Frequently Asked Questions
about the Surveying Licensing Exams

• What is the format of the FS exam?
• What are the FS exam dates?
• What is the format of the PS exam?
• What are the PS exam dates?
• How far ahead do I need to register for the FS and PS exams?
• What units of measurement are used on the FS and PS exams?
• What kind of calculator can I take into the exam?
• If I don't know an answer on the exam, should I guess or leave it blank?
• What were the passing rates for the most recent FS exams?
• How to contact your State Licensing Board
• Where can I find study materials for the FS and PS exam?

What is the format of the FS exam?

The Fundamentals of Land Surveying (FS) exam is an 8-hour test consisting of 170 multiple-choice problems. There are two sessions, morning and afternoon, each with 85 problems.

The ONLY reference material that may be used during the FS exam is a small reference handbook that is provided at the exam site.

What are the FS exam dates?

The FS exam is given on the same date (and always on a Saturday) in every state. The forthcoming dates are:

April 21, 2007
October 27, 2007
April 12, 2008
October 25, 2008
April 25, 2009
October 24, 2009

What is the format of the PS exam?

The NCCES-developed Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam is 6 hours long. Many states administer this exam in conjunction with a state-specific exam. Contact your state board to determine the exam format in your state.

The PS exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions. It is administered in two parts: 67 questions in the morning session (4 hours) and 33 in the afternoon session (2 hours). The exam is open-book, with few limits on the number or type of books that may be used as references. Be sure to check with your state board to verify what is and is not allowed into the exam.

What are the PS exam dates?

The PS exam is given on the same date (and always on a Friday) in every state. The forthcoming dates are:

April 20, 2007
October 26, 2007
April 11, 2008
October 24, 2008
April 24, 2009
October 23, 2009

How far ahead do I need to register for the FS and PS exams?

This varies significantly by state, ranging from 45 to more than 180 days before the exam date. Contact your state board for the exact application deadline that applies to you. Your board will also tell you what locations are available for taking the exam.

What units of measurement are used on the FS and PS exams?

The FS and PS exams use US customary units.

What kind of calculator can I bring into the FS and PS exams?

Your calculator should be battery-powered, silent, and nonprinting, and it must not have word-processing capabilities. Actually, you should bring two calculators of the same model in case one fails.

Some states have restrictions on what models of caluclators are allowed into the exam, and a few restrict the use of ROM cards in calculators. It doesn't hurt to contact your state board to get definitive information.

If I don't know an answer on the FS exam, should I guess or leave it blank?

Guess! No points are subtracted for incorrect answers.

What are the passing rates for the most recent surveying exams?

The passing rates for the April 2007 exams are:

Where can I find study materials for the FS and PS exams?

Reference manuals, sample exams, and other materials to aid your preparation are located in the PPI catalog.