Indiana Land Surveying Licensing Law

Indiana Code · 49 sections

The following is the full text of Indiana’s land surveying licensing law statutes as published in the Indiana Code. For the official version, see the Indiana Legislature.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-1-2.5

IC 25-21.5-1-2.5 "Authoritative"

Sec. 2.5. "Authoritative" means being presented as trustworthy and competent when used to describe products, processes, applications, or data resulting from the practice of surveying. For purposes of this article, GIS or electronic map data are not considered as authoritative survey products except when prepared by or under the supervision of a professional surveyor. As added by P.L.57-2013, SEC.32.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-1-3.2

IC 25-21.5-1-3.2 "Boundary marker"

Sec. 3.2. "Boundary marker" means a symbol, sign, or object placed by a: (1) professional surveyor; or (2) person acting under the direct supervision of a professional surveyor; for the purpose of demarking any point, course, or line in the boundary of a tract of land. As added by P.L.10-2024, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-1-7

IC 25-21.5-1-7 "Practice of surveying"

Sec. 7. (a) "Practice of surveying" means providing, or offering to provide, professional services involving: (1) the making of geometric measurements of, and gathering related information pertaining to, the physical or legal features of the earth, improvements on the earth, the space above the earth, or any part of the earth; and (2) the use and development of the measurements and information gathered under subdivision (1) into survey products, including graphics, digital data, maps, plats, plans, reports, and descriptions and projects. (b) Professional services provided under the practice of surveying include consultation, investigation, testimony evaluation, expert technical testimony, planning, mapping, assembling, and interpreting gathered measurements and information related to any of the following: (1) Determining the configuration or contour of the earth's surface or the position of fixed objects thereon by measuring lines and angles and applying the principles of mathematics or photogrammetry. (2) Determining the size and shape of the earth, or any point on the earth, by performing geodetic surveys using angular and linear measurements through spatially oriented spherical geometry. (3) Determining, by the use of principles of surveying, the position for any nonboundary related survey control monument or reference point, or setting, resetting, or replacing any nonboundary related monument or reference point. (4) Locating, relocating, establishing, reestablishing, laying out, retracing, or marking any property or boundary line or corner of any tract of land or of any right-of-way or easement. (5) Making any survey or preparing any plat for the subdivision of any tract of land. (6) Determining, by the use of principles of surveying, the position for any boundary related survey monument or reference point, or setting, resetting, or replacing any monument or reference point. (7) Preparing a description for any parcel or boundary of land, or for any right-of-way or easement, except when prepared by an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Indiana. (8) Determining the amount of acreage contained in any parcel of land, except when determined by an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Indiana. (9) Performing construction staking or layout of the control for any elements of an engineering, building, or construction project, if the position of an element is: (A) dependent on; (B) in specific relation to; or (C) in close proximity to; a boundary, property line, or corner, including easements and rights-of-way. (10) For and within subdivisions being designed by a professional surveyor, the preparation and furnishing of plats, plans, and profiles for roads, storm drainage, sanitary sewer extensions, and the location of residences or dwellings where the work involves the use and application of standards prescribed by local, state, or federal authorities. (11) All work incidental to cleaning out, reconstructing, or maintaining existing open and tile drains. (12) Creating, preparing, or modifying electronic or computerized data relative to the performance of the activities described in this subsection. (c) Activities included within the practice of surveying that must be accomplished under the responsible charge of a professional surveyor, unless specifically exempted under subsection (d), include the following: (1) The creation of maps and geo-referenced data bases representing authoritative locations for boundaries, fixed works, or topography, either by terrestrial surveying methods or by photogrammetric or GNSS locations. This includes maps and geo-referenced data bases prepared by any person, firm, or government agency if that data is provided to the public as a survey product. (2) Original data acquisition, or the resolution of conflicts between multiple data sources, when used for the authoritative location of features within the following data themes: (A) Geodetic control. (B) Orthoimagery. (C) Elevation and bathymetry. (D) Fixed works. (E) Government boundaries. (F) Cadastral information. (3) Certification of positional accuracy of maps or measured survey data. (4) Measurement, adjustment, and authoritative interpretation of raw survey data. (5) GIS-based parcel or cadastral mapping used for authoritative boundary definition purposes wherein land title or development rights for individual parcels are, or may be, affected. (6) Interpretation of maps, deeds, or other land title documents to resolve conflicting data elements within cadastral documents of record. (7) Acquisition of field data required to authoritatively position fixed works or cadastral data to geodetic control. (8) Adjustment or transformation of cadastral data to improve the positional accuracy of the parcel layer or layers with respect to the geodetic control layer within a GIS for purposes of affirming positional accuracy. (d) A distinction is made in this subsection, in the use of electronic systems, between making or documenting original measurements in the creation of survey products and the copying, interpretation, or representation of those measurements in systems. Further, a distinction is made according to the intent, use, or purpose of measurement products in electronic systems, between the determination of authoritative locations and the use of those products as a locational reference for planning, infrastructure management, and general information. The following items are not included as activities within the definition of the practice of surveying: (1) The creation of general maps: (A) prepared by private firms or government agencies for use as guides to motorists, boaters, aviators, or pedestrians; (B) prepared for publication in a gazetteer or atlas as an educational tool or reference publication; (C) prepared for or by educational institutions for use in the curriculum of any course of study; (D) produced by any electronic or print media firm as an illustrative guide to the geographic location of any event; or (E) prepared by lay persons for conversational or illustrative purposes, including advertising material and users' guides. (2) The transcription of previously geo-referenced data into a geographic information system by manual or electronic means, and the maintenance thereof, if the data are clearly not intended to indicate the authoritative location of property boundaries, the precise definition of the shape or contour of the earth, and the precise location of fixed works of humans. (3) The transcription of public record data, without modification except for graphical purposes, into geographic information systems-based cadastres, including tax maps, zoning maps, and associated records by manual or electronic means, and the maintenance of that cadastre, if the data are clearly not intended to authoritatively represent property boundaries. (4) The preparation of any document by any agency of the federal government that does not define real property boundaries, including civilian and military versions of quadrangle topographic maps, military maps, satellite imagery, and other similar documents. (5) The incorporation or use of documents or data bases prepared by any federal agency into a geographic information system, including federal census and demographic data, quadrangle topographic maps, and military maps. (6) Inventory maps and data bases created by any organization, in either hard copy or electronic form, of physical features, facilities, or infrastructure that are wholly contained within properties to which the organization has rights or for which the organization has management responsibility. The distribution of these maps and data bases outside the organization must contain appropriate metadata describing, at a minimum, the accuracy, method of compilation, data source or sources, and date or dates, and disclaimers of use clearly indicating that the data are not intended to be used as a survey product. (7) Maps, cross-sections, graphics, and data bases depicting the distribution of natural resources or phenomena prepared by foresters, geologists, soil scientists, geophysicists, biologists, archeologists, historians, or other persons qualified to document and interpret the data in the context of their respective practices. (8) Maps and geo-referenced data bases depicting physical features and events prepared by any government agency if the access to that data is restricted by statute, including geo-referenced data generated by law enforcement agencies involving crime statistics and criminal activities. (9) Classified parcels developed in accordance with IC 6-1.1-6-9 (c). (e) The use of photogrammetric methods or similar remote sensing technology to perform any part of the practice of surveying as defined in this section may be performed only under the direct control and supervision of a professional surveyor or professional photogrammetrists who maintain a current title of "Certified Photogrammetrist" from a national scientific organization having a process for certifying photogrammetrists. (f) The practice of surveying encompasses a number of disciplines, including geodetic surveying, hydrographic surveying, cadastral surveying, construction staking, route surveying, photogrammetric surveying, and topographic surveying. A professional surveyor may practice only within the surveyor's area of expertise. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.218-1993, SEC.1; P.L.57-2013, SEC.38; P.L.2-2014, SEC.106; P.L.219-2014, SEC.35.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-1-8

