The career outlook for surveyors is expected to grow in the coming years. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting faster-than-average growth at 6%. (Bureau of Labor Statistics) This is encouraging for anyone out there considering becoming a surveyor. In this comprehensive career guide, we’re going to dig deep into how to become a surveyor, along with areas of specialization.
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Table of Contents
Educational Foundations: Building Your Surveying Knowledge Base
How do you position yourself for a future career in surveying? It begins with establishing a strong knowledge base, which for most, comes from earning a degree. A bachelor’s degree is considered the gold standard in surveyor training and education. However, there are smaller stepping stones you can take along the way. Let’s take a quick look at building a knowledge base in survey training for career preparation.
Bachelor's Degree Programs: The Gold Standard
Most employers prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree among their credentials. A bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics, or a related field offers a good foundation of the knowledge required for surveying.
Accreditation Matters
It’s important to consider accreditation when choosing a bachelor’s degree surveying program. One important accreditation to seek is the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET is a non-profit, non-governmental accreditation agency. They specialize in accreditation for natural science, engineering, and similar programs. Rather than offering accreditation for academic institutions, ABET offers accreditation for related programs specifically.
While ABET accreditation is voluntary for educational programs, it does ensure that the program meets industry standards. Surveyors who have completed an accredited program find it easier to obtain licensing and find career opportunities.
Core Coursework: The Building Blocks
A bachelor’s program in a field related to surveying will cover a range of topics considered essential to the field. If you’re looking at various degree path options, make sure the one you choose covers surveying basics. This should include coursework in areas such as boundary law, photogrammetry, and geographic information systems, among others.
Below is a chart outlining the basic fundamentals of surveyor qualifications.
Core Subject
Key Topics Covered
Boundary Law
Property descriptions, Easements, Historical records
Photogrammetry
Aerial imagery, Stereoscopic mapping, Orthophotos
GIS
Spatial analysis, Database management, Cartography
Geodesy
Coordinate systems, Datums, Geoid models
Land Development
Site planning, Subdivision design, Zoning regulations
Associate Degree Options: A Stepping Stone
A bachelor’s degree can take three to four years to complete. Those looking to enter the field more quickly can consider beginning with an associate’s degree as a career stepping stone. An associate’s degree as a path to surveyor training can be earned while working toward a bachelor’s degree. In some locations, an associate’s degree is enough to qualify for entry-level positions in the field.
Transfer Pathways: Bridging to a Bachelor's
Many programs are designed so that students can easily transfer credits from earning an associate’s degree to their bachelor’s program. It’s important to speak with an academic counselor about which credits will transfer to a bachelor’s degree. Having this discussion at the beginning of your educational career can ensure educational credits aren’t wasted on unnecessary coursework.
Earning an associate’s degree, with the intention of continuing on to a bachelor’s is smart. It allows you to continue your educational path while working in the field in an entry-level position.
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Continuing Education: Never Stop Learning
Professionals in the field of surveying know that their education doesn’t stop once they earn a degree. Continual learning opportunities exist and are beneficial even for those who have been in the field for years. For example, taking a surveyor training course can provide insights into changes in the field and new technologies.
For more information, be sure to watch this video. It provides a condensed overview into becoming a surveyor, the importance of education and staying current on best practices.
Hands-On Experience: Gaining Practical Skills in the Field
An educational background in surveying essentials is important. However, we don’t want to undervalue the importance of surveying experience, which can only be gained through hands-on applications. Internships and apprenticeships are two examples of ways to gain on-the-job training and experience.
Internships and Co-op Programs: Your First Taste of the Field
Internships are a great way to get an introduction to the real-world work involved in surveying. Some collegiate-level programs include internships and cooperative education in the curriculum. For example, a student might be required to participate in an internship during their final term. Apart from hands-on experience, internships also provide networking opportunities, which open the door to professional connections.
Networking Opportunities: Building Professional Connections
During an internship, participants interact with many experienced surveyors and mentors in the field. Using this opportunity to expand a professional network can lead to future job offers. Plus, working with a diverse network provides unique mentorship opportunities and helps to broaden perspectives.
