NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination –
Field
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Field
,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. 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. Rely on personal preference when the controlled requirement is available
D. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Distance, angle, elevation and position measurement with error adjustment, survey results are only meaningful when the control reference
and measurement conditions are correct. 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. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
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. Close the issue before verifying that corrective action was effective
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: For Total station, GNSS, leveling and field-data collection workflows, 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.
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. Continue normal operation until the next scheduled inspection even though the discrepancy is unresolved
B. Use a previous project record as evidence for the current condition without confirming equivalence
C. Ignore the inconsistent data point solely because most other readings appear normal
D. Preserve original field evidence and document any adjustment, correction or rejected observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Boundary evidence, monuments, deeds, occupation and cadastral reasoning, 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.
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. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
B. Confirm calibration or functional checks and the suitability of the instrument range before accepting the reading
C. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
D. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For Topographic, construction and control surveys with closure checks, 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.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Field 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. 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. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
D. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Mapping, feature coding, spatial databases and geospatial quality, survey results are only meaningful when the control reference and
measurement conditions are correct. 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. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
B. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
C. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
D. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For Least-squares concepts, uncertainty, tolerances and acceptance decisions, survey results are only meaningful when the control reference
and measurement conditions are correct. 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. Use redundant or independent measurements and evaluate closure or residuals before finalizing the result
B. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
C. Close the issue before verifying that corrective action was effective
D. Adjust the result or setting until it matches the expected value without first confirming the cause
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: For Field notes, sketches, metadata, plans and defensible technical reports, 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.
8. Which action best preserves useful diagnostic evidence for Materials, components and equipment behavior under
expected operating conditions during troubleshooting? Consider the decision with current conditions documented.
A. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
B. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
C. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
D. Close the issue before verifying that corrective action was effective
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For Materials, components and equipment behavior under expected operating conditions, 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.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Field Page 2
, 9. What should be verified before accepting work related to Drawings, schematics, specifications, calculations and technical
data interpretation while reviewing test records? 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. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Drawings, schematics, specifications, calculations and technical data interpretation, survey results are only meaningful when the control
reference and measurement conditions are correct. 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. 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. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
D. Rely on personal preference when the controlled requirement is available
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Jurisdictional survey law, professional duty and protection of the public, survey results are only meaningful when the control reference and
measurement conditions are correct. 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. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
B. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
C. Document the observed condition, measurements, method, decision and required follow-up before closing the activity
D. Close the issue before verifying that corrective action was effective
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For control networks, datums, coordinates and benchmarks, complete records make the result traceable and support review, reinspection or
corrective action. 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. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
B. Make several changes at the same time so the problem is more likely to disappear quickly
C. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
D. Use redundant or independent measurements and evaluate closure or residuals before finalizing the result
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For field notes, observations and measurement redundancy, 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 – Field Page 3
Field
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Field
,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. 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. Rely on personal preference when the controlled requirement is available
D. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Distance, angle, elevation and position measurement with error adjustment, survey results are only meaningful when the control reference
and measurement conditions are correct. 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. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
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. Close the issue before verifying that corrective action was effective
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: For Total station, GNSS, leveling and field-data collection workflows, 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.
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. Continue normal operation until the next scheduled inspection even though the discrepancy is unresolved
B. Use a previous project record as evidence for the current condition without confirming equivalence
C. Ignore the inconsistent data point solely because most other readings appear normal
D. Preserve original field evidence and document any adjustment, correction or rejected observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Boundary evidence, monuments, deeds, occupation and cadastral reasoning, 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.
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. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
B. Confirm calibration or functional checks and the suitability of the instrument range before accepting the reading
C. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
D. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For Topographic, construction and control surveys with closure checks, 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.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Field 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. 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. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
D. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Mapping, feature coding, spatial databases and geospatial quality, survey results are only meaningful when the control reference and
measurement conditions are correct. 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. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
B. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
C. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
D. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For Least-squares concepts, uncertainty, tolerances and acceptance decisions, survey results are only meaningful when the control reference
and measurement conditions are correct. 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. Use redundant or independent measurements and evaluate closure or residuals before finalizing the result
B. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
C. Close the issue before verifying that corrective action was effective
D. Adjust the result or setting until it matches the expected value without first confirming the cause
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: For Field notes, sketches, metadata, plans and defensible technical reports, 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.
8. Which action best preserves useful diagnostic evidence for Materials, components and equipment behavior under
expected operating conditions during troubleshooting? Consider the decision with current conditions documented.
A. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
B. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
C. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
D. Close the issue before verifying that corrective action was effective
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: For Materials, components and equipment behavior under expected operating conditions, 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.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level I Examination – Field Page 2
, 9. What should be verified before accepting work related to Drawings, schematics, specifications, calculations and technical
data interpretation while reviewing test records? 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. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Drawings, schematics, specifications, calculations and technical data interpretation, survey results are only meaningful when the control
reference and measurement conditions are correct. 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. 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. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
D. Rely on personal preference when the controlled requirement is available
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Jurisdictional survey law, professional duty and protection of the public, survey results are only meaningful when the control reference and
measurement conditions are correct. 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. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
B. Treat the first plausible explanation as confirmed without testing it
C. Document the observed condition, measurements, method, decision and required follow-up before closing the activity
D. Close the issue before verifying that corrective action was effective
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For control networks, datums, coordinates and benchmarks, complete records make the result traceable and support review, reinspection or
corrective action. 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. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
B. Make several changes at the same time so the problem is more likely to disappear quickly
C. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
D. Use redundant or independent measurements and evaluate closure or residuals before finalizing the result
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For field notes, observations and measurement redundancy, 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 – Field Page 3
