NCEES FS Exam Prep: Free Practice Questions and a 10-Week Plan
The NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam has 110 questions and 5 hours 20 minutes of exam time. Start with Question 1 below; after the 30-question set, use your misses to prioritize the official seven-area exam map and 10-week plan.
30 free FS practice questions
Question 1 · Surveying Processes and Methods
A crew collects 45 minutes of static dual-frequency GPS data on a control point. They want coordinates from NGS's Online Positioning User Service (OPUS). Which processing option accepts this file?
Answer and explanation — Question 1
Answer: D. OPUS-RS (rapid static)
NGS runs files from 15 minutes to 2 hours through its rapid-static software (OPUS-RS). Files from 2 to 48 hours go to OPUS-S. A 45-minute file fits only OPUS-RS. Rapid static also has stricter data-continuity and satellite-geometry needs, so it can fail in some remote areas.
- Why not A: 45 minutes is under OPUS-S's 2-hour minimum.
- Why not B: OPUS processes uploaded static GNSS files, not RTK sessions.
- Why not C: OPUS has no 4-hour minimum.
Source: NGS, About OPUS, accepted data durations
These are original, unofficial questions written by Castleport. They are not NCEES exam questions. The set covers all seven current NCEES knowledge areas. It includes a select-two item, an ordering item, and numeric-entry items, because the real exam mixes standard multiple choice with those formats (NCEES Examinee Guide, May 2026, §4).
Review missed questions
Lists questions whose first check was not correct, in this tab only. Nothing is saved.
Question 2 · Surveying Processes and Methods
In a regular Public Land Survey System (PLSS) township, which section lies directly south of Section 1?
Answer and explanation — Question 2
Answer: C. Section 12
Sections are numbered starting with 1 in the northeast section, then running west and east alternately. The top row reads 6-5-4-3-2-1 from west to east. The second row runs 7 through 12 from west to east, so 12 sits directly under 1.
- Why not A: Section 2 is west of Section 1.
- Why not B: Section 7 is south of Section 6, at the west edge.
- Why not D: Section 36 is the southeast corner section of the township.
Source: 43 U.S.C. § 751 (Cornell LII), section numbering; 640-acre sections
Question 3 · Surveying Processes and Methods
On a single differential-leveling setup, the backsight and foresight distances are equal. Which TWO error sources cancel? (Select two.)
Answer and explanation — Question 3
Answer: A. A consistent collimation error in the level and B. Earth curvature (you need both for credit)
With balanced sights, a tilted line of sight produces the same error in both readings, and the difference subtracts it out. Curvature affects equal-length sights equally too, so it cancels.
- Why not C: Refraction does not cancel on sloping ground, because the two lines of sight pass at different heights above the ground.
- Why not D: A rod that is not plumb always reads too high. Balancing the sights does not fix it.
Source: NOAA Manual NOS NGS 3, Geodetic Leveling (1981, reprinted 2001), §3.1.2, Figs. 3-4, 3-7, 3-8
Question 4 · Surveying Processes and Methods
In a regular (non-fractional) 640-acre section, how many acres does the NE¼ SW¼ nominally contain?
Answer and explanation — Question 4
Answer: B. 40 acres
A regular section is nominally 640 acres. A quarter section is 160 acres, and a quarter of that quarter is 40 acres. So 640 ÷ 4 ÷ 4 = 40. The NE¼ SW¼ is the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter. In a real survey, the acreage returned on the official plat controls, and fractional sections differ.
- Why not A: 10 acres would be a quarter of a quarter-quarter (for example, NE¼ NE¼ SW¼).
- Why not C: 80 acres is a half of a quarter section.
- Why not D: 160 acres is the whole SW¼, not one of its quarters.
Source: 43 U.S.C. § 751 (Cornell LII), section numbering; 640-acre sections; 43 U.S.C. § 752 (Cornell LII), "First" and "Third" rules
Question 5 · Surveying Processes and Methods
At a grade stake, the existing ground elevation is 107.65 ft and the design (finish grade) elevation is 105.20 ft. What should the stake be marked?
Answer and explanation — Question 5
Answer: A. C 2.45
Ground is higher than design, so material must be removed. That is a cut. Cut = ground − design = 107.65 − 105.20 = 2.45 ft.
- Why not B: A fill means the design is above the ground. Here the design is lower.
- Why not C: This transposes the digits of the correct cut.
- Why not D: This reads part of the design elevation as the cut or fill, and gets the direction wrong.
