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SURCON Surveying Technologist Examination

Practice Questions100 questions

Exam Review

Key Facts: SURCON Professional Exam

NGN 300,000

Professional Exam Fee

SURCON 2026 exam notice

2 Years

Required Pupilage

SURCON Act

Minna (L40)

National Datum Origin

Geodetic Net

3 Belts

NTM Grid Zones

Survey Rules

Decree 44

Enabling Law of 1989

F.G.N. Gazette

60% / 50%

Part II: Survey Laws / other papers

Survey Regulations

The SURCON Professional Exam is the gateway to becoming a Registered Surveyor in Nigeria. It costs NGN 300,000 (2026 notice), requires a degree in Surveying and 2 years of pupilage, and consists of nine written 3-hour papers across Parts I and II (mathematics, astronomy and geodesy, topographical survey and photogrammetry, large scale and cadastral surveys, survey computation, survey laws) plus practical tasks, a thesis and an oral interview. Main topics include cadastral law, Decree 44 of 1989, Minna Datum, geodetic positioning, photogrammetry, GIS, and hydrography.

Sample SURCON Professional Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the SURCON Professional exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 162+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the mathematical relationship between ellipsoidal height (h), orthometric height (H), and geoid undulation (N)?

A.H = h - N

B.H = h + N

C.h = H - N

D.N = H + h

Explanation: The relationship is given by H = h - N, where H is the orthometric height (height above the geoid/mean sea level), h is the ellipsoidal height (height above the reference ellipsoid), and N is the geoid undulation (separation between geoid and ellipsoid). In geodetic surveying in Nigeria, converting GPS-derived ellipsoidal heights to usable orthometric heights requires a geoid model or local calibration to determine N.

2Which station serves as the origin point (L40) for the triangulation network of the local Minna Datum in Nigeria?

A.L40 station near Minna, Niger State

B.L50 station near Abuja, FCT

C.Kano geodetic station

D.Lagos coastal tidal station

Explanation: The Minna Datum (the local geodetic datum of Nigeria) has its origin point at station L40, which is situated on a hill near Minna, Niger State. The astronomical latitude and longitude of this point, along with the Clarke 1880 ellipsoid, define the local reference system used for geodetic control and cadastral surveying.

3Which geometric parameters define the Clarke 1880 (RGS) ellipsoid, the reference surface of the Minna Datum in Nigeria?

A.Semi-major axis a = 6,378,249.145 m, inverse flattening 1/f = 293.465

B.Semi-major axis a = 6,378,137.000 m, inverse flattening 1/f = 298.257

C.Semi-major axis a = 6,378,206.400 m, inverse flattening 1/f = 294.979

D.Semi-major axis a = 6,378,388.000 m, inverse flattening 1/f = 297.000

Explanation: The Minna Datum is referenced to the Clarke 1880 (RGS) ellipsoid, defined by a semi-major axis of 6,378,249.145 m and an inverse flattening of 293.465 (EPSG datum code 6263, ellipsoid code 7012). Nigerian texts often call the same figure Clarke 1880 (modified). These constants drive every geodetic-to-grid conversion on the Nigerian national grid.

4In the Nigeria Transverse Mercator (NTM) projection grid system, what are the central meridians assigned to the three longitudinal belts?

A.4.5° E (West), 8.5° E (Mid), and 11.5° E (East)

B.4.0° E (West), 8.0° E (Mid), and 12.0° E (East)

C.5.0° E (West), 9.0° E (Mid), and 13.0° E (East)

D.3.0° E (West), 7.0° E (Mid), and 11.0° E (East)

Explanation: To minimize distortion, Nigeria is divided into three longitudinal belts under the Nigeria Transverse Mercator (NTM) system: the West Belt (central meridian 4.5° E), the Mid Belt (central meridian 8.5° E), and the East Belt (central meridian 11.5° E). Surveys in local grids must specify which belt is utilized.

5What is the design scale factor at the central meridian for the Nigeria Transverse Mercator (NTM) projection, and how does it compare to the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)?

A.NTM scale factor is 0.99975, which is higher than the UTM scale factor of 0.9996

B.NTM scale factor is 0.9996, which is identical to the UTM scale factor

C.NTM scale factor is 1.00000, indicating no distortion at the central meridian

D.NTM scale factor is 0.99990, which is lower than the UTM scale factor of 0.9996

Explanation: The NTM projection utilizes a scale factor of 0.99975 at the central meridian of each belt, which is designed to reduce scale distortion over the narrower width of the local belts. By contrast, the global UTM system uses a scale factor of 0.9996 to distribute scale errors across broader 6-degree zones.

