CA PLS Module 1: Business Practices

A civil engineer licensed in California after January 1, 1982 wants to perform a boundary survey. Can they do so without a land surveyor license?

No. Civil engineers licensed after January 1, 1982 must obtain a separate land surveyor license to practice land surveying. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8731.

Your new employee asks what "responsible charge of work" means in land surveying. How do you explain it?

Independent control and direction, by the use of initiative, skill, and independent judgment, of the observations, measurements, and descriptions involved in land surveying work. It does not refer to financial liability. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8703.

What must appear on a licensed land surveyor's stamp or seal?

The licensee's name, certificate number, and the legend "Licensed Land Surveyor" or "Professional Land Surveyor." Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8750.

A property owner demands you leave their land during a boundary survey. Must you comply?

No. The right of entry to investigate and utilize boundary evidence is a statutory right of persons authorized to practice land surveying. The owner must provide reasonable access without undue delay. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8774(a).

Is a surveyor required to give prior notice before entering private property to perform a boundary survey?

The right of entry is not contingent upon prior notice. However, the surveyor shall notify the owner of the proposed time of entry where practicable. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8774(a).

A client wants to skip the written contract and start work immediately on a boundary survey. Can you proceed?

Only if the client knowingly states in writing that work may commence before the contract is executed. Otherwise, a written contract is required before starting. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8759(a).

What 6 items must a written land surveying contract include?

(1) Description of services, (2) basis of compensation and payment method, (3) name/address/license number of surveyor and client info, (4) procedure for additional services, (5) procedure to terminate the contract, (6) disclosure of professional liability insurance. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8759(a)(1)-(6).

You are surveying for a licensed contractor building a subdivision. Is a written contract required?

No. The written contract requirement does not apply when services are rendered to a licensed contractor (or to another licensed LS, PE, architect, public agency, or certain corporations). Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8759(b)(4).

A surveyor is convicted of filing a fraudulent record of survey. What disciplinary actions can the Board impose?

The Board may publicly reprove, suspend for up to two years, or revoke the license. Grounds include fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetence, or any violation of the PLS Act. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8780(b).

How long can a land surveyor license be suspended by the Board?

A maximum of two years. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8780(b).

A surveyor's license expired 3 years ago. Can it still be renewed?

Yes. Licenses may be renewed up to 5 years after expiration by filing an application and paying all accrued renewal fees plus the delinquency fee. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8802.

A surveyor lets their license lapse for 6 years without renewing. What happens?

The license cannot be renewed, restored, or reinstated. The surveyor must apply for a new license and pass the examination again. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8803(a).

How often must a CA land surveyor license be renewed?

Every two years (biennial renewals staggered quarterly). Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8801.

What is the minimum education/experience to qualify for a PLS license with a 4-year ABET-accredited surveying degree?

Graduation from a 4-year approved curriculum plus 2 years of broad-based progressive experience (including 1 year field training and 1 year office training). Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8742(a)(1).

Without a college degree, how many years of experience are needed to qualify for a CA PLS license?

At least 6 years of actual broad-based progressive experience, including 1 year of responsible field training and 1 year of responsible office training. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8742(a)(2).

A land surveying firm wants to use a fictitious business name. Is this allowed?

Yes, but if the fictitious name includes any person's name, that person must be licensed by the Board as a land surveyor or as a civil engineer. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8729(c).

Can a non-licensed person be a partner in a land surveying business?

Yes, but they cannot be the sole owner or officer. A licensed LS or pre-1982 CE must be an owner/partner/officer in charge of the surveying practice, and all work must be under responsible charge of a licensee. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8729(a)(1)-(2), (d).

A surveyor is sued for negligence and settles for $60,000. Must this be reported to the Board?

Yes. Settlements exceeding $50,000 alleging fraud, negligence, incompetence, or similar claims must be reported within 90 days. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8776(a)(3).

An unlicensed person sets survey monuments on property they do not own. What offense have they committed?

A misdemeanor. It is unlawful to set, reset, replace, or remove any survey monument on land in which one has no legal interest without being licensed. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8725.

What is the highest priority for the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists?

Protection of the public. Whenever protection of the public is inconsistent with other interests, protection of the public shall be paramount. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 8710.1.