To become a licensed land surveyor in the US, one must earn a bachelor’s degree, pass a preliminary test, gain field experience, and pass a final license exam. Continuing education is required to stay up-to-date with regulations and technology.
Obtaining a surveyor’s license involves earning a bachelor’s degree, taking a preliminary license test, and gaining field experience. Land surveyors must be well-versed in general survey fundamentals such as software mapping and mathematical calculations. In the United States, researchers must understand the specific regulations implemented by their state of residence. An individual cannot practice as a professional surveyor without a proper license and continuing education in surveying.
Most land surveyors earn a four-year university degree in a related field, such as engineering or mathematics. Surveyors must be able to perform complex calculations, including trigonometry and calculus, to correctly analyze a landform. A well-rounded background in science and mathematics will help you launch a successful research career. In addition, specialized courses in global positioning systems (GPS) and cartography are usually required before obtaining a surveyor’s license. These niche classes are designed specifically for aspiring researchers.
Many surveying students take a basic test before graduation to start the journey towards a surveying license. This basic entry-level test asks over 100 questions about common survey regulations and data acquisition practices. The fundamentals test must be passed before you can work in the field. Passing the test ensures you understand key research theories, allowing future field experience to build on that knowledge.
Field experience is one of the best ways to solidify research theories and apply them to real-world projects. In the field, you’ll work with an experienced inspector to complete the day’s inspection work. Hauling heavy equipment and long hikes is a normal part of the job, requiring you to maneuver up and down rural hills or negotiate urban street intersections. Most survey work takes place in the field, while office work is usually reserved for analyzing data and creating maps of surveyed areas.
In the United States, each state requires a specific amount of time in the field before a person can obtain a land surveyor’s license. After completing the necessary field experience, the surveyor can take the final license exam. This exam is similar to the Fundamentals test, but asks more detailed questions about legal parameters and business applications. If you pass this exam, you will receive your land surveyor license.
As a professional surveyor, you must still continue your education to keep up to date with surveying regulations. Classes are generally offered throughout the year, covering new laws and even research tools. Research professionals’ software and hardware is constantly changing, requiring researchers to engage in continuing education for successful field and office work.
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