6What is the statutory False Easting value assigned to the Mid Belt in the Nigeria Transverse Mercator (NTM) system to prevent negative coordinates?

A.670,553.984 meters

B.230,738.266 meters

C.1,110,369.702 meters

D.500,000.000 meters

Explanation: In the Nigeria Transverse Mercator (NTM) projection, the Mid Belt (central meridian 8.5 degrees E, latitude of origin 4 degrees N) is assigned a False Easting of 670,553.984 metres. Each belt carries its own offset so that eastings stay positive across the belt and cannot be confused with a neighbouring belt.

7What is the False Easting value assigned to the West Belt (central meridian 4.5° E) in the Nigeria Transverse Mercator (NTM) projection system?

A.230,738.266 meters

B.670,553.984 meters

C.1,110,369.702 meters

D.300,000.000 meters

Explanation: The West Belt of the NTM projection (centered at 4.5° E) is assigned a False Easting of 230,738.266 meters at the central meridian. Using specific false eastings for each belt prevents grid coordinate confusion between different belts.

8Which False Easting value is used for the East Belt (central meridian 11.5° E) in the Nigeria Transverse Mercator (NTM) system?

A.1,110,369.702 meters

B.670,553.984 meters

C.230,738.266 meters

D.1,000,000.000 meters

Explanation: The East Belt of the NTM projection (centered at 11.5° E) has a False Easting of 1,110,369.702 meters at the central meridian. These offsets are critical for coordinate transformation and mapping operations in eastern Nigeria.

9When converting coordinates from the global WGS 84 datum to the local Minna Datum in Nigeria, what type of transformation model is most commonly applied for high precision?

A.A 7-parameter conformal transformation (Bursa-Wolf model)

B.A two-dimensional affine transformation of the grid coordinates

C.A single scale-factor correction applied to all measured distances

D.A two-dimensional conformal translation between the two grids

Explanation: Because the Minna Datum is non-geocentric and rotated/scaled relative to WGS 84, a simple translation is insufficient for high-precision work. A 7-parameter transformation (comprising three translations, three rotations, and one scale factor) using the Bursa-Wolf or Molodensky-Badekas model is typically required to maintain sub-meter accuracy across Nigeria.

10What is the primary mathematical objective of the Least Squares adjustment method in geodetic network adjustments?

A.Minimizing the sum of the weighted squares of the residuals

B.Eliminating systematic errors entirely from the raw observations

C.Maximizing the number of independent measurements in the loop

D.Forcing all coordinate discrepancies to exactly zero without residuals

Explanation: The primary objective of Least Squares adjustment is to minimize the sum of the weighted squares of the observational residuals. This provides the most mathematically probable coordinates for the geodetic stations by distributing random errors based on the relative weights of the measurements.

About the SURCON Professional Exam

The SURCON Professional Examination is the statutory licensing exam for surveyors in Nigeria. Regulated under Decree 44 of 1989, it validates candidate competence in land surveying, geodetic networks, cadastral law, photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS, hydrographic surveying, and professional ethics. Success leads to registration as a Registered Surveyor (Surv.) and the authority to sign/seal cadastral survey plans.

Exam sponsor: Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Part I: four written 3-hour papers (Mathematics; Spherical Trigonometry, Astronomy and Geodesy; Topographical Survey and Photogrammetry; Large Scale and Cadastral Surveys) plus a practical examination. Part II: five written 3-hour papers (Astronomy and Geodesy; Photogrammetry; Large Scale and Cadastral Surveys; Survey Computation; Survey Laws) plus a thesis and a practical task, followed by SURCON's oral interview.

