Introducing Ramon Labrador from Maryland, USA:
Where did you study? University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. Bachelor’s in science, Land Surveying and Topography Engineering.
What are the requirements to be a surveyor in your area?
ORIGINAL LICENSE (by examination) – For an original license in Maryland, the applicant has five categories that are divided into academic and non-academic options:
- Approved Curriculum Option (15.305 b) – This first option requires the applicant to
complete a four-year degree from an accredited land surveying curriculum along with two years of approved experience. - Approved Curriculum Option (15.305 c) – This second option requires the applicant to complete a four-year degree from an accredited physical science curriculum along with four years of approved experience.**
- Approved Curriculum Option (15.305 d) – This third option requires the applicant to complete any accredited four-year degree with a minimum of 30 credits in land surveying-related curriculum along with four years of approved experience.**
- Non-academic Option – (15.305 e) – This fourth option does not require a college degree. Applicants can satisfy the licensing requirement with a high school diploma and a minimum of 30 credits in land surveying-related curriculum along with six years of approved experience.**
- Non-academic Option (15.305 f) – This fifth option does not require any college at all. Applicants can satisfy the licensing requirement with a high school diploma and nine years of approved experience.
** The board may allow one year of experience credit for each 30 semester hours or its equivalent that an applicant completes in land surveying-related courses that the board approves, with a three-year maximum.
Application process:
Step 1 – Pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Examination.
Go directly to NCEES for the FS Exam. State approval is no longer required
Step 2 – Apply to the board for an original license based on one of the above categories.
Once your application is submitted to the Board, you will receive further instructions.
Step 3 – Apply for the Principles and Practice (PS) Examination
Go to NCEES and apply for the exam. Once the board approves your application NCEES will be notified that you are eligible for the examination.
Step 4 – Schedule and pass the State Specific Examinations.
Note: Steps 3 and 4 can be completed in any order. Applicants who have already passed the PS Examination do not have to retake the exam as long as the scores are available from NCEES or sent directly to the board.
Step 5 – Pay licensing fee
Once you have passed all of your exams, you will be notified that you are eligible for licensure. Please follow this link to pay for your licensing fee here.
License Period: Two-year period from the date of issuance.
How did you get into surveying? When I graduated from high school, I knew I liked math and I had no clue what to do. Someone suggested getting into the Land Surveying and Topography Engineering program and I just fell in love with the profession.
How long have you been in the industry? I have been Surveying for 14 years in Maryland and Washington DC.
Are you part of any associations or organizations you would like us to mention?
District of Columbia Association of Land Surveyors (DCALS), (Board Member)
Maryland Society of Surveyors (MSS)https://www.marylandsurveyor.org/default.aspx
Utility Engineering & Surveying Institute’s Maryland Section Chapter (UESI)https://uesi.ascemd.org/
Why do you want to be a GKiS Brand Ambassador? I want to help spread the word about how amazing this profession is and, I want to help provide options to our future generation.
Why is it important for kids to know about surveying and the wider geospatial industry? It is important to understand what Surveying is and how important it is in our daily live. As professionals and mentors we must share, explain and train what and why we love this industry. Why is important. What can be achieved as a Surveyor. All the different levels and areas we can work as Surveyors. Again, to me is all about knowledge and opportunity.
What are you going to do as an ambassador for GKiS? Not very clear yet, I want to look for ideas and then execute. All I know is that I want to be part of it and I will work on a plan of action after I get some ideas.
What are your hobbies? Love traveling with the family, Sports and Working out.
If you/your company had a GKiS character, what would it be? Could you explain? I would like to see a Hispanic super smart, understanding, strict, funny, and kind Surveyor.
What poster or resource would you like to see next from GKiS? Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has so many Natural Resources and a lot to show.
Anything else you want to add that you think our audience (surveyors, teachers, parents) would be interested in? Surveying as an opportunity for our children. Surveying is a real profession that needs to be seen as a real option.