NCEES PS·Section 5 · Areas of Practice

As-Built / Record Drawing Surveys

Calculations, techniques, horizontal + vertical positioning of as-built features relative to plan or datum.

The hook

As-built surveys document what was actually constructed — never identical to the design. The deliverable becomes the official record for the owner, the basis for future maintenance, and a prerequisite for any expansion or sale.

Memorize these

Concepts that show up on the exam

As-built deliverable
Survey of constructed features (buildings, utilities, pavement, drainage). Compared against design; deltas annotated.
Design vs. as-built deltas
Documented per feature: vertical, horizontal, geometric. Tolerances vary by feature type and project spec.
Subsurface utility documentation
Often required for buried utilities — locations, depths, sizes, materials. Quality Levels A (dig + survey) through D (records review).
Vertical positioning
For surfaces (paving, slabs, drainage), elevations are spot-checked at standard locations. Tolerance per project spec.
Test yourself

How well did it stick?

A quick 5-question check on As-Built / Record Drawing Surveys. See where you stand and what to review.

More in Section 5
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