NJ

New Jersey PS Exam Requirements

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

Quick Facts

Licensing Board
New Jersey Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
License Title
Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)
Listed Fees
$375 NCEES exam fee + state application fee
Board Phone
(973) 504-6460

New Jersey 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 with degree; 7 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.

New Jersey State-Law Checkpoint

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

  1. 1New Jersey requires a state-specific exam covering New Jersey surveying laws (NJSA 45:8-27 et seq.) and minimum standards.
  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 equivalent qualifications
  2. 2Prepare license verification, NCEES Record if accepted, references, and disciplinary-history disclosures.
  3. 3Plan for the New Jersey State-Specific Exam unless the board grants a specific waiver.
Verified NCEES registration note
Direct NCEES registrationchecked 2026-05-05

The New Jersey board does not require examinees to submit an application or an additional fee prior to registering with NCEES and scheduling the PS exam. Visit the board’s website for licensure application instructions once you have passed the exam.

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 with degree; 7 years without degree

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

New Jersey State-Law Checkpoint: New Jersey State-Specific Exam

New Jersey requires a state-specific exam covering New Jersey surveying laws (NJSA 45:8-27 et seq.) and minimum standards.

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

How to Apply

  1. 1Verify you meet New Jersey's experience requirements through the New Jersey Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
  2. 2Gather work experience documentation and professional references.
  3. 3Submit a board application first if New Jersey 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 equivalent qualifications

Continuing Education

24 PDH per biennial renewal

Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the New Jersey Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors before applying. Last reviewed April 2026.

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