Indiana
Indiana land surveyors are regulated by the State Board of Registration for Professional Land Surveyors, housed within the Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). Candidates must pass the NCEES FS exam, the NCEES PS exam, and the Indiana Specific Law Exam (Part 2B). Indiana requires progressive experience with at least 60% in boundary-related surveying activities, and uses a detailed education-plus-experience table for qualification.
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
Indiana uses an education-plus-experience table (865 IAC 1-12) with multiple pathways. All applicants need a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in college-level mathematics including at least one course in calculus or differential equations. One statistics course (up to 3 credit hours) may count toward the math requirement. One basic engineering course in roads, storm drainage, and sanitary sewer may count. Degree pathways include ABET-accredited surveying curricula and related degree programs with additional surveying coursework.
- 02
Pass the FS Exam and Obtain SIT Certification
Available nowThe NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam is computer-based, offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. 110 questions, 6 hours. SIT applicants with certain degrees may need 1–2 years of work experience before qualifying. College seniors in an approved curriculum may take the FS before graduation. SIT certification does not expire and does not require renewal. Submit a copy of the NCEES pass letter and degree-confirmed transcript to receive your SIT number.
- 03
Gain Progressive Surveying Experience
Accumulate the required years of progressive surveying experience per the education-experience table. At least 60% must be in boundary-related activities (boundary determination, PLSS work, legal descriptions, etc.). At least half of the required experience must be obtained after receiving your first qualifying degree. Experience must show continuously increasing levels of responsibility. No experience obtained before age 18 qualifies.
- 04
Pass the PS Exam (Part 2A)
Available nowThe NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying exam is computer-based, offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. Contact NCEES for exam scheduling information.
- 05
Pass the Indiana Specific Law Exam (Part 2B)
Prep coming soonThe Indiana Specific Law Exam is a 2.5-hour exam administered quarterly. Once approved by the board, you will receive notice with available exam dates. The exam covers Indiana statutes, administrative rules, and standards of practice for professional land surveyors.
- 06
Apply for Registration
Submit your completed application online through the PLA's MyLicense One system. All required documentation including experience verification, education transcripts, exam results, and references must be provided. The board meets regularly to review applications.
After you're licensed.
What this state requires to keep your license active.
- Total Hours
- 24 PDH per biennial renewal period
- Ethics Requirement
- 6 PDH in mandatory topics (Indiana statutes, rules, standards of practice, ethics)
- Carryover
- Up to 4 unused elective PDH may carry forward with proper documentation
- Self-Study
- Up to 12 PDH may be earned through distance learning methods
- Renewal Period
- Biennial
- Pre-Approval Required?
- Courses must meet board requirements per 865 IAC 1-15; providers may seek board approval
- Audit
- Board may request documentation; courses must be completed within 1 year of enrollment
Coming in from another state?
Indiana offers registration by comity for surveyors holding a valid license from another state. If the applicant's original registration was at a standard lower than Indiana's at the time of original registration, the board may assign parts of the examination as needed. Applicants must submit verification of their license and meet education and experience requirements equivalent to Indiana's standards.
Verify everything yourself.
Every detail above is sourced from these documents. If the board updates, we update — usually within a week.
Indiana's prep, when it's ready.
We'll email you when the state-specific exam prep launches — no waitlist tricks, no spam, no obligation.