Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam Prep

Our Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam prep course has been designed using NCEES’ exam specifications, meaning you’ll only cover the topics likely to appear on the exam. A combination of lecture videos and practice problems will help you gain the confidence you need to pass on exam day. 

Choose Your Course Option

Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) OnDemand

This is the perfect option for especially busy schedules. Study at your own pace and gain access to course materials immediately upon registration.

Includes:-
    • Immediate Access to OnDemand Course
    • PS Workbook (eBook)
    • Pass Guarantee (Monthly Subscription Excluded)

Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Live Online

Enroll today and lock in your Early Registration Discount of $300 off (discount already applied to price shown; ERD offer valid until 2 weeks before start of first class, but not valid on Engineering Week discount of 30% off eligible courses).

Receive the experience of studying in a live classroom with live instructor interaction anywhere, on any device with internet access. You will also have access to recordings of class lectures to refresh your knowledge on previous topics.

*Course access extends through the end of the next full month after your last class.

Includes:-
    • Access to attend Live Online Class
    • PS Workbook (paperback)
    • Pass Guarantee

Immediate Access to OnDemand Course

Get started right away

Pass Guarantee

On courses 4 months or longer

24/7 Student Support

Our dedicated team is available around the clock

School of PE was worth the time and the money. Some of the questions on the exam were directly from the notes. The instructors were knowledgeable and had good advice to share.

Mrs. Elwood

The School of PE course was structured to cover the material that will be on the test. There is no better way to have a comprehensive review of what you can expect on the test than a review course such as this.

Mr. Hunt

Michigan DOT

Course Features

  • Instructor-Prepared Course Notes
    School of PE instructors generate their own notes and handouts for students to use in conjunction with course lectures. These instructor-prepared files are a student favorite: in fact, 95% of School of PE students commented that they considered these notes to be necessary to their exam preparation.
  • Lecture Videos
    Follow along with your instructor’s recorded video lectures.
  • Pass Guarantee*
    If you did not pass your exam, you may be eligible for our Pass Guarantee. For additional details, see our Pass Guarantee page. *Not applicable to monthly courses.
  • Personalized Study Plan*
    Answer a few questions about your learning priorities as well as the days and times you can study, and a personalized study plan will be generated to help keep you on track. This plan is adaptive and can be adjusted to reflect your changing schedule! *Not applicable to monthly courses.
  • Instructor Connect*
    Your direct link to our teaching team. Ask unlimited questions, get clear answers and advice from the experts.* *Not applicable to monthly courses.
  • Study Anytime, Anywhere, on Any Device
    School of PE courses and resources can be accessed on any device (computer, phone, tablet, etc.) connected to the internet.
  • Discussion Forum
    Use the discussion forum in your Study Hub to share questions, answers, and information with your classmates.
  • Study Hub
    Our Study Hub is the one-stop shop for all students enrolled in a Live Online, OnDemand, or bundled course. Through this login page, you will be able to track your progress, start and stop course recordings, access study resources like flashcards, interact with your instructors and classmates, and more!

Digital Study Materials

  • PS Workbook (eBook)

Why School of PE?

  • 94% Average Pass Rates
  • #1-Rated Engineering Exam Prep Courses
  • Subject-Matter Expert Instructors
  • 100,000+ Busy Professionals Helped
  • 24/7/365 Student Support

Why Enroll Today?

  • Jumpstart Your Exam Prep
    You will gain access to our Study Hub as soon as your register! OnDemand and Live Online + OnDemand Bundles will have full access to all course materials from day one. Live Online courses will have select study materials available on day one, and full course materials will be made accessible as live class sessions are completed.
  • Affirm Financing Available*
    We have teamed up with Affirm, allowing you to focus on your upcoming exam without stressing about how to pay for a review course. Register now and pay over time—it’s that simple! *Not available for monthly subscriptions.

Preview Videos

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FAQ

What type of questions should I expect on this exam?

FE exams are made up of both multiple-choice questions and alternative item types (AITs) like multiple correct, point and click, drag and drop, and fill in the blank.

What is the difference between Live Online and OnDemand courses?

The Live Online course format is a live, instructor-led webinar that you attend in real time whereas the OnDemand course format is a pre-recorded class that lets you go at your own pace. You still have the ability to ask the instructors questions as an OnDemand student.

What if I don’t pass my exam?

Please check out our Pass Guarantee policy page for more information.

Can I access my course material on my mobile device or tablet?

Yes, you will be able to access your course material through our mobile app.

What Are the Key Features of PS Exam Prep Offered by School of PE?

School of PE's PS exam prep is designed to meet the specific needs of aspiring professional surveyors preparing for the NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. With a range of course features and flexible study options, students can approach their preparation with clarity and confidence. Here's how the platform stands out:


One of the core strengths of School of PE's PS exam prep is its curriculum design, which covers all major exam topics through structured content delivery. The material is prepared and presented by instructors with both academic and industry experience, giving students insights into practical applications. Both OnDemand and Live Online options allow for flexible scheduling, making it easier to fit studying into a busy calendar. These formats are particularly helpful for students balancing work and exam prep, allowing them to revisit sessions or engage live in real time.


Support tools are another standout feature. Instructor Connect offers direct access to subject matter experts for questions, which can be invaluable when navigating challenging concepts. This is especially useful for students coming from non-traditional academic backgrounds or returning to licensure preparation after a break.


In addition, School of PE emphasizes course design that accommodates different learning styles. OnDemand formats offer pause-and-play flexibility, while Live Online classes encourage interactive learning through live Q&A and instructor-led reviews. Combined with access to performance tracking and self-assessments, the platform makes it easier to stay on pace throughout the study schedule.