IC 25-21.5-1-8 "Practice or offer to practice surveying"

Sec. 8. "Practice or offer to practice surveying" means the act of a person who does any of the following: (1) By verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, telephone listing, or in any other way represents the person as a professional surveyor. (2) Performs or offers to perform any acts or work involving the practice of professional surveying. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.39.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-1-9.7

IC 25-21.5-1-9.7 "Surveyor intern"

Sec. 9.7. "Surveyor intern" means a person who: (1) has: (A) graduated from an approved surveying curriculum of at least four (4) years; or (B) acquired, through surveying education and experience in surveying work, knowledge and skill approximating that obtained by graduation from an approved surveying curriculum of at least four (4) years; (2) has successfully passed an examination as prescribed under IC 25-21.5-6 ; and (3) has been issued an appropriate certificate of enrollment as a surveyor intern under IC 25-21.5-7-2 . As added by P.L.57-2013, SEC.41.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-11-1

IC 25-21.5-11-1 Actions for unauthorized practice

Sec. 1. The attorney general, the prosecuting attorney of a county, the board, or a citizen of a county where a person who is not exempted or a professional surveyor engages in the practice of surveying may file an action in the name of the state of Indiana to prohibit the person from engaging in the practice of surveying until a certificate of registration is secured or renewed under this article. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.24; P.L.57-2013, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-11-2

IC 25-21.5-11-2 Violation of orders

Sec. 2. A person who violates an order issued under section 1 of this chapter shall be punished for contempt of court. An order does not relieve a person who is engaged in the practice of surveying but who is not a professional surveyor from the requirement of registering under this article or exempt the person from criminal prosecution. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.25; P.L.57-2013, SEC.79.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-11-3

IC 25-21.5-11-3 Complaints; violations

Sec. 3. A complaint for a violation of a provision of this chapter is sufficient if the complaint alleges that a person on a specific day: (1) engaged in the practice of surveying in Indiana; (2) did not have a valid certificate of registration; and (3) was not exempt from registration. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.80.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-11-4

IC 25-21.5-11-4 Investigative fund; administration by attorney general and licensing agency; appropriation