Source: Worked calculation shown above
Question 6 · Mapping Processes and Methods
On a 1:24,000 map, two points are 3.25 inches apart. What is the ground distance, in feet?
Enter a number (ft).
Answer and explanation — Question 6
Answer: 6,500 ft
Multiply the map distance by the scale denominator: 3.25 in × 24,000 = 78,000 in on the ground. Divide by 12 to get feet: 78,000 ÷ 12 = 6,500 ft.
- Common slip: Stopping at 78,000 and forgetting that the answer is still in inches.
Source: Worked calculation shown above
Question 7 · Mapping Processes and Methods
A planimetric map is published at 1 in = 100 ft (1:1,200). Under the U.S. National Map Accuracy Standards, no more than 10% of the well-defined points tested may be off by more than what ground distance?
Answer and explanation — Question 7
Answer: B. 3.33 ft
For publication scales larger than 1:20,000, the standard is 1/30 inch at map scale. At 1 in = 100 ft, that is 100 ft ÷ 30 = 3.33 ft.
- Why not A: This uses the 1/50-inch rule, which applies only at 1:20,000 and smaller scales.
- Why not C: Not an NMAS value at this scale.
- Why not D: Not an NMAS value at this scale.
Source: USGS, Map Accuracy (1981), reproducing the U.S. National Map Accuracy Standards (1947), NMAS items 1 and 2
Question 8 · Mapping Processes and Methods
On an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey, two boundary corners are 400 ft apart. What is the maximum allowable Relative Positional Precision between them?
Answer and explanation — Question 8
Answer: B. 0.09 ft
The standard allows 2 cm (0.07 ft) plus 50 parts per million of the direct distance between the two corners. 50 ppm × 400 ft = 0.02 ft, so 0.07 + 0.02 = 0.09 ft.
- Why not A: This leaves out the distance-based 50 ppm term.
- Why not C: This is only the 50 ppm term.
- Why not D: This misapplies the ppm term.
Source: 2021 ALTA/NSPS Minimum Standard Detail Requirements, §3.E.v (same requirement in the 2026 edition)
Question 9 · Mapping Processes and Methods
On a topographic map with a constant contour interval, the contour lines on one hillside are packed tightly together. What does that tell you?
Answer and explanation — Question 9
Answer: A. The slope there is steep
Each contour connects points of equal elevation, and the vertical spacing between contours is constant. To climb the same height in a shorter horizontal distance, the ground must be steep. So contours sit far apart on gentle slopes and close together on steep ones.
- Why not B: Gentle slopes show widely spaced contours.
- Why not C: The question says the interval is constant across the map.
- Why not D: Flat ground shows few or no contours, not many crowded ones.
Source: USGS, Topographic and Geologic Atlas explanation (1909), description of contour lines
Question 10 · Boundary Law and Real Property Principles
Over 20 years, a river slowly deposits soil against a waterfront owner's bank. Later, one flood suddenly cuts a new channel through the owner's land. Under the general common-law rule, what happens to the boundary?
Answer and explanation — Question 10
Answer: A. It moves with the gradual deposit, but not with the sudden channel change
Accretion is gradual and imperceptible, and the waterfront owner takes title to the added land. Avulsion is sudden, and the boundary stays where it was before the event. State law can vary in the details, so in practice check the controlling jurisdiction.
- Why not B: A sudden change (avulsion) does not move the boundary.
- Why not C: This reverses the rule.
- Why not D: Gradual accretion does move a water boundary.
Source: Stop the Beach Renourishment v. Florida DEP, 560 U.S. 702 (2010), opinion, accretion and avulsion discussion
Question 11 · Boundary Law and Real Property Principles
Put these deed calls in order from STRONGEST to WEAKEST when they conflict: quantity (stated area); monuments; course and distance.
Items to order: Quantity (stated area) · Monuments · Course and distance
Answer and explanation — Question 11
Answer: Monuments → Course and distance → Quantity (stated area)
Courts generally hold that quantity yields to course and distance, and course and distance yield to monuments. Stated area is usually the least reliable evidence of where the parties meant the line to be. The full ranking (natural vs. artificial monuments, adjoiners) and its exceptions depend on the jurisdiction and the evidence of intent.
- Common slip: Treating the stated acreage as controlling. Area is a result of where the lines are, not good evidence of them.
Source: Cottingham v. Parr, 93 Ill. 233 (1879), opinion
Question 12 · Boundary Law and Real Property Principles
A surveyor recovers an undisturbed original government section corner. It sits 40 ft from where the official plat's distances would place it. Which position controls?