With all of these elements working together, School of PE's PS exam prep gives students a well-rounded foundation — supporting not just content mastery, but also study consistency and long-term retention.

Is PS Exam Prep Suitable for Students at Different Career Stages?

PS exam prep from School of PE is structured to support learners across a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Whether someone is a recent graduate transitioning from the FS exam or a working professional returning to licensure goals after years in the field, the prep options are built to accommodate different needs and learning timelines.


For early-career professionals or those fresh out of university, the PS exam can feel like a major step forward. School of PE provides a structured environment to build confidence and reinforce technical foundations. The availability of both OnDemand and Live Online formats allows students to choose how and when they engage with the material, which is especially valuable for those still developing consistent study habits.


For mid-career professionals, the PS exam often aligns with career advancement or state licensure requirements. In these cases, flexibility and depth of instruction become even more important. The course layout is designed with this in mind, giving returning students a way to refresh and reinforce key surveying principles. Instructor Connect and structured study tools also help bridge any knowledge gaps that may exist from time away from academia.


In all cases, School of PE's PS exam prep provides the structure, flexibility, and support necessary to meet students where they are in their journey.

How Can Students Choose the Right PS Exam Prep Format?

Selecting the most effective PS exam prep format depends on a student's schedule, learning preferences, and overall study approach. School of PE offers multiple delivery methods, each designed to align with different needs. By understanding the key differences between these options, students can better plan their path to success:


Compare OnDemand and Live Online Formats

School of PE offers both OnDemand and Live Online options for PS exam prep. OnDemand allows for full scheduling flexibility and is ideal for students who prefer to study at their own pace. Live Online, on the other hand, is structured with scheduled sessions that encourage real-time interaction with instructors. This format is useful for learners who benefit from classroom-style pacing and routine check-ins. Choosing between the two formats often comes down to how much structure a student wants in their prep timeline.


Assess Study Habits and Schedule

Before committing to a prep format, students should evaluate how they typically study and how much time they can realistically dedicate to preparation each week. Those managing a full-time job or family obligations might lean toward OnDemand access, which makes it easier to pause and resume based on personal availability. For students with more predictable routines, Live Online can provide consistent engagement and accountability throughout the PS exam prep process.


Evaluate Personal Learning Preferences

Learning style plays a significant role in how well a student absorbs information. Visual learners might prefer OnDemand sessions that can be paused, reviewed, and replayed, while auditory or social learners might find more value in live lectures and Q&A sessions. Having the ability to choose between different PS exam prep formats allows students to align the course structure with how they process material — an important factor in building both confidence and retention heading into exam day.

Does School of PE Offer Reliable Support and Resources for PS Exam Prep?

School of PE places a strong emphasis on support services and resource quality, ensuring that students preparing for the PS exam have what they need to stay focused and motivated throughout their study plan. The platform combines well-developed content with direct access to instructors and responsive academic guidance.


One of the most valued features is Instructor Connect, which allows students to reach out directly with questions during their course. This feature helps clarify difficult topics and reinforces material covered in the lectures. It's especially useful in subjects that require precision and application, such as surveying standards and professional practice areas.


Beyond instructor access, students can take advantage of integrated tools like performance dashboards, self-assessments, and recorded session archives. These features allow for regular progress checks and give students the ability to revisit sessions for review. For those studying multiple disciplines or planning to take additional exams in the future, this level of resource availability provides both immediate and long-term value.


Overall, School of PE's combination of accessible instructors, well-organized tools, and clear course structure contributes to a reliable PS exam prep experience for aspiring professional surveyors.

How Does PS Exam Prep Fit Into a Comprehensive Licensing Journey?

For many aspiring surveyors, the PS exam represents more than a certification milestone — it's a key part of a long-term professional licensing pathway. School of PE's exam prep options are designed to support students as they move through multiple stages of licensure. Understanding where the PS exam fits and how preparation can align with future goals helps students plan more effectively:


Aligning PS Exam Prep With the Broader Licensure Path

For most candidates, the PS exam follows the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, which serves as the first step toward professional licensure. Students who completed their FS exam prep through School of PE will find that the curriculum approach and instructional design carry over seamlessly into PS preparation. This consistency makes it easier to build on existing knowledge and maintain study momentum from one exam to the next.


Integrating With Academic Background

Students coming from academic programs in civil engineering or surveying often find that School of PE's materials build on what they've already learned, connecting familiar concepts to the format and structure of the licensing exams. For others who may have been out of school for a while, the courses help reestablish key technical skills. The PS exam prep serves as a bridge between prior academic work and future professional credentials, encouraging students to make use of existing strengths while developing new ones.


Timing PS Prep Around Career Goals

The decision to prepare for the PS exam is often tied to job advancement, state licensure requirements, or transitions into leadership roles. School of PE's flexible scheduling options allow students to plan around these milestones. OnDemand access provides the flexibility to begin studying at any point, while Live Online classes offer a more structured timeline for those who benefit from a defined schedule.

Are There Any Prerequisites or Requirements Before Starting PS Exam Prep?

While the PS exam is often pursued after gaining professional surveying experience, School of PE's PS exam prep does not require students to meet any specific academic prerequisites before enrolling. The course is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners, including those actively working in the field and those returning after a gap in formal education.


The only official prerequisite for taking the PS exam itself is set by the state licensing board and NCEES, which typically includes passing the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam and meeting work experience requirements. However, when it comes to beginning prep with School of PE, students can start at any point once they've decided to pursue licensure.


That said, it is recommended that students assess their current familiarity with key concepts in surveying, legal principles, and professional practice. Doing so can help identify which areas may need more focused review. School of PE supports this through structured content delivery and access to tools like progress tracking and self-assessments, giving students a clear picture of where to direct their energy as they work toward exam day.