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Board discusses draft rule changes to expand licensure pathways and remove three‑year supervisory barrier
Summary
Board members reviewed proposed rule changes that would eliminate a rule requiring a newly licensed surveyor to wait three years before supervising others and would add pathways (up to seven) for applicants with engineering and technician credentials, with implementation to be handled through formal rulemaking.
Members of the Vermont Board of Land Surveyors spent a substantial portion of their Dec. 17 meeting reviewing draft rule changes intended to broaden licensure pathways and simplify supervisory qualifications.
Board member John introduced a set of proposed amendments that would remove a current rule requiring a newly licensed surveyor to wait three years before being eligible to supervise another applicant’s experience. Supporters said the three‑year waiting period can create multi‑year delays for candidates seeking to record supervised work: "That’s why I look at getting rid of this," one member said, calling it a barrier that can stretch applicants’ progress into long cycles.
The board also discussed increasing recognized pathways to licensure from four to seven, adding routes for applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology, an associate’s degree in civil engineering technology, or certification as a Certified Survey Technician (CST)—each path to include internships, portfolios and examination requirements. Members noted the need to address accreditation questions (for example, ABET standards) in drafting the rules so educational programs align with the board’s expectations.
Members emphasized that the discussion was at the draft stage and that formal rulemaking — which includes public notice and stakeholder input — will be required before any change becomes effective. Staff warned that the actual rulemaking work may not occur until 2026 because of competing priorities in the OPR rulemaking schedule. Several members volunteered to work in a subcommittee to refine language before formal drafting.
Board members said the intent is to reduce unnecessary career bottlenecks and expand entry routes for Vermonters, including graduates of in‑state programs, while preserving the board’s ability to ensure competency through internships, portfolios and examinations. Staff planned to circulate a live draft the board can edit and to solicit detailed stakeholder input once OPR can allocate staff time to the rulemaking process.
