Been awhile since my last test but the ONE thing I learned is rtfq- read the question and do not assume anything.
This goes true today and helps solve problems when local government misinterprets their own codes. You may not be popular but you will be right
read and answer the question. ?ÿ
I have always been able to take more than one calculator into the exams. I guess the rules have changed since I took my last NCEES proctored exam.
When I took my Mississippi State Specific exam which was a NCEES proctored exam, the test was in an old movie theater. This one blue haired proctor from Clemson SC must have thought she was herding kindergarten students.?ÿ She was condescending, rude, and had to have a straight line or no one would be allowed into the test site.?ÿ Needless to say, but my post exam comment sheet was completely filled out (front and back).
As someone who recently passed this test at the end of August I can tell you this don't waste your time programming all of the functions into the HP 35 calculator.
it's a waste of time the fundamentals of survey reference guide has 138 pages or whatever it is of all the things you're going to need to do.
Well, this is comforting. I spent some time Friday trying to program my 35s and man it's an undertaking (especially for someone who doesn't do programming). I'm going to get the practice exam and reference guide this morning and add them to my reference materials.
@jitterboogie by "fundamentals for survey reference guide" you're referring to the practice exam? Would you please send me a link/image of the material you're referring to. Thanks in advance!
Nevermind...I found it! (187 pages 😉 )
T. Nelson - SAM
Thank you ALL for the kind words of encouragement and support. I feel better already and am getting in "study" mode. I'll knock this sucker out and really appreciate your support. Thanks again!
T. Nelson - SAM
@squirl?ÿ
just make sure to download and digest the newest version should be labeled as 2020 or newer.
yeah they Include this for you on the computer.?ÿ it's easier not having to memorize the entire thing.
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get er done!
@kevin-hines yeah i was very surprised at how they ran the testing center. ?ÿFor the FS exam. But it was not the only exam being administered. Weapons permits post office worker architects an engineer pe and eit both. The pe guy was stresshe had attempted it to other times. He let them get him emotional the day i was there. Mumbling under his breath things like this is stupid blah blah blah. I had extra calculator and was told to take one in only and the other needed to go back to my vehicle or the locker. And whatever one I chose was it no coming back out. Now i did put new batteries in both the day before in one and the morning if exam in other. I had some 3 volume equations and a old school rough vertical curve equation. And that was about it. I didn??t even use it i did the straight grade offset vertical curve as a quick look and only could be one answer. The one we always used for rough grades not final grades as it was usually within a tenth. Hz curves i did from my brain. Cked by forcing a right triangle. Just to make sure i didn??t land in nah nah land.
Now the testing site for fs and ps are same in my area but state specific is somewhere else.?ÿ
Great advice you've received.
I took mine Friday, 13NOV20. A local college is a test center, mandated mask from the time you step off the street onto their sidewalks. I had seen a note concerning this on the NCEES website. I studied for hours at a time with a mask on, at my dining room table to prepare. Figured out my glasses were going to be a problem and found a vented cloth mask that didn't fog. Got lucky there. The testing center itself was great. Sound proof room with about 8 cubicles and they seen how long I was to be there and put me in the back so the coming and going of shorter exam takers wouldn't distract me as readily. I thought it was a lot better experience than I was anticipating, what with all the rules and mask thing. I took a ziplock sandwich bag in with me that had a few unwrapped cough drops, gas'x, and antacid. Nothing was said.
I've always been a better test taker than my grades would predict.?ÿ ?ÿ
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I tell myself that I know the answers, I just have to relax and trust myself.?ÿ ?ÿ
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Try to NOT tell yourself that you stress over tests.?ÿ You're creating the situation you're trying to avoid.?ÿ
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?ÿYou know the material, go knock it out of the park!?ÿ?ÿ
Well...HUGE curve ball
I've had to give up the idea of sitting for my SIT exam due to my personal and work life getting out of hand for the time being. I'm currently just trying to keep my feet under me.
Thank you all again for the kind words of encouragement and support.
T. Nelson - SAM
@squirl Darn it, life does have a way of messing up plans. Just make sure that "for the time being" stays as only "for the time being". With the effort you put in, it would be a shame to not have you move forward in the profession.
Hang in there, fella.
If I come up with an ALT TAB solution for life's open applications, I'll let you know.
pay for the new test date if you're registered.
Tell Chris(CEO SAM) you need more support so you can matriculate into the license tract. One thing I didnt like about their interview and hiring process was that I didnt fit because I'm F2F and want both field and office. They looked at me like I was spewing feces from my mouth and finally said..."We don't do that here...."
Don't be discouraged, you're doing what we all do, living life and taking it as it comes.
Seriously though, if an employer isn't supporting you to get to license, flush them. I've done it a few times.
I'm not the best example of the ideal path to the career or license but I do know that you have to be the change you want to see in the universe and especially your career.
I'm rooting for you and will help any way I can man.
One thing I didnt like about their interview and hiring process was that I didnt fit because I'm F2F and want both field and office. They looked at me like I was spewing feces from my mouth
I was the same way when I came here. Where I had worked before I was a F2F guy but here they don't do that. I truly feel that F2F experience has helped me succeed to where I am today. Granted, being only an "office d!%k" (as I'm sometimes referred to by one of the first crew chiefs I worked with here) takes me away from certain aspects that can only be experienced in the field.
I'm rooting for you and will help any way I can man.
I really appreciate that, from all of you, the support and encouragement I've gotten from this group is amazing! Thank you all!
T. Nelson - SAM
Keep at it when you’re able.
I have multiple friends in a similar boat, but they still keep at it and reschedule, retest, etc
and that’s what gets you the ticket.
Life has a way of getting in our way to achieving what we think we should be accomplishing.
Whatever is the current impediment will be temporary. Try not to allow the present to mess too much with the future.
Persevere, Travis.
Read the questions, determine the answers, record them, sign out and go home.