Revised Exam Fees.

[Hi-Note]

It seems that along with revisions to exams, there has also been a revision to exam fees: http://www.pels.ca.gov/applicants/exam_fees_to_ncees_prometric.html

I only sat for the CA State Specific at Prometric this year but was still required to send the old fee $275. The fee for that portion of the exam now seems to have been adjusted to $85.95.

I saw this on the Board Agenda for the most recent meeting:
C. Refund Policy for Overpayment Application Fee (Possible Action)

Anyone have any further information on this subject?

[Josh Tatman]

Hi-Note,

Ric can comment more on this, but the old application fee of $275 has been changed to $150 (http://www.pels.ca.gov/applicants/fee_schedule_new.shtml). A separate fee of 85.95 to Prometric is for administrating the exam, while the new $150 fee is for the boards time to review and approve your application.

Also note you have a new separate fee payable to NCEES for the national PS exam of $265 (http://www.pels.ca.gov/applicants/exam_fees_to_ncees_prometric.html) which is for the administration, grading, exam booklet, etc...

[Hi-Note]

Josh,

Yes, I see the separate charges now. Still leaves a $35.05 gap in what I paid compared to currently published fees.

It looks as if the Board is considering a refund to offset the difference. Perhaps there was not time to implement the new fees in time for the April exam.

[Ric7308]

The item regarding possible refunds as listed in the most recent Board meeting agenda has to do with those individuals that submitted an application for the October 2012 exams prior to the effective date of the new fee schedule. Unfortunately, the Board was unable to discuss and act due to lack of a quorum.

Ric

[Hi-Note]

Thanks For the info, Ric!

[shaunb]

Hoping for some help here.... I think I have answered my own questions, but, I don't think it hurts to make sure LOL

I need to pay 4 fees in total correct?

1) $125 application fee to Dept of consumer affairs
2) $150 exam fee for Ca-specific Land survey to Dept of consumer afairs

http://www.pels.ca.gov/applicants/fee_schedule_new.shtml

3) $265 exam fee for principals and practice of surveying to NCEES
4) $85.95 exam fee for California Land surveying (april test only) to Prometric

http://www.pels.ca.gov/applicants/exam_fees_to_ncees_prometric.shtml

now, the 1st 2 I send in the checks with my application to the board, the 3rd i pay NCEES directly, but the 4th to Prometric.... where do i sign up and pay for that one?

and in the end, I'm taking 3 exams for my PLS right? I'm confused on that because I only see 2 dates for the exams usually.

Thanks for the help.

[Josh Tatman]

Correct, the fees you have listed are the current amounts per the Board’s website.

Correct, the first 2 amounts you have listed go directly to BPELG’s. Fee # 1 is applicable when you are submitting your application for licensure. Fee # 2 is only applicable if you’re taking the CA State Specific Land Surveying Examination. Please note either of these fees would be payable to “Department of Consumer Affairs”.
Fee # 3, would be payable directly to NCEES. I would assume this would be payable when you register with them.
Fee # 4, is payable to Prometric. This would be payable when you register with Prometric for taking the exam. This won’t happen till after you have submitted your application and been approved to take the PLS Examination.

No, as of right now there are only two exams to gain licensure as a PLS. The national (6 hour) and State Specific (4 hour).

Of course Ric can always chime and correct anything I just said!

[shaunb]

so, i would take the CA State specific Land Surveying exam through the board OR Prometric?

since its now CBT, is it only Prometric?

And when i submit my application, i only have to send the first check for the application fee until i find out if its been accepted? I obviously can't sign up for the National test until i find out I'm approved to take it. :)

Thanks for the help!

[Ric7308]

Shaunb,

While Josh did an admirable job of explaining the new fee structure, I will provide my 2 cents in the hopes that it clarifies the process for you. Assuming a first time applicant:

1. Applicant submits application to the Board with a total fee of $275 ($125 for the non-refundable application fee + the $150 refundable state exam fee). Note: if applicant is not approved to sit for the California Land Surveying exam, the $150 state exam fee is refunded to the applicant.

2. Assuming approval and during the open registration period, candidate registers with NCEES (http://www.ncees.org/Exams/States/CA.php) for the national Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam. During that registration, the candidate will pay NCEES $265 to provide, administer, and score the PS exam.

3. Approved candidate can schedule with Prometric (http://www.prometric.com/California/default.htm) for the California Professional Land Surveyor exam during the open scheduling period. Candidate will pay Prometric a CBT administration fee. Note: The Prometric fee for the scheduled April 2013 California Land Surveying exam is $85.95.

Once a candidate passes either of the exams, that candidate will not need to pay that specific exam / administration fee again. Unlike previous years when the candidates were required to pay the total $275 fee each time.

[shaunb]

I got it now.

thanks for all the help!

the confusing part was 2 fees for the same test (CA state Specific) for that 1 test the total is $150+$85.95.

Thanks for the help guys!

Just gotta wait for my reference forms to get back and I'll be sending the board the package!