Apprenticeship Programs: Learning from the Pros
Apprenticeships are like on-the-job training combined with surveying instruction. Compared to internships, which are often non-paid learning opportunities, apprenticeships do offer financial compensation. Generally speaking, apprenticeship programs typically last one to six years and provide a well-defined path to becoming a professional surveyor.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical components of an apprenticeship program:
Apprenticeship Component
Description
Duration
On-the-Job Training
Hands-on fieldwork and office tasks
70-80% of program
Classroom Instruction
Theoretical knowledge and regulations
20-30% of program
Mentorship
Guidance from experienced surveyors
Throughout program
Project Work
Increasingly complex surveying assignments
Progresses over time
Certification Prep
Preparation for licensure exams
Final stages of program
Specialized Training Courses: Honing Specific Skills
Next on our list are specialized training courses. Specialized courses are available for all levels of surveyor training. Those just entering the field should consider training courses that complement their educational and hands-on experience. Examples of specialized training courses for specific skills include equipment proficiency, specialized surveying techniques and methodologies, and surveying software.
Equipment Proficiency: Mastering the Tools of the Trade
Surveying is heavily reliant on equipment. Today, new surveying technologies are appearing at job sites. This makes it important that surveyors have a full understanding of the capabilities and how to use them. Proficiency in tools like LiDAR systems and GPS receivers is expected from those working as a qualified surveyor.
Licensure and Certification: Proving Your Expertise
Licensing is key for meeting the qualification for surveyor requirements. Becoming a professional land surveyor involves licensing as required at the state level. The professional land surveyor license process involves either coursework and/or hands-on experience. The goal is to be able to establish competency through rigorous professional surveyor examinations.
State Licensure Requirements: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
State licensing requirements vary based on regulations set at the state level. Each state has its own licensing board that’s responsible for setting these requirements. It’s important to understand your state’s regulatory landscape and licensing requirements. Professional surveyors moving from their home state need to be educated on the requirements of the state they’re moving to. These steps are essential for long-term career planning.
Application Process: Dotting the I's and Crossing the T's
We want to stress the importance of taking the licensing application process seriously. The application will require a detailed accounting of all education and experience. You’ll also be asked for character references, which is why networking through internships and apprenticeships becomes important. We suggest going through your application with a fine tooth comb to ensure all pertinent information is provided.
National Examinations: Proving Your Knowledge
Besides state licensing, there are national examinations to prepare for and pass. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) administers these. The two exams include Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS). Below is a chart outlining what to expect with each.
Exam
Content Areas
Format
Duration
FS
Mathematics, Basic Sciences, Surveying, Ethics
110 questions
6 hours
PS
Legal Principles, Standards, Project Management, Business Practices
100 questions
6 hours
Exam Preparation: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Passing national exams might take you back to the days of earning your degree. However, with the education and experience gained, combined with exam preparation, most surveyors are able to pass with ease.
There are multiple routes for exam preparation. Some employers offer exam preparation services to assist new surveyors in passing and securing a position with their company. Taking advantage of the practice materials you can get your hands on is also a good strategy. For example, utilizing exam-specific study materials and practice exams can lead to greater confidence going into the exam.
Exam study groups are also a helpful option. These can be found both in person and online. Studying with a group can help identify areas you need to focus on and improve confidence as you help others. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others who are studying for and planning on taking the exam. Chances are they will be extremely grateful for the opportunity.
Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) Designation: The Ultimate Goal
Now, we come to the goal for all professional surveyors. Achieving the Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) designation is how doors to careers in the field are opened.
The PLS designation is the culmination of the years and work put into surveyor training. This includes earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, on-the-job experience, and passing national exams. Earning the Professional Land Surveyor designation means that the land surveying professional has met all local, national, and employer-recommended qualifications.
Ethical Obligations: Upholding Professional Standards
Part of the responsibility of being a Professional Land Surveyor is always acting with a code of ethics and responsibility. Professional land surveyors need to understand the importance of confidentiality and working in the best interest of the public.
An issue facing the industry in regard to ethics is that they aren’t typically covered in depth during education and training. At best, ethics may be briefly covered under licensing and certification exam training. Still, ethical standards are key to strengthening the industry and must be followed by all professionals at all times.
Specializations and Career Growth: Expanding Your Horizons
Many people aren’t aware that there are areas of specialization in the field of land surveying. However, there are many opportunities that exist for those who have met the qualification for surveyor careers. It’s smart to consider the career opportunities in your area, or where you’re willing to move to for a career in your area of specialization.
For example, mine surveyors, marine surveyors, and hydrographic surveyors might find specific regions to be more ripe with career opportunities. Surveyor qualifications in these specialties will vary and will require further education and experience.
Geospatial Technologies: Embracing the Future
We want to take a moment and dive a little deeper into geospatial technologies, which is a specialty experiencing rapid growth at this moment. Geospatial technologies have significantly improved the field of land surveying. They have made it possible to produce more efficient results, faster and with more accuracy than ever before. Because of this, the industry is seeing geospatial technologies open doors to new possibilities.
