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New Jersey Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NJ · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

certificate of authorization

Authorization for a business corporation or LLC providing land surveying through a New Jersey licensee in responsible charge.

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

Initial certificate of authorization
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documents
Application, owner/officer and responsible-charge information, formation/incorporation records, applicable out-of-state business authority, annual report, registered agent, contract when applicable, and fee.
Entity
LLC or general business corporation; professional service corporations are excepted.
Responsible Charge
At least one officer or full-time employee is a New Jersey licensee in responsible charge, or entity contracts with such a licensee under 13:40-10.3. The individual license is an entity applicant condition.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of certificate suspended for nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documents
Completed reinstatement application, current annual report, renewal and reinstatement fees; responsible-charge requirements continue.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial certificate renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documents
Renewal application, current annual report and fee before expiry; continued responsible charge by designated New Jersey licensee.
Late Renewal
Certificate remains valid for 30-day grace period; renewal then requires late fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Land Surveyor-in-Training

Certificate of registration as a land surveyor-in-training.

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

Initial surveyor in training certification
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Notarized application, official transcript or acceptable NCEES education record, fee, and three references including at least one United States licensed land surveyor familiar with qualifications; no relatives or current Board members. Applicant verifies receipt of required materials.
Education
Graduate from Board-approved four-year surveying curriculum; rule specifies an ABET-accredited surveying bachelor degree or Board-accepted detailed evaluation.
Surveyor in training certification with military credit
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Notarized application, official transcript or acceptable NCEES education record, fee, and three references including at least one United States licensed land surveyor familiar with qualifications; no relatives or current Board members. Applicant verifies receipt of required materials.
Education
Graduate from Board-approved four-year surveying curriculum; rule specifies an ABET-accredited surveying bachelor degree or Board-accepted detailed evaluation.
Military Documents
Submit VMET DD Form 2586 for training/experience; applicable Joint Services Transcript and accepted degree evaluation for non-ABET military education. NCEES records or LSIT certificate may verify specified civilian qualifications.
Military Service
Honorably discharged from active military service; Board evaluates relevant military and civilian education, training and experience for substantial equivalence and credits equivalent portions case by case. Examinations remain required.

Professional Land Surveyor — Inactive License

Inactive form of an existing license; practice prohibited until reactivation.

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

Election or renewal of inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing License
An existing licensee may elect inactive status at renewal.
Practice Restriction
Do not practice or hold oneself out as eligible until reactivated.
Renewal
Biennial application and applicable inactive fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor

Individual professional land surveying license.