Answer and explanation — Question 12
Answer: A. The original corner as found
Federal law makes the corners marked in the original public land surveys the proper corners. A measured or computed position does not override a recovered original monument.
- Why not B: Plat measurements are evidence of where the corner is. They do not replace an original corner that was found undisturbed.
- Why not C: Splitting the difference has no legal basis here.
- Why not D: An agreement between adjoining owners does not change the location of a recovered original government corner; separate state-law boundary doctrines can affect private boundary disputes.
Source: 43 U.S.C. § 752 (Cornell LII), "First" and "Third" rules
Question 13 · Boundary Law and Real Property Principles
A recorded instrument gives Lot A a driveway easement across Lot B for the benefit of Lot A and its successors. Lot A is sold. What happens to the easement?
Answer and explanation — Question 13
Answer: C. It transfers with Lot A
This is an easement appurtenant. Lot A is the dominant tenement (it benefits) and Lot B is the servient tenement (it carries the burden). An appurtenant easement transfers along with the dominant tenement.
- Why not A: Selling the dominant parcel does not end the easement.
- Why not B: That describes a personal right, not an easement attached to the land.
- Why not D: Lot B carries the burden. It cannot receive its own easement.
Source: Cornell LII Wex: easement, easement appurtenant
Question 14 · Boundary Law and Real Property Principles
For 25 years, a neighbor has openly farmed a strip of land owned by the person next door. The owner gave written permission at the start, never revoked it, and the neighbor never repudiated that permission. Why does an adverse possession claim most likely fail?
Answer and explanation — Question 14
Answer: D. The use was not hostile, because it began with the owner's permission
Adverse possession generally requires possession that is actual, open and notorious, exclusive, continuous, and hostile for the statutory period. "Hostile" means the possession infringes on the owner's rights. It does not mean unfriendly. Permission from the owner makes the use non-hostile while that permission continues, so the claim fails on these facts. Statutory periods and the rules for converting permissive use into adverse use vary by state.
- Why not A: The facts say the use was open.
- Why not B: Farming is a common example of actual, physical use.
- Why not C: Periods vary by state. There is no universal 20-year cap, and 25 years would meet many of them anyway.
Source: Cornell LII Wex: adverse possession, elements; hostile possession
Question 15 · Boundary Law and Real Property Principles
A grantor conveys "whatever interest I may have" in a parcel and makes no promise that the title is good. What kind of deed is this?
Answer and explanation — Question 15
Answer: C. Quitclaim deed
A quitclaim deed conveys the grantor's present interest, if any, without representing, covenanting, or warranting that the title is good.
- Why not A: A warranty deed includes promises about the title.
- Why not B: An easement grants a use right, not the grantor's whole interest.
- Why not D: A mortgage is a security interest (an encumbrance), not a conveyance of the grantor's interest.
Source: Cornell LII Wex: quitclaim deed, definition
Question 16 · Surveying Principles
GNSS gives an ellipsoid height (h) of 152.374 m. The geoid height (N) at the point is −28.512 m. What is the orthometric height (H)?
Answer and explanation — Question 16
Answer: B. 180.886 m
Use H = h − N. H = 152.374 − (−28.512) = 180.886 m. In the conterminous United States, the geoid lies below the ellipsoid, so N is negative.
- Why not A: This adds N instead of subtracting it.
- Why not C: This ignores the geoid height.
- Why not D: This is the geoid height itself.
Source: NGS, Converting GPS Height into NAVD88 Elevation with the GEOID96 Geoid Height Model, h = H + N
Question 17 · Surveying Principles
A magnetic azimuth is 40°15′. The local declination is 9°30′ W. What is the true azimuth?
Answer and explanation — Question 17
Answer: A. 30°45′
True = magnetic + declination, with east declination positive and west negative. 40°15′ + (−9°30′) = 30°45′.
- Why not B: This treats the west declination as east.
- Why not C: This ignores declination.
- Why not D: This is the declination itself.
Source: NOAA NCEI, Magnetic Declination, sign convention; magnetic-to-true conversion
Question 18 · Surveying Principles
A measured horizontal ground distance is 1,000.00 ft. The combined factor (grid scale factor × elevation factor) is 0.999875. What is the grid distance?
Answer and explanation — Question 18
Answer: A. 999.88 ft
Grid distance = ground distance × combined factor = 1,000.00 × 0.999875 = 999.875, which rounds to 999.88 ft.
- Why not B: This divides by the factor, which is the grid-to-ground direction.
- Why not C: This ignores the factor.
- Why not D: This misreads the factor.
