Washington State Land
Surveyor Law & Ethics
Exam 2026 | Practice
Questions, Verified
Answers & Detailed
Rationales ||Graded A+
1. Under Washington Administrative Code, what is the required number of Professional
Development Hours (PDH) a licensed land surveyor must accumulate per year of a two-year
renewal cycle?
A. 5 PDH per year
B. 10 PDH per year
C. 15 PDH per year
D. 20 PDH per year
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: According to WAC 196-16-110, all licensed professional land surveyors must
accumulate fifteen PDH per year of a two-year renewal cycle to maintain lawful practice.
Options A, B, and D do not match the statutory requirement.
,2. What is the primary purpose of the Continuing Professional Development requirement for
land surveyors in Washington State?
A. To increase the state's tax revenue through course fees
B. To encourage licensed land surveyors to maintain competency in their practice
C. To provide employment for continuing education providers
D. To limit the number of land surveyors practicing in the state
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: WAC 196-16-100 explicitly states that the purpose of the continuing professional
development requirement is to encourage licensed professional land surveyors to maintain
competency in their practice. Revenue generation, provider employment, and limiting practice
are not stated purposes of the requirement.
3. On and after January 1, 2019, all licensed professional land surveyors must attest to reading
which of the following at the time of renewal?
A. Only chapter 58.09 RCW
B. Only chapter 332-130 WAC
C. Chapters 58.09 RCW and 332-130 WAC
D. Chapters 18.43 RCW and 196-27A WAC
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: WAC 196-16-110 requires that on and after January 1, 2019, all licensed
professional land surveyors must attest to reading chapters 58.09 RCW (Survey Recording Act)
and 332-130 WAC (Minimum standards for land boundary surveys and geodetic control surveys).
Options A and B are incomplete. Option D references different chapters not included in this
specific attestation requirement.
4. According to the fundamental canons of professional conduct, what must a registrant do if
their professional judgment is overruled or disregarded and harm to the public may result?
A. Immediately resign from the project
B. Inform their clients or employers of the potential harm
C. Report the client to law enforcement without delay
D. Take no action as the client assumes all responsibility
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: WAC 196-27A-020(1)(c) states that registrants must inform their clients or
,employers of the harm that may come to the life, health, property and welfare of the public at
such time as their professional judgment is overruled or disregarded. Resignation is not
required. Law enforcement reporting is only required when an imminent threat exists. Taking no
action violates the professional obligation.
5. If the harm from overruled professional judgment rises to the level of an imminent threat,
what additional obligation does the registrant have?
A. Inform the appropriate regulatory agency
B. Contact local media to publicize the issue
C. Immediately halt all work on the project
D. File a lawsuit against the client
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: WAC 196-27A-020(1)(c) provides that if the harm rises to the level of an imminent
threat, the registrant is also obligated to inform the appropriate regulatory agency. Media
contact, halting work, and lawsuits are not specified obligations under this rule.
6. Under the rules of professional conduct, a registrant shall seal only documents prepared by
them or under what condition?
A. Documents reviewed by another licensed surveyor
B. Documents prepared under their responsible charge
C. Documents approved by the county surveyor
D. Documents notarized by a public official
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The rules of professional conduct require that registrants seal only documents
prepared by them or under their responsible charge. Responsible charge means the registrant
has direct control and personal supervision of the work. Review by another surveyor, county
approval, or notarization does not satisfy this requirement.
7. According to Washington State law, what is the primary purpose of the State Board of
Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors?
A. To set property tax rates for surveyed land
B. To regulate professional conduct and protect the public through licensing and oversight
, C. To purchase surveying equipment for public use
D. To manage all state-owned property boundaries
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land
Surveyors is established to protect the public welfare through licensure, examination, and
enforcement of professional standards. The board's primary function is regulatory oversight to
ensure that only qualified professionals practice land surveying in the state, not to provide
services or manage property taxes.
8. Under Washington RCW 18.43, a Professional Land Surveyor must renew their license every
how many years?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Washington State RCW 18.43 establishes a two-year renewal cycle for Professional
Land Surveyor licenses. This renewal period requires compliance with continuing education
requirements and allows the state board to verify ongoing competency and ethical standing of
licensed surveyors.
9. What is the minimum education requirement to qualify for the Professional Land Surveyor
(PLS) examination in Washington State?
A. High school diploma or GED equivalent
B. Associate degree in surveying or related field
C. Four-year degree in surveying or related discipline
D. Either a four-year degree or equivalent practical experience with documented hours
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Washington State allows multiple pathways to PLS licensure. Candidates may
qualify with a four-year degree in surveying or a related field, OR they may substitute
documented practical surveying experience. The board accepts combinations of education and
experience that total equivalent professional preparation.
