There are three groups of surveyors regulated by the TBPLS:
- Professional land surveyors, who conduct land boundary and property surveys for the general public.
- State land surveyors, who conduct surveys on land sought by the state or public schools, or on land requiring an original survey for the purpose of filing field notes with the General Land Office.
- Certified surveyors-in-training who have met all of the basic requirements for registration and have served a two-year apprenticeship with a registered surveyor. prior to taking the exam for registration.
The TBPLS authority over surveyor licenses
The TBPLS implements and enforces standards of conduct of registered and licensed surveyors. This can often include suspending or revoking a license or registration and seeking instruction to halt violations of the laws governing the practice of surveying. The Board does not conduct periodic investigations of surveyors. However, it will investigate complaints as necessary and hold administrative hearings regarding the complaint.
The Attorney General’s Office represents the TBPLS in formal hearings. Other functions of the Board include preparing and distributing annually a roster of licensed and registered surveyors, and developing and implementing a public information program regarding land surveying and its regulation.
