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Oregon Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Land Surveying Intern (LSI)

Board enrollment for individuals who have passed an examination in the fundamental land surveying subjects.

Licensing authority: Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering & Land Surveying · Application information

Enrollment as a land surveying intern
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Application
Submit the EI/LSI enrollment application and appropriate fee through MyOSBEELS.
Examination
Pass the NCEES surveying fundamentals examination; the Board’s current page calls it the fundamentals of land surveying exam (FLS), matching the registered FS identity.
Practice
Enrollment does not authorize independent professional practice or use of the PLS title.
Reinstatement of suspended intern enrollment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Reinstatement
The Board may reinstate at a time certain or upon fulfillment of Board-set reinstatement conditions under ORS 672.210(5). Those case-specific conditions are not a newly identified examination requirement.
Suspension
Existing intern enrollment was suspended by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Land Surveyor

Oregon registration authorizing the holder to practice land surveying.

Licensing authority: state board of examiners for engineering and land surveying · Application information

Placement into active military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Military service
Existing Oregon registrant on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces.
Request
Make a written request; renewal fees and continuing professional development may be waived while on active duty.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement into inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board for inactive status.
Other registration
Maintain current registration in another jurisdiction.
Practice
Inactive Oregon registration does not authorize Oregon practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial registration — non equivalent NCEES education evaluation
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Education
Non-ABET coursework evaluated by NCEES as not equivalent may receive Board-approved education credit; the applicant bears the evaluation cost.
Education credit
The Board’s matrix credits one month of qualifying-reference-verified experience for one semester credit hour or 1.5 quarter credit hours, against a nine-year total.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Experience
Education and qualifying surveying experience must total nine years under OAR 820-010-2020(3).
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
Initial registration — accredited four year engineering degree
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Education
ABET- or ACCE-accredited four-year engineering baccalaureate.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Experience
Six years of qualifying surveying experience.
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
Surveying course credit
Eleven semester or sixteen quarter hours of surveying instruction and surveying law may substitute for two years of qualifying experience.
Initial registration — equivalent NCEES education evaluation
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Education
Non-ABET coursework evaluated by NCEES as equivalent to the NCEES Land Surveying Education Standard; the applicant bears the evaluation cost.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Experience
OAR 820-010-2020(2) specifies three years of qualifying experience; ORS 672.126(5) independently requires a work record of four years or more.
Graduate credit
If not used for the evaluated education requirement, a surveying post-baccalaureate degree from a school offering an ABET- or ACCE-accredited surveying or geomatics undergraduate program may substitute for one year of experience under the rule.
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
Initial registration — qualifying experience only
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Experience
Nine years of qualifying surveying experience under OAR 820-010-2020(5).
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
Initial registration — military training and experience
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Experience
Military training and experience, education credit and qualifying civilian experience must together equal nine years of qualifying experience under OAR 820-010-2020(4).
Military training
Joint Services Transcript evaluation and a Board determination of substantial equivalence may establish education and qualifying experience. Non-equivalent military training may receive Board-determined credit toward relevant qualifying education or experience.
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
Initial Oregon registration — applicant already registered elsewhere
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Board faq
The Board states: "No. However, if you meet Oregon’s requirements for registration, irrespective of whether you are registered in another state or how you may have gained registration in another state, you may be granted registration in Oregon without re-testing."
Education and experience
Meet one of the complete combinations in OAR 820-010-2020(1)-(5), together with the statutory minimum in ORS 672.126. Passing evidence is accepted without retesting when Oregon requirements are met.
Existing registration
Applicant already holds professional surveying registration elsewhere. Oregon has no separate comity or reciprocity application; prior registration does not replace Oregon qualifications.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
Initial registration — accredited four year surveying or geomatics degree
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Education
ABET-accredited four-year baccalaureate in land surveying or geomatics.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Experience
OAR 820-010-2020(1)(a) specifies three years of qualifying experience; ORS 672.126(5) independently requires a work record of four years or more.
Graduate credit
A surveying or geomatics post-baccalaureate degree from a school offering a similar ABET- or ACCE-accredited undergraduate program may substitute for one year of the rule’s required experience.
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
Verification exception
For this combination, surveying work described in ORS 672.005(1)(c)-(f) may be verified by a registered PE or PLS.
Initial registration — accredited two year degree
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Education
Two-year land surveying or engineering degree from a CHEA-accredited institution or one accredited by a substantially similar organization.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Experience
Six years of qualifying surveying experience.
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
New registration after at least five years of disciplinary delinquency
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Discipline
Registration has been delinquent for at least five years because of suspension or refusal to renew. Renewal is barred; apply for a new certificate.
Education and experience
Meet a current combination in OAR 820-010-2020(1)-(5), together with ORS 672.126.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Oregon score age
The Oregon-specific examination must have been passed no more than one year before the new application.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
New registration after at least five years of retirement
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Education and experience
Meet a current combination in OAR 820-010-2020(1)-(5), together with ORS 672.126.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Retirement
Registration has been retired for at least five years. Apply for a new certificate under the qualification laws and rules in force at application.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
New registration after at least five years of other delinquency
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Delinquency
Registration has been delinquent for at least five years for a reason other than suspension or refusal to renew. Apply for a new certificate under the qualification laws and rules in force at application.
Education and experience
Meet a current combination in OAR 820-010-2020(1)-(5), together with ORS 672.126.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
New registration after revocation
Application
Submit a completed registration application and required fees. Official transcripts must show the degree and award date; non-ABET education must receive an NCEES evaluation at the applicant’s expense. Submit the Experience Details form and all professional disciplinary records.
Discipline
Registration has been revoked. Reapply and satisfy OAR 820-010-0520(1), applicable Board orders, and current registration qualifications.
Education and experience
Meet a current combination in OAR 820-010-2020(1)-(5), together with ORS 672.126.
Existing registration reference exception
With at least six years of active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction, surveying work performed while licensed there may be verified by a PLS registered in an NCEES jurisdiction when the work occurred who is familiar with that work.
Ncees record
An applicant may release an NCEES Record in lieu of the examination, transcript, experience and reference items in OAR 820-010-2000(5)(b)-(f). This documentation option does not waive the underlying examinations.
Oregon score age
The Oregon-specific examination must have been passed no more than one year before the new application.
Previous examination passage
FS and PS may have been passed previously. For pre-October-2010 examinations not passed in Oregon, provide official verification from the NCEES licensing jurisdiction; for examinations passed October 2010 or later, the Board verifies with NCEES. The Oregon examination also accepts previously passed results except where the disciplinary reapplication time limit applies.
Qualifying work
Under OAR 820-005-0051, qualifying surveying work or education is after age 18 and of a higher grade and responsibility than technician work. Unrelated engineering work does not qualify; concurrent work cannot receive duplicate time credit.
References
Provide five references attesting to ability or professional experience; at least three must hold active PLS registration in an NCEES jurisdiction. Qualifying surveying work must be verified by a directly supervising reference. The Board may reduce the number for good cause on written request.
Statutory experience minimum
ORS 672.126(5) states: "Have a work record of four years or more of active practice in land surveying work satisfactory to the board;". This statutory minimum is retained even where OAR 820-010-2020 describes a three-year education-and-experience combination. The higher-ranked statute governs.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing registration
Hold the existing Oregon PLS registration.
Professional development
Normally obtain 30 PDH per biennium; qualifying partial periods of at least six months are prorated, and periods under six months are exempt unless under discipline. Report hours; retain documentation for five years and submit it on audit.
Renewal
Submit the complete renewal application, verification of continuing development and renewal fee by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on expiration day.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement into retired status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Notification
Notify the Board that no professional surveying services are being provided to the public and request retired status.
Practice
Retired registrants cannot use their seal or practice; they may use the designation PLS (Retired).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after active military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Late notice
Failure to give notice within 60 days or the applicable biennial renewal period, whichever is longer, may trigger fees or other registration requirements under ORS Chapter 672; these unspecified requirements are applicant conditions.
Notice
Notify the Board in writing within 60 days of honorable discharge to restore former status.
Professional development
Submit proof of 15 PDH per year or part of a year in active military status on the Board’s organizational form.
Renewal fees
Renewal fees resume in the biennial renewal period following honorable discharge.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from delinquent status before five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board.
Eligibility
Delinquent for less than five years and not subject to suspension, revocation or a PDH audit.
Fees
Pay delinquent fees and applicable biennial renewal fees.
Professional development
Submit proof of all delinquent PDH at 15 units per year delinquent.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board; return is allowed at any time.
Fees
Pay reinstatement and biennial renewal fees.
Other registration
Demonstrate active, good-standing registration of the same kind in another U.S. jurisdiction throughout the Oregon inactive period.
Professional development
Submit proof of 30 PDH units completed within the two years preceding application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from retired status within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board.
Fees
Pay reinstatement and biennial renewal fees.
Professional development
Submit proof of 15 PDH units for each year or part of a year retired.
Retirement period
Return within five years from retirement; the at-least-five-year new-registration rule governs its boundary.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Delinquency
If suspension was not related to delinquency, also comply with OAR 820-010-0520(1), including application, required fees and delinquent PDH. A registration delinquent for five years or more must use the new-registration route.
Final order
Comply with all terms of the Final Order of Suspension. These case-specific terms are applicant conditions; no currently offered examination is identified by these reinstatement provisions.
Suspension
Board reinstatement is at a time certain or upon fulfillment of its reinstatement conditions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Professional Land Surveyor Registration for Military Spouse or Domestic Partner

