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TX State licensure requirements

Texas

Texas land surveyors are regulated by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS). The registration title is Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS). As of May 2023, the previous 8-hour RPLS exam was replaced with the NCEES PS exam plus a new Texas Specific Surveying Exam (TSSE). Texas is transitioning from annual to biennial CE renewal starting in 2026. Applicants must submit two sample boundary surveys and complete 4,000 hours of qualifying responsible charge experience.

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
Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS)
02
Board Website
pels.texas.gov
03
License Title
Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS)
04
Intern Title
Surveyor in Training (SIT) — valid for 8 years; must complete CE to maintain beyond 8 years
05
Education
Multiple pathways: BS with 32 hrs surveying courses (1yr exp); AS in surveying (2yr exp); 32 hrs surveying courses without degree (2yr exp); HS diploma + self-educated (4yr exp); new 32hr requirements effective Jan 1, 2026
06
Experience
4,000 hours minimum qualifying delegated responsible charge under an RPLS; must include 3+ months in each required category
07
Required Exams
FS (national), PS (national — must pass before applying for RPLS), TSSE (Texas Specific Surveying Exam — offered 3x/year in Austin)
08
Renewal
Transitioning to biennial in 2026 (was annual); standardized January or July expiration dates
09
CE Requirement
2026 cycle: 12 PDH including 3 ethics; 2029+: 24 PDH biennial including 4 ethics; no online limitations
10
CE Carryover
Not confirmed — verify with TBPELS
11
Reciprocity
Yes — reciprocal RPLS exam required; $75 app fee; fingerprinting required; NCEES Records accepted
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 and Obtain SIT

    Pass the NCEES FS exam and meet one of four education pathways: (1) BS with 32 hrs in surveying/civil engineering/math/sciences + 1 year responsible charge under RPLS; (2) AS in surveying + 2 years; (3) 32 hrs surveying courses + 2 years; (4) HS diploma + self-educated + 4 years. New 32-hour education requirements per Section 134.31 took effect January 1, 2026. Applications before 2026 use previous checklist. Submit 3 RPLS references and certified transcripts.

  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. Must pass before applying for SIT.

  3. 03

    Gain 4,000 Hours of Responsible Charge Experience

    Accumulate at least 4,000 hours of qualifying delegated responsible charge in boundary survey or boundary determination under a currently licensed Texas RPLS. Must include at least 3 months in each required experience category per Board rules. Submit Compliance Verification Forms (5 parts) documenting all hours.

  4. 04

    Pass the PS Exam

    Available now

    The NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying exam is computer-based, offered year-round. Must pass the PS exam before your RPLS application can be reviewed. A Texas SIT can take the PS exam as many times as needed.

  5. 05

    Submit Sample Surveys and Pass the TSSE

    Available now

    Submit 2 sample boundary survey reports under RPLS supervision: one urban (lot and block) and one rural (metes and bounds), with research documentation listing and separate metes and bounds description. Then pass the Texas Specific Surveying Exam (TSSE), offered 3 times per year at Norris Conference Center in Austin. TSSE covers Texas-specific laws, standards, water rights, subdivision platting, and property law. TSSE Study Guide and suggested references available on the board website.

  6. 06

    Apply for RPLS Registration

    Submit your RPLS application with $125 fee, all Compliance Verification Forms, Approved Course Checklist with course descriptions, sample surveys, and fingerprinting via IdentoGO. Fingerprinting is required for all applicants (legislatively mandated). The RPLS exam and reciprocal exam are offered twice per year in Austin.

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
2026 cycle: 12 PDH including 3 PDH ethics; 2029+: 24 PDH biennial including 4 PDH ethics
Ethics Requirement
3 PDH ethics (current); 4 PDH ethics (2029+ biennial)
Carryover
Not confirmed — verify with TBPELS
Self-Study
No online limitations
Renewal Period
Transitioning to biennial (was annual); 2026 renewal opens Nov 1 through Dec 31; standardized Jan/July expiration dates going forward
Pre-Approval Required?
Yes — CEP certification required at renewal; board approves CE activities
Audit
Board may audit; do not submit CEP documentation with renewal payment
Reciprocity

Coming in from another state?

Texas offers reciprocal RPLS registration. Applicants must pass a reciprocal RPLS exam (offered twice per year in Austin), submit $75 fee, Approved Course Checklist, experience records, 3 RPLS references, and complete fingerprinting via IdentoGO. NCEES Records 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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