California PS Exam Requirements
Everything you need to know about taking the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam in California.
Quick Facts
California 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
- 22 years with qualifying bachelor's degree; associate's degree + 4 years; or 6 years experience 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.
California State-Law Checkpoint
A board-specific exam, law module, or jurisdiction checkpoint may be required in addition to FS/PS.
- 1State-specific exam testing California laws, codes, and surveying practices. Approximately 70 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours, computer-based, open-book at Prometric centers. Given in April and October.
- 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.
- 1No direct reciprocity — all applicants must pass the CA PLS exam regardless of other state licenses
- 2Prepare license verification, NCEES Record if accepted, references, and disciplinary-history disclosures.
- 3Plan for the California PLS Exam unless the board grants a specific waiver.
The process for approval to take the professional surveying exams has changed recently for California examinees; review the information here before registering: http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/new_process_flowchart.pdf In order to expedite your approval for this exam, ensure that your Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam is verified in your MyNCEES account before registering .
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
2 years with qualifying bachelor's degree; associate's degree + 4 years; or 6 years experience without degree
Experience substitutions, supervisor requirements, and responsible-charge rules vary by board.
California State-Law Checkpoint: California PLS Exam
State-specific exam testing California laws, codes, and surveying practices. Approximately 70 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours, computer-based, open-book at Prometric centers. Given in April and October.
Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.
Learn more about the California PLS Exam →Important Notes
The PS exam alone does not grant California licensure — you must also pass the CA PLS exam
How to Apply
- 1Verify you meet California's experience requirements through the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG).
- 2Gather work experience documentation and professional references.
- 3Submit a board application first if California 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
No direct reciprocity — all applicants must pass the CA PLS exam regardless of other state licenses
Continuing Education
Not required for renewal