For example, geospatial technology has made it possible to survey remote areas that were otherwise prohibitively challenging to access. LiDAR and unmanned aerial systems can create contour maps and 3D models for accurate surveying of remote areas.
Specializing in the use of geospatial technologies is one of the surest paths to an advanced career in surveying.
UAS Certification: Taking to the Skies
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have completely revolutionized land surveying. With the use of drones in surveying, new possibilities are being presented at every turn. However, it takes more than just an interest in UAS to make a successful career out of it. Obtaining the right certifications is essential.
Professional surveyors who are interested in pursuing a specialization in UAS should work toward an FAA certification for UAS operation. More than a resume booster, this FAA certification can lead to some of the most exciting career opportunities in the field.
Hydrographic Surveying: Charting the Waters
Professional surveyors aren’t confined to only land. There’s also a need for surveyors who enjoy working in marine environments. Hydrographic surveyors specialize in surveying bodies of water and shorelines. This includes harbors, rivers, and ocean floors, along with other bodies of water.
Hydrographic surveyors are needed to map the shape and depth of bodies of water and their shorelines. This enables the construction of piers, bridges, offshore energy projects, and accurate ocean mapping.
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Certification: Going Global
In addition to local hydrographic career opportunities, the potential to work in the field internationally also exists. One organization in particular is the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). This organization focuses on ensuring the world’s bodies of water are mapped and navigable.
Seeking out certification by IHO and its recognized programs is the best way to open up global career opportunities. The IHO recognizes a number of programs and schemes offered by the International Board of Speciality Certification. More information on this can be found on the IHO website.
Federal Surveyor Opportunities: Serving the Nation
If going global doesn’t sound like a good fit for you, specialization opportunities exist at the federal level. As a federal surveyor, you can work with agencies like the Bureau of Land Management or the U.S Forest Service. There are also many other smaller-scale federal agencies that are always looking for qualified surveyors to join their teams.
Federal surveyors work on surveying vast areas of public lands. This includes mapping challenging terrains and establishing land boundaries. Pursuing a career as a federal surveyor requires extensive knowledge of current federal surveying practices.
Cadastral Surveyor Certification: Mastering Federal Lands
The primary certification required for employment as a federal surveyor is the Cadastral Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) designation. Earning this certification establishes a surveyor’s level of expertise in surveying federal and tribal lands.
Becoming CFedS certified requires completing a seven-module distance learning program and passing the certification exam. On average the certification exam takes six hours to complete and must be passed within three attempts. Exams must be taken within two years of beginning the coursework. CFedS also requires continual education modules to maintain a current certification status.
Management and Business Skills: Leading the Way
Professional surveyors seeking advancement opportunities will be smart to consider developing their management, leadership, and business skills. These skills are essential for advanced positions in project management roles. The most enthusiastic land surveyors can use these skills to work their way up to firm management or even ownership.
We’re going to cover project management professional certification, but also want to point out that a dual educational path can be helpful here. Earning a dual degree, or an additional degree in business is a smart way to access high-level careers in the field.
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification: Enhancing Your Credentials
Obtaining a Project Manager Professional (PMP) certification is a great way to boost employability in advanced positions. This is a certification that is widely recognized across multiple industries, including professional surveying.
A PMP certification demonstrates the ability to lead projects of all sizes, regardless of industry. Requirements for a PMP certification include at least three to five years of experience and passing an examination. The current PMP examination has 180 questions and requires just under four hours to complete.
Recap: Key Learnings for Surveyor Qualification
If you’ve stayed with us throughout this entire guide, we’re guessing you have your sights set on an exciting career as a professional surveyor. Here, we’ve covered all the qualifications, steps to take, and specialties to explore.
Let’s do a quick recap of the most important points from this comprehensive guide:
- Most professional surveyors enter the field with a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program. Consider reading our guide to getting a college degree.
- It is possible to find entry-level positions requiring only an associate’s degree. However, furthering education should be a top priority. If you’re not quite at this point yet, check out our guide on high school diploma careers.
- Hands-on experience is appreciated. Opportunities like internships and apprenticeships provide hands-on learning.
- Being committed to continual education is a sure way to advance in the field.
- Consider specializations like hydrographic and federal surveying.
We’ve focused on surveyor qualifications here. However, we want to mention that all aspiring surveyors must first obtain a high school diploma or GED. This guide to How To Obtain Your GED Certificate can help.
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