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

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Competency
24 credits in preceding biennium, up to eight carried forward subject to Board rules/waivers. Dual engineering/surveying licensees have 27-credit allocation under amended 13:40-11.3(d); first comity renewal is prorated under 13:40-11.8(d).
Other Jurisdiction Examination Credit
Passing another jurisdiction surveying examination is optional continuing-competency credit under 13:40-11.6(a)7, not a New Jersey examination leaf.
Renewal
Renewal application and fee before expiration; renewal for two years from prior expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by comity from another United States jurisdiction
Education
An undergraduate or graduate degree in the profession is required when the Board considers experience to compensate for education/examination disparity.
Examination Comparability
New Jersey implementing rule accepts nationally recognized examinations of comparable scope and rigor and may consider individual experience to compensate for disparity; applicable initial prerequisites remain required.
Good Standing
Valid current license in good standing, practice within five years before application, required disciplinary/criminal disclosures, paid fines, and a New Jersey service agent when applicant has no residence or office in the State. Limited Board discretion applies to pending matters under 13:40-2.11(g).
Old Board Directions
The undated Directions to Apply, IV.A.3, state "and a passing grade on the New Jersey Law exam." The January 6, 2020 adopted replacement of Subchapter 2 removed that demand; the adopted proposal explains that reading-and-reviewing attestation replaces it. The older Board demand is disclosed here; it does not establish a currently offered examination.
Prior License
Hold corresponding licensure elsewhere. Issuing authority attests to original licensing criteria comparable to New Jersey requirements at that time; acceptance discretionary under 45:8-35(2)(d).
Prior Passage
Pass New Jersey state-specific portion and any Board-required national portions not already passed. Currently offered FS and PS remain leaves despite prior passing results excusing retesting. Another jurisdiction own examination or a discontinued historical result is applicant evidence, not a New Jersey route leaf.
Verification
Completed application and fee; verification of education, training and examination results no later than six months after issuance. Acceptable NCEES record may verify them.
Licensure by comity from another country
Examination Comparability
New Jersey implementing rule accepts nationally recognized examinations of comparable scope and rigor and may consider individual experience to compensate for disparity; applicable initial prerequisites remain required.
Old Board Directions
The undated Directions to Apply, IV.A.3, state "and a passing grade on the New Jersey Law exam." The January 6, 2020 adopted replacement of Subchapter 2 removed that demand; the adopted proposal explains that reading-and-reviewing attestation replaces it. The older Board demand is disclosed here; it does not establish a currently offered examination.
Prior License
Hold corresponding licensure elsewhere. Issuing authority attests to original licensing criteria comparable to New Jersey requirements at that time; acceptance discretionary under 45:8-35(2)(d).
Prior Passage
Pass New Jersey state-specific portion and any Board-required national portions not already passed. Currently offered FS and PS remain leaves despite prior passing results excusing retesting. Another jurisdiction own examination or a discontinued historical result is applicant evidence, not a New Jersey route leaf.
Initial licensure by examination
Application
Notarized application, Board fee, official education and experience verification, and five references including three licensed land surveyors. References include those in responsible charge; the Board may consider special circumstances if such a reference is unavailable. An acceptable NCEES record or LSIT certificate may verify specified items.
Application Currency
Application valid two years under 13:40-2.7; an abandoned application requires reapplication under the rules then applicable.
Character
Good character and reputation and ability to speak and write English under N.J.S.A. 45:8-35.
Education
Four-year or longer Board-approved surveying curriculum. The implementing rule requires an ABET-accredited surveying bachelor degree or a detailed non-ABET degree evaluation acceptable to the Board.
Experience
At least three years of satisfactory land-surveying experience; implementing rule requires experience in the United States under regular and effective supervision of a licensed land surveyor, demonstrating increasing responsibility and expertise.
Experience Credits
Board evaluates pre-graduation experience case by case. A surveying master degree may credit one year, a doctorate one additional year, and qualifying teaching up to two years. Education used to satisfy minimum education cannot also receive experience credit.
Old Board Directions
The undated Directions to Apply, IV.A.3, state "and a passing grade on the New Jersey Law exam." The January 6, 2020 adopted replacement of Subchapter 2 removed that demand; the adopted proposal explains that reading-and-reviewing attestation replaces it. The older Board demand is disclosed here; it does not establish a currently offered examination.
State Specific Requirement
N.J.S.A. 45:8-35(2)(a)(ii), amended by P.L. 2019, c.117, requires the state-specific portion although N.J.A.C. 13:40-2.4 lists only Parts F and P; the statute governs the tree.
Initial licensure with military qualification credit
Application
Notarized application, Board fee, official education and experience verification, and five references including three licensed land surveyors. References include those in responsible charge; the Board may consider special circumstances if such a reference is unavailable. An acceptable NCEES record or LSIT certificate may verify specified items.
Application Currency
Application valid two years under 13:40-2.7; an abandoned application requires reapplication under the rules then applicable.
Character
Good character and reputation and ability to speak and write English under N.J.S.A. 45:8-35.
Education
Four-year or longer Board-approved surveying curriculum. The implementing rule requires an ABET-accredited surveying bachelor degree or a detailed non-ABET degree evaluation acceptable to the Board.
Experience
At least three years of satisfactory land-surveying experience; implementing rule requires experience in the United States under regular and effective supervision of a licensed land surveyor, demonstrating increasing responsibility and expertise.
Experience Credits
Board evaluates pre-graduation experience case by case. A surveying master degree may credit one year, a doctorate one additional year, and qualifying teaching up to two years. Education used to satisfy minimum education cannot also receive experience credit.
Military Documents
Submit VMET DD Form 2586 for training/experience; applicable Joint Services Transcript and accepted degree evaluation for non-ABET military education. NCEES records or LSIT certificate may verify specified civilian qualifications.
Military Service
Honorably discharged from active military service; Board evaluates relevant military and civilian education, training and experience for substantial equivalence and credits equivalent portions case by case. Examinations remain required.
Old Board Directions
The undated Directions to Apply, IV.A.3, state "and a passing grade on the New Jersey Law exam." The January 6, 2020 adopted replacement of Subchapter 2 removed that demand; the adopted proposal explains that reading-and-reviewing attestation replaces it. The older Board demand is disclosed here; it does not establish a currently offered examination.
State Specific Requirement
N.J.S.A. 45:8-35(2)(a)(ii), amended by P.L. 2019, c.117, requires the state-specific portion although N.J.A.C. 13:40-2.4 lists only Parts F and P; the statute governs the tree.
Active renewal within 30 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Competency
Satisfy applicable biennial continuing competency requirements.
Time Window
Within 30 days after expiration, submit application, renewal and late fees; license remains valid.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor — Retired License

Retired license status for professional land surveyors licensed for at least 25 years and aged at least 62; offering or practicing professional land surveying within the state is prohibited.

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

Biennial retired license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Renew biennially and remit retired license fee under 13:40-12.2(d).
Retired Status
Maintain existing retired status and do not practice.

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

New Jersey State-specific portion of the current land surveying examination

Practice scope

The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.

  • Licensure, examination, and scope of practice
    • New Jersey licensure, examination, title, exemptions, and professional scope
  • Boundary survey research and monumentation
    • Records research, boundary markers, waivers, and omitted field features
  • Survey plats, descriptions, tax maps, and subdivisions
    • Required plat content, conveyance descriptions, tax maps, and subdivision certification
  • Specialized survey products and survey data
    • Topographic, hydrographic, planimetric, flood, control, and construction survey requirements
  • Signing, sealing, digital documents, and title blocks
    • Document authentication, digital-key controls, draft marking, and title-block requirements
  • Professional conduct, records, supervision, and business practice
    • Advertising, conflicts, misconduct reporting, responsible charge, and authorization
Examination sources