So You Wanna Be a Texas-Sized Surveyor, Eh Partner? How to Become an RPLS in the Lone Star State
Howdy, landlubbers! Ever feel that itch in your boots to trade the office cubicle for the wide-open plains? Do dreams of dusty boots and unfurling tape measures dance in your head? Well, then maybe you, my friend, have the makings of a Texas Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS)! But hold your metaphorical horses (or should we say, longhorns?), becoming an RPLS ain't exactly a walk in the park. It's more like a trek through a prickly pear cactus patch, but hey, the reward is mighty fine!
Step One: Giddy Up and Get Educated
First things first, you gotta get yourself some learnin'. While a fancy four-year degree used to be the golden ticket, these days, a two-year associate's degree with at least 32 credit hours of surveyin' goodness will do the trick. Bonus points if you can snag a degree specifically in surveying – it'll put you ahead of the pack come exam time. Think of it as mental ammunition for the surveying showdown!
Step Two: Apprentice Up – The Journey Begins!
Now that your brain's all full of surveyin' knowledge, it's time to get your hands dirty (literally, sometimes!). You'll need to clock in two years of experience as a Surveyor in Training (SIT). This is where you'll learn the ropes from a seasoned pro. Imagine yourself as Indiana Jones, but instead of dusty tombs, you're braving scorching deserts and untangling property lines. Not quite the same whip-crackin' action, but still pretty darn cool!
Pro Tip: Don't just stand around holding the measuring stick. Be proactive! Ask questions, take initiative, and soak up all the knowledge you can. Remember, experience is king (or maybe queen) in the surveying world.
Step Three: Exam Time – The Showdown at the Testing Center Corral
Once you've got the experience under your belt, it's time to face your destiny – the RPLS exams. Now, these ain't your mama's high school pop quizzes. We're talkin' two tests here, partner: the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Principles and Practice of Professional Surveying (PS) exam and the Texas Specific Surveying Exam (TSSE). Brush up on your math, surveying law, and all things property lines. These exams will test your mettle, but conquer them, and you'll be one step closer to RPLS glory!
Step Four: Wrangle Up Your References – It's Time to Get Licensed!
You've battled the educational beast, tamed the experience bronco, and wrangled those pesky exams. Now, it's time to gather your references, folks you've worked with who can vouch for your awesomeness as a surveyor. Think of them as your posse, ready to sing your praises to the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveyors (TBPELS). With their stamp of approval, you'll finally be a certified, RPLS rodeo champion!
Congratulations, partner! You've braved the journey and emerged victorious. Now you can roam the great state of Texas, untangling property lines, ensuring boundaries are respected, and leaving your mark on the land (in a good way, of course). Remember, with great surveying power comes great responsibility. Use your skills wisely, and keep those boots dusty!
