Tennessee
Tennessee land surveyors are regulated by the Tennessee Board of Examiners for Land Surveyors, under the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Tennessee requires multiple education pathways, passage of the NCEES FS and PS exams, and submission of two sample plats. Tennessee does not register by reciprocity — all applicants, including comity, must meet minimum requirements. CE requirements include a max of 15 PDH online and no duplicate courses within two renewal cycles.
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 and Obtain PLSIT
Tennessee offers multiple education pathways: (i) BS from 4yr+ surveying/surveying technology curriculum approved by the board; (ii) BS from 4yr+ science/engineering/technology curriculum with 24 semester hrs surveying coursework; (iii) BS from 4yr+ non-surveying curriculum with 36 semester hrs surveying coursework. Submit 3 references (1 must be a PLS). Official transcripts must be sent directly from the university to the board.
- 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. Required to obtain PLSIT certification.
- 03
Gain Qualifying Experience
Accumulate the required years of progressive experience under a licensed PLS (2 years for surveying BS; varies by pathway). Submit experience verification forms. Experience must be satisfactory to the board.
- 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
Submit Sample Plats and Apply for Licensure
Submit 2 sample plats with descriptions and a detailed narrative of your role in their production. Plats must be stamped/sealed by the supervising PLS and marked 'FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES.' Submit 5 references (3 must be PLSs). The board reviews plats against current Tennessee requirements per Tenn. Comp. R. Regs §0820-030.07.
After you're licensed.
What this state requires to keep your license active.
- Total Hours
- 30 PDH per biennial period
- Ethics Requirement
- 1 PDH in surveying ethics + 1 PDH in Tennessee Standards of Practice (or any Standards of Practice if licensed in multiple states)
- Carryover
- Not confirmed — verify with board
- Self-Study
- Maximum 15 PDH may be completed online; remaining 15 must be in person
- Renewal Period
- Biennial — expires December 31 of odd-numbered years; first-cycle licensees (<1 year) exempt from CE
- Pre-Approval Required?
- Yes — courses must be approved by the board; approved course listing available on board website
- Audit
- Not confirmed — no duplicate courses (same name, provider, instructor) within 2 renewal cycles
Coming in from another state?
Tennessee does not register by reciprocity. Comity applicants must meet TN minimum requirements including education pathway, experience, exams, 5 references (3 PLSs), and experience verification forms. Sample plats are also required for comity applicants.
Verify everything yourself.
Every detail above is sourced from these documents. If the board updates, we update — usually within a week.
Tennessee's prep, when it's ready.
We'll email you when the state-specific exam prep launches — no waitlist tricks, no spam, no obligation.