NCEES seeks professional surveyors’ and mapping scientists’ expertise and advice

NCEES is currently seeking licensed professional surveyors and mapping scientists to participate in a professional activities and knowledge study, or PAKS, for the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. The results of this study will be used to update the specifications for the exam, which is used throughout the United States for licensing purposes.

NCEES requires a cross section of licensed professional surveyors and mapping scientists—including those working in consulting, the public sector, and academia—to complete an online questionnaire about the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a newly licensed surveyor or mapping scientist to practice in a manner that safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The questionnaire can be completed in 35–45 minutes.

“These studies help NCEES ensure its licensing exams reflect current professional practice,” explained Chief Officer of Examinations Jason J. Gamble, P.E. “We need input from as many professional surveyors and mapping scientists as possible to ensure that the PS exam continues to meet the demands of the profession.”

In completing the questionnaire, you will be presented with the option to respond to five divisions within the surveying profession. The following definitions should be used for those divisions:

Core PS: Includes base professional surveying topics outside of boundary, such as public/private record sources, land development solutions, FEMA requirements, business practices, professional conduct, etc., that would be considered common practice regardless of licensing jurisdiction
Boundary: Includes boundary principles, legal descriptions of real property transactions, federal mandated standards (i.e., ALTA/NSPS land title surveys), boundary surveys, etc.
U.S. Public Land Survey System (PLSS): Includes knowledge of BLM manual of surveying instructions, practical methodology for retracement of federal authorized surveys, establishment of lost corners, and subdivision of aliquot portions
Mapping science: Includes topographic mapping and control standards, GIS, hydrographic and remote sensing equipment, measurement using photogrammetric methods, measurement using LIDAR, digital laser scanning, etc.
Incidental drainage design: Includes channel calculations, erosion and sedimentation control practices, storm water design standards, etc.

Click here for access to the online questionnaire before the deadline of May 30, 2022.
Download the news release (PDF).

For more information

John (Andy) Bindewald, P.E.
NCEES Exam Development Engineer
[email protected]