Geodetic Surveyors

Certification or Licensing

Geodetic surveyors may become certified as floodplain surveyors or as federal surveyors through the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). The NSPS partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to create the certification program for floodplain surveyors, and it partnered with the Bureau of Land Management to create the certified federal surveyors program. The NSPS also offers the certified survey technician credential to applicants who pass an examination and meet other requirements. Four levels of certification are available in two primary tracks—field and office. Visit https://cstnsps.com for more information.

Surveyors who specialize in photogrammetry and geographic information systems (GIS) may receive certification from the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and from the GIS Certification Institute.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia require that geodetic surveyors making property and boundary surveys be licensed or registered. Licensure requirements vary, but most require a degree in surveying or a related field, specified years of work experience, and passing of examinations in land surveying. The higher the degree obtained, the less experience required. Geodetic surveyors with bachelor's degrees may need four years of on-the-job experience, while those with a lesser degree may need up to 10 years of prior experience to obtain a license. State licensure departments provide information on the requirements. Federally employed surveyors must pass a civil service examination and meet educational, work experience, and other specified requirements for the position.