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SC State licensure requirements

South Carolina

South Carolina land surveyors are regulated by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors, under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SC LLR). South Carolina requires 30 PDH per biennial period with no limitations on online coursework and up to 15 PDH carryover.

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
South Carolina State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors (SC LLR)
02
Board Website
llr.sc.gov/eng/
03
License Title
Professional Surveyor (PS)
04
Intern Title
Surveyor Intern (SI) — verify with board
05
Education
4-year degree in surveying or related field — verify with board
06
Experience
Progressive experience under a licensed PS — verify with board
07
Required Exams
FS (national), PS (national), state-specific exam — verify with board
08
Renewal
Biennial — 2026–2028 renewals open; deadline July 31, 2026 without late penalties
09
CE Requirement
30 PDH per biennial period; no online limitations
10
CE Carryover
Up to 15 PDH may carry forward (previous period subject to audit if carryover claimed)
11
Reciprocity
Yes — verify specific requirements 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

    South Carolina requires education in surveying or a related field. 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 surveying experience under the supervision of a licensed PS. 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 Licensure

    Submit your completed application to SC LLR with all required documentation. The board regulates both individual licensees and firms offering surveying services.

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
30 PDH per biennial renewal period (per SC Code Regs 49-602)
Ethics Requirement
Not specified separately — verify with board
Carryover
Up to 15 PDH may carry forward; previous period becomes subject to audit if carryover is claimed
Self-Study
No limitation on online hours
Renewal Period
Biennial — deadline July 31 without late penalties
Pre-Approval Required?
Not confirmed — verify with board
Audit
Board may audit; claiming carryover triggers audit of prior period; licensees with lapsed licenses must meet CE requirements before reinstatement (max 30 PDH)
Reciprocity

Coming in from another state?

South Carolina offers comity licensure — verify specific requirements with the board. NCEES Records are accepted.

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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