A land surveyor is a professional who measures and maps the boundaries of land, creating accurate legal descriptions used for a variety of purposes, including property deeds, construction plans, and land use planning. Land surveyors are essential to the development and management of land, ensuring that property lines are clearly defined and disputes are minimized. Becoming a licensed land surveyor in Georgia requires education, experience, and examinations. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to embark on this rewarding career path.

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Defining Land Surveying and Professional Importance

Land surveying is the science and art of determining the boundaries and dimensions of land and the improvements thereon by applying the principles of surveying. Licensed land surveyors are professionals who use specialized equipment and techniques to measure angles, distances, and elevations. They create maps, plats, and other documents that accurately depict the physical features of a property and its legal boundaries. These professionals play a vital role in a variety of industries, including real estate, construction, engineering, and land development.

Educational Requirements

The first step towards becoming a land surveyor in Georgia is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in surveying or a related field from an accredited institution. The coursework will cover the fundamentals of surveying, including boundary law, geometry, trigonometry, and computer-aided drafting. Practical experience is also an important component of the educational process, and many programs offer internships or work-study opportunities to give students hands-on experience in the field.

Gaining Professional Experience

After completing your education, you will need to gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed land surveyor. This experience must be acquired in Georgia and must meet the requirements outlined by the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BPR).

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Passing the Fundamentals of Surveying Exam

The next step is to pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). This exam tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of surveying, including mathematics, surveying theory, and surveying computations. Upon passing the FS exam, you will earn the title of Survey Intern.

Earning Continuing Education Credits

As a Survey Intern, you must complete 24 semester hours of continuing education in surveying and related subjects, as approved by the BPR. These courses can be taken through universities, community colleges, or online providers.

Passing the Professional Land Surveyor Exam

Once you have met the education and experience requirements, you can apply to take the Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) exam. The PLS exam is administered by the NCEES and covers the principles and practices of boundary surveying as well as the laws and regulations governing land surveying in Georgia.

Obtaining your License

After passing the PLS exam, you will need to apply for a license from the Georgia BPR. To qualify for licensure, you must be at least 18 years old, have a bachelor’s degree in surveying or a related field from an accredited institution, have at least 4 years of qualifying experience, and have passed the FS and PLS exams.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

Land surveyors are in high demand in Georgia and across the country. The job outlook is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years due to increasing demand for land development and construction. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for land surveyors in Georgia is $67,850, with the top 10% earning over $103,220.

How To Become A Land Surveyor In Georgia

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed land surveyor in Georgia is a rewarding career path that offers a variety of opportunities for professional growth and financial success. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can gain the necessary education, experience, and certifications to excel in this field.