I am in the process of applying for my license in Missouri. I am filling out all the application, and will have it in by June 1. That is the deadline for the Fall examination.
I have a few questions:
1. Any suggestions on specific things to study? I need to order the new BLM Manual, I will print out the latest rules and regs of the board, single and double proportion. I have some stuff on Missouri specific riparian issues that I got from my classes this past semester.
2. For the state specific exam, is it only given in October and April? I know some states you can make an appointment if that is the only exam you are taking, and take it at their offices.
Anything that you can share is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jimmy
Not sure that you can get a separate date for the exam in Missouri. I think it goes along with the other exams since it is only 2 hours and given on the same day as the LS portion.
I would print out the Statute Laws for starters.
Chapter 4 CSR 30 for Division of Professional Registration, http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/4csr/4csr.asp#4-30
Scroll down to Division 30
Chapter 60 dealing with County Surveyors and Land Surveys, http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c060.htm
Chapter 327 which is the Revised Statutes of Missouri for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors, http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c327.htm
Just take a copy with you but it needs to be in a binder. No loose papers. I would still know them pretty well because you don't want to waste time looking something up so be familiar with where you might be able to find it at the very least.
Jimmy, I understand that Dr. Elgin writes the exams for Arkansas and Missouri. I took the Arkansas exam in February, but I think you took it not long ago. I may be mistaken. Anyway, I would expect it to be very similar to that format and content, since AR and MO were laid out under the same instructions.
Definitly get Dick Eglin's books.
Thanks for the advice guys. I figured that they only offered the test in October and April.
I have one of Elgin's books, but is is for Arkansas.
David, I did take the Arkansas test, but it was back in October 2001.
If anyone has a lead on the Elgin books, I would appreciate it. I have the Arkansas Book, and the other two books that I have found are for astronomic observations.
Thanks,
Jimmy
Others have given you good advice. UNDERSTAND proportionate measurement in MO. It is different than other states. I believe the state website has topics to study and even a sample exam. When I took the test last year, the sample exam had an incorrect answer listed. That drove me nuts for a while. Talking with others at the exam, it was concluded the published answer was wrong. I finally felt a bit better.
Speaking with some of the people before the exam got me scared. Most of the guys were taking it for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, even 5th time! Everyone complained about how hard it was. Well, after sitting through the exam, I concluded that is was thorough, complete, and exactly full of the content I expected based on what MO said would be on there. It took me all of the two hours and one or two questions might have been blank. I passed.
Illinois was a LOT harder than the MO exam. Know where your data is in your books you bring. You won't have time to learn anything during the exam.
Chapter 60 and 327 need to be known like the Ten Commandments.
Elgin and Flowers are very anti-BLM and their manuals. State rules
in effect of the time of original monumenting are important for
retracement and restoration. It is important to know who wrote
the exam. Elgin and Knowles are buddies but Elgin denies the short
cut method was used in Arkansas and Missouri, Knowles says it was used.
Be sure to know how to proportion in fractional sections. Be sure know
how to calculate fractional lot dimensions or acreage if you know the
dimensions on the original plat. State law recognize BLM rules only as
"advisory". Be sure to know Spanish and French surveying techniques used
near the Mississippi River.