Sec. 4. (a) The professional surveyor and surveyor intern investigative fund is established to provide funds for administering and enforcing the provisions of this article, including investigating and taking enforcement action against violators of this article. The fund shall be administered by the attorney general and the licensing agency. (b) The expenses of administering the fund shall be paid from the money in the fund. The fund consists of money from a fee imposed upon professional surveyors and surveyor interns under IC 25-21.5-3-4 (b). (c) The treasurer of state shall invest the money in the fund not currently needed to meet the obligations of the fund in the same manner as other public money may be invested. (d) Money in the fund at the end of a state fiscal year does not revert to the state general fund. If the total amount in the fund exceeds five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) at the end of a state fiscal year after payment of all claims and expenses, the amount that exceeds five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) reverts to the state general fund. (e) Money in the fund is continually appropriated for use by the attorney general and the licensing agency to administer and enforce the provisions of this article and to conduct investigations and take enforcement action against persons violating the provision of this article. As added by P.L.194-2005, SEC.66. Amended by P.L.177-2006, SEC.6; P.L.57-2013, SEC.81.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-13-2

IC 25-21.5-13-2 Penalties

Sec. 2. A person who: (1) engages in, or offers to engage in, the practice of surveying without being registered or exempted under Indiana law; (2) presents as the person's own the certificate of registration or the seal of another; (3) gives false or forged evidence of any kind to the board or to a board member in obtaining a certificate of registration; (4) impersonates any other registrant; (5) uses an expired, a suspended, or a revoked certificate of registration; or (6) otherwise violates this article; commits a Class B misdemeanor. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.82.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-13-3

IC 25-21.5-13-3 Legal advisor; use of investigative fund

Sec. 3. (a) The attorney general shall act as the legal advisor for the board and provide any legal assistance necessary to carry out this article. (b) The attorney general and the licensing agency may use the professional surveyor and surveyor intern investigative fund established by IC 25-21.5-11-4 to hire investigators and other employees to enforce the provisions of this article and to investigate and prosecute violations of this article. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.194-2005, SEC.67; P.L.57-2013, SEC.83.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-2-14

IC 25-21.5-2-14 Enforcement and administration of article; adoption of rules

Sec. 14. (a) The board shall enforce and administer this article. (b) The board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that are reasonably necessary to implement this article, including for the administration of the professional surveyor and surveyor intern investigative fund established under IC 25-21.5-11-4 , and establish standards for the competent practice of surveying. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.194-2005, SEC.61; P.L.57-2013, SEC.45.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-2-2

IC 25-21.5-2-2 Membership

Sec. 2. (a) The board consists of five (5) members appointed by the governor. (b) Subject to IC 25-1-6.5-3 , one (1) member must be appointed to represent the general public who is: (1) a resident of Indiana; and (2) not associated with surveying other than as a consumer. (c) Subject to IC 25-1-6.5-3 , four (4) members must be registered professional surveyors who engage in the practice of surveying and who each meet the following conditions: (1) Is a citizen of the United States. (2) Has been a resident of Indiana for at least five (5) years immediately before the member's appointment. (3) Is registered in Indiana as a professional surveyor. (4) Has been engaged in the lawful practice of surveying for at least eight (8) years. (5) Has been in charge of surveying work or surveying teaching for at least five (5) years. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.4; P.L.227-2001, SEC.5; P.L.57-2013, SEC.43; P.L.249-2019, SEC.90.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-2-7

IC 25-21.5-2-7 Per diem; traveling expenses

Sec. 7. (a) Each member of the board who is not a state employee or a county surveyor is entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by IC 4-10-11-2.1 (b), including out-of-state meetings that are approved by the board. The member is also entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties, as provided in the state travel policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency. (b) Each member of the board who is a state employee or a county surveyor is entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member's duties, as provided in the state travel policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-3-4

IC 25-21.5-3-4 Receipt and deposit of money; expenses; fee

Sec. 4. (a) Except as provided in IC 25-21.5-11-4 and subsection (b), the secretary shall receive and account for all money collected under this article and deposit the money in the state general fund with the treasurer of state. All expenses incurred in the administration of this article shall be paid from the state general fund. (b) In addition to a registration fee determined under IC 25-21.5-7-5 , the board shall establish a fee of not more than twenty dollars ($20) for a professional surveyor and a surveyor intern to be paid at the time of: (1) issuance of a certificate of registration or certificate of enrollment; and (2) renewal of a certificate of registration or certificate of enrollment; under this article to provide funds for administering and enforcing this article, including investigating and taking action against persons violating this article. All funds collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the professional surveyor and surveyor intern investigative fund established by IC 25-21.5-11-4 . As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.194-2005, SEC.62; P.L.177-2006, SEC.4; P.L.57-2013, SEC.46.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-4-1

IC 25-21.5-4-1 Persons required to register

Sec. 1. For the purpose of safeguarding life, health, and property, a person must be registered or exempted as a professional surveyor to do the following: (1) Practice or offer to practice surveying in Indiana. (2) Advertise or use a title or description tending to convey the impression that the person is a professional surveyor. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.47.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-4-2

IC 25-21.5-4-2 Exemptions

Sec. 2. The following persons are exempt from this article: (1) An employee or a subordinate of a person who holds a certificate of registration under this article if the practice of the employee or subordinate does not include responsible charge of design or supervision. (2) An officer or employee of the United States government while engaged in Indiana in the practice of surveying for the United States government. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.48.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-4-3

