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?
When can I register for the program?
How do I 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 will be managing 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 will oversee 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 a training module equivalent to a four-credit college course (approximately 160 hrs.) and pass the Certification Examination.
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?
You have two years or three attempts at the examination, whichever comes first. All persons entering the Program will have three attempts at the CFedS Examination, the cost of which is included in their original tuition. They are also granted two years to take and complete the examination, counting from their “start date” (shown on your profile under CFedS tab) rounded forward to the nearest examination date. This will result in a simple policy: You have two years or three attempts at the examination, whichever comes first. This means you cannot wait until the two years are almost up to take your first exam, unless you believe you will pass it on the first attempt. It also means you will not be penalized for taking your first exam early in the two years and then waiting many months to re-take it.
Are there tests involved?
Successful completion of the training portion of the certification program will require completion of several quizzes within the various training modules. In addition to the training, a comprehensive Certification Examination must be passed to receive the CFedS certification.
Are there continuing education requirements?
Continuing Education (CE) courses have been developed and a CFedS must pass 6 units per 2 years renewal cycle.
When can I register for the program?
You can register via this website and begin the program anytime.
How do I pay for the CFedS Training Program?
Payment of fees shall be by credit card. 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 $1,200.00. This fee allows you two years or three attempts at the examination, 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 will 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 will 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).