Georgia
Georgia land surveyors are regulated by the Georgia Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board, established as an independent state agency in 2022 (HB 476). The license title is Professional Land Surveyor (PLS), and candidates must pass the NCEES FS exam, the NCEES PS exam, and a state exam on Georgia laws. As of SB 195 (2024), the board no longer pre-approves candidates to take exams — candidates may take exams at any point during their journey to licensure.
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
Meet Education Requirements and Become a Land Surveyor Intern
Georgia offers multiple pathways to LSI certification per O.C.G.A. §43-15-12. Completing land surveying coursework is strongly recommended before attempting exams, though no longer strictly required for exam eligibility (per SB 195, 2024). Pathways include graduating from a board-approved surveying program or demonstrating equivalent education and experience. All experience must be verified by licensed PLSs.
- 02
Pass the FS Exam
Available nowThe NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam is computer-based, offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. 110 questions, 6 hours. As of SB 195 (2024), the board no longer pre-approves candidates to take exams — candidates may register directly with NCEES at any point. Exam results are automatically reported to the board upon passing.
- 03
Gain 4 Years of Qualifying Experience
Accumulate at least 4 years of combined office and field experience in land surveying, with a minimum of 3 years in responsible charge of land surveying projects under the supervision of a Professional Land Surveyor. All applicants must submit a Surveyor Apprenticeship Affidavit, two boundary survey drawings and two topographic survey drawings conforming to Georgia standards, an experience summary form, and an education summary form.
- 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. Candidates may take this exam at any point during their journey to licensure (per SB 195). Results are automatically reported to the board.
- 05
Pass the Georgia State Exam
Prep coming soonGeorgia requires a state-specific exam covering the laws of Georgia relating to land surveying. This exam tests knowledge of Georgia's Minimum Technical Standards, state statutes, and professional practice requirements specific to Georgia.
- 06
Apply for Licensure
Submit your completed application online with all required documentation including the Surveyor Apprenticeship Affidavit, four sample plats (two boundary and two topographic), experience and education summary forms, and endorsements. The application fee is $50 (non-refundable). The board will review your application for completeness and qualification.
After you're licensed.
What this state requires to keep your license active.
- Total Hours
- 7.5 PDH per annual (12-month) renewal period
- Ethics Requirement
- 3 PDH in Minimum Technical Standards required every 2 years (included within annual PDH totals)
- Carryover
- Up to 7.5 PDH may carry forward to the next renewal period
- Self-Study
- Correspondence, video, audio, and other short courses/tutorials are accepted
- Renewal Period
- Annual — expires December 31 (changed from biennial to annual in 2022 per HB 476)
- Pre-Approval Required?
- No — the board does not pre-approve particular courses or activities; activities must conform to Board Rule 180-11
- Audit
- Random CE audits conducted during each renewal cycle; board recommends using NCEES CPC tracking system
Coming in from another state?
Georgia offers licensure by endorsement for Professional Land Surveyors licensed in other jurisdictions who meet equivalent requirements. Applicants must demonstrate education, experience, and examination credentials satisfactory to the board. The board may require additional examination or documentation. All applicants must submit the standard application package including plats, experience summaries, and endorsements.
Verify everything yourself.
Every detail above is sourced from these documents. If the board updates, we update — usually within a week.
Georgia's prep, when it's ready.
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