What is a Land Surveyor?
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​A Professional Land Surveyor is a person who has qualified by education and experience, and who has passed an examination for registration required by the State of Illinois to practice Land Surveying in Illinois.  

Land Surveying is crucial to responsible land development. Land Surveyors work with engineers, architects, and builders to produce precise descriptions (surveys and maps) of surface features of the Earth. They also perform a variety of vital tasks such as boundary surveys, topographic mapping, and construction staking.
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​​Many people think that surveyors only conduct fieldwork. Surveyors can choose from many specialties and get involved at many stages of a project. A surveyor may work in the field and then deliver the data to a surveyor who works in the office, or they may be office-based and analyze the data to create maps and other important documents.

​​Professional Land Surveyors are highly trained individuals who scientifically measure land. To become a professionally licensed surveyor in Illinois, candidates must:
  • Graduate from an approved land surveying curriculum of at least 4 years who has passed an examination in the fundamentals of surveying; or a baccalaureate curriculum of at least 4 years, including at least 24 semester hours of land surveying courses from an approved land surveying curriculum and the related science courses.
  • Pass Fundamentals of Surveying examination to work as a licensed Survey Intern.
  • Obtain at least 4 years qualified experience under the supervision of a licensed surveyor.
  • Pass Principles and Practice Exam. 
  • Be of good ethical character.
Three of the Four Presidents on Mount Rushmore Started As Surveyors: ​
​George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.
Why Surveying?
Benefits of a career in Land Surveying:
  • In-demand career with a great salary
  • Work outdoors and/or indoors
  • Cutting edge technology at your fingertips
  • Professional status and recognition
  • Challenging environment with opportunity for growth
  • Assist In planning your community – schools, highways, shopping centers, and more
​IPLSA polled surveyors from Illinois and surrounding states – members and non-members – to find out about compensation, benefits, career satisfaction, and more. Download the salary survey results below to learn more.
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.
For more information on surveying, visit the links below.
​ © Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association
100 East Washington Street  |  Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 217.528.3053  |  Fax: 217.528.6545​
[email protected]