Source: Dennis, NGS, The Future is Here: Introducing the State Plane Coordinate System of 2022 (2023), grid vs. ground; combined factor
Question 19 · Surveying Principles
Which of these is the official vertical datum of the U.S. National Spatial Reference System, used for elevations?
Answer and explanation — Question 19
Answer: A. NAVD 88
NAVD 88 (North American Vertical Datum of 1988) remains the official vertical datum for federal civilian surveying and mapping in the conterminous United States and Alaska.
- Why not B: NAD 83 is the horizontal (geometric) datum.
- Why not C: WGS 84 is a global reference system used by GPS, not the official U.S. vertical datum.
- Why not D: State Plane is a map projection system built on a datum. It is not a datum itself.
Source: NGS, Datums, NAD 83 and NAVD 88
Question 20 · Survey Computations and Computer Applications
A closed traverse has a perimeter of 2,400.00 ft. The latitudes sum to +0.12 ft and the departures sum to −0.09 ft. What is the relative precision?
Answer and explanation — Question 20
Answer: B. 1:16,000
Linear misclosure = √(0.12² + 0.09²) = 0.15 ft. Relative precision = 2,400 ÷ 0.15 = 1:16,000.
- Why not A: Not the result of any correct step.
- Why not C: This uses only the latitude error (2,400 ÷ 0.12).
- Why not D: This uses only the departure error (2,400 ÷ 0.09).
Source: Worked calculation shown above
Question 21 · Survey Computations and Computer Applications
A simple circular curve has a radius of 500.00 ft and a central angle of 30°00′. What is the arc length of the curve?
Answer and explanation — Question 21
Answer: C. 261.80 ft
L = R × Δ (in radians) = 500 × 0.523599 = 261.80 ft.
- Why not A: This is the tangent length, T = R tan(Δ/2).
- Why not B: This is the long chord, 2R sin(Δ/2).
- Why not D: This is 2T, twice the tangent.
Source: Caltrans, Bridge Design Details, Chapter 2 (June 2025), Attachments C, D, E
Question 22 · Survey Computations and Computer Applications
A 400-ft symmetrical vertical curve joins a +3.00% grade to a −1.00% grade. How far from the beginning of the curve (BVC) is the high point, in feet?
Enter a number (ft).
Answer and explanation — Question 22
Answer: 300 ft
The high point is where the grade on the curve reaches zero: x = g₁L ÷ (g₁ − g₂) = 3 × 400 ÷ (3 − (−1)) = 300 ft. It is not at the middle of the curve, because the two grades are not equal and opposite.
- Common slip: Assuming the high point is at the midpoint (200 ft).
Source: Caltrans, Bridge Design Details, Chapter 2 (June 2025), Attachments C, D, E
Question 23 · Survey Computations and Computer Applications
A benchmark has an elevation of 100.00 ft. The backsight on it reads 5.42 ft, and the foresight on a turning point reads 3.17 ft. What is the turning point's elevation, in feet?
Enter a number (ft).
Answer and explanation — Question 23
Answer: 102.25 ft
Height of instrument (HI) = benchmark elevation + backsight = 100.00 + 5.42 = 105.42 ft. Turning point elevation = HI − foresight = 105.42 − 3.17 = 102.25 ft.
- Common slip: Adding the foresight (giving 108.59) or subtracting the backsight first.
Source: Worked calculation shown above; NOAA Manual NOS NGS 3, Geodetic Leveling (1981, reprinted 2001), §3.1.2, Figs. 3-4, 3-7, 3-8
Question 24 · Survey Computations and Computer Applications
A parcel has corners at (E, N) = (0, 0), (200, 0), (200, 150), and (50, 150), in feet. What is its area?
Answer and explanation — Question 24
Answer: B. 26,250 sq ft
Use the coordinate (shoelace) method. Sum (Eᵢ × Nᵢ₊₁ − Eᵢ₊₁ × Nᵢ) around the parcel: (0×0 − 200×0) + (200×150 − 200×0) + (200×150 − 50×150) + (50×0 − 0×150) = 0 + 30,000 + 22,500 + 0 = 52,500. Area = 52,500 ÷ 2 = 26,250 sq ft. Check: it is a trapezoid with parallel sides of 200 ft and 150 ft and a height of 150 ft, so (200 + 150) ÷ 2 × 150 = 26,250 sq ft.
- Why not A: This is 150 × 150, which ignores the extra 50 ft along the bottom side.
- Why not C: This is the full 200 × 150 rectangle around the parcel.
