FS exam
The FS exam is typically the first step in the process of becoming a licensed professional surveyor. It is designed for undergraduates who are close to finishing an undergraduate degree. The exam lasts 8 hours and is administered in April and October.
View scheduled exam administrations.
FS exam specifications
The FS exam contains 170 multiple-choice questions and is split into morning and afternoon sessions.
Reference materials
The FS is a closed-book exam. You will be provided with surveying reference formulas (PDF) on exam day.
Scoring and reporting
Exam results are typically released to the licensing boards 8–10 weeks after the exam. Depending on your state, you will be notified of your exam result online through your My NCEES account or via postal mail from your state licensing board.
Learn more about how NCEES exams are scored.
FS pass rates
Pass rates are from the October 2012 exam administration.
| Exam | First-time takers (%) | Repeat takers (%) |
| FS | 67 | 25 |