How long are the exams?
Level I = 200 questions (4 hours to complete)
Level II = 180 questions (6 hours to complete)
Level III = 150 questions (6 hours to complete)
Level IV is take home, open book, essay exam, similar to a college-level term paper.
Level 3:
https://cstnsps.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/July-2018-Sample-Level_III_Test.pdf
RESOURCE TEXTS
Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics
Brown’s Boundary Control and Legal Principals,
Evidence and Procedures for Boundary Location
Surveying: Theory and Practice
Land Development Handbook: Planning, Engineering, and Surveying
Land Surveyor Reference Manual
Land Survey Systems
Surveying with Construction Applications
Definitions of Surveying and Associated Terms
FS Exam
8 hours (4-hour morning session and 4-hour afternoon session)
170 multiple-choice (85 per session)
The exam is closed-book; reference (see errata) will be provided.
http://www.ncees.org/exams/fundamentals/fs_exam_specs.pdf
*NCEES FS Reference Formulas
http://www.ncees.org/exams/study_materials/surveying_equations.pdf
NCEES FS Sample Questions and Solutions
http://www.ncees.org/exams/study_materials/
Fundamentals of Surveying: A Test of Math (POB online)
Exam Study Manual by Dane Courville, PLS
FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING (FS) VIDEO STUDY COURSE & MANUAL
Approximately 16 hours of videos and manual. Manual will be shipped to your address. Video links will be emailed and provided as an annual subscription. Subscriptions are not prorated. The link will expire on December 31, 2022.
PS Exam
100 multiple-choice (67 for morning session, 33 for afternoon session)
The exam is open-book but check with your board about any restrictions.
MSHA
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Federal law requires that all miners receive basic and annual refresher training and that all mine operators maintain an effective training plan. MSHA provides materials, guidance, and hands-on assistance to help miners and operators meet their training obligations and more.
References:
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The Certified Federal Surveyor (CFedS) program will:
- Increase the pool of qualified surveyors to perform work on or near federal interest lands.
- Ensure such surveys comply with regulations and policies, decreasing the chance and expense of rework.
- Provide opportunities to increase self-determination for Indian tribes.
- This site provides an internet home for CFedS surveyors and groups that require the services provided by the CFedS .
Drone Pilot
sUAS Part 107
References:
FAA.gov: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot/
Drone Pilot Ground School: https://www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/
UNLV Certificate: https://register.edoutreach.unlv.edu/XPerson.awp?&catcode=UA1110
Resources:
There are $5 apps you can buy that run through practice questions
$20 workbooks you can buy on Amazon
Online courses like Drone Pilot Ground School.
ASPRS Certfication
Asprs certification
References:
https://www.asprs.org/certification
This certification is the only one that certifies a drone pilot or data processor has the knowledge required to produce maps from UAS. Hopefully, it becomes an industry standard as the “certified photogrammetrist“ has. The certifications come with a stamp that can accompany UAS surveys as an extra way of showing a person’s/companies knowledge of accuracy standards. Also. The ASPRS accuracy standards and methods of verifying data should be used on any aerial mapping project: http://www.asprs.org/a/society/divisions/pad/Accuracy/Draft_ASPRS_Accuracy_Standards_for_Digital_Geospatial_Data_PE&RS.pdf
Other Educational Resources
FGDC mapping standards: https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/standards_publications/index_html
USGS GPS application and practice: https://water.usgs.gov/osw/gps/
USGS Topo View: https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/
MetEd- Geoscience technical training: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_detail.php
Low Distortion Projection Design: https://ldp.geedop.com/
NV Division of water resources- Water rights: http://water.nv.gov/waterrights.aspx?rights=Water%20Rights
Mentoring Mondays: https://mentoringmondays.xyz/
Wisdom Wednesday: http://wisdomwednesdays.xyz/
Nevada Law Library:https://www.leg.state.nv.us/law1.cfm
WY DOT Survey Manual: http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/engineering_technical_programs/photos_and_surveys/SurveyManual.html
CALTRANS Survey Manuals: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/right-of-way/surveys-manual-and-interim-guidelines
Mentoring Mondays: https://mentoringmondays.xyz/
Wisdom Wednesdays: http://wisdomwednesdays.xyz/
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