- Why not D: This forgets to divide the shoelace sum by 2.
Source: Worked calculation shown above
Question 25 · Business Concepts
Your crew needs to take shots inside a trench that is 6 ft deep and dug in soil, not stable rock. Under OSHA's excavation rule, what is required before anyone enters?
Answer and explanation — Question 25
Answer: D. An adequate protective system against cave-ins
OSHA requires an adequate protective system for each employee in an excavation. The only exceptions are excavations entirely in stable rock, or those less than 5 ft deep where a competent person finds no sign of a potential cave-in. Neither exception fits a 6-ft trench in soil.
- Why not A: The rule has no exception for short visits.
- Why not B: 20 ft is not the trigger. Protection is required from 5 ft (and sometimes shallower).
- Why not C: Personal protective equipment does not protect against a cave-in.
Source: OSHA, 29 CFR 1926.652, paragraph (a)(1)
Question 26 · Business Concepts
A surveyor mislabels a bearing on a recorded plat. The client catches it before any lot is sold or built on, and a corrected plat is recorded at no cost to the client. If the client sued for negligence, which element would they most likely fail to prove?
Answer and explanation — Question 26
Answer: C. Harm (damages)
Negligence typically requires a duty, a breach, harm, and causation. Here there was a duty and a breach, but the error was fixed before anyone suffered a loss.
- Why not A: A professional surveyor owes the client a duty of care.
- Why not B: Mislabeling the bearing is the breach.
- Why not D: The facts say the surveyor prepared it.
Source: Cornell LII Wex: negligence, elements
Question 27 · Business Concepts
Which of these is NOT one of the basic elements of an enforceable contract?
Answer and explanation — Question 27
Answer: D. A notarized signature
The basic elements are mutual assent, consideration, capacity, and a lawful purpose. Notarization is not one of them. Some kinds of contracts must be in writing, but that is a separate question from notarization.
- Why not A: Mutual assent is a basic element.
- Why not B: Consideration (something of value exchanged) is a basic element.
- Why not C: Capacity (legal ability to contract) is a basic element.
Source: Cornell LII Wex: contract, elements of an enforceable contract
Question 28 · Applied Mathematics and Statistics
A line is taped in four independent segments. Each segment has a standard error of ±0.02 ft. What is the standard error of the total length?
Answer and explanation — Question 28
Answer: B. ±0.04 ft
For a sum of independent measurements, the standard errors add as a root sum of squares: σ = √(0.02² × 4) = 0.02 × √4 = ±0.04 ft.
- Why not A: This ignores that four errors combine.
- Why not C: This adds the errors straight through (a worst case), not as random errors.
- Why not D: This divides instead of combining.
Source: NIST/SEMATECH e-Handbook of Statistical Methods, §2.5.5, propagation of error
Question 29 · Applied Mathematics and Statistics
A digital elevation model's vertical RMSE against independent checkpoints is 0.15 ft. Under the National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy, what vertical accuracy is reported at the 95% confidence level?
Answer and explanation — Question 29
Answer: C. 0.29 ft
Vertical accuracy = 1.9600 × RMSE_z = 1.96 × 0.15 = 0.294, which rounds to 0.29 ft.
- Why not A: This reports the RMSE, not the 95% accuracy.
- Why not B: This uses 1.7308, the horizontal factor.
- Why not D: This simply doubles the RMSE.
Source: FGDC-STD-007.3-1998, Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standards Part 3: NSSDA (copy hosted by Purdue University), Appendix 3-A, Section 2
Question 30 · Applied Mathematics and Statistics
An old record gives a distance of 10,000.000 U.S. survey feet. What is that distance in international feet?
Answer and explanation — Question 30
Answer: C. 10,000.020 ft
A U.S. survey foot is 1200/3937 m (about 0.3048006 m). An international foot is exactly 0.3048 m. So 10,000 × (1200/3937) ÷ 0.3048 = 10,000.020 ft. The survey foot is slightly longer, so the same distance takes slightly more international feet. The U.S. survey foot was deprecated after December 31, 2022, but you will still meet it in older records and NAD 83 state plane work.
- Why not A: This converts in the wrong direction.
- Why not B: This ignores the 2 parts-per-million difference.
- Why not D: This overstates the difference by a factor of 10.