IC 25-21.5-4-3 Surveying on privately owned or leased property; registration

Sec. 3. This article does not require registration for the purpose of practicing surveying by a person, firm, or corporation on property owned or leased by the person, firm, or corporation unless the practice involves the following: (1) Public health or safety. (2) The health or safety of the employees of the person, firm, or corporation. (3) Activities excluded from the definition of the practice of surveying under IC 25-21.5-1-7 (b)(4) through IC 25-21.5-1-7 (b)(8). As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.49.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-5-2

IC 25-21.5-5-2 Qualifications for registration

Sec. 2. To qualify for registration as a professional surveyor, an applicant must meet the following conditions under either subdivision (1) or (2): (1) All of the following: (A) Graduation in an approved surveying curriculum. (B) A specific record of at least four (4) years of experience in surveying work that is acquired subsequent to graduation and that indicates that the applicant is qualified to be placed in responsible charge of surveying work requiring the exercise of judgment in the application of surveying sciences to the sound solution of surveying problems. (C) The successful passing of an examination under IC 25-21.5-6 . (2) All of the following: (A) A specific record of at least eight (8) years of surveying education and experience in surveying work that indicates that the applicant has acquired knowledge and skill and practical experience in surveying work approximating that required for registration as a professional surveyor under subdivision (1). (B) The successful passing of an examination under IC 25-21.5-6 . As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.51.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-5-3

IC 25-21.5-5-3 Surveyor intern; conditions for certification

Sec. 3. (a) An applicant for certification as a surveyor intern must meet the following conditions under either subdivision (1) or (2): (1) All of the following: (A) Graduation in an approved surveying curriculum of at least four (4) years. (B) The successful passing of a surveyor intern examination under IC 25-21.5-6 . (2) All of the following: (A) A specific record of at least four (4) years of surveying education and experience in surveying work indicating that the applicant has acquired knowledge and skill approximating that acquired through graduation in an approved surveying curriculum of at least four (4) years. (B) The successful passing of a surveyor intern examination under IC 25-21.5-6 . (b) The board may waive the examination in granting a certificate of registration as a professional surveyor to an applicant who has held an identical certificate of registration under Indiana law. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.52.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-5-4

IC 25-21.5-5-4 Convictions; eligibility for registration or certification

Sec. 4. A person is not eligible for registration as a professional surveyor or certification as a surveyor intern if the person has been convicted of any of the following: (1) An act that would constitute grounds for disciplinary sanction under IC 25-1-11 . (2) A felony that has a direct bearing on the person's ability to practice competently. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.214-1993, SEC.58; P.L.57-2013, SEC.53.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-5-5

IC 25-21.5-5-5 Qualification of applicants; credit for education

Sec. 5. (a) In considering the qualifications of applicants, responsible charge of surveying teaching shall be construed as responsible charge of surveying work. (b) An applicant who holds a degree of master of science of land surveying or the equivalent degree from a curriculum in land surveying approved by the board may be given a maximum credit of one (1) year of experience in addition to the credit of four (4) years of education. (c) An applicant who holds a degree of doctor of philosophy or the equivalent degree from a curriculum in land surveying approved by the board may be given a maximum of credit of two (2) years of experience in addition to a credit of four (4) years of education. (d) Graduation in a course other than land surveying from a college or university acceptable to the board may be considered as equivalent to two (2) years land surveying experience and education. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-5-8

IC 25-21.5-5-8 Contents; application for registration

Sec. 8. Each application for registration as a professional surveyor must contain the following: (1) Statements showing either the registration number issued by another state or the education and qualifications of the applicant. (2) A detailed summary of the technical work performed by the applicant, including a confirmation by the professional surveyor who supervised the work. If the summary of the technical work cannot be confirmed because of conditions beyond the control of the applicant, including death, incompetence, or nonregistration by the supervising professional surveyor, the board may allow the confirmation requirement to be fulfilled through other evidence. (3) The names of five (5) persons to be used as references, at least three (3) of whom must be registered professional surveyors who have a personal knowledge of the experience of the applicant. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.6; P.L.57-2013, SEC.56.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-5-9

IC 25-21.5-5-9 Contents; application for certification

Sec. 9. Each application for certification as a surveyor intern must contain the following: (1) Statements showing the education of the applicant. (2) The names of three (3) persons to be used as references. However, references are not required for an applicant who is enrolled as a senior in an approved surveying curriculum in Indiana and has applied to take the basic disciplines part of the examination described in IC 25-21.5-6-1 when the examination is scheduled to be given at the applicant's institution before the end of the applicant's senior year. (3) An applicant who has not graduated from an approved surveying curriculum must submit a detailed summary of the technical work performed by the applicant, including a confirmation by the professional surveyor who supervised the work. If the technical work summary cannot be confirmed because of conditions beyond the control of the applicant, including death, incompetence, or nonregistration by the supervising professional surveyor, the board may allow the confirmation requirement to be fulfilled through other evidence. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.7; P.L.57-2013, SEC.57.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-6-1

