Quizzes
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Module 1: Business Practices and Project Management
10%18 questions12 of 22 topics covered
Browse individual topics
1-AProfessional Land Surveyors' (PLS) Act
1qfew
1-BProject requirements
1qfew
1-CImpact of local ordinances
1qfew
1-DSubdivision Map Act (SMA)
1qfew
1-ESurvey-relevant sections of State laws (e.g., Public Resources Code, Civil Code, Evidence Code, DIR requirements)
1qfew
1-FImpact of federal laws (e.g., FEMA, US Army Corps of Engineers, BLM)
0q
1-GLaws and ordinances pertaining to setting of monuments (e.g., PLS Act 8771-8772, SMA 66495-66498, local ordinances)
6qQuiz
1-HRight of entry laws
2qfew
1-ICapabilities and limitations of equipment and technologies (e.g., GPS, laser scanning, levels, total stations, UAV)
1qfew
1-JInterpretation of elements in construction plans and specifications pertaining to staking
1qfew
1-KProcedures for preparation for aerial mapping (e.g., photogrammetric, LiDAR, UAV, flight plans, ground control)
0q
1-LProcedures for preparation for terrestrial mapping (e.g., total station, GPS, LiDAR, cameras)
0q
1-MWhen records of survey are required
0q
1-NWhen corner records are required
0q
1-OWhen tentative, parcel and final maps are required
0q
1-PMap waivers (e.g., SMA 66428)
1qfew
1-QExceptions to Subdivision Map Act (e.g., SMA 66412)
1qfew
1-RState and local agency requirements for maps and related documents (e.g., submittal, review, filing)
0q
1-SProject-specific mapping requirements and criteria
0q
1-TContractual agreements (e.g., cost estimates, scope of services, limitations)
1qfew
1-UAppropriate communication methods (e.g., statutory, regulatory)
0q
1-VScope management (e.g., managing scope-creep, change order processes)
0q
Module 2: Research, Project Planning and Preparation
16%26 questions19 of 26 topics covered
Browse individual topics
2-AInterpretation of elements in construction plans and specifications pertaining to staking
1qfew
2-BProcedures and requirements for aerial mapping (e.g., photogrammetric, LiDAR, UAV, control, flight plan)
1qfew
2-CProcedures for preparation for terrestrial mapping (e.g., total station, GPS, LiDAR, photogrammetry)
0q
2-DWhen records of survey are required
1qfew
2-EWhen corner records are required
1qfew
2-FPublic Land Survey System (PLSS)
3qfew
2-GSequential conveyances (e.g., senior junior rights)
1qfew
2-HSimultaneous conveyances (e.g., lot and block)
1qfew
2-IWater boundaries
3qfew
2-JRelationship of land grants between private, state and federal (e.g., ranchos, townsites)
1qfew
2-KMethods of establishing boundaries
0q
2-LTypes and components of title documents (e.g., title report, chain of title, lot and block report)
1qfew
2-MMonument recovery procedures (e.g., field package preparation, search points, magnetic vs. non-ferrous, historic depth)
0q
2-NEasements, rights-of-way, leases and other encumbrances
4qfew
2-OMethods and procedures for retracement and re-establishment of railroad rights-of-way
1qfew
2-PControlling elements of legal descriptions
1qfew
2-QStrengths and weaknesses of various legal description types
0q
2-RHorizontal and vertical control
1qfew
2-SProjections, datums, epoch dates, and transformations
1qfew
2-TGeoid, ellipsoid and orthometric heights
1qfew
2-UError sources (e.g., multipath, data input, instrument calibration)
1qfew
2-VMethods and procedures to produce control networks within accuracy standards (e.g., Public Resources Code, Federal and State standards)
1qfew
2-WSources of research data (e.g., public, quasi-public, private)
0q
2-XSource, type and accuracy of digital data (e.g., metadata, GIS)
0q
2-YEarth movements (e.g., earthquakes, landslides, subsidence, plate tectonics)
1qfew
2-ZSafety and hazard evaluations (e.g., CalOSHA, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
0q
Module 3: Field Operations and Investigations
20%25 questions10 of 20 topics covered
Browse individual topics
3-ARight of entry laws
3qfew
3-BCapabilities and limitations of equipment and technologies (e.g., GPS, laser scanning, levels, total stations, UAS)
6qQuiz
3-CInterpretation of elements in construction plans and specifications pertaining to staking
2qfew
3-DPublic Land Survey System (PLSS)
1qfew
3-EMonument recovery (e.g., boundary, control and/or topographic surveys)
2qfew
3-FMonument re-establishment procedures (e.g., PLS Act 8771 and 8773)
