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FS vs CST
Posted by souperstar17 on February 12, 2023 at 4:42 amHello all, I am taking the CST level III soon and also the FS in a month. Has anyone done both? Is the CST level 3 comparable to the FS? Is it a good warm up?
just curious, thanks!
Native1 replied 1 year, 7 months ago 4 Members · 5 Replies -
5 Replies
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Looking at this CST Level III sample exam I’d judge that you will find the FS more difficult. I highly recommend that you get hold of an FS Sample Exam to prepare for that testing.
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I did CST 2 office and field, studied for the 3. It was a good tune up for the FS, but it’s not the same.
The prep is different because of the format. The FS provided the reference material for the test, but you have to understand and know what you need to do, the CST is open book and allows you to do the work or find the answers.
Both are good for you to accomplish.
If you study for the material and you’re using it daily you’ll do great.
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I will say after taking the CST III i was a bit suprised by the amount of Volume questions. Any recent FS takers experience a high amount of Volume questions specifically with cross sections?
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i was a bit suprised by the amount of Volume questions.
3d questions, generally, require that you first have a good handle on 2d. So they make good test questions.
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Sure, take any practice tests you can before the FS.Â
I passed last year by studying the Caltrans practice tests, working through a lot of  Surveying Solved Problems, and diving into subjects on the side that I didn’t understand (standard deviation and how to do quickly on hp35 is one example).
Definitions/terminology – littoral/riparian, accretion, lidR/photo related terms. Hit the basics and cover some ground here
Id say the FS practice exam booklet is a decent study source. But not great. I think there was one similar question on the FS from the book, having to do with error.
The survey solved problems book and the Caltrans material I think are the winners
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