Becoming a Surveyor

Getting Licensed

  • Enroll in a 4-year degree program majoring in Land Surveying or a related science with a focus on surveying.
  • After graduation, apply to become a Surveyor Intern and complete the Surveyor Intern (SIT) exam.
  • Once licensed as a Surveyor Intern, gain at least four years of experience in the field.
  • Finally, apply for and complete the Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) Exam to become licensed.
  • A list of Illinois schools that offer Land Surveying classes can be found here.

 

24 Credit Hour Requirement

The first step for attaining licensure as a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) is to become a (Surveyor-in-Training) SIT. In order to take the LSIT examination, applicants must have completed at least 24 credit hours of land surveying courses from a Board approved curriculum of an accredited institution. You can view full details from IDFPR here.

SIT Application Process

Applicants must register through three separate entities – with different deadlines and fees – prior to taking the exam.

  • Step 1: Complete your application through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. You only need to complete the parts for the SIT Examination.
  • Step 2: Register with NCEES and obtain an identification number. You do not need to wait for IDFPR approval before applying for your NCEES ID number. However, you should submit your IDFPR application prior to applying for the NCEES number. Deadline to register with NCEES: Approximately 60 days prior to exam date
  • Step 3: Register with Continental Testing (the company that administers the exams for the State of Illinois). Upon receiving approval from the IDFPR to take the exam, register online with Continental Testing for your seat to take the exam. You will need your NCEES ID number to complete your registration. Deadline to register with Continental Testing: Approximately 60 days prior to exam date

PLS Application Process

Applicants must register through three separate entities – with different deadlines and fees – prior to taking the exam.

  • Step 1: Complete your application through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. You only need to complete the parts for the LS Examination. Deadlines to apply with IDFPR - November 15 for the April Examination; May 15 for the October Examination
  • Step 2: Locate your NCEES identification number or apply for one. You do not need to wait for IDFPR approval before applying for your NCEES ID number. However, you should submit your IDFPR application prior to applying for the NCEES number. Deadline to register with NCEES: Approximately 60 days prior to exam date
  • Step 3: Register with Continental Testing (the company that administers the exams for the State of Illinois). Upon receiving approval from the IDFPR to take the exam, register online with Continental Testing for your seat to take the exam. You will need your NCEES ID number to complete your registration. Deadline to register with Continental Testing: Approximately 60 days prior to exam date