Online Land Surveying Certification Programs

<p>Online certification programs specifically for land surveying are rare, but graduate certificate programs in related fields like geographic information science are available online. Training for land surveying may take the form of certification classes enveloped in a degree program, independent land surveying classes or a land surveying certificate program. You may earn a Geographic Information Science Certificate, a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or a Professional Land Surveying Certificate. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Graduate certificates are available online; non-graduate certificate programs are rare to find online</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Prerequisites</b></td><td> Typically, bachelor's degree in surveying or surveying technology or minimum educational requirements in ABET accredited program; relevant work experience;</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Geomatics, global positioning systems, civil engineering, geographic modeling, land surveying</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certification and Licensure</b></td><td> Certification may be a prerequisite for licensure in some states; surveyors must be licensed to work</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td>$65,590 (for surveyors)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td>2% (for surveyors)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoINeedToEnroll">What Do I Need to Enroll?</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that most surveyors need a bachelor's degree in surveying or surveying technology, although associate's degree programs are available in these fields also and may be acceptable for work. Admissions requirements may differ depending on the major you choose. Those with an associate's degree may need to apply at a 4-year school as an undergraduate student seeking a degree. Some schools will then allow you to enroll in a land surveying program. If you have a 4-year or graduate degree, some schools will allow you to enroll in a land surveying program directly. </p> <p>If you're enrolling in a program to become an engineer-in-training, you may need to have completed at least three years in a degree program recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Programs that prepare you to work as a land surveyor-in-training generally require two years of college instruction and relevant work experience. To prepare for a land surveying program, you should take courses in algebra, trigonometry, geometry, drafting, mechanical drawing and geography. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3> <p>Land surveying, or related fields, programs teach you about site planning, global positioning systems, geomatics and different types of construction or civil engineering projects. You'll learn how to survey the area and composition of different properties for the purposes of assessing its value or suitability for certain types of projects. Other courses will explore hydrology, soil composition, water resources, legal issues and geographic modeling. </p> <h3 id="section---DoIHaveToGetCertified">Do I Have to Get Certified?</h3> <p>Some states regard certification as the first step prior to licensing as a professional land surveyor. Thus, that state's law may require it. What is required is a state license regardless of where you choose to work as a land surveyor. Licensing is administered through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying and requires passing the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) examinations. Approximately four years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed land surveyor is also required for licensure.</p>