What is a Professional Land Surveyor?

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.

A Professional Land Surveyor is bound by law to the highest standards of integrity, competency and ethical conduct. The sole function of licensing Professional Land Surveyors is to protect YOU. The laws that established license requirements tell the Board to protect “the health, safety and welfare of the public.”

 

If you are planning a project that requires the practice of land surveying or if you come into contact with someone who calls themselves a land surveyor, make sure they are licensed before you commit. This web site has a searchable roster feature so you can check the name of the individual you are in contact with and the Board office staff is always able to assist you and answer questions about license requirements.

Make sure they are licensed before you commit.