IC 25-21.5-6-1 Scope of examination for professional surveyors

Sec. 1. The examination required of all applicants for registration as a professional surveyor must be a written or computer based examination divided into the following two (2) parts: (1) The basic disciplines part of the examination, which must be designed to test the applicant's knowledge of the basic disciplines of surveying. The standard of proficiency required must approximate that attained by graduation in an approved four (4) year surveying curriculum. (2) The principles and practice part of the examination, which must be designed primarily to test the principles and practice of surveying. The principles and practice part of the examination must be divided into two (2) sections as follows: (A) The first section must test the applicant's understanding, judgment, and ability to correctly apply the following: (i) Federal laws and regulations. (ii) Practices pertaining to the establishment, description, and reestablishment of land boundaries. (iii) The platting of subdivisions. (iv) The ethical, economic, and legal principles relating to the practice of surveying. (v) The principles of mathematics relating to the practice of surveying. (B) The second section must test the applicant's understanding, judgment, and ability to correctly apply the following: (i) What is set forth in clause (A)(i) through clause (A)(v). (ii) Indiana laws and rules. (iii) Work that the professional surveyor is permitted to perform under this article. (iv) The ability to write and interpret legal descriptions and solve narrative problems regarding the analysis and execution of surveys and survey problems. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.9; P.L.9-2012, SEC.1; P.L.57-2013, SEC.59; P.L.11-2023, SEC.79.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-6-2

IC 25-21.5-6-2 Partial exemption

Sec. 2. An applicant for registration as a professional surveyor who holds a surveyor intern certificate that was issued in Indiana or in any other state or territory of the United States having equivalent standards may be exempted from the basic disciplines part of the examination described in section 1(1) of this chapter. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.10; P.L.57-2013, SEC.60.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-6-3

IC 25-21.5-6-3 Subject matter of examination; surveyor interns

Sec. 3. The examination for certification as a surveyor intern must be a written or computer based examination. The examination must be identical in subject matter to, but may be more comprehensive than, the first part of the examination for registration as a professional surveyor described in section 1(1) of this chapter. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.9-2012, SEC.2; P.L.57-2013, SEC.61.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-6-4

IC 25-21.5-6-4 Time and place of examinations

Sec. 4. Examinations must be held at least two (2) times each year at times, places, and under conditions determined by the board. Examinations for certification as a surveyor intern may be held separately from the examinations for registration as a professional surveyor. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.11; P.L.57-2013, SEC.62.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-6-5

IC 25-21.5-6-5 Applicants from other states or territories

Sec. 5. An applicant for registration as a professional surveyor who is presently registered in another state or territory may be assigned a written examination if the board considers the written examination necessary to meet the requirements of this chapter. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.63.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-7-1

IC 25-21.5-7-1 Issuance; certificate of registration for professional surveyors

Sec. 1. (a) The board shall issue a certificate of registration, upon the payment of the fee prescribed in this chapter, to an applicant who, in the opinion of the board, has satisfactorily met all requirements of this article. (b) A certificate of registration for professional surveying must: (1) authorize the practice of surveying; (2) show the full name of the professional surveyor; (3) bear a serial number and date; and (4) be signed by each member and by the secretary under seal of the board. (c) The issuance of a certificate by the board under this section is evidence that the named person is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a professional surveyor from the date on the certificate until the certificate expires or is revoked. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.13; P.L.57-2013, SEC.64.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-7-2

IC 25-21.5-7-2 Issuance; certificate of enrollment as surveyor intern

Sec. 2. (a) The board shall issue a certificate of enrollment as a surveyor intern upon the payment of the certificate fee prescribed in this chapter to any applicant who, in the opinion of the board, has satisfactorily met all of the requirements of this article. (b) A certificate of enrollment as a surveyor intern must state that the applicant has successfully passed the examination in fundamental surveying subjects required by the board and has been enrolled as a surveyor intern. A certificate of enrollment must: (1) show the full name of the surveyor intern; (2) bear a serial number and date; and (3) be signed by the chairman and the secretary, under the seal of the board. (c) The issuance of a certificate by the board is evidence that the person named on the certificate is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a surveyor intern until the certificate expires or is revoked. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.14; P.L.57-2013, SEC.65.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-7-3

IC 25-21.5-7-3 Partnerships, firms, and corporations; eligibility for certification

Sec. 3. A registration certificate for a professional surveyor may be issued only to a natural person. A partnership, firm, or corporation doing business in Indiana may not be engaged in the practice of surveying unless the practice is carried on under the responsible direction and supervision of a professional surveyor who is a full-time employee and a principal of the firm or partnership or an officer of the corporation. The name of the registrant must appear when the firm name is used in the professional practice of the firm, partnership, or corporation. Any surveys, plans, sheets of designs, specifications, or other documents requiring certification that are prepared by the personnel of any partnership, firm, or corporation must carry the signature and seal of the professional surveyor who was responsible for and in charge of the surveying work. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.15; P.L.57-2013, SEC.66.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-7-4

