AR

Arkansas PS Exam Requirements

Everything you need to know about taking the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam in Arkansas.

Quick Facts

Licensing Board
Arkansas Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors
License Title
Professional Surveyor (PS)
Listed Fees
$375 NCEES exam fee + state application fee
Board Phone
(501) 682-2824

Arkansas 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.

  1. 1Must have passed the FS exam
  2. 24 years of qualifying experience under a licensed surveyor with degree; 6 years without degree
  3. 3Confirm whether the board authorizes you before NCEES registration or lets you register first.
  4. 4Pass the NCEES PS exam.

Alternative Experience Path

For candidates relying on additional experience instead of a standard surveying degree.

  1. 1Request a board review before assuming your experience substitutes for education.
  2. 2Prepare detailed project history, supervisor verification, and examples of progressive responsibility.
  3. 3Expect experience-only paths to require more documentation and more total time.

Arkansas State-Law Checkpoint

A board-specific exam, law module, or jurisdiction checkpoint may be required in addition to FS/PS.

  1. 1Arkansas requires a state-specific exam covering Arkansas surveying statutes (ACA Title 17, Chapter 48) and administrative rules.
  2. 2Study state statutes, board rules, recording requirements, standards of practice, and local mapping law.
  3. 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.

  1. 1Accepts comity with NCEES record and active license
  2. 2Prepare license verification, NCEES Record if accepted, references, and disciplinary-history disclosures.
  3. 3Plan for the Arkansas State-Specific Exam unless the board grants a specific waiver.
Verified NCEES registration note
Direct NCEES registrationchecked 2026-05-05

The Arkansas Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors ("Board") no longer requires examinees to submit a completed application for licensure with the Board prior to registering and/or scheduling to take the NCEES PS exams.

NCEES PS registration page
Planning checklist

Fees, 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 experience under a licensed surveyor with degree; 6 years without degree

Experience substitutions, supervisor requirements, and responsible-charge rules vary by board.

Arkansas State-Law Checkpoint: Arkansas State-Specific Exam

Arkansas requires a state-specific exam covering Arkansas surveying statutes (ACA Title 17, Chapter 48) and administrative rules.

Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.

How to Apply

  1. 1Verify you meet Arkansas's experience requirements through the Arkansas Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors.
  2. 2Gather work experience documentation and professional references.
  3. 3Submit a board application first if Arkansas requires pre-approval before NCEES registration.
  4. 4Once approved by the state board, receive authorization from NCEES.
  5. 5Register and pay through your MyNCEES account ($375 exam fee).
  6. 6Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center.

Reciprocity / Comity

Accepts comity with NCEES record and active license

Continuing Education

15 PDH per annual renewal

Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Arkansas Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors before applying. Last reviewed April 2026.

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