Nebraska
Nebraska land surveyors are regulated by the Nebraska Board of Examiners for Land Surveyors (NBELS). Candidates must pass the NCEES FS and PS exams and meet education and experience requirements per state law. Nebraska requires 30 PDH per biennial period with specific limits on non-interactive coursework and a mandatory 2 PDH ethics requirement.
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
Nebraska requires education in land surveying or a related field. Verify specific degree and coursework requirements with NBELS, as they may differ based on program accreditation and type.
- 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.
- 03
Gain Qualifying Experience
Accumulate progressive land surveying experience under the supervision of a licensed professional land surveyor. Verify the specific experience requirements with NBELS.
- 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.
- 05
Apply for Registration
Submit your completed application to NBELS with all required documentation. Renewal forms are mailed to registered land surveyors the last week in October.
After you're licensed.
What this state requires to keep your license active.
- Total Hours
- 30 PDH per biennial (2 calendar year) period
- Ethics Requirement
- 2 PDH in an ethics course or a course on the Nebraska Land Surveyors Regulation Act per renewal period (may be online or in person)
- Carryover
- Up to 15 excess PDH may carry forward to the next biennium
- Self-Study
- Maximum 15 PDH from non-interactive or pre-recorded courses per renewal period; exam required for completion unless attendance is documented
- Renewal Period
- Biennial — renewal due January 4; late fees January 5 through April 1
- Pre-Approval Required?
- Sessions must be certified by sponsoring organization, planned in advance, with content records maintained
- Audit
- Registrants must submit PDH statement with renewal; board may request documentation
Coming in from another state?
Nebraska offers licensure by comity for land surveyors licensed in other states. Verify specific requirements with NBELS. NCEES Records are accepted for credential verification.
Verify everything yourself.
Every detail above is sourced from these documents. If the board updates, we update — usually within a week.
Nebraska's prep, when it's ready.
We'll email you when the state-specific exam prep launches — no waitlist tricks, no spam, no obligation.