Source: NIST, U.S. Survey Foot, definitions and 2022 deprecation
Score your set
Count your misses in each area. That tells you where to start the plan below.
| Knowledge area | Questions in this set | Your misses |
|---|---|---|
| Surveying Processes and Methods | 1–5 | ___ of 5 |
| Mapping Processes and Methods | 6–9 | ___ of 4 |
| Boundary Law and Real Property Principles | 10–15 | ___ of 6 |
| Surveying Principles | 16–19 | ___ of 4 |
| Survey Computations and Computer Applications | 20–24 | ___ of 5 |
| Business Concepts | 25–27 | ___ of 3 |
| Applied Mathematics and Statistics | 28–30 | ___ of 3 |
Your score here is feedback on these 30 questions only. It is not an NCEES scaled score, and it can't tell you whether you'd pass. With three to six questions per area, one lucky guess or one slip moves an area a lot. Treat a miss as a pointer to a topic, and re-check that topic with more problems before deciding it's a weakness.
What is on the NCEES FS exam?
| NCEES knowledge area | Questions on the exam |
|---|---|
| Surveying Processes and Methods | 16–24 |
| Mapping Processes and Methods | 14–21 |
| Boundary Law and Real Property Principles | 19–29 |
| Surveying Principles | 13–20 |
| Survey Computations and Computer Applications | 17–26 |
| Business Concepts | 11–17 |
| Applied Mathematics and Statistics | 10–15 |
These are the official ranges from the NCEES FS CBT Exam Specifications (effective with the July 2020 exams). Your exam's count for each area falls somewhere inside its range. Boundary law and computations have the widest ranges, but even the smallest area is worth 10 or more questions.
Your 10-week FS study plan
This plan assumes about 8 hours a week, roughly 80 hours in total. NCEES doesn't set a required study time; this is our editorial plan, and it isn't a promise of a result. Practice every problem with your exam calculator and the on-screen FS Reference Handbook, not a printed formula sheet.
| Week | Focus | What to do | Done when |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Setup + Applied Mathematics and Statistics | Download the current FS Reference Handbook from MyNCEES. Take the 30 questions above cold and fill in the score table. Review trigonometry, analytic geometry, mean and standard deviation, and error propagation. | You can find every formula you used this week in the handbook in under a minute. |
| 2 | Survey Computations I | Coordinate geometry, inverse computations, traverse closure and compass-rule adjustment, area by coordinates. | You can solve 10 mixed traverse and area problems at roughly 3 minutes each. |
| 3 | Survey Computations II | Horizontal and vertical curves, differential and trigonometric leveling, earthwork volumes, slopes and grades, least-squares concepts. | You can work curve and leveling problems from the handbook alone, without notes. |
| 4 | Surveying Principles | Geodesy basics, datums, ellipsoid vs. orthometric heights, state plane grid vs. ground, convergence, magnetic declination. | You can explain H = h − N and grid vs. ground in plain words to someone else. |
| 5 | Boundary Law I | Land descriptions, controlling elements and priority of calls, simultaneous vs. sequential conveyances, metes and bounds, PLSS law. | You can rank conflicting calls and explain why in five written boundary scenarios. |
| 6 | Boundary Law II | Easements, adverse possession, water boundaries (accretion, reliction, avulsion), encumbrances, deeds and chain of title, sources of law. | You can define every term in this area of the NCEES specification from memory. |
| 7 | Surveying Processes and Methods | Instruments, GNSS (static, RTK, OPUS), control and topographic surveys, construction layout, land development, field records. | You can pick and defend a survey method for 10 project scenarios. |
| 8 | Mapping + supplied standards | Map types, CAD and GIS, digital terrain models, photogrammetry and remote sensing. Review the structure of all six supplied standards at their exam editions and practice finding the sections you are most likely to use. | You can locate a specific requirement in each supplied standard quickly. |
| 9 | Business Concepts + mixed practice | Contracts, liability, safety, ethics, supervision, project records. Then mixed, timed sets across all seven areas. | Your mixed-set results match or beat your week 1 results in every area. |
| 10 | Timed simulation + taper | One long timed sitting under exam conditions: answer every question, submit about halfway, take the break. Review every miss. Go light in the last two days. | You finish on time with every question answered. |
If you have less time
- 6 to 8 weeks: Combine weeks 2–3, 5–6, and 7–8. Keep a mixed, timed set every week.
- 3 to 5 weeks: Start from your misses on the 30 questions. Put your time into computation speed, boundary law and PLSS, and handbook and standards lookup.
- Under 3 weeks: Don't try to cover everything once. Work mixed timed sets, review every miss against the handbook or source, and repeat.
