FAQs
What is the CFedS Program?
Who manages the CFedS program?
Who is eligible for the CFedS program?
Will the CFedS certification allow me to work in States where I am not presently registered?
How do I become certified?
Why would I want to be certified?
Do I have to be certified to provide cadastral services in Indian country?
Is there a limit on the amount of time or exam attempts?
Are there tests involved?
Are there continuing education requirements?
How do I arrange my examination or proctor?
How do I register/pay for the CFedS Training Program?
Will the training qualify for continuing education credits?
What is a BLM Indian Lands Surveyor (BILS)?
What is the CFedS Program?
The CFedS program is a certification program designed to provide registered/licensed land surveyors and pre-registered/pre-licensed land surveyors with training necessary to execute boundary surveys on or near federal interest lands, to basic federal standards.
Who manages the CFedS program?
A panel established by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and composed of members selected from BLM, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the private sector oversees the program. The CFedS Certification Panel (Panel) has the authority, subject to the BLM Washington Office Chief Cadastral Surveyor (Chief) to adopt, amend and rescind rules as necessary to carry out the purposes of this program, including, but not limited to, rules regarding program administration, applicant qualifications, training standards, examination standards, continuing education requirements, recertification, roster administration, and fees associated with the program.
The Panel, headed by a Chairperson, is the representative body authorized by the Chief for the purpose of training, testing, administration, hearing, considering and determining matters of the CFedS program under the jurisdiction of the National Cadastral Survey Program.
More info on The Panel and Members
Who is eligible for the CFedS program?
Registered/licensed land surveyors in good standing and pre-registered/pre-licensed land surveyors. Pre-registered/pre-licensed land surveyors will not become certified until they become registered/licensed in at least one State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Will the CFedS certification allow me to work in States where I am not presently registered?
No. This is not a licensing program. You must have a current license for the State in which you are working.
How do I become certified?
You must complete our intensive, seven-course training program (equivalent to a four-credit college course, approximately 160 hrs.) and pass the Certification Examination within two years and/or three attempts of your registration date. All CFedS training is available online and may be completed at your discretion; alternately, registrants may opt to join a guided 20-week session for no additional charge. Guided session enrollment opens roughly six months ahead of each Certification Examination (offered in February, June and October each year).
Why would I want to be certified?
The CFedS certification is intended to be a significant addition to the resume and credentials of the Registered Professional Land Surveyor and Tribal Surveyor. Upon completion of the program, the surveyor’s name will be placed on the CFedS Roster. Individuals, Tribes and the BIA will be encouraged to select surveyors from the CFedS Roster when contracting for cadastral services on or adjacent to Federal lands including Indian Country.
Do I have to be certified to provide cadastral services in Indian country?
The program is voluntary, but certain services must be performed by a CFedS to be accepted by the BLM.
Is there a limit on the amount of time or exam attempts?
Program registrants must pass the exam within two years or three attempts from the date of registration, whichever occurs first. Put simply, one cannot wait until the two year period is up to take the exam for the first time with expectation of utilizing a second or third attempt in the event a passing grade is not achieved. Registrants that fail to pass the exam within two years or three attempts may opt to extend their training period for another two years ($1,000).
Are there tests involved?
Completion of our seven-course training program requires passing numerous quizzes as one progresses through the material. At the close of the training, a comprehensive Certification Examination must be passed to receive the CFedS certification. The CFedS examination is offered in February, June and October of each year.
Those that opt to complete our training program at their own pace must schedule an exam and arrange a proctor at least one month prior to their preferred exam date. Applications for arranging the exam and a proctor are provided upon successful completion of course seven.
Those that opt to enroll in a guided 20-week session will complete the training with a group and receive additional assistance and reminders regarding examination and proctor registration.
Are there continuing education requirements?
Active CFedS must complete six Continuing Education (CE) units per each two year renewal cycle with maximum of three carryover credits. Numerous CE courses have been developed specifically for CFedS that can be purchased and completed via this website. In addition to online courses, a limited but growing number of “CFedS Live” sessions are available at various in-person events throughout the year. See our Event Calendar for details.
How do I arrange my examination or proctor?
Upon completion of course seven, applicants are encouraged to commit to one of three annual CFedS examinations, generally offered the first Friday of February, June and October.
Our exam setup application requires submission of proctor information, current survey licensing credential(s) and acceptance of calculator policy. It’s important to note that we require at least 30 days to approve of all exam setup requests. Applications submitted with less than 30 days notice will be cycled to a subsequent examination period provided it occurs within the applicant’s two-year completion window.
For further information, see our exam setup requirements.
How do I pay for the CFedS Training Program?
Payment of fees shall be by credit card or check. All application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. The initial fees cover the cost of the training courses, testing (not including your proctor), and educational support. Initial training, examination, and CFedS Certification cost is $1,500.00. This fee allows you two years or three attempts at the examination (from the date of registration), whichever comes first.
Will the training qualify for continuing education credits?
The State(s) of your registration will make that determination.
What is a BLM Indian Lands Surveyor (BILS)?
The BILSs’ primary responsibilities include consultation and guidance for BIA employees, Tribal Governments, and individual Indians concerning boundaries, surveys, land ownership, resource management, and other legal and technical survey matters related to Indian trust, restricted and fee lands. BLM Indian Lands Surveyors also provide assistance in the following areas:
- Boundary survey issues
- Fee to trust process
- Probate process
- Land description reviews
- Inventory of survey needs
- Resource management
- Cadastral Geographic Information Systems
- Public Land Survey System (PLSS) within Indian Country
Contact your Regional BLM Indian Lands Surveyor (BILS).