IC 25-21.5-7-4 Conditions; certificate of registration

Sec. 4. The board may issue a certificate of registration as a professional surveyor to any person who meets the following conditions: (1) Properly applies for a certificate of registration. (2) Pays the required fee. (3) Holds a valid certificate of registration as a professional surveyor issued by the proper authority of any state of the United States if the requirements for registration of professional surveyors under which the certificate of registration was issued do not conflict with the provisions of this chapter and were of a standard not lower than that specified in the applicable registration statute in effect in Indiana at the time the certificate was issued. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.67.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-7-6

IC 25-21.5-7-6 Application fees; registration as professional surveyor

Sec. 6. If the board refuses to issue a certificate of registration to a person who has made a proper application for registration as a professional surveyor, the initial fee prescribed by the board and deposited with the board by the applicant shall be retained by the board as an application fee. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.17; P.L.57-2013, SEC.69.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-7-7

IC 25-21.5-7-7 Application fees; certification as surveyor intern

Sec. 7. If the board refuses to issue a certificate to a person who has made proper application for certification as a surveyor intern, the fee prescribed by the board and deposited by the applicant with the board shall be retained as an application fee. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.70.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-8-7

IC 25-21.5-8-7 Continuing education

Sec. 7. (a) The board may adopt rules requiring a professional surveyor to obtain continuing education for renewal of a certificate under this chapter. (b) If the board adopts rules under this section, the rules must establish procedures for approving an organization that provides continuing education. (c) If the board adopts rules under this section, the board may adopt rules to do the following: (1) Allow private organizations to implement the continuing education requirement. (2) Establish an inactive certificate of registration. If the board adopts rules establishing an inactive certificate, the board must adopt rules that: (A) do not require the holder of an inactive certificate to obtain continuing education; (B) prohibit the holder of an inactive certificate from practicing surveying; (C) establish requirements for reactivation of an inactive certificate; and (D) do not require the holder of an inactive certificate to pay the registration and renewal fees required under IC 25-21.5-7-5 . As added by P.L.218-1993, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.18; P.L.194-2005, SEC.65; P.L.197-2007, SEC.58; P.L.57-2013, SEC.71.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-9-1

IC 25-21.5-9-1 Seals; authorized use

Sec. 1. (a) The granting of registration extends to the professional surveyor the authority to use a seal of a design authorized by the rules of the board. The act of affixing the seal attests to the professional surveyor's acceptance of full professional responsibility for the sealed documents. A person may not stamp or seal a document with a seal while the certificate of the named professional surveyor is expired or revoked. (b) Collection of field data, note reduction, computation, office analysis, and preparation of certificates and reports for a survey, plan, specification, plat, drawing, or report sealed by a professional surveyor must be performed by a professional surveyor or an employee acting under the personal supervision and direction of the professional surveyor. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.19; P.L.57-2013, SEC.72.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-9-2

IC 25-21.5-9-2 Plats; approval or acceptance

Sec. 2. A plat showing streets, lots, blocks, or any subdivision of land in Indiana may not be: (1) approved by a county planning or zoning authority; or (2) accepted for transfer or recording by a county auditor or recorder; that has not been prepared or certified and sealed by the responsible professional surveyor. As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.20; P.L.57-2013, SEC.73.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-9-4

IC 25-21.5-9-4 Limitations on practice

Sec. 4. The practice of surveying does not permit a professional surveyor to design and construct sewage disposal stations, lift stations, or bridges or to prepare engineering plans for the construction of engineering projects other than those prescribed in IC 25-21.5-1-7 . As added by P.L.23-1991, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.178-1997, SEC.21; P.L.57-2013, SEC.75.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-9-6

IC 25-21.5-9-6 Employees

Sec. 6. (a) A professional surveyor: (1) is personally responsible for designing and directing the training, procedures, and daily activities of an employee participating in any part of the survey; and (2) shall maintain records that are reasonably necessary to establish that the responsibility of the professional surveyor for the employee that is required by this section has been fulfilled. (b) Before a professional surveyor completes, seals, or signs a survey, plan, specification, plat, drawing, or report, all procedures followed and the decisions made by the employee who participated in the survey, plan, specification, plat, drawing, or report must be reviewed and approved by the professional surveyor. As added by P.L.178-1997, SEC.23. Amended by P.L.57-2013, SEC.77.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-9-7

IC 25-21.5-9-7 Land surveyor entry on land, water, or property

Sec. 7. (a) As used in this section, "public utility" means a corporation, company, partnership, limited liability company, political subdivision (as defined in IC 36-1-2-13 ), individual, association of individuals, or their lessees, trustees, or receivers appointed by a court that own, operate, manage, or control any plant or equipment within Indiana for the: (1) conveyance of telephone messages; (2) production, transmission, delivery, or furnishing of heat, light, water, or power; or (3) collection, treatment, purification, and disposal in a sanitary manner of liquid and solid waste, sewage, night soil, and industrial waste. (b) Subject to section 8 of this chapter and except as provided in subsection (c), a land surveyor and any personnel under the supervision of a land surveyor may enter upon, over, or under any land, water, or property within Indiana for the limited purpose of the practice of land surveying. The land surveyor and any personnel under the supervision of the land surveyor may not interfere with any construction, operation, or maintenance activity being conducted upon the land, water, or property by the owner or occupant. (c) Notwithstanding subsection (b), a land surveyor and any personnel under the supervision of a land surveyor may not enter: (1) property owned or controlled by: (A) the Indiana department of homeland security; or (B) a public utility; or (2) a building, dwelling, or structure on the land or property. As added by P.L.83-2011, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-9-8