Time Limit

3 hours per written paper

Passing Score

Part I: 50% aggregate, min 40% per paper; Part II: 60% in Survey Laws (Paper V), min 50% in each other paper

Exam / Certification Fees

NGN 300,000 (2026 notice) + NGN 30,000 preparatory workshop

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. SURCON publishes no pass rates for the professional examination Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Not published

Part I Paper I: Mathematics

Algebra, trigonometry, calculus, matrices, least squares and statistics used in survey computations

Not published

Part I Paper II: Spherical Trigonometry, Astronomy and Geodesy

Spherical triangles, field astronomy for azimuth/latitude/longitude, figure of the earth, Nigerian datum (Minna) and projections

Not published

Part I Paper III: Topographical Survey and Photogrammetry

Control, detail and contour surveys, levelling, tacheometry, aerial photography geometry, scale and parallax

Not published

Part I Paper IV: Large Scale and Cadastral Surveys

Boundary surveys, beacons, survey plans, accuracy standards under the Survey Regulations, instruments and field practice

Not published

Part II Paper I: Astronomy and Geodesy

Geodetic networks, GNSS, datums and transformations, geoid and heights, precise astronomical observations

Not published

Part II Paper II: Photogrammetry

Stereo-plotting, aerial triangulation, orthophotos, digital photogrammetry and remote sensing

Not published

Part II Paper III: Large Scale and Cadastral Surveys

Cadastral practice, engineering and mining surveys, setting out, deformation and hydrographic applications

Not published

Part II Paper IV: Survey Computation

Traverse and network adjustment, coordinate transformations, area and volume computations

Not published

Part II Paper V: Survey Laws

Surveyors Registration Act (Cap S18), Survey Coordination Act, Land Use Act 1978, Survey Regulations, professional ethics and practice

Preparing for the SURCON Professional Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Part I: 50% aggregate, min 40% per paper; Part II: 60% in Survey Laws (Paper V), min 50% in each other paper
Assessment: Part I: four written 3-hour papers (Mathematics; Spherical Trigonometry, Astronomy and Geodesy; Topographical Survey and Photogrammetry; Large Scale and Cadastral Surveys) plus a practical examination. Part II: five written 3-hour papers (Astronomy and Geodesy; Photogrammetry; Large Scale and Cadastral Surveys; Survey Computation; Survey Laws) plus a thesis and a practical task, followed by SURCON's oral interview.
Time limit: 3 hours per written paper
Exam / certification fees: NGN 300,000 (2026 notice) + NGN 30,000 preparatory workshop Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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SURCON Professional: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the three belt parameters of the Nigeria Transverse Mercator (NTM) projection (central meridians and false eastings).

2Read the entirety of the SURCON Enabling Act (Decree 44 of 1989) and note the compositions and powers of the Disciplinary Committee vs the Investigating Panel.

3Understand the height relationship H = h - N and how local geoid undulation is determined from control benchmarks.

4Be prepared to calculate coordinates, traverse closures, and network adjustments using Least Squares principles.

5Study Section 29 of the Land Use Act of 1978 concerning compensation rights and the Governor's trust powers.

6Review photogrammetric relief displacement equations and the spectral signature patterns of vegetation in NIR bands.

7Learn the IHO S-44 standards for hydrographic surveys, especially the differences between Special Order and Order 1 surveys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SURCON Professional Examination?

It is the official licensing examination conducted by the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) for pupil surveyors who have completed their degree and pupilage. Passing it allows registration as a Registered Surveyor (Surv.) with full legal powers to practice in Nigeria.

What are the eligibility requirements for the surveyor cadre?

Candidates must hold an accredited B.Sc., B.Tech., or HND in Surveying and Geoinformatics and complete a minimum of 2 years of practical pupilage under a registered surveyor. A logbook must be kept and submitted alongside a practical project folio.

What is the fee for the SURCON exam?

SURCON's 17 February 2026 notice for the 2026 Professional Examinations (12–18 September 2026) sets the examination fee at NGN 300,000 for pupil surveyors, NGN 200,000 for Survey Technologists and NGN 150,000 for Survey Technicians, payable through Remita, plus a compulsory NGN 30,000 preparatory workshop. Fees change by cycle, so confirm the current notice on surconnigeria.gov.ng before paying.

What happens if a candidate fails some papers?

Candidates who fail specific papers (e.g. Computations or Law) carry them over to the next annual cycle. They are required to sit for the failed papers and may need to represent their folio if it was rejected.

Why is the Minna Datum important in the exam?

The Minna Datum is the national horizontal reference frame for Nigeria. It uses the Clarke 1880 ellipsoid, which is non-geocentric, making datum transformations (Minna to WGS 84) and NTM projection calculations core elements of the geodetic exam papers.