So I was notified earlier today that I passed the FS Exam (thank you Lord that’s a big relief). To be honest with you all who might be discouraged by this exam, don’t give up hope on it as I honestly felt more uncertain walking out of the FS Exam at age 30 with 7 years experience under PE’s & PLS’ than I did walking out of the PE Exam at age 27 with only 4yrs experience.
At this point I’ve been so focused on that particular exam that I haven’t even delved into what the PS Exam will be like or what it might cover or what I might need to expect for it. I did go ahead & purchase the PS Practice Exam and I’ve got a slew of books that I purchased for the FS Exam.
However, the format of the FS Exam really surprised me as there wasn’t nearly as much math on it as I expected and being able to choose how much time you spent on the AM portion of the exam really threw me off. So I guess what I’m asking is what sort of format do I need to expect for the PS Exam and will there be much math again or is this mostly conceptual?
Since mine was 40 years ago I sure can't give specifics but State law and regulations would certainly be high on the list.?ÿ Mine was all hand written and there was at least two hours of essay questions.
Andy
Congratulations on passing the FS, I took and passed the PS about 1 year ago- this site helped a lot for both exams and I??m thankful for that and have not replied much before. You are right- mostly concept and not much math. The practice exams are great and get to know the material that is supplied reference- find it quick and you??ll have some easy correct answers. ?ÿA lot of boundary principles, I had multiple questions related to condominiums that surprised me, a lot of Alta, ethics, likely cause of error, client discussion, PLSS, GIS, GPS, legal descriptions, etc. ?ÿHope this helps- a lot of which of these apply/more than 1 answer.
The PS is a walk in the park compared to the FS. Maybe one math problem, and you wont "need" a calculator. Know your evidence types, survey definitions, rules of construction and get 4 years of varying experience. Don't just sit behind a desk. Do research, read tons of deeds and easements, do fieldwork, do draft, and resolve the boundaries yourself then sit down with your PLS and explain your thoughts and then have a discussion. Read some Don Wilson Boundary books and Lucas' Pin Cushion book. Don't be a deed staker!
If you get the real experience you will breeze through the PS exam.?ÿ?ÿ
Now your State Specific will be a different story...
N10,000, E7,000, Z100.00
PLS - IL, MO, AR, KS, MN, KY
The PS is a national exam, so nothing about state law or regulations, except for those that are universal.
Guys I really do appreciate all the insight! I need to pick up a couple more books it sounds like. But at least I??ve got a few ideas of where to start looking which is a good thing for sure. I do appreciate everything and if anybody else has any ideas or input I??m all ears?ÿ
Get this book, and get to know it well. Really similar format and questions as what is on the PS Exam,
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@dew5000 ok so I have that book already & skimmed through it some while studying for the FS Exam. But, with that book it appears, just thumbing through it, to be more math based than what I would've expected to be relevant. Am I apparently missing several of the chapters that are pertinent to the PS Exam where things seem to be more conceptually based?
Also, side note to anybody willing to answer, but I have a feeling that with this being a more conceptually based exam, that they might want to put the test taker in surveying scenarios where they want you to look at survey law & legal issues. Am I correct in thinking this? And if so, is there a recommended reading on this? I've purchased Brown's "Boundary Control & Legal Principles" as well as "Evidence & Procedures for Boundary Location" along with John Keen's "Land Surveying Law" and "The Landowner, the Surveyor & the Neighbor" but I'm wondering if trying to read through all 4 books is counter-productive for studying. Yes they contain information I'll need to know, but I'd like to stay on track with my studying. I originally was ready to take the FS Exam back in late March but then this Covid-19 fiasco happened which delayed the testing centers on me until late May. so I'm a little behind in my studying for this year in my opinion. plus we just found out we're expecting our 2nd child so that's another deadline I'm really trying to beat with this studying for the PS Exam & the state exam if possible haha
When I took it (1998), the PS was very similar to the FS. Perhaps a few more question regarding legal principles and a few less mathematical questions.?ÿ
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As I was going to St. Ives,
I met a man with seven wives,
Each wife had seven sacks,
Each sack had seven cats,
Each cat had seven kits:
Kits, cats, sacks, and wives,
How many were there going to St. Ives?
?ÿ
If you haven't read and studied "Boundary Control and Legal Principles" as well as "Evidence and Procedure for Boundary Location" you aren't ready for the exam by a long shot.
What else did you plan on studying? GPS? Water boundaries? Business techniques?
As noted, skip the math, but understand the principles of adjustments.
Just one: you.
Like always, there are assumptions you have to make to solve the problem.?ÿ While that is the answer most people would choose after thinking it through carefully, it ignores another possibility.?ÿ What if two roads merge and both parties meet at the junction, both headed toward St. Ives?
Now I suppose we need the late Richard Schaut to call me a dippy idiot.
We just need to remember to answer the question that is actually being asked, not the one we want to answer.
@ncsudirtman I believe it is in the second half of that book. Definitely not the ma thg h bv heavy part, but there is a ton of pertinent information in the PS part of that book. It is very pertinent. If you studied that alone, I think you would do well on the exam.
I also read both Brown and Robillard books, which are helpful books.
Congratulations!
Has anybody scheduled the PS exam here fairly recently? Due to a ton of work & some family issues I just finally got around to scheduling it tonight and the first availability that I could find for any of the Raleigh, Durham or Wilmington NC testing centers was September 23rd. There were literally no appointments before then; it??s insane to have to wait that long especially when you??re fairly prepared. I was really hoping to have taken this next test by August & potentially from there see if I can??t apply for the NC Board??s Exam by early fall potentially. My wife & I are expecting our second child & if there??s one thing I??ve learned it??s that having kids puts life plans on hold haha
@ncsudirtman, totally understand. However, the computer based testing centers have just started reopening (last several weeks) for testing of professions, other than essential medical candidates, sporadically in regions that will allow that to happen. And even at that, they all must maintain social distancing criteria which for many of them mean limiting their testing volumes to 50% capacity at any given time. Everyone is being pushed out because of this. Advice: I've been told that earlier appointment slots do become available as others cancel, so you can always monitor and change your appointment if a slot becomes open.
@ncsudirtman, yup I was originally scheduled to take it back in March. Have it scheduled to take next month both PS and state specific. I've been preparing since the 1st of this year.?ÿ
There doesn't even have to be two roads, you can meet someone walking down a trail (or road) simply by walking at a different speed. Thankfully, although there are many legitimate criticisms of NCEES I wouldn't expect them to write a question as sloppy as this.