Maine
Maine land surveyors are regulated by the Board of Licensure for Professional Land Surveyors, housed within the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR). The license title is Professional Land Surveyor (PLS). Candidates must pass the NCEES FS exam, the NCEES PS exam, and the Maine Specific Multiple Choice (MSMC) exam. Maine offers four pathways to LSIT licensure ranging from a 4-year degree to a 7-year experience-only path, plus 2 additional years of progressive experience for PLS.
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 and Pre-LSIT Experience Requirements
Maine offers four pathways to LSIT: Path 1 — BS or higher with board-approved core curriculum (no experience needed); Path 2 — AS with board-approved core curriculum + 2 years experience; Path 3 — Board-approved core curriculum completion + 6 years experience; Path 4 — HS diploma or GED + 7 years surveying experience. All pathways require passing the FS exam.
- 02
Pass the FS Exam and Obtain LSIT License
Available nowThe NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam is computer-based, offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. 110 questions, 6 hours. You must take and pass the FS exam before applying for LSIT. After passing, you have 48 months to complete all education and experience requirements and submit a complete application. If you miss this window, you must retake the FS.
- 03
Gain 2 Additional Years of Progressive Experience as LSIT
As a Maine LSIT, accumulate 2 additional years of progressive combined office and field experience acceptable to the board. This experience builds on whatever pre-LSIT experience was required by your education pathway.
- 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 sit for the PS exam prior to applying to the Board for PLS licensure.
- 05
Pass the Maine Specific Multiple Choice (MSMC) Exam
Prep coming soonThe MSMC is a state-specific exam administered in April and October at the Board office in Gardiner, Maine. Candidates may sit for this exam prior to applying for PLS licensure. Study materials are listed in the MSMC Suggested Study Materials document on the board website. Electronic devices with QWERTY keypads are not permitted.
- 06
Apply for PLS Licensure
Submit your completed application with all required documentation. Fees: $150 examination fee, $275 license fee, $21 criminal records check. Renewal and license delivery is handled via email. The board meets monthly (except August and December) to review applications.
After you're licensed.
What this state requires to keep your license active.
- Total Hours
- 8 PDH per biennial (2-year) license period
- Ethics Requirement
- Not specified separately — CE must be in subjects related to land surveying practice
- Carryover
- No carryover — excess CE from one term cannot be applied to the next
- Self-Study
- Online courses, pre-recorded seminars, CD/DVD courses all accepted with certificate of completion
- Renewal Period
- Biennial — expires December 31 of odd-numbered years
- Pre-Approval Required?
- No — providers must supply certificates of attendance or completion
- Audit
- Board may audit; licensees must maintain documentation
Coming in from another state?
Maine offers PLS licensure to non-residents and out-of-state licensees who hold a valid PLS in another state, demonstrate experience satisfactory to the Board, and pass the Maine Specific Multiple Choice (MSMC) exam. Applicants must show they can meet the requirements of one of Maine's four LSIT pathways.
Verify everything yourself.
Every detail above is sourced from these documents. If the board updates, we update — usually within a week.
Maine's prep, when it's ready.
We'll email you when the state-specific exam prep launches — no waitlist tricks, no spam, no obligation.