In the past, many surveyors started as members of survey crews and worked their way up to licensed surveyor with little formal training in surveying. However, due to advancing technology and an increase in licensing standards, more formal education is now required. Most States at the present time require some formal post-high school education courses and 5 to 12 years of surveying experience to gain licensure. However, requirements vary among the States. An increasing number of States require a bachelor's degree in surveying or in a closely related field such as civil engineering or forestry with courses in surveying.
High school graduates with no formal training in surveying usually start as a helper.
Beginners with postsecondary school training in surveying can generally start as technicians. The American Congress on Surveying and Mapping has a voluntary certification program for survey technicians. Although not required for State licensure, many employers require certification for promotion to more responsible positions. Cartographers and photogrammetrists usually have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a physical science, although it is possible to enter these jobs through experience as a photogrammetric or cartographic technician. Most cartographic and photogrammetry technicians have had some specialized postsecondary school training.