How to Become a Land Surveyor in Illinois
In Illinois, state law requires a land surveyor to meet certain criteria in order to perform certain land surveying tasks. The required qualifications are written into the state's administrative laws as part of the Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act. In addition to the required steps, individuals wishing to become a land surveyor in Illinois are encouraged to take other steps. These steps make it easier for someone to land an entry-level job as a land surveyor.
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Instructions
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Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
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Complete a bachelor's degree in land surveying or in a related science with at least 24 hours of surveying courses from an accredited college or university.
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Apply for a surveyor-in-training license by completing the written or online application. The application is available from the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation website (see References).
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Apply for and pass the state exam for licensure as a surveyor-in-training. The exam application is also available on the Division of Professional Regulation website.
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Complete four years of work as a surveyor-in-training under the direct supervision of a professional land surveyor.
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Apply for a Professional Land Surveyor license through the state and fill out the exam application.
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Pass the state test for licensure as a professional land surveyor.
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Send a request for a Certificate of Licensure by mail to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation, 320 W. Washington St., Third Floor, Springfield, IL 62786
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Find a surveyor job or start your own surveying business.
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Tips & Warnings
The four years of Surveyor-in-Training work can take place once a student has completed 24 hours of land surveying courses at an accredited institution. But the person is not eligible for a professional license as a land surveyor until he has completed the bachelor's degree requirement.
You are allowed to work as a licensed land surveyor once you have passed the test even if you do not have a copy of your license, but you might wish to obtain the certificate as a means of verifying your qualifications for a prospective client or employer.
Working as a land surveyor without proper licensing can result in civil and criminal penalties in Illinois.
Be sure the school you attend is accredited before you pay your tuition and, certainly, before you graduate. If it is not accredited, the state can deny your license application.
