The hook
Running a surveying business adds a layer to the technical work: fees, contracts, project management, scope of services, equipment selection, and the workflow from inquiry to invoice. The PS exam tests business literacy.
- 1Inquiry to proposalProspective client describes need; surveyor scopes the work, prepares a written proposal with deliverables, fee, schedule, exclusions.
- 2Contract executionSigned proposal + terms = contract. Captures scope, fee, timing, payment terms, retention, dispute resolution.
- 3Project setupOpen project file, assign PLS + crew, gather initial records, establish budget tracking.
- 4ExecutionRecords research, fieldwork, comps, drafting. Track hours against budget.
- 5Quality reviewPLS reviews + signs/seals. Internal QC before delivery.
- 6Delivery + invoiceSigned/sealed deliverables sent. Invoice per terms; follow up on AR.
- 7Project closeoutArchive file, lessons-learned note, mark equipment back to inventory.
Memorize these
Concepts that show up on the exam
Lump sum fee
Fixed price for defined scope. Best when scope is clear; risk of overrun on the firm.
Time + materials
Hourly + expenses, often with a not-to-exceed cap. Best when scope is uncertain; client bears overrun risk.
Retainer
Up-front payment held against fees. Common for new clients or risky projects.
Equipment selection
Match instrument to job: total station for short-baseline boundary, RTK for topo, static for control, drone for big sites.
Test yourself
How well did it stick?
A quick 5-question check on General Business Practices. See where you stand and what to review.