NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination –
Office
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Office
,1. Which decision best reflects professional responsibility for Distance, angle, elevation and position measurement with
error adjustment after an unexpected result is observed? Consider the decision while maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
B. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
C. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
D. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Distance, angle, elevation and position measurement with error adjustment, boundary decisions require evaluation of evidence rather than
selecting coordinates in isolation. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
2. When applying the exam competency on Total station, GNSS, leveling and field-data collection workflows at a
quality-control hold point, which choice is most appropriate? Consider the decision with current conditions documented.
A. Ignore the inconsistent data point solely because most other readings appear normal
B. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
C. Investigate likely causes systematically, changing one relevant variable at a time and retaining baseline evidence
D. Make several changes at the same time so the problem is more likely to disappear quickly
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Total station, GNSS, leveling and field-data collection workflows, controlled troubleshooting separates cause from coincidence and protects
useful diagnostic evidence. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
3. Which sequence is most appropriate when a discrepancy involving Boundary evidence, monuments, deeds, occupation
and cadastral reasoning is found when actual conditions differ from the approved plan? Consider the decision while
maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Adjust the result or setting until it matches the expected value without first confirming the cause
B. Use the approved procedure and governing requirements rather than relying on memory alone
C. Record only the final conclusion and omit the supporting observations or measurements
D. Replace a component or revise the design immediately before verifying the actual cause
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For Boundary evidence, monuments, deeds, occupation and cadastral reasoning, approved instructions define the controlled method and help
prevent unauthorized or outdated practices. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
4. What is the strongest basis for deciding whether a condition involving Topographic, construction and control surveys
with closure checks is acceptable before making an operating adjustment? Consider the decision with current conditions
documented.
A. Replace a component or revise the design immediately before verifying the actual cause
B. Rely on personal preference when the controlled requirement is available
C. Use redundant or independent measurements and evaluate closure or residuals before finalizing the result
D. Accept a verbal assurance in place of objective evidence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Topographic, construction and control surveys with closure checks, redundancy helps detect blunders and quantifies whether the survey
meets the required tolerance. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Office Page 1
,5. Which response provides the strongest objective evidence for a decision about Mapping, feature coding, spatial
databases and geospatial quality while preparing for an audit or independent review? Consider the decision while
maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Record only the final conclusion and omit the supporting observations or measurements
B. Replace a component or revise the design immediately before verifying the actual cause
C. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
D. Rely on personal preference when the controlled requirement is available
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Mapping, feature coding, spatial databases and geospatial quality, boundary decisions require evaluation of evidence rather than selecting
coordinates in isolation. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
6. Which method best prevents an undocumented assumption when dealing with Least-squares concepts, uncertainty,
tolerances and acceptance decisions before authorizing the next dependent activity? Consider the decision with current
conditions documented.
A. Use a previous project record as evidence for the current condition without confirming equivalence
B. Ignore the inconsistent data point solely because most other readings appear normal
C. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
D. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Least-squares concepts, uncertainty, tolerances and acceptance decisions, boundary decisions require evaluation of evidence rather than
selecting coordinates in isolation. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
7. Which action is the best first step during a field inspection when addressing Field notes, sketches, metadata, plans and
defensible technical reports? Consider the decision while maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Follow the specified sequence, confirm prerequisite conditions, and verify the result before advancing
B. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
C. Make several changes at the same time so the problem is more likely to disappear quickly
D. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: For Field notes, sketches, metadata, plans and defensible technical reports, sequencing and prerequisite checks reduce process errors and make
the outcome repeatable. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
8. What should be verified before accepting work related to Safety factors, failure modes, hazards and risk-reduction
decisions during troubleshooting? Consider the decision with current conditions documented.
A. Preserve original field evidence and document any adjustment, correction or rejected observation
B. Accept a verbal assurance in place of objective evidence
C. Continue normal operation until the next scheduled inspection even though the discrepancy is unresolved
D. Use a previous project record as evidence for the current condition without confirming equivalence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: For Safety factors, failure modes, hazards and risk-reduction decisions, original observations and transparent adjustments are essential to an
auditable survey record. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Office Page 2
, 9. Which action most effectively prevents recurrence after a problem involving Testing, commissioning, calibration and
acceptance against defined requirements is corrected while reviewing test records? Consider the decision while maintaining
traceable evidence.
