RPLS Risk Assessment and Mitigation 3

Question 1

A surveyor is asked to certify a floodplain elevation certificate. Which risk factor is most important to evaluate before accepting this assignment?

Accepted Answer

Whether the surveyor holds adequate E&O coverage for FEMA-related work

Answer

LOMA and elevation certificate work carries specific liability exposure, so verifying adequate professional liability coverage before accepting the project is critical.

Question 2

When a surveyor identifies encroachments during an ALTA/NSPS survey, the risk mitigation step required by the standards is to:

Accepted Answer

Depict and note all encroachments on the survey plat and in Table A items

Answer

ALTA/NSPS standards require that all observed encroachments be clearly depicted on the survey and referenced in the appropriate Table A items.

Question 3

Which contractual provision most effectively mitigates a surveyor's risk when the scope of work is ambiguous?

Accepted Answer

A limitation of liability clause capping damages at the fee paid

Answer

A limitation of liability clause restricts the surveyor's financial exposure to the amount of the professional fee, a widely used risk management tool.

Question 4

A surveyor is working in an area with known underground utilities. Which mitigation measure is legally required before excavation or probing?

Accepted Answer

Contacting 811 (One-Call) to request utility locates

Answer

Federal and state law requires contacting 811 before any ground disturbance so utilities can be located and marked, protecting crews and infrastructure.

Question 5

A project requires surveys in a jurisdiction with differing state minimum standards. Which is the correct risk mitigation approach?

Accepted Answer

Apply the more stringent of the applicable state standards or ALTA/NSPS requirements

Answer

Professional practice requires meeting the most stringent applicable standard — either the state minimum or ALTA/NSPS, whichever demands greater precision and disclosure.

(RPLS) Registered Professional Land Surveyor Practice Test

(RPLS) Registered Professional Land Surveyor Practice Test

RPLS Risk Assessment and Mitigation 3