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Nevada Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Professional Land Surveyor (Inactive)

Inactive status of an existing PLS license, with an inactive identification card and no authority to continue practice.

Licensing authority: State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Election of inactive PLS status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Notice and fee
File written notice of intention to become inactive and pay the ordinary renewal fee.
Practice
Inactive status does not authorize continued practice.
Prior license
Existing Nevada professional land surveyor license.
Renewal
Inactive licenses expire on the ordinary schedule and remain subject to NAC 625.430 continuing education when renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal of inactive PLS status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
NAC 625.420(1)(b) requires compliance with NAC 625.430 during inactive renewal; this controlling rule governs.
Contrary board instruction
The Board reinstatement page states: When renewing, licensees have the option to renew as ACTIVE or INACTIVE. Each requires the same $100 fee, but r enewing as INACTIVE simply gives licensees the ability to renew without reporting PDHs. This instruction differs from NAC 625.420(1)(b), which requires continuing education during inactive status.
Fee
The same $100 renewal fee and surname-based renewal schedule apply.
Practice
The licensee cannot offer or practice surveying until active status is restored.
Prior status
PLS license on inactive status; timely renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Land Surveyor Intern

Board certification permitting land surveying only as a subordinate.

Licensing authority: Nevada Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors · Application information

Initial land surveyor intern certification
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Submit the Board online application, required information and $50 fee unless exempt under NAC 625.210(4).
Authorized practice
Certification permits surveying only as a subordinate; satisfactory work may count toward PLS experience under NRS 625.385.
Education
Graduate of or in the final year of a Board-approved land-surveying or engineering curriculum of four years or more (NRS 625.386(1)).
Exam
Pass NCEES FS before certification.
Reinstatement after child support or subpoena related suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Official letter
The Board receives the specified district-attorney or public-agency letter stating compliance with the subpoena or warrant or satisfaction of the arrearage; NRS 625.415(2) then directs reinstatement.
Suspension
A license or intern certificate suspended by district court under NRS 425.540.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor

Nevada license authorizing the practice of professional land surveying.

Licensing authority: Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors · Application information