A. Make several changes at the same time so the problem is more likely to disappear quickly
B. Confirm calibration or functional checks and the suitability of the instrument range before accepting the reading
C. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
D. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For Testing, commissioning, calibration and acceptance against defined requirements, instrument suitability and verification are necessary before
a measured value can support acceptance. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
10. Which factor should be resolved before the practitioner relies on a result concerning Jurisdictional survey law,
professional duty and protection of the public during final acceptance verification? Consider the decision with current
conditions documented.
A. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
B. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
C. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
D. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Jurisdictional survey law, professional duty and protection of the public, boundary decisions require evaluation of evidence rather than
selecting coordinates in isolation. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
11. What is the most appropriate way to troubleshoot a problem involving control networks, datums, coordinates and
benchmarks during a compliance review? Consider the decision while maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Accept a verbal assurance in place of objective evidence
B. Continue normal operation until the next scheduled inspection even though the discrepancy is unresolved
C. Use a previous project record as evidence for the current condition without confirming equivalence
D. Preserve original field evidence and document any adjustment, correction or rejected observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For control networks, datums, coordinates and benchmarks, original observations and transparent adjustments are essential to an auditable
survey record. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
12. Which action best preserves useful diagnostic evidence for field notes, observations and measurement redundancy
when a customer or operator reports poor performance? Consider the decision with current conditions documented.
A. Follow the specified sequence, confirm prerequisite conditions, and verify the result before advancing
B. Rely on personal preference when the controlled requirement is available
C. Accept a verbal assurance in place of objective evidence
D. Continue normal operation until the next scheduled inspection even though the discrepancy is unresolved
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: For field notes, observations and measurement redundancy, sequencing and prerequisite checks reduce process errors and make the outcome
repeatable. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Office Page 3
Office
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Office
,1. Which decision best reflects professional responsibility for Distance, angle, elevation and position measurement with
error adjustment after an unexpected result is observed? Consider the decision while maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
B. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
C. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
D. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Distance, angle, elevation and position measurement with error adjustment, boundary decisions require evaluation of evidence rather than
selecting coordinates in isolation. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
2. When applying the exam competency on Total station, GNSS, leveling and field-data collection workflows at a
quality-control hold point, which choice is most appropriate? Consider the decision with current conditions documented.
A. Ignore the inconsistent data point solely because most other readings appear normal
B. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
C. Investigate likely causes systematically, changing one relevant variable at a time and retaining baseline evidence
D. Make several changes at the same time so the problem is more likely to disappear quickly
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Total station, GNSS, leveling and field-data collection workflows, controlled troubleshooting separates cause from coincidence and protects
useful diagnostic evidence. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
3. Which sequence is most appropriate when a discrepancy involving Boundary evidence, monuments, deeds, occupation
and cadastral reasoning is found when actual conditions differ from the approved plan? Consider the decision while
maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Adjust the result or setting until it matches the expected value without first confirming the cause
B. Use the approved procedure and governing requirements rather than relying on memory alone
C. Record only the final conclusion and omit the supporting observations or measurements
D. Replace a component or revise the design immediately before verifying the actual cause
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For Boundary evidence, monuments, deeds, occupation and cadastral reasoning, approved instructions define the controlled method and help
prevent unauthorized or outdated practices. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
4. What is the strongest basis for deciding whether a condition involving Topographic, construction and control surveys
with closure checks is acceptable before making an operating adjustment? Consider the decision with current conditions
documented.
