Think You Could Be a Surveyor?

• Do you have an interest in math? People who enjoy surveying also enjoy math – specifically geometry and trigonometry. The field also attracts people interested in geology, forestry,
  and history.
• Do you enjoy being outdoors? Much of surveying requires someone to research and find boundaries on the property itself.
• Are you interested in technology? Surveying today uses cutting-edge technology to collect and analyze data with GPS equipment, laser scanners, and robotic total stations. UAVs (or unmanned aerial vehicles) are also on the rise in the profession to map terrain.
• Do you want a wide variety of options? The surveying profession allows for a broad range of paths from research, business ownership, mapmakers, computer specialists, and even crime or accident investigators.

If this sounds like a career for you, there are four options for becoming a licensed surveyor in West Virginia.

How to Become a Surveyor:

Option 1:

1. Obtain a four-year degree or a bachelor’s degree in Surveying approved by the West Virginia Board of Professional Surveyors (degree must include a minimum of thirty hours of surveying or surveying-related courses)
   • Surveying degree offered at Glenville State College http://www.glenville.edu/academics/land_resources.php
2. Pass an examination in the fundamentals of land surveying
   • Information on the FS exam can be found: http://ncees.org/surveying/fs/
3. Have two years or more of experience in surveying
4. Have passed an examination in the principles and practice of land surveying
   • You must submit an application with the West Virginia Board of Professional Surveyors: http://www.wvbps.wv.gov/forms/Pages/examforms.aspx
   • Once your application is approved, register with NCEES: https://account.ncees.org/
     • Examinees get one attempt per testing window and no more than three attempts in a 12-month period.
     • Exam results are available in 7-10 business days. Results will link to WVBPS for WV-specific instructions.
5. Have passed the West Virginia examination
   • Application, schedule, fees, and other information are available here: http://www.wvbps.wv.gov/forms/Pages/examforms.aspx

Option 2:

1. Obtain a four-year degree or a bachelor’s degree OR complete a minimum of thirty hours of surveying or surveying-related courses
   • Surveying degree offered at Glenville State College http://www.glenville.edu/academics/land_resources.php
2. Pass an examination in the fundamentals of land surveying
   • Information on the FS exam can be found: http://ncees.org/surveying/fs/
3. Have four years or more of experience in surveying, (including two years of experience in responsible charge under the direct supervision of a licensee or a person authorized in another jurisdiction to engage in the practice of surveying)
4. Pass an examination in the principles and practice of land surveying
   • You must submit an application with the West Virginia Board of Professional Surveyors: http://www.wvbps.wv.gov/forms/Pages/examforms.aspx
   • Once your application is approved, register with NCEES: https://account.ncees.org/
     • Examinees get one attempt per testing window and no more than three attempts in a 12-month period.
     • Exam results are available in 7-10 business days. Results will link to WVBPS for WV-specific instructions.
5. Pass the West Virginia examination
   • Application, schedule, fees, and other information are available here: http://www.wvbps.wv.gov/forms/Pages/examforms.aspx

Option 3:

1. Have a two-year degree or an associate degree in surveying or a related field approved by the board (must include a minimum of thirty hours of surveying or surveying-related courses)
   • Applicable courses can be found listed here.
2. Pass an examination in the fundamentals of land surveying
   • Information on the FS exam can be found: http://ncees.org/surveying/fs/
3. Have four years or more of experience in surveying (including two years of experience in responsible charge under the direct supervision of a licensee or a person authorized in another state or country to engage in the practice of surveying)
4. Pass an examination in the principles and practice of land surveying
   • You must submit an application with the West Virginia Board of Professional Surveyors: http://www.wvbps.wv.gov/forms/Pages/examforms.aspx
   • Once your application is approved, register with NCEES: https://account.ncees.org/
     • Examinees get one attempt per testing window and no more than three attempts in a 12-month period.
     • Exam results are available in 7-10 business days. Results will link to WVBPS for WV-specific instructions.
5. Pass the West Virginia examination.
   • Application, schedule, fees, and other information are available here: http://www.wvbps.wv.gov/forms/Pages/examforms.aspx

Check out some of the programs offered in the surrounding area:

Glenville State University – https://www.glenville.edu/departments/land-resources/programs/nrm/land-surveying

Bluefield State University – https://bluefieldstate.edu/academics/degrees/surveying-certificate

Fairmont State University – https://www.fairmontstate.edu/academics/programs/surveying-geomatics-engineering-technology.aspx

Contact Information:

For questions about licensure, please contact WVBPS:
WVBPS Website: http://www.wvbps.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx
WVBPS email: wvbps@wv.gov