IC 25-21.5-9-8 Identification before entry; liability for damage

Sec. 8. (a) To the extent practicable, before entering upon, over, or under any land, water, or property under section 7 of this chapter, a land surveyor and any personnel under the supervision of a land surveyor shall present written identification to the occupant of the land, water, or property. (b) A land surveyor and any personnel under the supervision of a land surveyor is liable for any damage that may occur to the land, water, or property as a result of entry upon, over, or under the land, water, or property under section 7 of this chapter. As added by P.L.83-2011, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 25-21.5-9-9

IC 25-21.5-9-9 Real property descriptions in original or retracement surveys; required caption

Sec. 9. (a) This section does not apply to descriptions of lots in new subdivisions. (b) Any new or modified real property description prepared by a professional surveyor as a product of an original survey or a retracement survey must include a caption that identifies: (1) the name and professional surveyor registration number of the professional surveyor who prepared the description; and (2) the plat of survey produced as a part of the original survey or retracement survey, including the following information: (A) The date of the surveyor's certification. (B) The date of the last revision, if any, to the survey. (C) Any associated project or job number. (D) The name of the survey company, if any. As added by P.L.159-2018, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 25-31-1-19

IC 25-31-1-19 Public projects; employment of professional engineer

Sec. 19. (a) A county, city, town, township, school corporation, or other political subdivision of this state may not engage in the construction or maintenance of any public work involving the practice of engineering for which plans, specifications, and estimates have not been prepared, certified, and sealed by, and the construction and maintenance executed under the direct supervision of, a professional engineer. Any contract executed in violation of this section is void. (b) An official of this state, or of any city, town, county, township, or school corporation, charged with the enforcement of any law, ordinance, or rule relating to the design, construction, or alteration of buildings or structures may not use or accept or approve any plans or specifications that have not been prepared by, or under the supervision of and certified by, a registered professional engineer. This subsection does not apply: (1) to plans or specifications prepared by, or under the supervision of and certified by, an architect who is registered under IC 25-4-1 ; (2) to structures and construction listed in IC 22-15-3-3 (a); or (3) to plans or specifications contained in a registration, license, or permit application, including an application for an initial permit, the renewal of a permit, the modification of a permit, or a variance from a permit submitted to the commissioner of the department of environmental management under IC 13 , unless the permit is for the approval of plans or specifications for construction for which a professional engineer's seal is required by operation of either state or federal law, rule, or regulation. This subsection does not require a professional engineer's seal for an application for an air quality construction permit under 326 IAC 2-1-3. This section shall not be construed as to abridge or otherwise affect the powers of any state board or department to issue rules governing the safety of buildings or structures. (c) All maps required to show the underground workings of any mine in Indiana must be prepared, certified, and sealed by a professional engineer or professional surveyor. Formerly: Acts 1935, c.148, s.19; Acts 1947, c.262, s.8; Acts 1957, c.320, s.9; Acts 1961, c.277, s.9; Acts 1965, c.284, s.9. As amended by P.L.8-1984, SEC.121; P.L.23-1991, SEC.26; P.L.215-1993, SEC.19; P.L.82-1994, SEC.30; P.L.246-1995, SEC.1; P.L.57-2013, SEC.85.

Ind. Code § 25-31-1-2

IC 25-31-1-2 Definitions

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter: (a) "Board" means the state board of registration for professional engineers. (b) "Professional engineer" means an individual who, by reason of that individual's special knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design which are acquired by education and practical experience, is qualified to engage in the practice of engineering as attested by that individual's registration as a professional engineer. (c) "Engineering intern" means an individual who: (1) is a graduate from an approved engineering curriculum of four (4) years or more or who has acquired, through engineering education and experience in engineering work, knowledge and skill approximating that obtained by graduation in an approved engineering curriculum of four (4) years or more; (2) has successfully passed an examination as prescribed in section 14 of this chapter; and (3) has been issued by the board an appropriate certificate of enrollment as an engineering intern. (d) "Practice of engineering" means any service or creative work that the adequate performance of requires engineering education, training, and experience in the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences to services or creative work that includes the following: (1) Consultation. (2) Investigation. (3) Evaluation. (4) Planning, including planning the use of land and water. (5) The design of or the supervision of the design of engineering works and systems. (6) Engineering surveys and studies or the supervision of engineering surveys and studies, including all surveying activities required to support the sound conception, planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of engineered projects, but not including the surveying of real property for the establishment of land boundaries, subdivisions, rights-of-way, easements, and the dependent or independent surveys or resurveys of the public land survey system. (7) Evaluation of construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with specifications, plans, and designs, in connection with any public or private utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work systems, or projects. The term "practice of engineering" does not include the work ordinarily performed by persons who operate or maintain machinery or equipment. (e) "Approved engineering curriculum" means an engineering curriculum of four (4) years or more that has been approved by the board. In approving the engineering curriculum, the board may take into consideration the standards of accreditation adopted by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. (f) "Practice or offer to practice engineering" means the act of an individual or a business who by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, telephone listing, or in any other way represents the individual or the business to be a professional engineer or who performs, or offers to perform, any acts or work involving the practice of engineering. (g) "Licensing agency" means the Indiana professional licensing agency established by IC 25-1-5-3 . Formerly: Acts 1935, c.148, s.2; Acts 1947, c.262, s.2; Acts 1957, c.320, s.1; Acts 1961, c.277, s.1; Acts 1965, c.284, s.2; Acts 1969, c.279, s.1. As amended by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.229; P.L.132-1984, SEC.40; P.L.23-1991, SEC.14; P.L.215-1993, SEC.2; P.L.1-2006, SEC.475; P.L.78-2017, SEC.18.