Licensure by comity or endorsement
Additional board assessment
NRS 625.382(2) and NAC 625.240(1)-(2) allow the Board to require an oral or another acceptable examination; neither names a currently offered independent examination, so these discretionary slots are conditions.
Application
Transmit an NCEES Record and electronic application, pay the $125 application fee unless exempt, obtain administrative approval, pass the Nevada state exam and pay prorated licensure fees.
Education and experience
Meet Board-reviewed qualifications under Chapter 625; submit transcripts, verified work history, exam verification and five references including four licensed PLS references.
Existing license
Present evidence of licensure and good standing in a state, territory, possession of the United States or country maintaining equivalent surveying licensure standards; the Board determines necessary qualifications under NRS 625.382. The Board comity application describes applicants already licensed in a US state or territory.
Military fee exemption
NAC 625.240(4) exempts active military personnel, their spouses, veterans and veterans’ spouses from the application fee. The Board comity page mentions active military and spouses; the rule governs the broader exemption.
National exam results
The Board NCEES Record requires verification of NCEES FS and PS exams; passage before application remains an exam leaf. FS waiver authority and equivalent-exam approval are preserved under NRS 625.280 and NAC 625.310(3).
Reinstatement from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Comply with NAC 625.430 during inactive status; the Board page requires a list of 30 PDHs earned in the preceding 24 months.
Contrary board instruction
The Board page permits inactive renewal without reporting PDHs; the controlling NAC 625.420(1)(b) requires continuing education during inactive renewal.
Prior status
Inactive PLS license that has not expired or has expired for no more than six months.
Process
Complete and email the PDH Activity Report; Board staff review and approve the status change.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
Age
At least 21 years old (NRS 625.270(1)).
Application
Transmit an NCEES Record, submit the Nevada electronic application and waiver requests, obtain Board approval, pass the state exam and pay the prorated license fee.
Approved equivalent examinations
NRS 625.280 permits another equivalent fundamentals or principles-and-practices examination approved by the Board; the unnamed remainder is a condition, not an invented exam leaf.
Character
Good character and reputation (NRS 625.270(2)(a)).
Documentation
Provide transcripts, verified experience and exam results, affidavit answers, child-support information under NRS 625.387, and application information under oath; foreign education may require evaluation.
Education
Graduate of a Board-approved land-surveying curriculum of four years or more; the Board application lists approved equivalent education and asks applicants with unusual education to contact the Board.
Experience
Four years or more of satisfactory active surveying experience demonstrating competence for responsible charge; two years under a professional land surveyor unless waived. Contractor execution or construction supervision is not equivalent to active surveying experience.
Fs waiver
The Board may waive FS for a graduate of an approved surveying curriculum with at least ten years of active surveying experience (NRS 625.280(1)(a)); a waiver request must explain the circumstances.
References
NRS 625.390(2) requires at least four licensed PLS references unless waived. The Board NCEES Record instructions ask for five references, four licensed professional land surveyors personally acquainted with the applicant’s reputation.
Reinstatement after child support or subpoena related suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Official letter
The Board receives the specified district-attorney or public-agency letter stating compliance with the subpoena or warrant or satisfaction of the arrearage; NRS 625.415(2) then directs reinstatement.
Suspension
A license or intern certificate suspended by district court under NRS 425.540.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement from retired to active status
Age
At least 21 years old (NRS 625.270(1)).
Application
Transmit an NCEES Record, submit the Nevada electronic application and waiver requests, obtain Board approval, pass the state exam and pay the prorated license fee.
Approved equivalent examinations
NRS 625.280 permits another equivalent fundamentals or principles-and-practices examination approved by the Board; the unnamed remainder is a condition, not an invented exam leaf.
Character
Good character and reputation (NRS 625.270(2)(a)).
Continuing education
Submit proof of at least 30 professional development hours within the two years immediately preceding the request.
Documentation
Provide transcripts, verified experience and exam results, affidavit answers, child-support information under NRS 625.387, and application information under oath; foreign education may require evaluation.
Education
Graduate of a Board-approved land-surveying curriculum of four years or more; the Board application lists approved equivalent education and asks applicants with unusual education to contact the Board.
Experience
Four years or more of satisfactory active surveying experience demonstrating competence for responsible charge; two years under a professional land surveyor unless waived. Contractor execution or construction supervision is not equivalent to active surveying experience.
Fs waiver
The Board may waive FS for a graduate of an approved surveying curriculum with at least ten years of active surveying experience (NRS 625.280(1)(a)); a waiver request must explain the circumstances.
Original issuance requirements
Comply with the requirements for issuance of an original license under NAC 625.420(3); prior passage and applicable waivers do not remove currently offered exam leaves.
Prior status
Existing PLS license placed on retired status under NAC 625.420.
References
NRS 625.390(2) requires at least four licensed PLS references unless waived. The Board NCEES Record instructions ask for five references, four licensed professional land surveyors personally acquainted with the applicant’s reputation.
Timely biennial renewal of an active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
30 PDHs in the biennial renewal period, including two hours in professional ethics and one hour in NRS/NAC Chapter 625; applicable exemptions and equivalent education waivers under NAC 625.440 and 625.450 remain available.
Eligibility
Active PLS license; timely renewal without disciplinary reinstatement.
Renewal
Submit required renewal information and $100 biennial fee by the surname-based deadline in NAC 625.410(2). Up to 15 excess PDHs may carry forward, excluding the required ethics and Chapter 625 hours.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor (Retired)

Retired status of an existing PLS license, with a retired identification card and no authority to continue practice.

Licensing authority: State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Election of retired PLS status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Notice
File written notice of intention to retire; the Board issues a retired identification card.
Practice
Retired status does not authorize continued practice.
Prior license
Existing Nevada professional land surveyor license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam

Provider
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES); administered year-round in testing windows at NCEES-approved Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based test, closed book with an electronic reference (NCEES FS Reference Handbook and the specified standards); includes alternative item types (AITs) in addition to traditional multiple-choice questions; uses both SI and U.S. Customary units
Exam questions
110 questions
Time limit
6-hour appointment: nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes), tutorial (8 minutes), exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), scheduled break (25 minutes)
Passing score
Results reported as pass or fail; failing examinees receive a diagnostic report by major topic
Exam fee
$225 exam fee payable directly to NCEES
Examination outline
  • 1. Surveying Processes and Methods (16–24 of 110 questions)
    • A. Instrumentation (e.g., GNSS/GPS, levels, total stations, robotic total stations, scanners, UAS)
    • B. GNSS/GPS surveys (e.g., static, kinematic, OPUS, real-time networks)
    • C. Control surveys (e.g., horizontal, vertical, network design, accuracy standards)
    • D. Cadastral (e.g., Public Land Survey System [PLSS], boundary, metes and bounds, land title)
    • E. Topographic surveys
    • F. Construction surveys (e.g., layout, as-built, quantity)
    • G. Land development (e.g., subdivision design/platting, land use, environmental, flood plains, wetlands)
    • H. Field record keeping and documentation (e.g., procedures, field books, raw data files)
  • 2. Mapping Processes and Methods (14–21 of 110 questions)
    • A. Basic mapping concepts (e.g., scaling, symbols, features, legend, contours, cartography)
    • B. Types of maps (e.g., plan and profile, cross section, plat, record of survey, ALTA, topographic, planimetric)
    • C. CAD (e.g., 2-D, 3-D, building information modeling [BIM])
    • D. GIS (e.g., feature collection, map projections, coordinate systems, metadata, database design and management, spatial data analysis, GIS applications)
    • E. Digital terrain model (e.g., machine control, triangulated irregular network [TIN], digital surface model, digital elevation model)
    • F. Photogrammetry and remote sensing (e.g., close range, conventional, softcopy, ground control, quality control, flight planning, project planning, UAS, drone, LiDAR, satellite, digital image analysis and processing)
  • 3. Boundary Law and Real Property Principles (19–29 of 110 questions)
    • A. Public records and descriptions (e.g., land descriptions, mineral rights, ownership rights, weighting evidence)
    • B. Common law principles (e.g., controlling elements, unwritten rights, adverse possession)
    • C. Easements (e.g., granted, implied/prescriptive)
    • D. Simultaneous and sequential conveyances
    • E. Metes and bounds
    • F. PLSS
    • G. Water law (e.g., riparian, littoral rights, water marks/levels)
    • H. Sources of law (e.g., federal/state/local, administrative, common, citations, legal research)
    • I. Encumbrances (e.g., restrictive covenants, mortgages, liens)
    • J. Real property law (e.g., deeds, chains of title)
  • 4. Surveying Principles (13–20 of 110 questions)
    • A. Basic surveying (e.g., horizontal surveys, vertical surveys, understanding of historical methods and instruments, route surveying, magnetic declination)
    • B. Geodesy (e.g., spherical trigonometry, geometric, physical, geodetic coordinates, orthometric corrections, convergence, geodetic reductions, gravity modeling, geoid modeling)
    • C. Applied geodesy (e.g., datums and datum conversions, latitude/longitude, coordinate transformations, state plane coordinate system [SPCS], map projections, control networks, reduction of observations, deflection of vertical, satellite coordinate systems)
  • 5. Survey Computations and Computer Applications (17–26 of 110 questions)
    • A. Coordinate geometry
    • B. Traverse closure and adjustments
    • C. Leveling (e.g., differential, trigonometric, reciprocal, precise)
    • D. Least squares adjustments
    • E. Area
    • F. Horizontal curves
    • G. Vertical curves
    • H. Volume (e.g., mass diagrams, earthwork)
    • I. Spreadsheets
    • J. Slopes and grades
  • 6. Business Concepts (11–17 of 110 questions)
    • A. Project planning (e.g., resource management, scheduling, cost estimation, tracking)
    • B. Safety (e.g., signage, basic first aid, safety equipment)
    • C. Liabilities (e.g., negligence, employee behavior, errors and omissions)
    • D. Contracts (e.g., basic elements, scope of work, specifications)
    • E. Supervision (e.g., survey team leadership, personnel management)
    • F. Project documentation and record management
    • G. Ethics
    • H. Communication (e.g., written communication, oral communication, alternate forms of communication, conflict resolution)
  • 7. Applied Mathematics and Statistics (10–15 of 110 questions)
    • A. College mathematics (e.g., trigonometry, analytical geometry and calculus, linear algebra and matrix theory)
    • B. Probability and statistics (e.g., mean, median, mode, hypothesis testing, normal distribution, linear regression)
    • C. Measurement science (e.g., error analysis, error propagation, positional tolerance, positional accuracy, random/systematic/blunder errors, unit conversions)
    • D. Quantitative reasoning (e.g., critical thinking, data analysis and validation, blunder detection, data quality, redundancy)
Examination sources

Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam

Provider
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES); administered year-round via computer-based testing at approved Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based, closed book with an electronic reference (NCEES PS Reference Handbook and the specified standards); U.S. Customary units; questions require a variety of approaches and methodologies, including design, analysis, and application
Exam questions
100 questions
Time limit
7 hours, including a tutorial and an optional scheduled break
Passing score
Results reported as pass or fail; failing examinees receive a diagnostic report by major topic
Exam fee
$375 exam fee payable directly to NCEES
Examination outline
  • 1. Legal Principles (18–27 of 100 questions)
    • A. Principles of Evidence — 1. How to search for data and for physical evidence to evaluate data; 2. How to evaluate data; 3. Parol evidence; 4. Prescriptive rights; 5. Adverse possession; 6. Acquiescence; 7. Controlling elements; 8. Easement rights
    • B. Common Law Boundary Principles — 1. Historical and current common law principles; 2. Riparian and littoral rights; 3. Sovereign rights, including both navigable waters and eminent domain; 4. Sovereign land grants
    • C. Sequential and Simultaneous Conveyance Concepts — 1. Types of conveyances; 2. Junior/senior rights; 3. Record and physical evidence
    • D. Legal Descriptions for Real Property Transactions — 1. Preparation and interpretation of legal descriptions; 2. Controlling elements and how they impact the description; 3. Unwritten rights and how they impact the description; 4. Encumbrances and how they impact the description; 5. Easements and how they impact the description
    • E. Evidence for the Perpetuation of the U.S. PLSS
  • 2. Professional Survey Practices (22–33 of 100 questions)
    • A. Public/Private Record Sources — 1. Resources for private and public records; 2. Local public records indexing and filing system; 3. Local survey office records
    • B. Documentation, Supervision, and Clear Communication of Field Procedures — 1. Field surveying techniques; 2. Field surveying practices; 3. Data collection protocols
    • C. GPS/GNSS including satellite constellations, static GPS, RTK, PPP, and virtual networks
    • D. Surveying Principles and Computations — 1. Technical computations; 2. Applicable software
    • E. Monumentation Standards — 1. Applicable monumentation criteria; 2. Monument types
    • F. Land Development Solutions — 1. Regulatory land development criteria; 2. Construction criteria; 3. Land development implementation procedures
    • G. Survey Maps/Plats/Reports — 1. Technical communications by schematic, platting, and mapping processes and procedures; 2. Communication options
    • H. GIS — 1. GIS spatial databases and metadata; 2. Datums and projections related to GIS
  • 3. Standards and Specifications (8–12 of 100 questions)
    • A. BLM Manual of Surveying Instructions
    • B. ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards — 1. Current ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards; 2. State statutes regarding boundary surveys in conjunction with ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
    • C. FEMA Requirements — 1. FEMA specifications and instructions; 2. Horizontal and vertical datums related to FEMA flood zones; 3. Current FEMA elevation certificate; 4. FEMA Flood Insurance Study
  • 4. Business Practices (13–19 of 100 questions)
    • A. General Business Practices and Procedures — 1. Project planning and project management; 2. Deliverables; 3. Costs, budgets, and contracts; 4. Types of surveys; 5. Site features and conditions; 6. Scope of services; 7. Appropriate equipment and instruments
    • B. Risk Management Procedures — 1. Safety procedures; 2. QA/QC methods; 3. Risk management in contracts; 4. Insurance needs and requirements; 5. Potential liabilities
    • C. Professional Conduct
    • D. Communication with Clients, Staff, Related Professions, and the Public — 1. Different forms of communications; 2. Appropriate type of communication to convey concepts; 3. Related professions and their impact on client needs and deliverables
  • 5. Areas of Practice (24–36 of 100 questions)
    • A. ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys — 1. Legal documents, such as deeds, easements, and agreements; 2. Zoning information as applied to ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys; 3. Title insurance commitment letters and policies; 4. Underground features as applied to ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
    • B. Control Networks and Geodetic Network Surveys — 1. Datums and reference frames relative to control networks; 2. Differences between local datums and geodetic datums; 3. Equipment appropriate for control surveys; 4. The Federal Geographic Data Committee Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standards; 5. The National Geospatial Programs (NGP) Standards and Specifications—Digital Data Standards
    • C. Construction Surveys — 1. Construction plan reading; 2. Construction calculations including slopes, grades, and plan details; 3. Construction techniques and activities; 4. Horizontal and vertical positioning relative to a plan or datum
    • D. Boundary Surveys — 1. Physical boundary evidence; 2. Boundary reconciliations; 3. Historical measurement accuracy, equipment, and techniques; 4. Legal principles related to boundary surveys
    • E. Route Surveys for Alignments and Utilities — 1. Route alignment stationing practices; 2. Reading and interpreting roadway and utility plans
    • F. Topographic — 1. Topographic/planimetric mapping and control standards; 2. Interpretation, reconciliation, and adjustment of topographic survey data; 3. QA/QC procedures as applied to topographic surveys; 4. Ground, hydrographic, and remote sensing equipment; 5. The U.S. National Map Accuracy Standards as applied to topographic surveys; 6. Tools and techniques required to perform hydrographic, bathymetric, and remote sensing surveys; 7. Nomenclature related to utilities
    • G. Surveys to Establish New Parcels, Lots, or Units — 1. Types of subdivisions; 2. Platting; 3. Condominiums and associations; 4. Deed restrictions and restrictive covenants; 5. Zoning and subdivision ordinances
    • H. As-Built/Record Drawing Surveys — 1. As-built/record drawing calculations including slopes, grades, and plan details; 2. As-built/record drawing techniques and activities; 3. Horizontal and vertical as-built/record drawing positions relative to a plan or datum
    • I. Consultation Services — 1. Site topography and slope for development purposes; 2. Site access for development purposes; 3. Zoning standards related to new projects; 4. Floodplains as related to land development
Examination sources

