Hello,
I have been employed as a Survey Technician for about two years now, and I am starting to think about pursuing professional licensure. I received a bachelor’s degree in Geography with a GIS specialization, related to land surveying but not exactly engineering education.
I understand the FS Exam is the first step in the process towards PLS. I was wondering if I have to go back to school, or would it be possible to purchase my own study materials and prepare for the exam myself?
I am thinking of pursuing licensure in California. I understand with two years of surveying experience, and a passing score on the FS exam you can apply to become a Land Surveyor in Training (LSIT), and be on the road towards professional licensure.
How would it look to future employers if I don’t necessarily have the education, but have a passing score on the FS and a LSIT certification?
Thanks in advance.
I think what you're doing is the best scenario for a career in Land Surveying. Although there are many here that do; I know nothing about the California professional environment.
It sounds as if you are concerned that you education is less slanted toward engineering that geodesy. I say bravo. Engineers have their discipline, we have ours. Although they do overlap in certain instances, they are definitely worlds apart. The way I look at: Engineers usually need surveyors for their projects. Surveyors rarely need engineers.
On the job experience will probably always be a big plus in this profession. A BS in a geodetic related science could only be a great "spring-board" on top of experience. Get after it. I bet you do great.
There are a lot more LSITs than people with a BS in Surveying. Not having the degree won't hurt you at the LSIT level. Besides which, you already have a BS in GIS, and that's the future for us. I'd say you're already standing out.
I would suggest getting on the phone to OIT in Klamath Falls and to Fresno (and similar programs) and see how many classes you would actually need to take to get a BS in Geomatics (Surveying or whatever).
I was in a similar situation back in 2005. I have a BS in Land Use with an emphasis in GIS/Cartography. I started a Physics/Engineering dual degree program back in MN/WI and decided to pursue surveying instead (finished all my higher math and physics coursework). A strong background in math and physics will make most surveying programs easier in my opinion. The approach to problem solving you learn doing that is invaluable. I chose to attend OIT in Klamath Falls.
I was able to transfer credits to cover my general ed requirements for all but two classes. The rest of my coursework was the core Geomatics curriculum. The coursework basically prepares you for the LSIT exam. You do need to look closely at when certain courses are offered and be willing to "challenge" some courses and complete the required coursework on your own time, but it can be done. I finished in 4 terms (1.5 years), and passed my LSIT exam in CA in my last term.
As others have stated the experience will likely be the main thing that keeps you employed. However, since you are interested in pursuing your license I would suggest getting the 4 year degree since many states now require a 4 year degree to sit for your license exam. In my view this will makes you more valuable and portable in the job market; which is a huge asset in the current economic environment.
Good Luck!
Also consider Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's post-baccalaureate program described here: http://gisc.tamucc.edu/certificates/post_bac.html
Education Is A Good Addition To Experience
If y0u live in or near a jurisdiction that allows you to sit for the FS then apply. Get the NCEES study materials and work with them. The FS is strongly based on survey coursework, so you may not succeed on you first effort. I would say it would be difficult to get to sit for the April exam. Without a degree and only 2 years of experience there may be some back and forth questions with the Board since you don't meet the standard criteria. So I would expect October 2014 to be your first shot. But some time soon they will get away from the April/October only exams.
Given that amount of time you can easily get 6 credits under your belt and it would be your best form of study. Just because you have a bachelors degree do not consider an AS in surveying as a step backwards. That gets you through the door in quite a few states for both exams.
Paul in PA
Registration for the first CBT window is open right now across the country. Go to Ncees.org/CBT to review. You do not apply to the California Board for LSIT certification until after you pass the FS exam. Expect to demonstrate 2 years of surveying education, surveying experience, or a combination totaling two years.
The FS exam is all computer based from this point forward and is offered nearly all year long.