Steps to Becoming a Land Surveyor

Step 1 - Complete Your Education
Applicants to become a Surveyor Intern (and eventually a Professional Land Surveyor) must have either: 

1. Four-year baccalaureate degree in Land Surveying from an accredited college or university program; or 
2. Four-year baccalaureate degree in a related science, including at least 24 semester hours of land surveying courses from an IDFPR approved curriculum of an accredited institution.

Step 2 - Become a Surveyor Intern (SI)
Once an individual has completed their education, they can begin the application process with the State of Illinois to take the SI exam. (Application information provided below). With successful passage of the SI exam, you are then an SI.

Step 3 - Get Experience
After becoming licensed as an SI, a potential surveyor must gain at least four years of "responsible charge experience" under a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS).

Step 4 - Take and Pass the PLS Exam
​An SI may apply to the State of Illinois to take the PLS exam if he or she has, or will have, completed the requisite 4 years experience prior to the exam date.  (See below for application process.)

Upon successful passage of the PLS exam, you then become licensed as a PLS. Taking the PLS as soon as you are eligible helps because:

1. the information is more fresh; and
2. the SI license expires after 10 years, and if you don’t take and pass the PLS exam by then, you must retake the SI exam as well as the PLS exam to become licensed.

Testing Process & Deadlines

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SI Application Process
Applicants must register through two separate entities – with different deadlines and two sets of fees – prior to taking the exam.

Complete your application through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at the link below.

Please note: You will only need to complete the parts for SI Examination.

IDFPR Application

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. Create an NCEES account at the link below.

Deadline to register with NCEES:
​Approximately 60 days prior to exam date

NCEES

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​PLS Application Process
Applicants must register through two separate entities – with different deadlines and two sets of fees – prior to taking the exam. 

Complete your application through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. 

Please note: You will only need to complete the parts for LS Examination.

​Deadline for IDFPR Application: 
November 15 for the April Examination
May 15 for the October Examination

IDFPR Application

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. Create an NCEES account at the link below.

Deadline to register with NCEES:
​Approximately 60 days prior to exam date

NCEES