I was just wondering if anyone else will be taking the Fundamentals of Surveying exam in October or has recently taken it. I just have a couple of questions. How did you go about studying, did you or do you plan on taking any exam prep classes. New to this board and just wanted to see if anyone had any helpful tips.
took it three years ago. passed first time. how can i help?
I took the FLS exam 1.5 years ago. If you use their study book as a foundation for the subjects. You will be well prepared. I basically worked my way through their (NCEES) study book and then assessed what subjects I had a firm grasp on and what I needed further studying of. Then I turned to books like 1001 Surveying problems solved by Van Sickle. Without divulging anything that would be considered inappropriate, I can say there were really no surprises. I just dedicated a half hour a day after work to study beginning about 2 months before the test. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Thanks for the replies. Just wondering if you were both just out of school when you took it. I have kind of taken the long circular approach to get to this point. When I originally started school in 1989 I began in Civil Engineering, life happened never finished that degree but slowly took some surveying classes over the years and in the last two semesters completed the required courses to be able to sit for the exam. I have worked for a surveyor for the last 17 years and believe I have the knowledge to pass the exam, just kind of nervous and hope I am able to pass on the first try.
Dennis, you are exactly where I was at. I didn't get my degree. Fell into the profession by chance and LOVED it. You have a right to be nervous, but at the same time, you know how to do this work if you've been at it as long as you have. The best tip i can give for the exam is to relax and use COMMON SENSE. seriously as much studying as I did, I found that most of the problems could be thought through and the answer was often obvious. Its just like approaching your daily surveying problems. Just pretend that NCEES is you client. Prepare and relax.
This is a good reminder to myself because I'm taking the PS exam in Oct. anyone got tips? lol
Specto,
Thanks again for the advice. My boss said that the Fundamentals exam was harder than the PS exam.
I've heard that too.
