ALTA ALTA Survey Standards 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does ALTA/NSPS stand for in the context of land title surveys?
- American Land Title Association / National Society of Professional Surveyors (Correct answer)
- American Legal Title Association / National Survey of Property Standards
- American Land Transfer Association / National Standards of Property Surveys
- American Legal Transfer Association / National Society of Property Surveyors
Correct answer: American Land Title Association / National Society of Professional Surveyors
ALTA/NSPS stands for American Land Title Association and National Society of Professional Surveyors, which jointly develop the minimum standards for land title surveys.
Question 2: Which document establishes the minimum standard detail requirements for ALTA/NSPS land title surveys?
- The ALTA Survey Table A
- The ALTA/NSPS Minimum Standard Detail Requirements (Correct answer)
- The RESPA Survey Guidelines
- The HUD Land Survey Protocols
Correct answer: The ALTA/NSPS Minimum Standard Detail Requirements
The ALTA/NSPS Minimum Standard Detail Requirements document defines what must be shown on a survey for it to qualify as an ALTA/NSPS land title survey.
Question 3: How often are the ALTA/NSPS Minimum Standard Detail Requirements typically revised?
- Every year
- Every 5 years (Correct answer)
- Every 10 years
- They have never been revised
Correct answer: Every 5 years
The ALTA/NSPS standards are typically revised approximately every five years to reflect changes in surveying practice and industry needs.
Question 4: What is 'Table A' in an ALTA/NSPS land title survey?
- A table listing all recorded easements
- A set of optional additional survey items a client may request (Correct answer)
- A required list of boundary monuments found
- A table of bearings and distances for the property
Correct answer: A set of optional additional survey items a client may request
Table A is a list of optional items beyond the minimum requirements that a client or lender can request be included in an ALTA/NSPS survey.
Question 5: Who is primarily responsible for certifying an ALTA/NSPS land title survey?
- The title insurance underwriter
- The closing attorney
- The licensed or registered professional land surveyor (Correct answer)
- The lender's loan officer
Correct answer: The licensed or registered professional land surveyor
A licensed or registered professional land surveyor must certify the ALTA/NSPS survey, taking responsibility for its accuracy and compliance with the standards.
Question 6: Which of the following is a required element on every ALTA/NSPS land title survey?
- Location of all utility lines underground
- A north arrow and scale (Correct answer)
- Flood zone classification only if requested
- Zoning setback lines
Correct answer: A north arrow and scale
Every ALTA/NSPS survey must include a north arrow and graphic scale as part of the minimum standard detail requirements.
ALTA ALTA Survey Standards 1
What does ALTA/NSPS stand for in the context of land title surveys?