Ind. Code § 25-31-1-21

IC 25-31-1-21 License by reciprocity

Sec. 21. The board may, upon application and payment of a fee established by the board in the board's rules, issue a certificate of registration as a professional engineer to an individual who holds a valid certificate of registration as a professional engineer, issued to the applicant by the proper authority of any state or territory or possession of the United States if the requirements for registration of professional engineers that the certificate of registration was issued under do not conflict with the provisions of this chapter. In determining the qualifications of an applicant, the board may accept the verified professional record of the applicant that is certified by the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. However, an applicant meets the experience requirement under section 12 of this chapter if the applicant: (1) has at least three (3) years of engineering work experience after the applicant graduates from an approved engineering curriculum but before the applicant successfully passes an examination required under section 14 of this chapter; and (2) has been registered or licensed as a professional engineer in another state for at least ten (10) years. Formerly: Acts 1935, c.148, s.21; Acts 1957, c.320, s.10; Acts 1965, c.284, s.10; Acts 1969, c.279, s.8. As amended by Acts 1982, P.L.154, SEC.104; P.L.23-1991, SEC.28; P.L.215-1993, SEC.21; P.L.194-2005, SEC.82.

Ind. Code § 25-31-1-5

IC 25-31-1-5 Meetings of board; organization; quorum

Sec. 5. (a) The board shall hold in the city of Indianapolis at least two (2) regular meetings each year and special meetings as the board considers necessary. Regular and special meetings must be held at times and places as the rules of the board may provide. Notice of all meetings must be given according to IC 5-14-1.5 . (b) The board shall elect, annually, from its own members, a chairman and a vice chairman. (c) A quorum of the board consists of four (4) members and no official action of any meeting may be taken without at least four (4) votes being in accord. (d) Suitable office quarters shall be provided by the state for the use of the board in the city of Indianapolis. This office may be shared with the state board of registration for professional surveyors. Formerly: Acts 1935, c.148, s.5. As amended by Acts 1982, P.L.113, SEC.75; P.L.23-1991, SEC.17; P.L.215-1993, SEC.5; P.L.2-2014, SEC.109.

Ind. Code § 25-31-1-6

IC 25-31-1-6 Secretary of board; duties; employees

Sec. 6. (a) The licensing agency shall provide the board with a competent individual to serve as secretary of the board. The secretary may not be a member of the board. The secretary, through the licensing agency, shall keep a true and complete record of all proceedings of the board and perform any other duties, prescribed in this chapter, as may be assigned by the board. (b) The board shall be provided by the licensing agency whatever clerical or other assistants, including investigators, as may be necessary for the proper performance of its duties. (c) The licensing agency may assign joint personnel to work for both the board and the state board of registration for professional surveyors. Formerly: Acts 1935, c.148, s.6; Acts 1957, c.320, s.3. As amended by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.232; P.L.132-1984, SEC.41; P.L.23-1991, SEC.18; P.L.215-1993, SEC.6; P.L.2-2014, SEC.110.

Ind. Code § 25-34.1-6-4

IC 25-34.1-6-4 Not grounds for liability

Sec. 4. (a) The mere transporting, transmitting, or delivering of a document related to a real estate transaction does not impose any liability for the content of the document or any statement within the document. (b) A licensee is not liable for a report or statement made by a person who has made a report concerning the real estate, including inspection reports and surveys, unless: (1) the report or statement was made by a person employed by either the licensee or a broker with whom the licensee is associated; (2) the report or statement was made by a person selected and hired by the licensee; however, ordering a report from a person does not constitute selecting or hiring a person; or (3) the licensee knew before closing occurred that the report or statement was false or the licensee acted in reckless disregard as to whether the report or statement was true or false. (c) A licensee is not liable for the information contained in a seller's real estate disclosure form prepared under IC 32-21-5 , unless: (1) the licensee signed the disclosure form; or (2) the licensee knew before closing occurred that the information was false or the licensee acted in reckless disregard as to whether the information was true or false. (d) A licensee is not liable for the information that was obtained from: (1) the licensee's client; (2) a governmental entity; (3) a person who obtained the information from a governmental entity; or (4) a person who is licensed, certified, or registered to provide professional services on which the licensee relies; unless the licensee knew before closing occurred that the information was false or the licensee acted in reckless disregard as to whether the information was true or false. As added by P.L.116-2015, SEC.16.

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)