Nevada State Specific Professional Land Surveyor Exam

Provider
Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Format
Open-book multiple-choice examination, virtually proctored over webcam
Exam questions
55 total questions. Published category ranges: Standards of Practice & Licensing 15–20; Public Lands Survey System 15–20; Subdivision Law 10–15; Mining Law 5–10; Common Interest Communities 2–5; Water Rights & Water Law 2–5; Nevada State Boundary 2–5; Nevada State Coordinate System 2–5.
Time limit
2 hours
Passing score
Minimum 70%
Examination outline
  • Standards of Practice & Licensing
    • Safeguarding life, health and property, promoting public welfare, and licensure of qualified and competent professional engineers and land surveyors
    • Nevada Board statutes and administrative code
  • Public Lands Survey System
    • Subdivision of standard and fractional sections
    • Surveys against township and range lines
    • Meander corners and closing corners
    • Significance of the Manual of Surveying Instructions being retraced
    • Bureau of Land Management 2009 Manual of Surveying Instructions
    • Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended
  • Subdivision Law
    • Recorded map types and necessary map components
    • Creation, approval and recordation of maps for subdivision and ownership transfers
    • Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 278: Planning and Zoning
  • Mining Law
    • Location and retracement of mining claims
    • Mining-claim records and options for gathering survey data
    • Rights arising from local customs, mining-district rules, the Mining Acts of 1866 and 1872, and other sources
    • Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 517: Mining Claims, Mill Sites and Tunnel Rights
    • Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 517: Mining Claims
    • Mining Claim Procedures for Nevada Prospectors and Miners, sixth edition
  • Common Interest Communities
    • Unit ownership, allocated interests and common elements
    • Governing documents and types of common-interest communities in survey and mapping work
    • Surveying and mapping condominium hotels
    • Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 116: Common-Interest Ownership
    • Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 116B: Condominium Hotel Act
  • Water Rights & Water Law
    • Eligibility and processes for water surveying
    • Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 533: Adjudication of Vested Water Rights
  • Nevada State Boundary
    • Overall Nevada state boundary
    • History and monumentation of the Nevada western boundary
    • The Colorful History of the California/Nevada State Boundary, parts 1 and 2
    • Opinion of the Court in the 1980 California v. Nevada Supreme Court case
  • Nevada State Coordinate System
    • Knowledge and understanding of the coordinate system used in Nevada
    • Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 327: Nevada Coordinate System; Geographic Names
Examination sources