PS (Principles And Practice Of Surveying) Exam Tutors

Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam is an 80‑question, 8‑hour, computer‑based assessment administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Candidates tackle 80 multiple‑choice items over two four‑hour sessions, covering boundary surveys, topographic mapping, construction layout and error analysis. Successful completion is mandatory for Professional Land Surveyor licensure in most U.S. states.

Popular alternative names include: • NCEES PS Exam • Professional Surveying Exam • Surveying Principles Test • PS Licensure Exam

Major topics/subjects in PS Exam: Boundary Law and Legal Descriptions – interpreting deeds, metes and bounds in real projects like subdividing farmland. Geodesy and Datum Transformation – converting GPS coordinates to local state plane systems. Measurement and Computation – using total stations, levels and electronic distance meters; error propagation. Mapping and Plan Preparation – drafting plat maps with CAD or GIS (Geographic Information System) software for city planning. Construction Surveying – setting grades and stakes on a highway job site. Adjustment Computations – least‑squares analysis to refine network accuracy.

A brief history of most important events in PS Exam: First offered in the early 1960s as a paper‑based test by state boards, the PS exam standardized licensure across the U.S. In 2011, NCEES introduced a computer‑based platform, reducing exam windows and speeding results. The 2015 specification update added digital data handling and modern survey techniques. Remote proctoring pilots began in 2020 during the pandemic, giving more scheduling flexibility. Recent content revisions now emphasize UAV/drone surveys and GIS integration, reflecting field practice. It tests your knowlege of boundary law and hands‑on skills, mirroring real‑life tasks faced by licensed surveyors.

If you need help with the PS (Principles and Practice of Surveying) exam, MEB offers one‑on‑one online PS exam tutoring.

If you are a school, college, or university student and want top grades in your assignments, lab reports, live tests, projects, essays, or dissertations, try our 24/7 PS exam homework help service. We like to use WhatsApp chat, but if you don’t use it, just email us at meb@myengineeringbuddy.com.

Although our services are open to everyone, most of our students are in the USA, Canada, the UK, the Gulf, Europe, and Australia.

Students come to us because: • The subject is hard to learn • There are too many assignments • Questions and ideas are too complex • They have health or personal issues • They have learning challenges • They work part‑time or miss classes • They fall behind the tutor’s pace

If you are a parent and your ward is finding this subject difficult, contact us today. Help your ward ace exams and homework—they will thank you!

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The PS exam is a unique test that covers both theory and hands‑on practice in surveying. It blends geometry, data analysis, legal rules, precise measurements and real field projects. You learn to use total stations, GPS, mapping software like CAD and GIS, and calculate elevation, area or distance. Unlike purely written exams, PS tests your skill at gathering and plotting real data accurately.

One big advantage is the strong practical skill set you gain, which employers value for land development, construction and mapping jobs. The PS exam also has clear scoring and ties directly to real‑world tasks. On the downside, it involves heavy field work, weather challenges and a steep learning curve for instruments and software. Compared to theory‑only subjects, PS demands physical measurement chores but boosts on‑site readiness.

After passing the Principles and Practice of Surveying exam, many students pursue advanced degrees in geomatics, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing or urban planning. Master’s programs focus on modern tools like drones, LiDAR and 3D modeling. Recent trends show growing emphasis on sustainable land use and smart‑city mapping.

Career scope for licensed surveyors is expanding in construction, renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Governments and private firms need surveyors to plan roads, wind farms and pipelines. The rise of digital twins and building information modeling (BIM) also creates new roles in site monitoring and asset management.

Popular job roles include boundary surveyor, who defines legal land lines; topographic surveyor, who maps terrain; construction surveyor, who sets out building points; and GIS analyst, who processes spatial data. Work often alternates between field measurements using GPS or total stations and office tasks with CAD or GIS software.

Test preparation for this exam deepens your understanding of measurement theory, mapping law and safety standards. Effective prep sharpens problem‑solving skills, boosts confidence and reduces errors on exam day. Earning a surveying license enhances credibility, leads to higher pay and unlocks professional growth.

Start by mapping out the PS exam topics: boundary surveying, geodesy, GPS, level networks, error analysis, mapping, and legal principles. Gather the official NCEES exam specifications, choose a primary reference manual, and make a weekly study plan. Tackle one topic at a time, read the theory, work through example problems, and use flashcards for key formulas. Take timed practice exams every two weeks, review all mistakes, and focus extra time on weak spots as you get closer to test day.

The PS exam covers a lot of technical math, field procedures, and legal rules, so many find it challenging at first. With steady study—six to eight hours a week—and regular problem solving, you can master the core ideas. Over time, practicing real exam questions will build confidence and show you that the test is tough but beatable with persistence.

You can self‑study if you’re disciplined, can follow structured books, and know how to check your own work. However, a tutor can speed up your progress by explaining tricky concepts, showing shortcuts, and keeping you on track. If you often get stuck on certain problems or struggle to set a study schedule, one‑on‑one guidance can make a big difference in both speed and confidence.

MEB offers personalized online 1:1 tutoring with experienced surveyors who know the PS exam inside out. We’ll help you build a clear study plan, explain tough topics step by step, and provide extra practice problems. Our tutors are on call 24/7 for last‑minute questions, and we also support your assignment and project work at an affordable fee so you never feel stranded.

Most candidates spend about 2–4 months preparing if they already have a surveying or civil engineering background, studying around 10–15 hours per week. Beginners or those who need more refresher work should allow 4–6 months of regular study. Adjust your timeline based on how quickly you master each topic and how many practice exams you need to feel ready.

Try these: YouTube: PPI2PASS, Surveying Channel; websites: ncees.org (exam guide), SurveyorConnect.com, GISGeography.com. Books: “Principles and Practice of Surveying Reference Manual” by NCEES; “Elementary Surveying” (Wolf & Ghilani); “Surveying for Technicians” (Davies). Use online quizzes at SurveyingExam.com. Check free video series on Civil Engineering Academy. Join Facebook groups like “Surveying Exam Prep.” Download flashcard apps like SurveyPrep and mobile calculators like iSurvey for quick review.

College students, parents, and tutors from the USA, Canada, UK, Gulf regions—if you need a helping hand, be it online 1:1 24/7 tutoring or assignment assistance—our tutors at MEB can help at an affordable fee.