Washington
Washington land surveyors are regulated by the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, under RCW 18.43. Washington requires 8 years of total experience (reduced by education credit), a two-stage examination process (FS after 4 years, PS after 8 years), plus a law and ethics examination. At each biennial renewal, licensees must attest to reading the Survey Recording Act (RCW 58.09) and Minimum Standards (WAC 332-130).
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
Washington requires 4 years of experience (or education equivalent) to sit for the FS exam. Education credit per WAC 196-21: (1) BS in land surveying from board-approved curriculum — up to 4 years; (2) AS in land surveying — up to 2 years; (3) Qualifying coursework without degree — up to 1 year per year of study; (4) Postgraduate degree — up to 1 year. Maximum 4 years undergraduate credit. Students at senior standing in a board-approved program may sit for the FS exam. Practical experience gained while enrolled in a board-approved curriculum is considered part of the educational process and is not counted as separate experience.
- 02
Pass the FS Exam (Stage 1) and Obtain LSIT
Available nowThe NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying exam may be taken after completing 4 years of experience (or equivalent education) or at senior standing. 110 questions, 6 hours, computer-based at Pearson VUE. Once approved by the board, you will be instructed to schedule through NCEES. Upon passing, submit an application to the board for LSIT certification.
- 03
Gain 8 Years of Total Experience
Accumulate 8 years of broad-based, progressive land surveying experience (with education credit reducing the total). Experience must be under direct supervision of a licensed PLS or board-recognized authority and must include research, measurement, analysis, monumentation, and documentation. A minimum of 4 years must be in a position of making independent judgments and decisions. No more than 1 year of experience credit per calendar year.
- 04
Pass the PS Exam (Stage 2)
Available nowThe NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying exam may be taken after completing 8 years of total experience. Computer-based, offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. Submit an application for registration and payment of the application fee per RCW 18.43.050.
- 05
Pass the Law and Ethics Examination
Prep coming soonWashington requires a law and ethics examination covering Washington surveying statutes (including RCW 58.09 Survey Recording Act) and WAC 332-130 Minimum Standards. Additional board-determined examinations may also be required.
- 06
Apply for Registration
Submit your completed application to the board with all required documentation including transcripts, experience verification from supervising PLSs, and exam results. The board issues a certificate of registration authorizing the practice of land surveying.
After you're licensed.
What this state requires to keep your license active.
- Total Hours
- 30 PDH per biennial period (15 PDH minimum per year of the 2-year cycle)
- Ethics Requirement
- Must attest to reading RCW 58.09 (Survey Recording Act) and WAC 332-130 (Minimum Standards for Land Boundary Surveys) at each renewal
- Carryover
- Not confirmed — verify with board
- Self-Study
- No online limitations; board does not pre-approve activities or vendors; licensees expected to select qualifying activities demonstrable to the board
- Renewal Period
- Biennial
- Pre-Approval Required?
- No — board does not provide advance approvals for activities or vendors
- Audit
- Board expects licensees to demonstrate that CE activities are relevant to continuing professional development
Coming in from another state?
Washington may issue a certificate without further examination to any person holding a certificate of qualification from another state, territory, possession, District of Columbia, or foreign country, provided: (1) qualifications meet WA chapter and board rules requirements, and (2) applicant is in good standing with the licensing agency in that jurisdiction (RCW 18.43.100). NCEES Records accepted.
Verify everything yourself.
Every detail above is sourced from these documents. If the board updates, we update — usually within a week.
Washington's prep, when it's ready.
We'll email you when the state-specific exam prep launches — no waitlist tricks, no spam, no obligation.