Timeline to get PLS in Massachusetts

Obviously you are up on the English language. Start with NCEES.org for Massachusetts requirements and if you can get to take the FS (Fundamentals of Surveying) exam without too much fuss. Your BS should qualify you to do that. They most likely want your transcript. The FS is fundamental for any state. Are you currently working for a US licensed surveyor to affirm your experience? Do you have good relations with your foreign supervisors for references on that work? Many states only want to see your experience after taking the FS and some require that you become an LSIT (Land Surveyor in Training) in that state, typically just an application process. Look around for a local chapter of the

?ÿMassachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers.

Welcome to the Board and the USA.

Paul in PA

Based on your name, I'm going to guess that you're from an English speaking land.?ÿ That there is big in helping you.?ÿ I knew a young woman from Krakow, and after passing her SIT, she had to work on getting her diploma and curriculum translated to English, and that seemed to put a screeching halt to the process.

A year is a realistic time-frame.?ÿ I'd think there are even fewer applicants these days than there were way back when I went for my license.

Most of the time is just waiting on them.?ÿ As far as I know, Mass still requires the interview before taking the PLS, maybe remotely now, though.?ÿ But you still have to get your FS, which is faster than in the past, but again, don't know how much time it takes them to review your qualifications to actually award you the thing.

That there is something that makes me shake my head.?ÿ Take a test, pass, and then it needs to be determined whether you were actually qualified to take the test.?ÿ Say what??

I don't believe that you need to be licensed to perform those construction tasks, but I'd think as an employee.?ÿ I don't know whether you could actually contract out to construction companies.?ÿ It may be allowable, but don't know about the insurance involved in that.

There are other Mass LS's on here who I'm sure will chime in once they have their coffee.?ÿ?ÿ Good luck

?ÿ

?ÿ

Check with The Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for their current regulations regarding qualifications.

Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors | Mass.gov

Your BS in Land Surveying will cut down on experience required, once accepted by The Board. You will have to document your experience in LAND SURVEYING for them to credit it.?ÿ

Study and take the LSIT portion of the test as soon as possible, then review and study for the PLS exam so you will be ready when you are accepted. The procedure requires an interview before you are allowed to sit for the LS test, so if you pass you will get your stamp.

A few specifics - The Board was giving out a list of suggested study sources. The MA portion of the LS has been shortened recently to allow the applicants more time to read and understand the questions. The number of applicants at the latest iteration of the exam was 15 which is about normal, and is given twice a year. I suggest that you take the exam review courses offered by MALSCE each year.

I believe that most of the tasks you have inquired about do not require an PLS, however it would be very useful for you to have one. The tipping point for the PLA is anything to do with property lines, including plot plans, site plans, etc. Anything that ties into, creates, or defines property lines requires a PLS in MA.

Hope that helps but I doubt that a year will cover all of the nuances, I would guess that two years if everything goes well but maybe three. I am sure you can do it but there will be "paper work" to meet all of the requirements.

Good luck.

Tom Wilson

?ÿ

?ÿ

?ÿ

Other commentators have already given great suggestions.?ÿ This previous post might add just a little more, https://surveyorconnect.com/community/postid/522391/

Welcome!