Nonrenewable temporary registration for a qualifying military spouse or domestic partner, subject to OAR 820-010-2031.

Licensing authority: Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying · Application information

Temporary registration — military spouse or domestic partner
Oregon Specific Four-Hour Land Surveying Examination
Competency
Provide official verification of no PLS revocation in any NCEES jurisdiction and no current discipline for incompetence, negligence or gross negligence where registered.
Current qualification rule
The complete competency list in OAR 820-010-2031(3), as amended effective May 13, 2026, identifies registration and disciplinary verifications without an examination item. It states: "(d) Demonstrate competency by: (A) Providing official verification that the applicant has never had registration as a professional land surveyor revoked in any NCEES jurisdiction; and (B) Providing official verification that the applicant is not currently under professional discipline for incompetence, negligence, or gross negligence in any state where the applicant holds registration as a professional land surveyor."
Duration
Nonrenewable; expires at the earliest of two years from issuance, the spouse’s completion of service in Oregon, or expiry of the other-state PLS registration.
Examination offering
OAR 820-010-2010(1)(b) continues to identify the Oregon examination for temporary military-spouse applicants. Its first attempt is available upon request, at the Board office within 30 days after receipt of the completed examination form and fee. A failed or withdrawn first attempt follows ordinary administration requirements thereafter. The leaf preserves this expressly identified offering; it does not assert that the current competency rule mandates retesting for every temporary applicant.
Existing registration
Currently hold PLS registration in one or more U.S. states, in good standing, with current continuing development and no restrictions, limitations, pending, current or prior discipline. ORS 670.400 also requires the Board to determine that the other authorization requirements are substantially similar.
Military relationship
Be a spouse or domestic partner of an active U.S. Armed Forces member transferred by official active-duty order to an Oregon duty station.

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

Oregon Specific Four-Hour Land Surveying Examination

Provider
Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying
Format
Written examination with essay responses
Time limit
4 hours
Passing score
70 points out of 100 points
Examination outline
  • Item 1. The U.S. Public Land Survey system including Donation Land Claims. (20%)
  • Item 2. Statutes and Rules Specific to Oregon. (20%)
  • Item 3. Property description writing and interpretation. (20%)
  • Item 4. Unwritten transfers of land by unwritten agreement, adverse relationships, and acts of nature and prescription, and County Roads (20%)
  • Item 5. Horizontal and Vertical Datum’s, Geodesy, Map Projections, Oregon Coordinates Systems, and general knowledge of GPS techniques used in land surveying. (20%)
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