Hi folks. I'm 32 years old and have had more trouble passing the FLS exam than anyone I know. I graduated with my surveying degree over ten years ago, and worked for a few surveyors over the years. I had a small business on the side to supplement my income because I never made enough. Well, I feel times running out for me. I haven't surveyed in five or so years. My business has done good enough. I really just hate working in the field non stop surveying and the money is the pits. What's worse is some of the idiots I've had to work with, constantly trying to outdo each other. I worked deskside for a couple years and honestly, that's almost just as bad. I can't justify going back to work for a surveyor unless I can at least pass the FLS. On a whim, I retook it for the first time in years just a couple months ago. Its different now, sitting in a cubicle in front of a screen. I did much better than in times past but still, really not even breaking the 60 percent mark. I have a good understanding of surveying but just can't seem to get a lot of the Math and data reduction. I have a few books from a decade ago but they seem to be full of errors. Any help on what I can do to pass this would be appreciated.
You have your own business, what line of work is it?
But, just reading between the lines: you don't like field work, you don't like office work, you don't like the people you have worked with in surveying. You should seriously ask yourself if you enjoy surveying??? Just food for thought.
I understand some people have test anxiety, it's a very real thing. One of the best surveyors I know would burst into immediate sweat and sometimes break out into hives when he was going through his testing. I know he knew all of the material cold. Is this your problem, you freak out at test time?
I think "test anxiety" is BS - you know it or you don't. Take a review class. I think Larry P offers them. I never failed one of those exams, but I think they give you your results, right? If so, ask Larry if he covers what you need to learn in the review.
Its the nonstop part. For instance running the gun ten hours a day for a year or getting stuck on a hwy job in the wilderness cutting lime. All the while not making enough to cover basic living expenses. I love surveying when I can do a bit of everything but around here, its just a few large companies that give you one task. Field work isn't easy in the South, I don't care who you are
I never failed an exam, either, but performance anxiety is very real especially in a test setting. I actually don't suffer from it at all, during test time is the one time I can actually focus. I enjoy taking tests.
I don't get it. Why would you want to pass this test?
You have not been in surveying for 5 years. You did not learn what you needed to learn by yourself, by a degree, by experience, or by a combination of all.
If you can pass the test, there is definitely something wrong with it.
But this post of yours does highlight the problem with surveying businesses and licensing laws.
Surveyors don't pay nor train their technicians well enough. If there is no room in a profession for respected, well paid, knowledgeable technicians; then the profession is in trouble.
You want to pass the test so that you can make a living doing what you have done in the past and not been able to make a living doing. But, there is more to it than that.
Take a evening math course and hammer on practice questions with a tutor from the college. Dominance of algebra will make a big difference as well as being in the head space that comes from 4 hours a day of study.
Let Us Talk About Your Degree, AS or BS?
What institution?
Obviously there were tests in college, the FLS is just longer.
The FLS is best passed immediately after graduation.
Did the college steal your tuition from you by not teaching?
Did you steal your degree by not learning?
Maybe you should ask for your money back?
I had test anxiety especially with calculus in college. I got some counseling at college and eventually managed to control it.
Perhaps they should lose their ABET certification?
Paul in PA
Don't sweat it! I know we all hate to turn our back on something we put a lot of effort into and maybe even enjoyed. But, to me, early 30s is hearth and home time, and there are much quicker (and more predictable) paths to financial stability than surveying. It's a great big world out there! It sounds like surveying in your geographic location isn't a great fit for you. No big deal; there's lots more to life.
I think part of navigating life is finding out where we get a good return on our time. It sounds like this profession has offered a poor return in your case, so I'd say time to let 'er go.
> I think "test anxiety" is BS - you know it or you don't. Take a review class. I think Larry P offers them. I never failed one of those exams, but I think they give you your results, right? If so, ask Larry if he covers what you need to learn in the review.
Thanks for the kind word Exbert.
Our FS exam review for the spring started this morning.
We do have a Hydrology Exam review starting on Thursday. That class will be taught by Jack Keen. He wrote Practical Hydrology and that book is the handout for the class.
Additionally, I will be teaching the PS Exam review beginning on Friday.
My review is designed to cover the course material in the same proportions as in the published exam content document created by NCEES.
Hope that helps.
Larry P
I'm thinking, troll.