Adjust the plan to your background
These are editorial starting points, not rules.
| Your situation | Move these earlier |
|---|---|
| Experienced field surveyor, rusty on academics | Computations, math and statistics, geodesy |
| Recent graduate, little boundary experience | Boundary law, PLSS, evidence and controlling calls |
| Strong at calculations, slow on GIS and geodesy terms | Mapping, surveying principles, handbook lookup |
| Retaking the exam | Your NCEES diagnostic report (see below) |
If you're retaking the FS
If you didn't pass, NCEES gives you a diagnostic report. It shows your performance in each knowledge area as a scaled score from 0 to 15, compared with the average performance of passing examinees. It doesn't show how many questions you got right (NCEES Examinee Guide, May 2026, §6 and sample report).
Rebuild the plan around it:
- List the areas where you were furthest below the passing average.
- Weigh how many questions each area carries, too. NCEES's own sample report gives a large area extra focus even when its gap is smaller, because there are more points to gain there.
- Give areas near or above the passing average a general review, not a full rebuild.
- Use your misses on the 30 questions above as a second signal, not a score conversion.
For how soon you can test again, see our NCEES exam retake policy guide.
The references you get on exam day
The FS exam is closed book. You get an electronic reference on screen instead (FS CBT Exam Specifications).
The FS Reference Handbook. NCEES supplies the current version on screen as a searchable PDF, on a 24-inch monitor with room for both the question and the reference. You can download the same current version free from your MyNCEES dashboard. Ctrl+F doesn't work in the exam software; you use the search box on the left side of the reference (NCEES Examinee Guide, May 2026, §3).
Six supplied standards. NCEES also supplies these standards as searchable PDFs. Only one document can be open at a time. Answers to questions that reference a standard of practice are scored on the edition listed, and answers based on other editions get no credit (FS CBT Exam Specifications, standards page).
| Supplied standard | Edition on the exam | Look here for |
|---|---|---|
| ALTA/NSPS Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys | 2021 | Land title survey requirements, Relative Positional Precision, Table A items |
| FEMA Elevation Certificate and Instructions | 2023 | Elevation certificate sections and how to complete them |
| FGCS Specifications and Procedures to Incorporate Electronic Digital/Bar-Code Leveling Systems, Section 3.5 Geodetic Leveling | 2004 | Geodetic leveling procedures |
| FGDC Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standards | Parts 1–3: 1998; Part 4: 2002; Part 5: 2005 | Positional accuracy reporting, including the NSSDA in Part 3 |
| NSPS Model Standards, Sections A–H | 2002 | Model standards of practice |
| U.S. National Map Accuracy Standards | 1947 | Horizontal and vertical map accuracy tests |
Watch the editions. The ALTA/NSPS standards were updated again, and the 2026 edition took effect on February 23, 2026 (2026 ALTA/NSPS Standards, §3.A). The FS exam still lists the 2021 edition. If you study ALTA from a current work copy, check anything you rely on against the 2021 text.
Datums. NAD 83 and NAVD 88 remain the current official NSRS geometric and vertical datums for the conterminous United States and Alaska (NGS Datums). NGS says the modernized NSRS components—including NATRF2022, NAPGD2022, and SPCS2022—are still beta products and are not yet final or official; NGS currently anticipates asking the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee to approve the modernized NSRS in mid-2027 (NGS New Datums FAQ). Learn the current datums for the exam, and recheck NGS status if you test after the modernized NSRS becomes official.
A 20-minute weekly lookup drill
Knowing where to find something beats memorizing it, as long as you can also use what you find. This is our practice routine, not an NCEES rule.
- Pick five terms or formulas from this week's topic.
- Search for each one in the handbook or the right standard, using the search box rather than scrolling.
- Write down the search word that found it fastest.
- Solve one problem with each formula or rule you found.
- Mark any search that took more than about 45 seconds, and repeat it next week.
Don't memorize page numbers. They can move between handbook versions.
Do I need to memorize formulas?
Not all of them, but you need enough to recognize which method a question calls for and to sanity-check your answer. A formula you can find but can't apply won't earn the point, and neither will one you memorized but misapply with the wrong units. Train with the same on-screen references you'll have on exam day.
