I got an email from a collegue who is licensed in 2 states and his signature read John Doe, PLS LS. I get the PLS PE but isnt it just semantics when it comes down to it? Im working on my registration for my 3rd state and both states I am currently licensed in use PLS. The 3rd state uses LS. Seeing this, and not the first time, I question if I should add LS after my PLS on all my signatures. What does that tell you if you get a letter, email, etc from someone like that? Does anyone else do this?
Really good question. I'm only licensed in one state, and I think that I'm a Land Surveyor only once, no matter how many states recognize my singular accomplishments. I don't believe there's a reason to repeat the fact, once stated.
Don
My preference is LS. I understand the desire to add P for professional. Adding the R for registered seems unnecessary, however.
I would use the designation per the statutes of the state and include the state 2 character designation if licensed in multiple states. There is usually an official designation but the statutes of what you call yourself. Some states are LS some are PLS some are RLS some are PS and so forth some may be ambiguous.
NM PS 9248
CO PLS 16164
CA LS 5551
Imo, just put PLS or LS after your name. Anything more is superfluous.
> I would use the designation per the statutes of the state and include the state 2 character designation if licensed in multiple states. There is usually an official designation but the statutes of what you call yourself. Some states are LS some are PLS some are RLS some are PS and so forth some may be ambiguous.
>
> NM PS 9248
> CO PLS 16164
> CA LS 5551
I have a similar situation to J.L.
NM PS 13468
TX RPLS 4585
OK RPLS 1351 ALSO uses PLS, RLS AND LS
AZ RLS 30358
CA LS 6303 CA ALSO uses PLS
I use RPLS as my basic signature line unless it is state specific, then I adjust as necessary.
😛
The name of the board in Georgia is...
Georgia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
However, the template the board provides for your stamp indicates....
Registered Land Surveyor
The name of the board in South Carolina is...
South Carolina State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors
The template the board provides for your stamp indicates....
Professional Land Surveyor
It does get kind of crazy. I have received emails etc, with 4 or 5: PLS, LS, PS, CLS...etc.
I think the NCEES just adopted a model of PS.
Instigator of Aggravation is probably too long, but, largely accurate.
The only way to know (and it's not a matter of preference) is to check your individual state licensing statute and rules. Some states are very specific on what to use, others provide options. Once you know the law, you'll know what to do.
JBS
a little off the subject but i have seen a Network Administrator signature as being
A+,CCNA,MCP,MCSA,MCSE,MCTS
I have no idea what all that is but he says he doesn't list all of them:-P
I knew a well-accomplished guy who put all kinds of letters behind his name. It was then (because it looked just too gaudy) that I decided that it was best to simply use the ones that pertain to whatever your are addressing in your particular letter. If you are writing in regards to a professional (survey) opinion in Colorado, then use PLS (or COPLS). If your PhD is pertinent then add that too. If you are giving a seminar, use all of your credentials that pertain to your expertise in being able to talk on the subject.
To me it's a judgment call, but I think it sound too egotistical if you put all your letters there just because you can. It sounds more modest and professional to show your credentials on addressing the problem at hand only.
Thank you, Thank you,
Tom Adams, CO-PLS, High-school Graduate, Graduate of Brinker School of Surveying and Mapping, past president, PLSC, Inc., CCPS, SCPLSC, member ACSM/NSPS.
I use DDSM...
Dan B. Robison, DDSM