NORTH CAROLINA PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR EXAMINATION – STATE LAW PORTION – QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM
UPDATE
Core Domains
Purpose, Definitions, and Scope of Practice under Chapter 89C
Board Composition, Powers, Duties, and Appointment Procedures
Licensure Requirements: Education, Experience, and Examination
License Renewal, Professional Seals, and Continuing Education
Minimum Standards of Practice, Plat Requirements, and G.S. 47-30
Disciplinary Actions, Unlicensed Practice, and Professional Ethics
Business Entities and the Corporate Practice of Land Surveying
General Provisions, Exemptions, and Miscellaneous Statutes
Introduction
This examination is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate the candidate’s understanding of the North
Carolina laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing the practice of professional land surveying. It assesses
foundational legal theory, applied professional knowledge, and the ability to navigate complex real-world scenarios
encountered in the field. The examination consists of multiple-choice questions that test regulatory compliance,
decision-making, and the application of statutes including Chapter 89C and 21 NCAC 56. This document serves as a
high-level exam preparation tool, focusing on the principles necessary to protect the public welfare as a licensed
professional land surveyor.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,Question 1
Under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 89C, what is the core legal purpose of regulating the practice of land
surveying?
A. To guarantee clear property titles for financial institutions
B. To safeguard life, health, and property, and to promote the public welfare
C. To standardize mapping graphics and symbology across all 100 counties
D. To generate public revenue through mandatory licensing fees
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: G.S. 89C-2 states that the regulation of the practice of engineering and land surveying is enacted for
the purpose of safeguarding the public interest, life, health, and property . It is a statutory exercise of police power
to protect the public welfare, not a revenue-generating measure or a standardization initiative.
Question 2
According to the 21 NCAC 56 .1600 Board Rules, what is the minimum closure accuracy ratio specified for a "Class A"
urban or commercial land survey?
A. 1:2,500
B. 1:5,000
C. 1:7,500
D. 1:10,000
🟢D
🔴 Explanation: Under 21 NCAC 56 .1603, the North Carolina Standards of Practice classify Urban or Commercial
Land Surveys (Class A) as requiring the highest degree of precision. The rules strictly mandate a positional closure
ratio of at least 1:10,000 for these surveys .
,Question 3
Under North Carolina statutory law, can a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) enter private property to
perform a survey without the owner's permission?
A. No, written permission from the property owner is always required
B. Yes, if the surveyor provides reasonable notice and does not cause unnecessary damage
C. Yes, but only if the survey is for a government agency and a court order is obtained
D. No, entry is only permitted if the property is unoccupied
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: G.S. 89C-22 grants licensed professional land surveyors the statutory right of entry upon the lands
of others to perform surveying duties. This right is conditioned on providing reasonable prior notice to the property
owner and the surveyor being liable for any unnecessary damage caused during the entry .
Question 4
A land surveyor in North Carolina is preparing a sketch map that is not intended for recordation. What must the
surveyor do regarding the certification statement on the map?
A. Include the standard G.S. 47-30 statutory certification to ensure legal protection
B. Leave the map completely uncertified, omitting both the professional seal and signature
C. Omit the G.S. 47-30 reference but certify compliance with 21 NCAC 56 Standards of Practice
D. Substitute the certification with a standard real estate title disclaimer to avoid liability
🟢C
🔴 Explanation: For maps that are not of recordable size or are not intended for the public record, the specific
statutory reference to G.S. 47-30 is omitted. However, the surveyor must still include their professional seal,
, signature, and a certification statement confirming compliance with the Board's Standards of Practice (21 NCAC 56
.1602) .
Question 5
How frequently must a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) renew their professional license under NCBELS
guidelines?
A. Biennially (every two years)
B. Annually (every year)
C. Triennially (every three years)
D. Every five years on a staggered rotation
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: G.S. 89C-17 requires that all professional engineering and land surveying licenses in North Carolina
expire on December 31st of each year. Licensees must renew annually by paying the required fee and completing
the mandated continuing education requirements .
Question 6
Which of the following entities is responsible for administering and enforcing Chapter 89C in North Carolina?
A. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
B. The North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (the Board)
C. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission
D. The North Carolina Secretary of State
🟢B
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM
UPDATE
Core Domains
Purpose, Definitions, and Scope of Practice under Chapter 89C
Board Composition, Powers, Duties, and Appointment Procedures
Licensure Requirements: Education, Experience, and Examination
License Renewal, Professional Seals, and Continuing Education
Minimum Standards of Practice, Plat Requirements, and G.S. 47-30
Disciplinary Actions, Unlicensed Practice, and Professional Ethics
Business Entities and the Corporate Practice of Land Surveying
General Provisions, Exemptions, and Miscellaneous Statutes
Introduction
This examination is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate the candidate’s understanding of the North
Carolina laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing the practice of professional land surveying. It assesses
foundational legal theory, applied professional knowledge, and the ability to navigate complex real-world scenarios
encountered in the field. The examination consists of multiple-choice questions that test regulatory compliance,
decision-making, and the application of statutes including Chapter 89C and 21 NCAC 56. This document serves as a
high-level exam preparation tool, focusing on the principles necessary to protect the public welfare as a licensed
professional land surveyor.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,Question 1
Under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 89C, what is the core legal purpose of regulating the practice of land
surveying?
A. To guarantee clear property titles for financial institutions
B. To safeguard life, health, and property, and to promote the public welfare
C. To standardize mapping graphics and symbology across all 100 counties
D. To generate public revenue through mandatory licensing fees
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: G.S. 89C-2 states that the regulation of the practice of engineering and land surveying is enacted for
the purpose of safeguarding the public interest, life, health, and property . It is a statutory exercise of police power
to protect the public welfare, not a revenue-generating measure or a standardization initiative.
Question 2
According to the 21 NCAC 56 .1600 Board Rules, what is the minimum closure accuracy ratio specified for a "Class A"
urban or commercial land survey?
A. 1:2,500
B. 1:5,000
C. 1:7,500
D. 1:10,000
🟢D
🔴 Explanation: Under 21 NCAC 56 .1603, the North Carolina Standards of Practice classify Urban or Commercial
Land Surveys (Class A) as requiring the highest degree of precision. The rules strictly mandate a positional closure
ratio of at least 1:10,000 for these surveys .
,Question 3
Under North Carolina statutory law, can a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) enter private property to
perform a survey without the owner's permission?
A. No, written permission from the property owner is always required
B. Yes, if the surveyor provides reasonable notice and does not cause unnecessary damage
C. Yes, but only if the survey is for a government agency and a court order is obtained
D. No, entry is only permitted if the property is unoccupied
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: G.S. 89C-22 grants licensed professional land surveyors the statutory right of entry upon the lands
of others to perform surveying duties. This right is conditioned on providing reasonable prior notice to the property
owner and the surveyor being liable for any unnecessary damage caused during the entry .
Question 4
A land surveyor in North Carolina is preparing a sketch map that is not intended for recordation. What must the
surveyor do regarding the certification statement on the map?
A. Include the standard G.S. 47-30 statutory certification to ensure legal protection
B. Leave the map completely uncertified, omitting both the professional seal and signature
C. Omit the G.S. 47-30 reference but certify compliance with 21 NCAC 56 Standards of Practice
D. Substitute the certification with a standard real estate title disclaimer to avoid liability
🟢C
🔴 Explanation: For maps that are not of recordable size or are not intended for the public record, the specific
statutory reference to G.S. 47-30 is omitted. However, the surveyor must still include their professional seal,
, signature, and a certification statement confirming compliance with the Board's Standards of Practice (21 NCAC 56
.1602) .
Question 5
How frequently must a licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) renew their professional license under NCBELS
guidelines?
A. Biennially (every two years)
B. Annually (every year)
C. Triennially (every three years)
D. Every five years on a staggered rotation
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: G.S. 89C-17 requires that all professional engineering and land surveying licenses in North Carolina
expire on December 31st of each year. Licensees must renew annually by paying the required fee and completing
the mandated continuing education requirements .
Question 6
Which of the following entities is responsible for administering and enforcing Chapter 89C in North Carolina?
A. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
B. The North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (the Board)
C. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission
D. The North Carolina Secretary of State
🟢B