Surveyor Law & Ethics
Exam 2026 | Practice
Questions, Verified
Answers & Detailed
Rationales ||Graded A+
1. Under Washington Administrative Code, what is the required number of Professional
Development Hours (PDH) a licensed land surveyor must accumulate per year of a two-year
renewal cycle?
A. 5 PDH per year
B. 10 PDH per year
C. 15 PDH per year
D. 20 PDH per year
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: According to WAC 196-16-110, all licensed professional land surveyors must
accumulate fifteen PDH per year of a two-year renewal cycle to maintain lawful practice.
Options A, B, and D do not match the statutory requirement.
,2. What is the primary purpose of the Continuing Professional Development requirement for
land surveyors in Washington State?
A. To increase the state's tax revenue through course fees
B. To encourage licensed land surveyors to maintain competency in their practice
C. To provide employment for continuing education providers
D. To limit the number of land surveyors practicing in the state
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: WAC 196-16-100 explicitly states that the purpose of the continuing professional
development requirement is to encourage licensed professional land surveyors to maintain
competency in their practice. Revenue generation, provider employment, and limiting practice
are not stated purposes of the requirement.
3. On and after January 1, 2019, all licensed professional land surveyors must attest to reading
which of the following at the time of renewal?
A. Only chapter 58.09 RCW
B. Only chapter 332-130 WAC
C. Chapters 58.09 RCW and 332-130 WAC
D. Chapters 18.43 RCW and 196-27A WAC
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: WAC 196-16-110 requires that on and after January 1, 2019, all licensed
professional land surveyors must attest to reading chapters 58.09 RCW (Survey Recording Act)
and 332-130 WAC (Minimum standards for land boundary surveys and geodetic control surveys).
Options A and B are incomplete. Option D references different chapters not included in this
specific attestation requirement.
4. According to the fundamental canons of professional conduct, what must a registrant do if
their professional judgment is overruled or disregarded and harm to the public may result?
A. Immediately resign from the project
B. Inform their clients or employers of the potential harm
C. Report the client to law enforcement without delay
D. Take no action as the client assumes all responsibility
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: WAC 196-27A-020(1)(c) states that registrants must inform their clients or
,employers of the harm that may come to the life, health, property and welfare of the public at
such time as their professional judgment is overruled or disregarded. Resignation is not
required. Law enforcement reporting is only required when an imminent threat exists. Taking no
action violates the professional obligation.
5. If the harm from overruled professional judgment rises to the level of an imminent threat,
what additional obligation does the registrant have?
A. Inform the appropriate regulatory agency
B. Contact local media to publicize the issue
C. Immediately halt all work on the project
D. File a lawsuit against the client
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: WAC 196-27A-020(1)(c) provides that if the harm rises to the level of an imminent
threat, the registrant is also obligated to inform the appropriate regulatory agency. Media
contact, halting work, and lawsuits are not specified obligations under this rule.
6. Under the rules of professional conduct, a registrant shall seal only documents prepared by
them or under what condition?
A. Documents reviewed by another licensed surveyor
B. Documents prepared under their responsible charge
C. Documents approved by the county surveyor
D. Documents notarized by a public official
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The rules of professional conduct require that registrants seal only documents
prepared by them or under their responsible charge. Responsible charge means the registrant
has direct control and personal supervision of the work. Review by another surveyor, county
approval, or notarization does not satisfy this requirement.
7. According to Washington State law, what is the primary purpose of the State Board of
Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors?
A. To set property tax rates for surveyed land
B. To regulate professional conduct and protect the public through licensing and oversight
, C. To purchase surveying equipment for public use
D. To manage all state-owned property boundaries
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land
Surveyors is established to protect the public welfare through licensure, examination, and
enforcement of professional standards. The board's primary function is regulatory oversight to
ensure that only qualified professionals practice land surveying in the state, not to provide
services or manage property taxes.
8. Under Washington RCW 18.43, a Professional Land Surveyor must renew their license every
how many years?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Washington State RCW 18.43 establishes a two-year renewal cycle for Professional
Land Surveyor licenses. This renewal period requires compliance with continuing education
requirements and allows the state board to verify ongoing competency and ethical standing of
licensed surveyors.
9. What is the minimum education requirement to qualify for the Professional Land Surveyor
(PLS) examination in Washington State?
A. High school diploma or GED equivalent
B. Associate degree in surveying or related field
C. Four-year degree in surveying or related discipline
D. Either a four-year degree or equivalent practical experience with documented hours
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Washington State allows multiple pathways to PLS licensure. Candidates may
qualify with a four-year degree in surveying or a related field, OR they may substitute
documented practical surveying experience. The board accepts combinations of education and
experience that total equivalent professional preparation.
