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Surveying and Mapping Technicians Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for surveying and mapping technicians in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Surveying and Mapping Technicians in California

Estimated timeline: 1-17 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Examination Application*: $300 (California School Graduate)

    • $330 (Equivalency/Non-California School Graduate).
  3. 3

    *This fee amount is for the evaluation of your application materials only.

  4. 4

    It does not include the examination administration fee charged by the National Council State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

  5. 5

    Upon written notification of exam eligibility, applicants must submit their NCLEX registration fee directly to the NCLEX Data Center to register for their vocational nursing examination.

  6. 6

    Fingerprint processing: $49.

  7. 7

    License: $300.

Exam and processing details

  • Application*: $300 (California School Graduate)
  • $330 (Equivalency/Non-California School Graduate) *This fee amount is for the evaluation of your application materials only. It does not include the examination administration fee charged by the National Council State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Upon written notification of exam eligibility, applicants must submit their NCLEX registration fee directly to the NCLEX Data Center to register for their vocational nursing examination. Fingerprint processing: $49 License: $300 Frequency: Year-round
  • Monday through Saturday. Locations: 23 locations in California
  • multiple locations nationwide. Experience

Continuing education and program notes

  • Center to register for their vocational nursing examination
Fee TypeAmount
Fingerprint processing$49
License$300
Renewal$305
Interim Permit$50

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $71,860 median (38% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #3 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Surveying and Mapping Technicians licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Application*: $300 (California School Graduate); $330 (Equivalency/Non-California School Graduate) *This fee amount is for the evaluation of your application materials only. It....
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Examination Application*: $300 (California School Graduate); $330 (Equivalency/Non-California School Graduate).; *This fee amount is for the evaluation of your application materials only.).
  5. 5. Budget filing costs (Fingerprint processing: $49; License: $300).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $71,860, Surveying and Mapping Technicianss in California earn 38% above the national median of $51,940. California ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-17 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$71,860

Hourly estimate

$34.55
38% above national median

Difference: +$19,920

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,920
  • P2525th percentile$54,780
  • P50Median$71,860
  • P7575th percentile$95,860
  • P9090th percentile$115,050

State vs National Median

State: $71,860
National: $51,940

Total employment: 3,670 | Annual openings: N/A

Surveying and Mapping Technicians Salary Ranking

#3 of 50 statesfor Surveying and Mapping Technicians median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nevada$75,660
#2Alaska$73,320
#3California$71,860
#4Minnesota$66,080
#5Maryland$64,460

Nearby States Comparison

Surveying and Mapping Technicians licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$71,860Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-17 years
Oregon$57,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$75,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$54,410Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA, 95833

Phone: 9162637800

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$81,240Varies by state board1-17 years
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$84,530Varies by state board1-17 years
Electrical Engineers$140,360Varies by state board1-17 years
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$154,670Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Surveying and Mapping Technicians in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-17 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Surveying and Mapping Technicians salary in California?

The median annual salary for Surveying and Mapping Technicianss in California is $71,860. Salaries range from $44,920 (10th percentile) to $115,050 (90th percentile).

How does the Surveying and Mapping Technicians salary in California compare to the national average?

Surveying and Mapping Technicianss in California earn 38% above the national median of $51,940, with a state median of $71,860.

How many Surveying and Mapping Technicianss work in California?

California employs approximately 3,670 Surveying and Mapping Technicianss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Surveying and Mapping Technicians license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Surveying and Mapping Technicianss in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Review agency details at https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Surveying and Mapping Technicians license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.