Arizona PS Exam Requirements
Everything you need to know about taking the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam in Arizona.
Quick Facts
Arizona 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 qualifying surveying experience after passing FS with degree; up to 8 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.
Arizona State-Law Checkpoint
A board-specific exam, law module, or jurisdiction checkpoint may be required in addition to FS/PS.
- 1Arizona requires a state-specific exam covering Arizona surveying laws (ARS Title 32, Chapter 1) and standards of practice.
- 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 with equivalent qualifications and active license
- 2Prepare license verification, NCEES Record if accepted, references, and disciplinary-history disclosures.
- 3Plan for the Arizona State-Specific Exam unless the board grants a specific waiver.
Applicants seeking to take the PS examination who have graduated from an ANSAC-accredited curriculum, have passed the FS exam or had the FS exam requirement waived by the Board, and who have at least 60 months of education/experience may register directly with NCEES to take the examination.
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 qualifying surveying experience after passing FS with degree; up to 8 years without degree
Experience substitutions, supervisor requirements, and responsible-charge rules vary by board.
Arizona State-Law Checkpoint: Arizona State-Specific Exam
Arizona requires a state-specific exam covering Arizona surveying laws (ARS Title 32, Chapter 1) and standards of practice.
Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.
How to Apply
- 1Verify you meet Arizona's experience requirements through the Arizona Board of Technical Registration.
- 2Gather work experience documentation and professional references.
- 3Submit a board application first if Arizona 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 with equivalent qualifications and active license
Continuing Education
24 PDH per biennial renewal