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The Nevada Traverse Vol.51, No.3, 2024 17Getting Ready for the CST Exam1. Understand the Exam LevelsThe CST Exam is actually comprised of four separate exams, and you do not necessarily have to take all of them or take the exams in order. Different tracks can be taken based on if you want to pursue an %u201coffice track%u201d or %u201cfield track.%u201d As shown in the summary table below, the first three exams are all four hours long and vary from 110-200 questions in length. The fourth exam is a takehome essay. All four CST exams are open book, but the number of questions means you need to move at a fast pace without taking much time to look up answers.2. Download the CST Program BookThe Program Book contains detailed information on the four exams, including their format and calculator requirements. It also explains the different %u201cWork Elements%u201d covered, which are equivalent to the %u201cKnowledge Areas%u201d on the FS exam. Lay the FoundationBoth the FS and CST exams require you to have a solid working knowledge of various survey topics. Attempting to memorize test topics right before the exam probably won%u2019t cut it. The better approach is to build up your personal collection of helpful resources with expertise from some of the best sources in the industry.Create a Professional LibraryJerry believes that every professional should have a professional library: an assembly of primary publications and reference materials that you can use to answer questions that you encounter. %u201cThey can be simple publications, or they can be more complex. And they%u2019re not there just for the exam preparation. You%u2019re going to refer to the material in your survey practice as you go on throughout your life,%u201d he explains.Below is the list of books and digital reference materials that he refers to the most:Some topics don%u2019t require the latest edition to be helpful, while other topics %u2014 like photogrammetry %u2014 are changing quickly and should consist of the most recent expertise. Many books can be found on used book websites at reasonable prices, while others are available online. Not all of these resources will come into play as you study for your exams, but they will prove helpful as you progress in your surveying career.FS Exam ResourcesIn addition to building up a professional library to support your career, there are specific resources you can use that are geared directly toward helping you prepare and pass your exams. For the FS Exam, you can explore the following:%u25cf%u0009 Western Federation of Professional Surveyors: This organization offers a video course taught by Dane Courville, PLS, and Knud Hermansen, PLS, PE, Ph.D. that is tied to the current specifications for the FS exam. %u25cf%u0009 NLC Prep: FS Review Course: The NLC is currently designing a subscription model for their FS Review Course that will allow you to subscribe on a monthly basis so you can access the exact course modules that you need. %u25cf%u0009 State Surveying Associations: A number of state surveying associations offer exam review materials and/or sponsor review sessions through their organizations. Some arrange to offer the exam at convenient times that coincide with other professional events, and others even offer financial support to those pursuing the exams.CST Exam ResourcesJust like the FS exam, there is a key dedicated resource to helping you succeed in passing the CST exams.%u25cf%u0009 LearnCST: since 2014, LearnCST has supported survey technicians who are pursuing CST certifications. Offering a variety of courses and materials dedicated to the CST program, you can find resources dedicated to each of the four exam levels. Some materials are free, while other resources are available for purchase. General and Specialized Resources Finally, there are a number of resources that span both tests that can prove helpful for laying the foundation for your exam knowledge.%u25cf%u0009 Surveying and Mapping textbook: This helpful textbook is part of the Open Textbook Library. Note that it is written by authors located in the Netherlands, which impacts the perspective of the GPS material. %u25cf%u0009 The Nature of Geographic Information: If you%u2019re not familiar with GIS, Penn State University offers an open geospatial textbook called The Nature of Geographic Information that takes you from ground zero all the way through geoprocessing. %u25cf%u0009 GPS and GNSS for Geospatial Professionals: Another open resource from Penn State University is GPS and GNSS for Geospatial Professionals. It%u2019s a great way to gain a broad perspective without diving into calculus or getting overly technical. %u25cf%u0009 Open Access Surveying Library: Jerry%u2019s website includes his Open Access Surveying Library, a collection of CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE u