Certified Survey Technician Frequently Asked Questions
What is CST?
A four-level certification program for surveying and mapping technicians. The program uses “work elements” to define the testing parameters.
Do I have to start at Level 1?
No. Minimum qualifications at each level are based on hours of experience.
Level I– Entry Level
Level II – Minimum of 1.5 years experience
Level III – Minimum of 3.5 years experience
Level IV – Minimum of 5.5 years experience but must already hold a Level III certification
How much will it cost?
Application Fee |
Exam Fee |
|
All Students |
None |
$110.00 |
Member* |
$30.00 |
$120.00 |
Non-Member |
$50.00 |
$150.00 |
* A member is a NSPS dues-paying individual or an employee of an ACSM sustaining member.
Where can I take the exam?
Testing is by special test site. Contact CST State Coordinator or CST Coordinator
Why is certification important?
- It gives important and needed recognition to the survey technicians in public and private practice.
- It provides objectives for improvement and advancement for field and office survey technicians. (A Career Ladder)
How is the program related to licensure and licensure exams?
It isn’t. This is a technician level program, not a professional level program.
What type of calculator, computer, or data collector is allowed at the examination?
NEW CALCULATOR POLICY EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2009
Programmable and non-programmable calculators are allowed if they are: silent, without external power or communication links (such as Bluetooth, Infrared, Wireless, no internal or external memory cards or modules, etc.) and without “QWERTY” style keyboard. No exceptions will be made. No data collectors allowed.
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)
Can I take Level III Boundary, Construction, and Chief Computer Operator at the same time?
No. You can only take an exam one at a time.
Once I become certified is there a yearly renewal fee to keep my certification Active?
Yes. $35.00
Are Active CST’s published?
Yes. You can find them on the ACSM website (http://www.acsm.net/) by selecting the CST icon on the main page and on the left sidebar look for NSPS ACTIVE CST List.
Are sample test available?
Sample questions for all levels can be found on the CST Website. You can download the sample exams from http://www.nspsmo.org/cst/get_certified.shtml
Are their study guides available?
There are not study guides available at this time (except for the program book), however the CST Board is currently working on compiling one. ACSM sells a variety of STCB (Survey Technician Certification Board) recommended titles. There are listed in the back of the program books or can be found on the ACSM eStore.
What is the value of certification?
Certification as a survey technician is official recognition by the NSPS that a person has demonstrated that he or she is minimally competent to perform surveying tasks at a specified technical level. Certification provides the individual with a sense of achievement, since it reflects advancement in the field of surveying. Certification also provides employers with a method of determining job assignments and advancement since certification is an indication of one’s ability to perform specific job tasks.
What work elements make up the Level I exam?
Types of Surveys
Field Equipment and Instruments
Survey Computations
Control Points: Horizontal and Vertical
Field Operations
Field Notes
Plan Reading
First Aid and Safety
Drafting/CAD
Electronic Instruments
Survey History
Work element descriptions can be found in the program book under each level.
What work elements make up the Level II exam?
Types of Surveys
Field Equipment and Instruments
Survey Computations
Control Points: Horizontal and Vertical
Field Operations
Field Notes
Plan Reading and Preparation
First Aid and Safety
Principles of the Profession
Work element descriptions can be found in the program book under each level.
What work elements make up the Level III exam?
Types of Surveys
Field Equipment and Instruments
Survey Computations
Control Points: Horizontal and Vertical
Field Operations
Field Notes
Plan Reading and Preparation
First Aid and Safety
Principles of the Profession
Office Operations
Supervisory Skills
Work element descriptions can be found in the program book under each level.
What do I get when I become certified?
You will receive a certificate suitable for framing, CST ID card, and CST patch.
What if I fail the exam and wish to retest?
You must wait a complete cycle before you can retest. You application fee and application are valid for 1-year. However, you will have to pay the exam fee.
Is the exam offered in a language other then English?
The exams are offered only in English. There are no current plans for translation.
