California
California land surveyors are regulated by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG), a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The license title is Professional Land Surveyor (PLS), and candidates must pass the NCEES FS exam (or qualify for a waiver), the NCEES PS exam, a California State Specific exam, and a California State Laws and Board Rules exam. California requires 6 years of qualifying experience with at least 1 year each of responsible field and responsible office training.
Everything on one card.
The fields most candidates ask us about, pulled directly from the board's published requirements.
Step-by-step to PLS.
A linear view of the typical path — from education to license. Some steps overlap in practice.
- 01
Pass the FS Exam or Qualify for a Waiver
Available nowThe NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam is computer-based, offered year-round. Passing the FS qualifies you for the Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) certificate. California offers FS waivers for: California Professional Engineers or EITs, graduates of approved 4-year land surveying curricula with 15+ years of experience, graduates with a BS in land surveying with 17+ years of experience, or holders of a valid LSIT from another state.
- 02
Obtain LSIT Certificate
Apply through BPELSG Connect for your LSIT certificate after passing the FS exam or receiving a waiver. The LSIT is a prerequisite for PLS licensure. All applicants must submit fingerprints. Applications are submitted online through the BPELSG Connect portal.
- 03
Gain 6 Years of Qualifying Experience
Accumulate 6 years of equivalent full-time experience in land surveying under the responsible charge of a Professional Land Surveyor or a Civil Engineer authorized to practice land surveying (CE license #C 33965 or lower). At least 1 year must be responsible field training and 1 year must be responsible office training. Experience is calculated on an actual time basis, not to exceed 40 hours per week. At least 4 completed Work Experience Engagements/References must be submitted.
- 04
Pass the PS Exam
Available nowThe NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying exam is computer-based, offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. California administers this as part of its semi-annual examination cycle. You must apply through BPELSG Connect and meet all experience requirements before sitting for the exam.
- 05
Pass the California State Specific Exam
Available nowThe California State Specific Exam is a 4-hour exam covering California land surveying laws, practices, and procedures. This exam is administered semi-annually (spring and fall) at designated locations statewide. A passing score is required in addition to the PS exam.
- 06
Pass the California State Laws and Board Rules Exam
Prep coming soonThis is a take-home examination covering the Professional Land Surveyors' Act (Business and Professions Code sections 8700–8805) and Board Rules (Title 16, California Code of Regulations sections 400–476). It ensures familiarity with California's specific legal framework for the profession.
- 07
Receive Your License
Upon passing all required examinations and submitting a complete PLS application with all documentation through BPELSG Connect, the board will process your licensure. Neither U.S. citizenship nor California residency is required. Fees are changing effective July 1, 2026 — check the BPELSG fee schedule for current amounts.
After you're licensed.
What this state requires to keep your license active.
- Total Hours
- No traditional PDH requirement; renewal assessment (online module) required starting July 2026
- Ethics Requirement
- Renewal assessment covers Practice Act changes, top violations, and Board Rules — functions as a laws/ethics review
- Carryover
- N/A
- Self-Study
- N/A — the renewal assessment is self-paced and designed to take under 1 hour
- Renewal Period
- Biennial; renewal assessment must be completed once every 2 years per license discipline
- Pre-Approval Required?
- N/A — the renewal assessment is provided by BPELSG directly
- Audit
- N/A — the assessment is mandatory for all renewals
Coming in from another state?
California does not offer automatic reciprocity. All applicants, regardless of existing licensure in other states, must meet California's requirements including passing the California State Specific Exam and the California State Laws and Board Rules Exam. There is no shortcut pathway based on NCEES Record or Model Law Surveyor designation. Out-of-state licensees must demonstrate 6 years of qualifying experience and pass all required examinations.
Verify everything yourself.
Every detail above is sourced from these documents. If the board updates, we update — usually within a week.
California's prep, when it's ready.
We'll email you when the state-specific exam prep launches — no waitlist tricks, no spam, no obligation.