How to Become a Land Surveyor

Land surveyors are important professionals in any construction endeavor. They are the ones who measure and evaluate a piece of property before any building work can take place. Without their go signal, there is nothing that engineers, architects, and developers can do. If you want to undertake this responsibility, here are the steps you must take.

Preparation

There would be a lot of math involved in the job, so it’s better to work hard on advanced math courses in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry as early as high school. This background would enable you to specialize in the art of surveying with relative ease. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with computer software standard in the industry.

College Degree

Normally, you would have to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Surveying or Engineering, although there are other related courses that you can also take. Forestry, for example, is a program that can serve as your alternative path towards a career in land surveying. You must make sure that the program you are entering is accredited by the necessary agencies to prevent certification issues later on.

Examinations

There are two exams that you have to pass to become a land surveyor. The first is the Fundamentals of Surveying exam, which would test your aptitude in the field’s basics. Passing this test makes you eligible for an internship program wherein you can further practice your skill in handling surveying equipment such as the total station. The second exam is the Principles and Practice of Surveying test. Upon passing, you can apply for your license.

Licensing

Licensing protocols differ in each state. It is important to keep abreast with your state’s licensing requirements so you won’t run into any obstacles. Once you’ve obtained your certification, you can now use surveying tools and take on projects as a professional surveyor.

Employment

There is a high demand for professional surveyors in government. Indeed, a big percentage of newly certified surveying professionals each year go on to work for government-run facilities. However, there are also opportunities in the private sector, as a number of construction and development companies are constantly looking for professional surveyors to handle surveying tools and manage construction projects.