I will be taking the Oklahoma state specific exam soon, and I just started studying. So far I am reading the Lost and Obliterated corner readup, state standards, and corner record instructions.
Although I am not sure what to expect on the test. Like will I have to calculate single and double proportioned corners, or fill out sections of a corner record? And are there any subjects I should focus on over the others?
Thanks
Well- the combination scale factor is 1.0 .... ?ÿ/snarky off
It's been years since I took the Oklahoma exam.?ÿ My suggestion would be to contact the Oklahoma Society of Land Surveyors (OSLS) concerning study material.?ÿ Over the years they've always kept abreast of the needs of prospectives.?ÿ?ÿ
try osls@osls.org
good luck!
I'm working on applying for licensure myself in OK. Only completed my FS so far, finishing up my years of experience.
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What I've heard from my LS's, is that the OK test was one large problem of a section break down. The sort where each question builds upon the answer from the last, and mistakes are liable to compound as you continue. That's been a few years though, and I'm not sure how it's graded anyway. From what I understand, there is also a separate state requirements exam mailed to you as well, but it's open book.
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As Cash said, OSLS is a very helpful resource, I'm sure they could point you in the correct direction! Also, they were supposedly putting together an exam prep course for an upcoming convention (or maybe it was going to be a separate ordeal... I can't remember.)
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-Murphy
Well- the combination scale factor is 1.0 .... ?ÿ/snarky off
Well it should be. Most of Oklahoma is above 3000'. Part of it is over 5000'
..will I have to calculate single and double proportioned corners...?
In 2011 we sure did. That was 75% of the test. But none of the questions required dealing with cardinal equivalents.?ÿ Much of the rest had to do with when a CCR is required.?ÿ A word to the wise - if things don't seem to be working out ask yourself if the point is on a township line.?ÿ
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I took the exam in February of 2016. Lost and obliterated read up is a good idea. The two main things that stand out to me is 1) knowing how to find items in the OKLAHOMA STATE BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS; Oklahoma Administrative Code, Title 245 Rules of Procedure Effective September 14, 2018 ?? this is available on the board website, and 2) I was surprised that there was a little more math on this one than the other state specific exams that I had taken. It is a good idea to refresh yourself on single and double proportioning and I would throw in horizontal curves for good measure. FYI, at least at the time that I took the exam they allowed use of HP48 calculator.
Do you know if there was any other math questions? Like having to break down a section and bearing-bearing intersections or anything else?
And you mentioned looking up items in the admin code, is it open book?
Thanks
If you are a competent surveyor, licensed in, or familiar with, PLSS states and have spent time on the Oklahoma-specific study material I truly believe you will have no trouble whatsoever.?ÿ
Now I don't really want to come across as a smart-ass...but here goes...
I base this belief on what appears to be the average ability of most of the surveyors whose work I come across.?ÿ Believe me, they are no rocket surgeons.?ÿ And that's the average surveyor...half of them aren't even that smart!
I bet you do fine. 😉
OKLAHOMA LAW and SURVEYING EXAMINATION EXAMINATION SPECIFICATIONS
2-Hour Closed Book
Multiple Choice, Short Answer and Description/Sketch Questions
I. United States Public Land Survey System
(Approximately 75% of the examination questions are from the following topics)
A. Mathematical determination of Aliquot and Government Lot Boundaries
1. Procedure for establishing and restoring Aliquot and Government Lot Boundaries
2. Using proportional measurement to calculate the position of and restore lost corners
3. Classification of Corners per current BLM Manual of Instructions
B. Original GLO Surveys in Oklahoma
1. Ability to read and apply Information from GLO Plats and Notes
2. Original GLO Survey Procedures
3. Riparian Boundaries and Surveys
4. Three Mile Method
C. Corner Perpetuation and Filing Act-Title 65 O.S. Sections 3.116-3.123
1. Compulsory Records (What corners must be filed)
2. Detailed Instructions (from the Instruction Manual for Oklahoma Certified Corner Records)
3. Ability to complete a Certified Corner Record form
II. Oklahoma Minimum Standards for the Practice of Land Surveying
Approximately 25% of the examination questions are from the sections of the Oklahoma
Minimum Standards for the Practice of Land Surveying-OAC Title 245:15-13-1 & 2.
Do they specify there is no cardinal equiv required? Kinda bizarre because Im pretty sure the BLM manual states it must be done that way
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And thanks for the tip, I almost had an FNG moment a couple times to get more corners so I can double proportion a corner... before I saw the section number -___-
Do they specify there is no cardinal equiv required?
No, but the questions gave no bearings. So there is nothing that could be done. The answers are multiple choice, and usually only one is reasonable anyway.
For the most part the sections in OK are regular enough that the whole cardinal equivalents thing doesn't come in to play in real life either.
Keep in mind that all this is as it was in 2011.?ÿ 2020 might be completely different.?ÿ ?ÿ
I got my OK license in 2016. My most distinctive impression was that it was a mistake to view Oklahoma only as a flat, dry PLSS state. Be prepared for river boundary, reservation and allotment questions, and be familiar with the state's SPC.
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