- 2Gather work experience documentation and professional references.
- 3Submit a board application first if Alabama requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
- 4Once approved by the state board, receive authorization from NCEES.
- 5Register and pay through your MyNCEES account ($375 exam fee).
- 6Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center.
Reciprocity / Comity
Accepts comity applications with active PLS license from another state
Continuing Education
15 PDH per annual renewal