Virginia
Virginia land surveyors are regulated by the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA), under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Virginia requires 16 PDH per biennium — among the lowest CE requirements nationally. The state also offers a Land Surveyor B license for additional specialization in hydrology/hydraulics. Virginia requires a state-specific exam administered by PSI in addition to the NCEES FS and PS exams.
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
Virginia requires education in surveying or a related field per 18VAC10-20 regulations. Multiple education/experience tracks are available. Verify specific degree and coursework requirements with the APELSCIDLA 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.
- 03
Gain Qualifying Experience
Accumulate progressive land surveying experience under the direct control and personal supervision of a licensed land surveyor or individual authorized by statute. Experience must be documented on board-provided forms and verified by a licensed LS or surveyor photogrammetrist.
- 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
Pass the Virginia State-Specific Exam
Prep coming soonVirginia requires a state-specific land surveying examination covering Virginia principles, practices, statutes, and regulations. The exam is administered by PSI at testing centers. Apply to DPOR for eligibility — once approved, you receive email confirmation from PSI. Exam eligibility is good for 3 years with unlimited retakes during that period. Approved calculators only (Casio fx-115/fx-991 or TI-30X/TI-36X models).
- 06
Apply for Licensure
After passing all exams, apply to DPOR for your land surveyor license. Virginia also offers a Land Surveyor B license for those with additional qualifications in hydrology and hydraulics (requires separate board-developed exam per 18VAC10-20-320). License renewal is done electronically through DPOR.
After you're licensed.
What this state requires to keep your license active.
- Total Hours
- 16 PDH per biennium (per §54.1-404.2 of the Code of Virginia)
- Ethics Requirement
- Not required — but ethics and state law courses are accepted for credit
- Carryover
- None — additional hours beyond 16 are not valid for subsequent renewal (18VAC10-20-683)
- Self-Study
- No online limitations; self-directed courses must contain an assessment verifying achievement of objectives
- Renewal Period
- Biennial — CE must be completed during the 2-year period immediately prior to expiration
- Pre-Approval Required?
- No — board does not pre-approve courses or providers; licensees determine if activities meet requirements; instructors must be competent by education or experience
- Audit
- Random audits conducted; records must be maintained for 3 years from license expiration date; 21 days to provide documentation if audited
Coming in from another state?
Virginia offers comity licensure per §54.1-103 C of the Code of Virginia. Applicants must meet Virginia requirements including education, experience, and examinations. Virginia state-specific exam is required for comity applicants. NCEES Records are accepted.
Verify everything yourself.
Every detail above is sourced from these documents. If the board updates, we update — usually within a week.
Virginia's prep, when it's ready.
We'll email you when the state-specific exam prep launches — no waitlist tricks, no spam, no obligation.