This chapter contains rules and procedures for applications, eligibility to take the fundamentals of land surveying examination, and to apply for a land surveyor-in-training certificate.

Eligibility for taking the fundamentals of land surveying exam requires completion and verification of four years of experience. These four years can be achieved through board approved education; board approved practical experience or a combination of both. All applications must be completed in accordance with instructions provided by the board. Once an applicant is notified of board approval to sit for the fundamentals of surveying examination they will be instructed to schedule their examination with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Qualifying practical experience must be in the form of broad based, progressive learning in the fundamental knowledge of land surveying theory and practice. Practical experience must be under the direct supervision of a person authorized to practice land surveying by a board recognized authority. The breadth of experience, while not limited to, shall include:

(1) Performing complex survey calculations;

(2) Conducting boundary and corner research;

(3) Preparing and using property descriptions;

(4) Understanding and applying fundamental boundary and topographic principles;

(5) Making and/or analyzing horizontal and vertical control measurements; and

(6) Being skilled in survey equipment care and usage.

Practical experience gained while enrolled in a board approved curriculum will be considered as part of the educational process and not be recognized as separate experience. No more than one year of experience will be granted for one calendar year.

All applicants are required to have official transcripts submitted to the board to obtain maximum educational experience credit. Applicants enrolled in a school or college that have achieved senior standing in a baccalaureate curriculum in land surveying approved by the board are eligible to take the fundamentals-of-land surveying examination.

Qualifying educational experience may be:

(1) A baccalaureate degree in land surveying from a board approved curriculum for up to four years; or

(2) An associate degree in land surveying from a board approved curriculum for up to two years; or

(3) Each year of qualifying board approved coursework in land surveying, without a degree, that will be evaluated for relevancy and equivalency to a structured curriculum for up to one year;

(4) A postgraduate degree approved by the board for up to one year.

To obtain certification as a land surveyor-in-training in Washington you must pass the fundamentals of surveying exam and submit an application to the board showing you meet the requirements listed in WAC 196-21-020 and 196-21-025.