The state exam is a two hour exam testing an applicant’s knowledge of the laws, procedures and practices pertaining to land surveying in North Carolina, which includes testing what a PLS can do per G. S. 89C and the incidental drainage guidelines with respect to erosion control and surface drainage. This is an open book exam consisting of 25 multiple choice questions administered at the Board office. Applicants may bring bound reference materials and a calculator as approved by NCEES (Approved Calculators).

• • State Specific Exam resources include but are not limited to:
    • Board Rules – 21 NCAC 56.1600 (Standards of Practice for Land Surveying)
    • The North Carolina Engineering and Land Surveying Act – G. S. 89C
    • Mapping Requirements for Recordable Maps – G. S. 47-30
    • “Mini-Brooks” Act – G. S. 143.64.31-34
    • Professional Corporation Act – G. S. 55B
    • Board Policies and Guidelines
      • GIS Inclusions/Exclusions Guidelines
      • Incidental Streets and Storm Sewer Systems Design
    • NCDEQ Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual
    • NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual
    • NC Geodetic Survey Development & Application of the State Plane Coordinate System
    • NCDOT Subdivision Roads Minimum Constructions Standards
    • Rational Method Hydrological Calculations

The state exam is administered four times a year:

Exam Period & Deadline for Completed Application

• February 23, 2026 / December 1st
• May 18, 2026 / April 1st
• August 24, 2026 / July 1st
• November 16, 2026 / October 1st

Computer Based State Specific Surveying Exam

TOPICS	Percent of Questions
Technical Surveying Methods and Practice	24%
Board Rules	24%
Licensing Related Statutes (16%) Practice Related Statutes and Common Law (20%)	36%
Drainage	16%

 

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