0q
3-GCorrect monument identification
1qfew
3-HMonument pedigree
0q
3-IHorizontal and vertical control
0q
3-JError sources (e.g., multipath, data input, instrument calibration)
2qfew
3-KCalifornia Coordinate Systems
0q
3-LReal-time networks (e.g., processes, redundancy, accessibility, accuracy)
1qfew
3-MField notes and staking reports
0q
3-NBasis of control values and their relation to maps and construction plans (e.g., basis of bearings, benchmark)
0q
3-OMethods and requirements for performing topographic, aerial, as-built, and/or bathymetric surveys
0q
3-PField practices and procedures for construction staking
6qQuiz
3-QGeoid models, ellipsoid heights and orthometric heights
1qfew
3-RSafety and hazard evaluations (e.g., CalOSHA, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
0q
3-SPhysical evidence that may indicate unwritten rights (e.g., adverse possession, prescriptive rights)
0q
3-TPhysical evidence of water boundaries
0q
Module 4: Analysis and Evaluation
26%67 questions22 of 32 topics covered
Browse individual topics
4-AWhen records of survey are required
1qfew
4-BWhen corner records are required
0q
4-CPublic Land Survey System (PLSS)
11qQuiz
4-DWater boundaries (e.g., tidal datums, navigable vs non-navigable)
5qQuiz
4-EHierarchy of evidence (e.g., Code of Civil Procedure 2077)
1qfew
4-FBoundary resolution of simultaneous conveyances
1qfew
4-GBoundary resolution of sequential conveyances
0q
4-HBoundary resolution of junior senior rights
0q
4-IBoundary resolution of deed descriptions
3qfew
4-JEvaluation of field evidence
2qfew
4-KTypes of conveyances and their effects of ownership on property (e.g., fee vs. easement, grant deed, quitclaim deed, intent)
3qfew
4-LCloud on title
0q
4-MEffect of earth movement on boundaries (e.g., earthquakes, landslide, subsidence, continental drift)
2qfew
4-NEasements, rights-of-way, leases and other encumbrances
12qQuiz
4-OCriteria for acceptance or rejection of monuments
0q
4-PPhysical evidence that may indicate unwritten rights (e.g., adverse possession, prescriptive rights)
4qfew
4-QControlling elements of legal descriptions
0q
4-RTypes of legal descriptions (e.g., strip, metes and bounds, lot and block, aliquot)
5qQuiz
4-SExceptions and reservations of legal descriptions
0q
4-THorizontal and vertical control
1qfew
4-UProjections, datums, realizations and epoch dates
0q
4-VGeoid, ellipsoid and orthometric heights
0q
4-WConversion between grid and ground distances
4qfew
4-XErrors - Analysis and quantification (e.g., data bias, error ellipses, residuals)
5qQuiz
4-YDigital terrain models
1qfew
4-ZPoint clouds (e.g., As-Built, reduction, management, analysis, extraction, terrain classification systems)
0q
4-AAApplications of relevant case law (e.g., boundary issues, liability)
1qfew
4-BBMethods to obtain bearings or azimuths related to geodetic, magnetic, grid or astronomic north
1qfew
4-CCParol evidence
1qfew
4-DDUse and interpretation of significant figures for maps, plats or reports
1qfew
4-EESurvey-relevant sections of state laws (e.g., Public Resources Code, Civil Code, Evidence Code)
1qfew
4-FFHistorical accuracies vs. current precision (e.g., measuring by chaining, EDM, GPS)
1qfew
Module 5: Mapping and Document Preparation
16%23 questions14 of 29 topics covered
Browse individual topics
5-AProfessional Land Surveyors' (PLS) Act
2qfew
5-BSubdivision Map Act (SMA)
4qfew
5-CALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey related to State law
0q
5-DBasis of control elements and their relation to maps (e.g., basis of bearings, benchmark)
0q
5-EStrip legal descriptions
2qfew
5-FMetes and bounds legal descriptions
0q
5-GAliquot part legal descriptions
2qfew
5-HPortions and parts legal descriptions
1qfew
5-IExceptions and reservations in legal descriptions
0q
5-JProjections, datums and epoch dates
0q
5-KCalifornia Coordinate System
1qfew
5-LSurveyor notes (e.g., boundary narrative)
2qfew
5-MSurveyor reports (e.g., volume, staking)
1qfew
5-NDigital terrain models
2qfew
5-OParol evidence (e.g., use, methods to document, and effects)
0q
5-PCode of Regulations (Board Rules)
0q
5-QPublic Resource Code (PRC)
0q
5-RSigning and sealing requirements
0q
5-SComponents of a legal description (e.g., preamble, body)
0q
5-TMethods and procedures for preparing topographic maps (e.g., photogrammetric, planimetric)
1qfew
