New York
New York land surveyors are regulated by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of the Professions. The license title is Licensed Land Surveyor (LLS). New York requires 8 credits of combined education and experience, passage of the NCEES FS and PS exams, and a New York State Specific Land Surveying exam. Licenses are valid for life unless revoked, but registration must be renewed triennially. New York does not have reciprocity agreements with any jurisdiction.
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
New York requires 8 credits of combined education and experience for licensure. An Associate's degree is the minimum; a BS from an ABET-accredited program in surveying is preferred and earns more credit toward the 8-credit total. Advanced degrees reduce the experience requirement further. Until April 3, 2029, an alternative pathway allows 8 years of practical experience in lieu of degree requirements. For Intern Land Surveyor (ILS) certification, an ABET-accredited BS in surveying is required.
- 02
Pass the FS Exam and Obtain ILS Certificate
Available nowThe NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam is computer-based, offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. 110 questions, 6 hours. If you graduated from an EAC-ABET or ETAC-ABET accredited program, you may apply directly through NCEES. Otherwise, apply through NYSED. Upon passing, you may apply for an Intern Land Surveyor (ILS) identification card ($70 fee).
- 03
Gain Qualifying Experience
Accumulate the experience portion of the 8-credit requirement. Experience must be of a scope and nature satisfactory to the Department and must include at least 2 years working on projects requiring knowledge and use of codes and practices commonly used in the United States. Experience must be earned after degree requirements are completed.
- 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. When NYSED determines you are eligible, you will receive an examination eligibility letter with scheduling information.
- 05
Pass the New York State Specific Exam
Prep coming soonNew York requires a state-specific land surveying examination covering New York laws, regulations, and practices. This is a 2-hour exam. The combined national and state-specific examinations total approximately 14 hours.
- 06
Apply for Licensure and Registration
File an Application for Licensure (Form 1) with the $377 fee (licensure + first 3-year registration). You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and be of good moral character. The license is valid for life unless revoked; however, you must register triennially to practice. Non-residents may obtain a limited permit per Section 7208(b) of the Education Law.
After you're licensed.
What this state requires to keep your license active.
- Total Hours
- 24 contact hours per triennial (3-year) registration period
- Ethics Requirement
- Not specified separately — CE must be in appropriate subject areas from approved sponsors
- Carryover
- Not confirmed — verify with NYSED
- Self-Study
- Must be from NYSED-approved sponsors
- Renewal Period
- Triennial — registration periods adjusted to coincide with birth month; fee $210 per triennial period
- Pre-Approval Required?
- Yes — courses must be from approved sponsors; sponsors must apply to NYSED for approval
- Audit
- Not confirmed — verify with NYSED
Coming in from another state?
New York does not have a reciprocity or comity agreement with any jurisdiction. However, NYSED may license an applicant who has been issued a license upon written examination by another state, provided the examination was equivalent to the New York exam at the time it was issued. Applicants must submit full documentation of compliance with all New York requirements including education, experience, and NCEES Record. Non-residents may practice under a limited permit for specific projects.
Verify everything yourself.
Every detail above is sourced from these documents. If the board updates, we update — usually within a week.
New York's prep, when it's ready.
We'll email you when the state-specific exam prep launches — no waitlist tricks, no spam, no obligation.