Land Surveyor License in California
Quick Answer
California requires an LSIT certificate, 6 years of experience, and passage of the NCEES PS, a California-specific exam, and a laws/rules exam. Visit bpelsg.ca.gov for current fees.
- Exam
- NCEES PS, California State-Specific Exam, and CA Laws/Rules Exam
- Timeline
- 8-10 years (LSIT + 6 years experience + exams)
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Land Surveyor license in California
Land Surveyor Salary in California
Entry Level
$57,330
Median
$103,790
Experienced
$158,720
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Land Surveyor in California.
- 1
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 2
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 8-10 years (LSIT + 6 years experience + exams).
Land Surveyor Licensing in California: What to Know
California land surveyors are licensed through the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG). Applicants must first obtain a Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT) certificate by passing the NCEES FS exam, then accumulate six years of equivalent full-time experience including one year each of responsible field and office training. The PS exam is given semi-annually, the California state-specific exam annually in April, and a take-home California State Laws and Board Rules Exam is also required. Fee schedules are available on the BPELSG website.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Land Surveyor license in California?
- The process typically takes 8-10 years (LSIT + 6 years experience + exams), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Land Surveyor license in California?
- You need to pass the NCEES PS, California State-Specific Exam, and CA Laws/Rules Exam. N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Land Surveyor requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.