A. Replace a component or revise the design immediately before verifying the actual cause
B. Rely on personal preference when the controlled requirement is available
C. Use redundant or independent measurements and evaluate closure or residuals before finalizing the result
D. Accept a verbal assurance in place of objective evidence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Topographic, construction and control surveys with closure checks, redundancy helps detect blunders and quantifies whether the survey
meets the required tolerance. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Office Page 1
,5. Which response provides the strongest objective evidence for a decision about Mapping, feature coding, spatial
databases and geospatial quality while preparing for an audit or independent review? Consider the decision while
maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Record only the final conclusion and omit the supporting observations or measurements
B. Replace a component or revise the design immediately before verifying the actual cause
C. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
D. Rely on personal preference when the controlled requirement is available
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Mapping, feature coding, spatial databases and geospatial quality, boundary decisions require evaluation of evidence rather than selecting
coordinates in isolation. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
6. Which method best prevents an undocumented assumption when dealing with Least-squares concepts, uncertainty,
tolerances and acceptance decisions before authorizing the next dependent activity? Consider the decision with current
conditions documented.
A. Use a previous project record as evidence for the current condition without confirming equivalence
B. Ignore the inconsistent data point solely because most other readings appear normal
C. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
D. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Least-squares concepts, uncertainty, tolerances and acceptance decisions, boundary decisions require evaluation of evidence rather than
selecting coordinates in isolation. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
7. Which action is the best first step during a field inspection when addressing Field notes, sketches, metadata, plans and
defensible technical reports? Consider the decision while maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Follow the specified sequence, confirm prerequisite conditions, and verify the result before advancing
B. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
C. Make several changes at the same time so the problem is more likely to disappear quickly
D. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: For Field notes, sketches, metadata, plans and defensible technical reports, sequencing and prerequisite checks reduce process errors and make
the outcome repeatable. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
8. What should be verified before accepting work related to Safety factors, failure modes, hazards and risk-reduction
decisions during troubleshooting? Consider the decision with current conditions documented.
A. Preserve original field evidence and document any adjustment, correction or rejected observation
B. Accept a verbal assurance in place of objective evidence
C. Continue normal operation until the next scheduled inspection even though the discrepancy is unresolved
D. Use a previous project record as evidence for the current condition without confirming equivalence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: For Safety factors, failure modes, hazards and risk-reduction decisions, original observations and transparent adjustments are essential to an
auditable survey record. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Office Page 2
, 9. Which action most effectively prevents recurrence after a problem involving Testing, commissioning, calibration and
acceptance against defined requirements is corrected while reviewing test records? Consider the decision while maintaining
traceable evidence.
A. Make several changes at the same time so the problem is more likely to disappear quickly
B. Confirm calibration or functional checks and the suitability of the instrument range before accepting the reading
C. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
D. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For Testing, commissioning, calibration and acceptance against defined requirements, instrument suitability and verification are necessary before
a measured value can support acceptance. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
10. Which factor should be resolved before the practitioner relies on a result concerning Jurisdictional survey law,
professional duty and protection of the public during final acceptance verification? Consider the decision with current
conditions documented.
A. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
B. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
C. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
D. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Jurisdictional survey law, professional duty and protection of the public, boundary decisions require evaluation of evidence rather than
selecting coordinates in isolation. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
11. What is the most appropriate way to troubleshoot a problem involving control networks, datums, coordinates and
benchmarks during a compliance review? Consider the decision while maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Accept a verbal assurance in place of objective evidence
B. Continue normal operation until the next scheduled inspection even though the discrepancy is unresolved
C. Use a previous project record as evidence for the current condition without confirming equivalence
D. Preserve original field evidence and document any adjustment, correction or rejected observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For control networks, datums, coordinates and benchmarks, original observations and transparent adjustments are essential to an auditable
survey record. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
12. Which action best preserves useful diagnostic evidence for field notes, observations and measurement redundancy
when a customer or operator reports poor performance? Consider the decision with current conditions documented.
A. Follow the specified sequence, confirm prerequisite conditions, and verify the result before advancing
B. Rely on personal preference when the controlled requirement is available
C. Accept a verbal assurance in place of objective evidence
D. Continue normal operation until the next scheduled inspection even though the discrepancy is unresolved
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: For field notes, observations and measurement redundancy, sequencing and prerequisite checks reduce process errors and make the outcome
repeatable. This is consistent with controlled surveying and geospatial practice and the competency scope of this exam.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Office Page 3