Exam-day facts that change how you practice
| Item | What NCEES says | What it means for your prep |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 110 (FS exam page) | Build stamina with long mixed sets, not just short drills. |
| Exam time | 5 hours 20 minutes (Examinee Guide, Appendix) | That's about 2.9 minutes per question on average (320 ÷ 110). It's a rough planning number; real questions vary. |
| Appointment | 5 hours 55 minutes: 2-minute nondisclosure agreement, 8-minute tutorial, the exam, and a 25-minute scheduled break (Examinee Guide, Appendix). The FS exam page rounds this to 6 hours. | Plan for a full working day at the test center. |
| Two sections | After about half the questions, you review and submit them, and you can't go back to them. The scheduled break comes next. Unscheduled breaks come out of your exam time (Examinee Guide, §4). | Finish your review of the first half before submitting it. Practice in two halves. |
| Question types | Standard multiple choice plus multiple correct, point-and-click, drag-and-drop, and fill-in-the-blank. No partial credit. Some unscored pretest questions are mixed in and can't be identified (Examinee Guide, §4). | Read "select all" questions carefully. Every answer must be fully right. |
| Scoring | Your result is based on the number of correct answers, with no deduction for wrong answers. It's converted to a scaled score. NCEES doesn't publish the passing score (NCEES Exam Scoring). | Answer every question. Ignore any website that claims a fixed passing percentage. |
| Results | Typically 7–10 days, reported as pass or fail (NCEES Exam Scoring). | — |
| Calculator | For 2026 exams: Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models, HP 33s and HP 35s only, and TI-30X and TI-36X models. One calculator in the room. An on-screen TI-30XS is also available (NCEES calculator policy; Examinee Guide, §3). | Pick your calculator now and do every practice problem on it. NCEES reviews this list every year. |
| Scratch paper | Two reusable booklets and three markers from Pearson (Examinee Guide, §3) | Practice with a marker and a booklet-sized workspace at least once. |
Before you book
- Eligibility is set by your state board, not NCEES. Some boards let FS candidates register directly with NCEES, and others require a board application first. Pick your state on the NCEES FS exam page to see its rule.
- Register and pay in MyNCEES. The FS fee is $225 per attempt, paid to NCEES; your board may charge its own fee. Once you're authorized to schedule, you have 12 months to test (Examinee Guide, §1). Step-by-step help: NCEES exam registration guide.
- Testing windows. You can take the FS once per quarterly window (January–March, April–June, July–September, October–December) and no more than three times in any 12 months. Some boards are stricter (Examinee Guide, §2). Details: NCEES exam retake policy guide.
- Accommodations must be requested during registration. See our NCEES exam accommodations guide.
- After the exam: see our NCEES exam results guide.
FAQ
How many hours should I study for the FS exam?
NCEES doesn't publish a recommended number. Our plan assumes about 80 hours over 10 weeks. Adjust it with evidence: if your mixed-set results stop improving in an area, give it more time.
Can I take the FS before I graduate?
Often, yes. NCEES describes the FS as designed for recent graduates and for students close to finishing a surveying degree. Whether you can sit for it depends on your board's rules (NCEES FS exam page).
Is there an official FS practice exam?
Yes. NCEES sells an FS Interactive Practice Exam for $50 through MyNCEES. It has 50 questions, an optional timed mode, immediate solution review, and results by content area (NCEES announcement, September 2025; NCEES exam prep store). It's optional. Castleport has no relationship with NCEES and earns nothing from this link.
What score do I need to pass?
NCEES doesn't publish one. Your number of correct answers is converted to a scaled score and compared with the standard set by subject-matter experts. First-time and repeat takers are held to the same standard (NCEES Exam Scoring).
Sources
NCEES (checked October 11, 2026)
- NCEES FS Exam: format, fee, state registration rules
- FS CBT Exam Specifications: knowledge areas, question ranges, supplied standards (effective with the July 2020 exams)
- NCEES Examinee Guide, May 2026: fees, timing, testing windows, references, question types, scoring, diagnostic reports
- NCEES Exam Scoring: scoring and result timing
- NCEES Exams page (calculator policy): 2026 approved calculators
- NCEES FS Interactive Practice Exam announcement and store listing
Standards and datums
- 2021 ALTA/NSPS Minimum Standard Detail Requirements and 2026 edition
- NGS Datums and NGS New Datums FAQ
Each practice question lists the source for its underlying rule or formula with its explanation.
How we made this page. The Castleport Test Prep Editorial Team checked every exam fact against the NCEES documents above on October 11, 2026. We wrote the practice questions from scratch, solved each one independently, checked the arithmetic, and tied each answer to a public primary source or a worked calculation. This is a source check, not a review by a licensed surveyor.
Castleport Test Prep is an independent exam prep publisher. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), Pearson VUE, or any state licensing board. The practice questions on this page are original and unofficial; they are not NCEES exam questions. Exam and credential names are used only to identify their subjects, and trademarks belong to their respective owners. This page does not guarantee an exam result, eligibility, or licensure.