CA PLS Study Guides by Module
CA PLS onlyProComprehensive, downloadable study guides for each module of the California Professional Land Surveyor exam. Each guide distills the essential concepts, formulas, and exam strategies you need to pass.
Studying for the FS or PS exam? FS exam binder · PS exam binder — national-exam quick references with no California-specific content.
CA PLS Exam Weight Distribution
Professional Practice & Ethics
10% of examLicensing requirements, professional conduct, Board regulations, scope of practice, and ethical obligations.
Research & Planning
16% of examRecord research, survey planning, legal descriptions, deed interpretation, and document analysis.
Field Operations
20% of examField measurements, GNSS, total stations, leveling, error theory, and survey procedures.
Boundary Determination
26% of examBoundary law, evidence hierarchy, monument analysis, riparian/littoral rights, and adverse possession.
Mapping & Documentation
16% of examMap preparation, Record of Survey, Corner Record, coordinate systems, and cartographic standards.
Subdivision & Development
12% of examSubdivision Map Act, tentative/final maps, parcel maps, CEQA, and development regulations.
What's included in each guide
- Key concepts and definitions
- Important formulas with worked examples
- Exam tips and common pitfalls
- Practice question pointers
- Citation references for further study
Pro subscribers get all study guides
Upgrade to Pro for access to downloadable study guides, the full question bank, practice tests, and more.
View plans →