Land Surveying Incorporated

209 N. Works Ave.
Gillette, WY 82716

(307) 682-1661

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What Does it Take to Be a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS)?

Blog - PLS

You may have heard of the Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) title, but what does that actually mean?

Because of the skill and complexity involved with land surveying, laws and regulations dictate that this practice can only be done by licensed surveyors. Professional licensure protects the public by enforcing standards that ensure the work is done by qualified individuals with specific credentials in education, work experience, and exams.

The requirements for becoming a licensed PLS vary from state to state. Wyoming’s licensing and certification process is governed by the Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors. In Wyoming, certification is a two-step process: First, earn your Land Surveyor Intern Certificate, and second, become certified as a Professional Land Surveyor.

The first step, obtaining the Land Surveyor Intern Certificate, is achieved by ALL of the following:

  • 2 years combined office and field experience, 1 year of which shall have been in charge of land surveying projects under the supervision of a licensed PLS.
  • 30 semester credit hours in surveying, with a curriculum approved by the Board and transcripts provided.
  • Pass an examination in the fundamentals of surveying: NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying Exam.

To obtain professional licensure and be certified as a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS), an intern surveyor must:

  • Have another 4 years of work experience in land surveying, AND
  • Pass an examination in the principles and practice of land surveying: the NCEES Principles and Practices Exam.

Once a PLS completes all the licensing requirements, they must renew every 2 years in order to maintain their license. Continuing education and outreach are required to stay current in the field.  LSI currently has two certified Professional Land Surveyors – Cevin Imus and Aaron Bicknese. Licenses can be searched and verified at the state website: https://online.wypepls.org/#/verifylicense.

These stringent requirements are set up to protect YOU, the consumer. Using a licensed surveyor ensures that you are using someone that practices the highest standards of integrity, professional competency, and ethical conduct.

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