Kentucky PS Exam Requirements
Everything you need to know about taking the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam in Kentucky.
Quick Facts
Kentucky 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 experience under a licensed PLS with degree; 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.
Kentucky State-Law Checkpoint
A board-specific exam, law module, or jurisdiction checkpoint may be required in addition to FS/PS.
- 1Kentucky requires a state-specific exam covering Kentucky surveying laws (KRS Chapter 322) and minimum standards.
- 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 NCEES record and equivalent qualifications
- 2Prepare license verification, NCEES Record if accepted, references, and disciplinary-history disclosures.
- 3Plan for the Kentucky State-Specific Exam unless the board grants a specific waiver.
The Kentucky 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 examination and meets the Kentucky education requirements listed on the board’s website .
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 experience under a licensed PLS with degree; 6 years without degree
Experience substitutions, supervisor requirements, and responsible-charge rules vary by board.
Kentucky State-Law Checkpoint: Kentucky State-Specific Exam
Kentucky requires a state-specific exam covering Kentucky surveying laws (KRS Chapter 322) and minimum standards.
Verify the current format and whether this checkpoint applies to your path with the board.
How to Apply
- 1Verify you meet Kentucky's experience requirements through the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
- 2Gather work experience documentation and professional references.
- 3Submit a board application first if Kentucky 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 NCEES record and equivalent qualifications
Continuing Education
30 PDH per biennial renewal