Professional Land Surveyor License by Exam

License by Exam

Applicants who have not taken the NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam must first apply to our board and submit an NCEES Record before you register for the PS exam.  

NCEES Record is a verified compilation of information (including transcripts, exam and license verifications, references, and detailed work history) which an applicant can submit to a state licensing board as part of the licensure application process. The NCEES record is accepted by all U.S. state licensing boards. Visit NCEES for more information.

If you have already taken the NCEES PS exam, please see How to get your license by comity.

For licensure, all applicants must pass both the NCEES PS and the Washington State Specific Land Surveying exam. For information on exams see Land Surveyor License Exam.

Application Requirements 

  • Passing score on the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS/LSIT) Exam
  • Have 8 years of professional level experience under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (Education in an ABET-accredited program may count for up to 4 years of this experience. See WAC 196-16-010)
  • Passing score on the Washington Land Surveyor Law Review 
  • Pay application fee 

The board may consider unique circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Required Documentation

  • Submit your application and a completed Washington Land Surveyor Law Review.
    • Law reviews received prior to application will not be accepted
  • NCEES Record. There is no charge to create a record. A fee is charged each time you transmit your record to the Board.

OR

  • Professional Land Surveyor Experience and Verification form (see form for instructions)
    • If you want your education applied toward experience, have your school submit official transcripts to NCEES or directly to the board. (See WAC 196-16-010)
  • Verification of passing the FS/LSIT and PS exam. If you took your exams in another state, go to NCEES or contact the state board to request an exam verification.

Completion of the Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) program, including the final exam, may count for 3 months of experience.

How to Apply

Apply Online

  • Login or Sign-up to apply and pay your application fee.
  • Access our service Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors (BRPELS).
  • Once your application is submitted, transmit your NCEES Record to Washington.

Apply by Mail

  • Mail documents with a check or money order to:

Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
PO Box 3777
Seattle, WA 98124-3777

  • Transmit your NCEES Record to Washington.