Professional Land Surveyor or the designation “P.L.S.” is the title used in North Dakota by individuals qualified to practice land surveying. In North Dakota, the use of the title Professional Land Surveyor or the initials “P.L.S.” can only be legally used by individuals who have been given a Professional Land Surveying license by the North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
A person licensed as a Professional Land Surveyor has demonstrated to the Board that they have the proper combination of education and experience to practice land surveying. Additionally, a land surveyor must pass two 8-hour exams and a 2-hour exam on North Dakota laws before they may become licensed. Qualifying for a license takes at least 8 years to acquire the appropriate education and experience. Stringent requirements have been established to make sure that only qualified individuals become licensed.