How to Renew Your Washington Land Surveyor License

Who has to renew

This guide covers Washington land surveyors holding a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) — Standard Biennial PDH license. Requirements are set by Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS).

When to renew

Washington land surveyors licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (WAC 196-16-105(5): 'Renewal cycle - Typically the period of two years beginning on the licensee's birth date'; brpels.wa.gov: licenses expire every 2 years on your birthday)

The continuing education Washington requires

Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS) requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

• Professional Land Surveying — Qualifying Activities (Elective) — at least 30 hours
• Washington Survey Law and Standards — Mandatory Attestation

How to renew, step by step

1. 1

   Confirm your license class and renewal date

   Washington sets land surveyors requirements by license class (Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) — Standard Biennial PDH). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

2. 2

   Complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education

   Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS) requires 30 hours every 2 years, including Professional Land Surveying — Qualifying Activities (Elective), Washington Survey Law and Standards — Mandatory Attestation. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

   See the Washington land surveyors course
3. 3

   Save your certificate of completion

   Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

4. 4

   Make sure your hours reach the board

   In Washington, you keep your certificate and attest to completion when you renew; the board may audit.

5. 5

   Renew with Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS)

   Submit your renewal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

   Go to Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS)

Washington land surveyor renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Washington land surveyors need?

Washington land surveyors must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS).

Which license classes does the Washington land surveyors CE requirement apply to?

The 30 hours requirement applies to: Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) — Standard Biennial PDH.

What topics are required for Washington land surveyors continuing education?

Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS) requires coverage of: Professional Land Surveying — Qualifying Activities (Elective) (30 hours); Washington Survey Law and Standards — Mandatory Attestation.

Can Washington land surveyors complete continuing education online?

Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Washington requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources

• Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS) — official board site
• Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 10, 2026
• Washington Land Surveyors continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class