how to become a licensed professional surveyor & mapper

Q: I already have a four-year degree, but not in geomatics. Do I have to go back to school? Do I meet the requirements for a licensure?

A: In review of Florida Statute 472.013, if you have a 4 year degree in a course of study other than Surveying and Mapping, then you have to complete 25 semester hours in surveying related coursework. You can obtain these requirements through the Geomatics Certificate offered by the University of Florida's online certificate program. Additional experience requirements include having 6 years of experience as a subordinate to a Licensed Professional Surveyor and Mapper. Five of those years have to show that your were in responsible charge. Responsible charge refers to working as a subordinate to a Licensed Professional Surveyor and Mapper and indicates that a degreed student has been responsible for the accuracy and correctness of the surveying and mapping work performed.

Q: What type of degree do I need?

A: According to Florida Statute 472.013, to become a licensed professional, you must have a degree in surveying and mapping of 4 years or more from an accredited college or university program. You can meet these requirements by obtaining a degree in Geomatics from the University of Florida/School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC). In addition to the degree there is an experience requirement of 4 years of responsible charge. Responsible charge refers to working as a subordinate to a Licensed Professional Surveyor and Mapper and indicates that a degreed student has been responsible for the accuracy and correctness of the surveying and mapping work performed.

Q: I've been surveying for a number of years and would like to become licensed but I can't move to Gainesville. What can I do?

A: The University of Florida/IFAS has expanded the Geomatics Program to be offered at 2 satellite campuses, in Plant City and in Ft. Lauderdale/Davie. Each campus has very knowledgeable and helpful Geomatics Program Coordinators to help answer any questions you might have.

If any of these three campuses are not convenient, there is still an opportunity to obtain your degree. With the creation of the satellite campuses, online courses have been developed. Now, many of the required courses will be available to you online through distance learning.

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