I've been getting messages from my state surveying society about an upcoming review class and CST exam. What are your thoughts and feelings on the Certified Survey Technician certification? Is it something worthwhile to have?
I have encouraged two field guys I worked with for a while to sign up for it. I feel like if I saw it on a resume it would at least say they made an effort to demonstrate a certain level of competence in their field. These are guys who will probably never get the license here due to the degree requirement, but they are dedicated to surveying nonetheless.
I fall into that category of folks dedicated to the profession who will probably never pursue licensure due to the four year degree requirement. I also hold a CST II certificate and am contemplating taking the level three in May.
The tests are no joke; the level one is a 200 question grind and at my company, which encourages everyone not eligible for licensure to take it, we have had a 50% pass - fail rate. There are a lot of questions that make you demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of traditional surveying equipment and methodology. The level two was a lot more technical, and the math skills needed were quite a bit higher. I've taken both the level three CST practice test and George Cole's Fundamentals of Surveying practice exam, and found them to be pretty similar as far as difficulty level, although the Fundamentals has a bit more scope, especially when it comes to knowledge of boundary surveying.
I think that taking and passing the CST demonstrates both a level of knowledge and a level of commitment to the profession. I don't see how it could not enhance one's resume; for a company like ours that must continually demonstrate an ongoing, well documented training program, we believe it enhances our qualifications to have a significant percentage of non-licensed employees certified.
My $0.02, which may have devalued due to inflation...
Thanks for the feedback. I agree with what you've said about it. It's tough interviewing a potential party chief because the definition of that job has become clouded recently. Just knowing what button to push without understanding the fundamentals will not prevent you from committing gross errors. I for one would like to see a potential employee demonstrate the knowledge and commitment required to pass such an exam.
I am a level 3 construction survey technician. My company requested that we implement the program. It benefits them also when they are chasing work.
I've taken all of the Level III exams. A majority of the companies I've worked for have encouraged employees to take the exams, paid for the exams and either paid the employees to come to study sessions, for their time taking the test, or have offered an hourly bump in pay depending on which level was passed. The last time I took a CST exam was in the late 90s, but I do remember that if you are planning on taking more than 1 exam, try to take them together. The second exam will be shorter and only contain the questions that pertain to that particular certification. I'm not sure if they still do it like that, but that's the way it was back then.
From the point of view of a new surveyor (about 2.5 years with CST 2), I am a big fan of the program. All the math you learn studying for them has helped me solve a lot of problems in the field, and actually even made me more proficient with the data collector.
For example, I doubt I would know what the hell the BRG BRG intersection option even was if I hadn't learned them longhand.
I bet there are plenty of professionals that can't do that long hand!
To all the wise registered land surveyors on this site: I recently passed the NCEES FS exam.... is the CST program also something I should look in to?
andrew_ellicott, post: 328005, member: 10216 wrote: To all the wise registered land surveyors on this site: I recently passed the NCEES FS exam.... is the CST program also something I should look in to?
It sure wouldn't hurt. Practice taking exams and additional certifications won't hurt your status in the marketplace or your job performance.
Especially if you won't be sitting for your LS exam anytime soon.
Dan Patterson, post: 311767, member: 1179 wrote: I've been getting messages from my state surveying society about an upcoming review class and CST exam. What are your thoughts and feelings on the Certified Survey Technician certification? Is it something worthwhile to have?
I have encouraged two field guys I worked with for a while to sign up for it. I feel like if I saw it on a resume it would at least say they made an effort to demonstrate a certain level of competence in their field. These are guys who will probably never get the license here due to the degree requirement, but they are dedicated to surveying nonetheless.
CST is a great tool for multiple reasons:
1. For the hiring employer, it separates the technically competent applicant from the click monkey (button pusher). The CST applicant has an unbiased endorsement of their skills from an independent, national organization.
2. For the employee, it's a confidence booster. He/she has earned a national credential. When it comes time to change companies, the CST rating can open new doors.
3. For the surveying industry, CST strengthens our professional credibility. Two parts to this:
A. Continuing education for professional surveyors has been transforming our industry little by little. However, technician training is sparse. Proactive companies who require CST rating have invested in technician training. As the CST market evolves, employers may look increasingly to colleges to find CST level 1 applicants.
B. Unions, who are trying to claim construction surveying as their domain, essentially argue that possessing the equipment and having a structured training program fully qualifies their people. Generally, the CST requirements exceed the rigor of those union training programs, in my perspective. In order to prove our competence, as an industry we need CST rated field people on all construction sites.
4. For the business owner, it brings value to the client. If I understand correctly, some federal agency surveying contracts require CST qualification for field people. For some bidders, CST ratings are the keys to the gate.
I spent a very long time being one cycle too late for a license. In 2000 I planned to take the CST when a window for my 1st license opened. I never took the exam but spent considerable time getting ready. Instead of CST I took both nationals and Utah at the same time. The prep paid off.
As for employment, if two guys come in for one position the CST has a serious leg up. It won't get you a license but very well could put you on a good career path. Solid techs are getting rare and CST 3 tells me you solid...
Dan, I think the program is great. As an employer, given 2 resumes I would hire the person with a CST. I know they have stepped and shown they are serious about surveying and have proven their level of knowledge. Surveying needs both professionnals and technicians, and this is a great way to certify our technicians.
