- Had a question I hope someone can answer. In the list of qualifications to register to sit for the FS exam in Virginia, it says that you should?ÿpossess a minimum of eight years of land surveying experience. I can not find anyone that can tell me exactly what that experience is. I??m under the impression that a map drawer with zero field experience qualifies to sit for the FS and PS. How can you be a surveyor with no field experience?
Check here.
https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/APELS
This is from the FAQ page.
Question: What is considered approved land surveying experience?
Answer: Approved land surveying experience is progressive and diversified training and experience under the direct control and personal supervision of a licensed land surveyor. This experience shall have been acquired in positions requiring the exercise of independent judgment, initiative, and professional skill in the office and field and written verification of such work experience shall be on forms provided by the Board. Experience may be gained either prior to or after education is obtained.
So you do not need permission to take the FS exam from the board. You can just sit for that FS exam and take it directly through NCEES. Especially if you are close on experience for LSIT designation. Once you pass the FS exam then you can submit your request for LSIT follow the DPOR site above. All you references experience under a LS needs to be submitted all forms and the request to get the LSIT. You do need to submit the request after the previous to sit for the PS. So you need permission for the PS in VA unless you have taken it in another state. For s are on the DPOR site for that as well. They will accept or deny if they deny you to sit for PS or State specific from what I have researched and asked they will tell you specifically what else you need for example. You need 1 year of experience under a LS or 1 year experience under a LS and so many college credits etc. this is just an example. So i sat for FS exam passed. Now i am putting my package together to send to the board to get the LSIT designation and request permission to sit for PS exam. FYI read read read all the requirements on DPOR carefully very carefully for qualification and how to submit. You can do several different ways. Approved apprenticeship plus x years experience under LS or college degree 4 or 2 plus x years. Or just experience alone. If you read the documents carefully and requirements you will notice a few contradictions. This is known about and its more of an interpretation than contradiction. But if you think you are close let them tell you you are or you are not. Its not a bad thing. Once you know exactly what is needed you can just check that box or boxes and add to your package. If i were younger knowing what i have learned diving deep into this the last couple years. I would apply early if it was close and just get denied and have the check list. If you have experience not under a LS. Put that in and let them say no or maybe a little will count. The board members are good people. They are also very wise so don’t try to BS them. They have see.ln It all. They are there to protect the profession not just say no to you. They want you. They want you qualified though. Good luck. And feel free to pm me I will be glad to help anyway i can.
get involved with the vas association go to local chapter meetings attend conferences. Meet the great professionals and i have not met all of them but all i have met have been more than willing to answer my questions or point me in the right direction. Great group in Virginia. Yes some bickering on e in a while but thats not a bad thing. If you look for the vas site and attend the john foster school for fs or ps prep its a great course. Meet new people and have a great time.