5-UElements of corner records (legal content required)
1qfew
5-VElements of records of survey (legal content required)
2qfew
5-WElements of tentative maps (legal content required)
0q
5-XElements of parcel maps (legal content required)
0q
5-YElements of final maps (legal content required)
0q
5-ZElements of certificates of compliance (legal content required)
0q
5-AACertificates of correction and amended maps
1qfew
5-BBDepiction of physical evidence that may indicate unwritten rights
0q
5-CCEasements, rights-of-way, leases and other encumbrances
1qfew
Module 6: Professional Consulting
12%9 questions9 of 17 topics covered
Browse individual topics
6-AProfessional Land Surveyors' (PLS) Act
0q
6-BSubdivision Map Act (SMA)
1qfew
6-CImpact of local ordinances (e.g., zoning, setbacks)
1qfew
6-DState and local agency processing requirements for maps and related documents (e.g., submittal, review, filing)
0q
6-EAppropriate communication methods (e.g., verbal and written)
0q
6-FEffects of unwritten rights on boundaries
1qfew
6-GEffects of riparian and littoral rights on boundaries
0q
6-HCloud on title
0q
6-IEffects of earth movement on boundaries (e.g., earthquakes, subsidence, slides)
1qfew
6-JImpacts of encumbrances (e.g., deeds of trust, tax liens, easements, leases)
0q
6-KEvidence that may indicate unwritten rights (e.g., adverse possession, prescriptive rights)
0q
6-LEffects of relevant case law (e.g., boundary issues, liability)
0q
6-MNotice of potential encroachments
1qfew
6-NSurvey-relevant sections of state laws (e.g., Public Resources Code, Civil Code, Evidence Code, CEQA, Categorical Exemption, Negative Declaration)
1qfew
6-OSurveyor's role in title and boundary conflicts (e.g., analysis, mediation, litigation support)
1qfew
6-PCode of professional conduct (BR 476)
1qfew
6-QMediation techniques
1qfew
Study by Subject
Practice questions grouped by theme across all modules.
Legal Descriptions
Controlling elements, description types, metes & bounds, aliquot parts, and exceptions.
14 questionsStart Quiz →
Boundary Law
Hierarchy of evidence, conveyances, junior/senior rights, case law, and conflict resolution.
13 questionsStart Quiz →
Public Land Survey System
PLSS principles, corner restoration, proportionate measurement, and GLO procedures.
15 questionsStart Quiz →
Monuments
Monument setting, recovery, identification, pedigree, and acceptance/rejection.
9 questionsStart Quiz →
Easements & Encumbrances
Easement types, creation, termination, rights-of-way, and encumbrance impacts.
18 questionsStart Quiz →
Subdivision Map Act
SMA requirements, exceptions, map types, certificates, and agency processing.
8 questionsStart Quiz →
Geodesy & Control
Datums, projections, CCS, GNSS, error analysis, and control networks.
20 questionsStart Quiz →
Construction & Topo
Construction staking, topographic surveys, plan interpretation, and mapping.
11 questionsStart Quiz →
Maps & Documents
Records of survey, corner records, map requirements, and filing procedures.
6 questionsStart Quiz →
Water Boundaries
Riparian and littoral rights, tidal datums, and water boundary determination.
8 questionsStart Quiz →
Unwritten Rights
Adverse possession, prescriptive rights, and physical evidence of unwritten rights.
5 questionsStart Quiz →
Ethics & Professional Practice
PLS Act, professional conduct, signing/sealing, contracts, and communication.
5 questionsStart Quiz →
Specialized Practice
Topic Review Quizzes
Simple quizzes for basic topic understanding. Good for getting started with a subject.
Boundary Control Practice Questions
Practice questions covering boundary law and legal principles for the CA PLS exam.
20 questionsStart Quiz →
Easements Practice Questions
Practice questions covering easement concepts, creation, termination, and California-specific requirements for the CA PLS exam.
25 questionsStart Quiz →
Evidence and Procedures Practice Questions
Practice questions covering survey evidence and boundary location procedures for the CA PLS exam.
15 questionsStart Quiz →
GPS/GNSS Positioning Practice Questions
Practice questions covering GPS/GNSS positioning concepts for the CA PLS exam.
25 questionsStart Quiz →
PLSS Manual Practice Questions
Practice questions covering Public Land Survey System concepts from the BLM Manual of Surveying Instructions 2009, essential for the CA PLS exam.
28 questionsStart Quiz →