Using your title as a surveyor

It's your designation, why not. Perhaps a large client of theirs will see it and suggest that they open a Florida office.

Seems that each state board may interpret it differently.

A former co-worker of mine who is licensed in 4 states was ran through the ringer by the Oregon board for placing PLS on his card, but he wasn't licensed in Oregon. He had moved into oregon from another state, and HR simply changed the address on his old business card to reflect the oregon office.

Since the company address listed on the card was an Oregon address they said he either needed to list the states licensed or remove the PLS after his name.

What's wrong with Jeremy Hallick, PSM (Florida)..You have earned the right and as long as its clear as to the state then I can't see any problem with it.

As Jared mentioned, you need to list the State or State's you're licensed in. You're a professional surveyor anywhere you go (even overseas), but you need to make clear where you are actually authorized to practice the profession. Otherwise the public could perceive it as an offer to provide services where not authorized to do so. If you look at any attorneys card or letterhead you will see each person has a list of states where they are admitted to practice. Same thing.

If memory serves I think I've seen numerous letterheads, ads, web pages, etc. where lawyers have listed their out-of-state credentials. I think clients of all professionals generally appreciate having that sort of information.

Thanks guys, I appreciate it! It does sound like a great idea to include the state I'm licensed in.

You work hard to pass those exams for each state in which you are licensed, so list them all on your busness card. It's impressive to potential clients and reflects commitment to the craft.

If not licensed yet where you work, don't put your other credentials on your card. It means nothing where you are now working. Does not really matter what you or I think, what does your employer think? After you are registered in your state of employment, list them all but list none now it could be considered misleading.
jud

I remember an employer, he was one of three owners of the firm I work for. Despite the fact that he was licensed in many states, it was not noted on his card, just company name and company office phone number and address. If he wanted you to know more, he would write it on the back.

Then, I've seen cards of some individuals that had every registration number and every organization the guy was a member of or affiliated with from school, church, hobbies and a list of groups and ac activities that was enough to fill both sides of a fold out card.

It is very common to have a simple card that after your name the information that will include a list of the state and registration number accordingly for your current licensees.

PSM

This battle was waged on the RPLS once. Some of the replies
acted like you couldn't live or breathe if you didn't have an
in-state license. I know some boards won't let you take their
reciprocity exam unless you have a license in your state of
residence.

I didn't follow the recent Florida license battle. However, like
the ACSM title, when you put M in your title like PSM, you may think
m for mapping expands your horizons of expertise but many times it
invites competition for your license or association. I don't like
to do bsttle with photogrammetrists or Rand McNally.

I can see the Board's point and think that they were being reasonable by allowing him to use the title (together with an OR address) as long as he listed the states he was licensed in on his cards. I think it's a good solution and a good way to show intention of not falsely implying being licensed in one's new state prior to obtaining that license.

Cards are fairly cheap. Once licensed in the new state, just have new ones made reflecting that.

I assume most States require that you include your license number with the title on advertising (business cards are advertising) so if you use the Title you should include the license number that gives you the right to use it. It should be legal as long as you make it clear what State(s) you are licensed in.

Just a note you can not put RPLS on a business card in Texas unless you are registered. I don't even think you can put Surveyor at the end either. As per the ACT an individual may not represent himself as an RPLS or offer surveying services in Texas unless they are a registrant of the Texas board of Professional Surveying.

You can say you work for the company and offer services through the company you will be working for until you get registered. Good luck on your future test.

PSM

> I didn't follow the recent Florida license battle. However, like
> the ACSM title, when you put M in your title like PSM, you may think
> m for mapping expands your horizons of expertise but many times it
> invites competition for your license or association. I don't like
> to do battle with photogrammetrists or Rand McNally.

I agree with the comments about the Oregon board running someone through the wringer. In a state where I don't hold a license issued by that state, I'm just another boy with a shovel and a silly little four year degree that doesn't mean a hill of beans until I pass their exam. Keep in mind that if Texas were to disipline you for something like that, you're obligated to notify Florida.

The only surveyors who can carry their initials and work from state to state with impunity work for the Federal Government.

I wish surveying nationally would adopt a sole descriptor for attaining the rank of licensed professional, akin to PE for professional engineer. There is no doubt when someone contracts with a PE; whether in Alaska, Florida, Maine, California or wherever in the US; of what you're hiring. But RLS, RPLS, PSM, LS, PLS, PS? What's the difference? Is there a difference? Does the public know? I honestly don't even know - I'm not sure how seriously a profession is taken (by the public) when there are so many titles for the same general animal, IMO. This is not a rant on individual state licensure, but moreso on what individual states call the same professional.