CA Civil Engineering Surveying Exam Pass Rate

The California Civil Surveying Exam is one of the final hurdles for civil engineers pursuing licensure in the state. Unlike the national PE Civil exam, this is a California-specific requirement that ensures engineers understand the surveying principles essential for infrastructure design and construction. From boundary determinations to construction staking, the exam measures your ability to apply surveying concepts in real-world engineering practice. A common question candidates ask is: “What is the pass rate for the CA Civil Surveying Exam?” Let’s look at the numbers, the challenges of the exam, and how you can prepare to succeed.

What Is the Pass Rate for the CA Civil Surveying Exam?

Based on recent data from the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG), the pass rate for the Civil Surveying Exam in 2024 ranged between 63% and 71%. While this is higher than the pass rate for the Seismic Exam, it still reflects the need for solid preparation. Performance can vary depending on:

• Updates to exam content and references

• The version of the test administered

• How well candidates prepare and practice

The exam is delivered year-round as a computer-based test (CBT), with results typically released within a few weeks. Official statistics are available on the BPELSG website found here.

What Makes the Surveying Exam Challenging?

The Civil Surveying Exam measures your ability to apply surveying concepts in civil engineering practice. While the test is not as lengthy as the 8-hour PE exam, it is known for being both technical and time-pressured. The exam is 2.5 hours long with 55 multiple-choice questions, which means you only have a few minutes per question.

Key knowledge areas include:

• Survey planning

• Field data collection

• Data analysis and evaluation

• Mapping

• Construction surveying

Because the problems can be both calculation-intensive and conceptual, success comes from a balance of speed, accuracy, and familiarity with surveying methods and references. Even experienced engineers can stumble if they haven’t practiced solving problems under strict timing.

How to Prepare for Success

Given the moderate pass rate, focused preparation is essential. Here are proven strategies to help you pass:

1. Review the CA BPELSG Test Plan, which outlines the exam topics and subtopics you’ll be tested on. Keep in mind that not all topics are weighted equally; some sections account for a larger share of the exam score than others.

2. Read the Candidate Information Bulletin since it explains calculator policies, exam rules, and what to expect on test day.

3. Practice extensively and solve as many practice problems as possible, especially those involving survey planning, data analysis and evaluation, and construction surveying.

4. Review the references. Refer to the BPELSG recommended references which not only include surveying textbooks but also The Professional Engineers Act and the Board Rules.

5. Target weak spots. After practice tests, focus your study time on areas where you struggled.

6. Simulate real test conditions by working through sample exams. Time yourself, limit distractions, and practice using only the tools you’ll have on exam day.

7. Train for efficiency. Remember that some questions may include unnecessary details. Practice identifying the relevant information quickly.

8. Review BPELSG’s sample questions; these retired problems are valuable for understanding the exam’s style and difficulty level.

Final Thoughts

The CA Civil Surveying Exam pass rate may not be the highest, but with the right approach, it’s well within reach. Consistent practice, a solid understanding of surveying fundamentals, and familiarity with references can make all the difference.

To support you, StrataWay offers the CA Civil PE Exam Surveying Companion—a focused resource built to strengthen your grasp of surveying principles. Inside, you’ll find 75 exam-style conceptual problems designed to align with the official California BPELSG Surveying Exam specifications. By targeting the exact knowledge areas identified by the board, this book ensures your study time is efficient and impactful. If passing the exam is your goal, this companion can help you prepare with confidence.