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RI State licensure requirements

Rhode Island

Rhode Island land surveyors are regulated by the State Board of Registration for Professional Land Surveyors, housed within the Division of Design Professionals. Rhode Island requires 20 PDH per biennial period. Firms must hold a Certificate of Authorization (COA) in addition to individual registration.

See the pathway Board site
Quick reference

Everything on one card.

The fields most candidates ask us about, pulled directly from the board's published requirements.

01
Licensing Board
State Board of Registration for Professional Land Surveyors, Division of Design Professionals
02
Board Website
bdp.ri.gov/land-surveyors
03
License Title
Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)
04
Intern Title
Surveyor Intern — verify with board
05
Education
Approved land surveyor training program — verify with board
06
Experience
Progressive experience under a licensed PLS — verify with board
07
Required Exams
FS (national), PS (national)
08
Renewal
Biennial, $225 renewal fee
09
CE Requirement
20 PDH per biennial period
10
CE Carryover
Not confirmed — verify with board
11
Reciprocity
Yes — RI participates in interstate licensing; verify specifics with board
Pathway

Step-by-step to PLS.

A linear view of the typical path — from education to license. Some steps overlap in practice.

  1. 01

    Meet Education Requirements

    Complete an approved land surveyor training program. Verify specific degree and coursework requirements with the board.

  2. 02

    Pass the FS Exam

    Available now

    The NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam is computer-based, offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. 110 questions, 6 hours.

  3. 03

    Gain Qualifying Experience

    Accumulate progressive land surveying experience under the supervision of a licensed PLS. Verify specific requirements with the board.

  4. 04

    Pass the PS Exam

    Available now

    The NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying exam is computer-based, offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers.

  5. 05

    Apply for Registration

    Submit your application with the $350 fee and all required documents. Processing takes approximately 6–8 weeks. Apply for Initial Registration by Exam if you have never held a PLS registration in any U.S. jurisdiction. Each entity that practices land surveying must also hold a current Certificate of Authorization (COA).

Available Azimuth Prep covers this exam now. Coming soon State-specific exam prep is in production.
Continuing education

After you're licensed.

What this state requires to keep your license active.

Total Hours
20 PDH per biennial period
Ethics Requirement
Not specified separately — verify with board
Carryover
Not confirmed — verify with board
Self-Study
Not confirmed — verify with board
Renewal Period
Biennial — $225 renewal fee; submit at least 30 days before expiration
Pre-Approval Required?
Sponsors must keep attendance records and furnish copies to the Board within 90 days; $10 rush fee for early submission
Audit
Not confirmed — verify with board
Reciprocity

Coming in from another state?

Rhode Island participates in interstate licensing compacts. Verify specific comity requirements with the board.

Source documents

Verify everything yourself.

Every detail above is sourced from these documents. If the board updates, we update — usually within a week.

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