How to Become a Professional Surveyor

Surveying is a highly technical endeavor. This is the science of gathering topographic and geodetic data about a land important in construction and establishment of boundary. The technicality of this field requires a person to undergo proper training before obtaining a surveyor’s certificate or license. Most geodetic and civil engineers have finished the needed course of study within their formal education. There are specific requirements to becoming a professional surveyor.

Education is the number one requirement. One can be educated by personal tutorial with a professional surveyor or formal education in a civil or geodetic engineering school. However, it is a prerequisite the he or she take a formal education to be able to take any licensure examination required both to practice his or her profession and to operate a business related to surveying.

There are only a few schools that offer specific surveying courses and mostly require degrees in civil and geodetic engineering to gain the title. The course is incorporated in the entire study of civil and geodetic engineering, usually covering two semesters of study. In some schools, a student is allowed to take a licensure examination for surveyors as long as he or she took up all surveying units in spite of not graduating from the course.

After graduating, a civil engineer needs to pass a series of tests including one given by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The engineer has to be a nationally recognized professional before taking the examination for surveying. By then, he or she will be able to purchase and use the necessary surveying supplies and equipment in business.

The examination does not end upon stepping into the professional world. The newly passed surveyor is required to work with a skilled and experienced surveyor before taking up another exam. The surveyor must pass the Principles and Practice of Surveying to be able to obtain the license to establish a business utilizing personal surveying supplies and equipment.

Even if surveyors have already begun practicing, they are still encouraged and even required to continue education to gain more knowledge in the field. In this way they will increase their knowledge about the use of their surveying supplies and equipment, and maintain their business on a good ground.