NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level II Examination –
Field
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level II Examination – Field
,1. When applying the exam competency on Least-squares concepts, uncertainty, tolerances and acceptance decisions after
an unexpected result is observed, which choice is most appropriate? Consider the decision while maintaining traceable
evidence.
A. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
B. Follow the specified sequence, confirm prerequisite conditions, and verify the result before advancing
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: B
Explanation: For Least-squares concepts, uncertainty, tolerances and acceptance decisions, 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.
2. Which choice best supports safe and compliant work involving Field notes, sketches, metadata, plans and defensible
technical reports at a quality-control hold point? Consider the decision with current conditions documented.
A. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
B. Use the approved procedure and governing requirements rather than relying on memory alone
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 Field notes, sketches, metadata, plans and defensible technical reports, 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unauthorized or outdated practices.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.
3. Which action most effectively prevents recurrence after a problem involving Jurisdictional survey law, professional duty
and protection of the public is corrected 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. Record only the final conclusion and omit the supporting observations or measurements
C. Replace a component or revise the design immediately before verifying the actual cause
D. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
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.
4. A result associated with Safe field planning around traffic, utilities, terrain and environmental hazards does not agree with
the expected condition before making an operating adjustment. Which action is best? Consider the decision with current
conditions documented.
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. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Safe field planning around traffic, utilities, terrain and environmental hazards, 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.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level II Examination – Field Page 1
,5. Which decision best reflects professional responsibility for Coordinate systems, datums, projections and transformation
principles while preparing for an audit or independent review? Consider the decision while maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
B. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
C. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
D. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Coordinate systems, datums, projections and transformation principles, 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 response is most consistent with controlled professional practice for Distance, angle, elevation and position
measurement with error adjustment before authorizing the next dependent activity? Consider the decision with current
conditions documented.
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. Close the issue before verifying that corrective action was effective
D. Investigate likely causes systematically, changing one relevant variable at a time and retaining baseline evidence
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Distance, angle, elevation and position measurement with error adjustment, 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.
7. Which method best prevents an undocumented assumption when dealing with Total station, GNSS, leveling and field-data
collection workflows during a field inspection? 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. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Total station, GNSS, leveling and field-data collection workflows, 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.
8. Which method best prevents an undocumented assumption when dealing with Requirements, constraints, assumptions
and selection of defensible design criteria during troubleshooting? 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. Use redundant or independent measurements and evaluate closure or residuals before finalizing the result
D. Make several changes at the same time so the problem is more likely to disappear quickly
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Requirements, constraints, assumptions and selection of defensible design criteria, 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 II Examination – Field Page 2
, 9. Which factor should be resolved before the practitioner relies on a result concerning Materials, components and
equipment behavior under expected operating conditions while reviewing test records? Consider the decision while
maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Use redundant or independent measurements and evaluate closure or residuals before finalizing the result
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 Materials, components and equipment behavior under expected operating conditions, 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.
10. What is the strongest basis for deciding whether a condition involving Boundary evidence, monuments, deeds,
occupation and cadastral reasoning is acceptable 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. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
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 Boundary evidence, monuments, deeds, occupation and cadastral reasoning, 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. Follow the specified sequence, confirm prerequisite conditions, and verify the result before advancing
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 control networks, datums, coordinates and benchmarks, 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.
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. Investigate likely causes systematically, changing one relevant variable at a time and retaining baseline evidence
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 field notes, observations and measurement redundancy, 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.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level II Examination – Field Page 3
Field
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level II Examination – Field
,1. When applying the exam competency on Least-squares concepts, uncertainty, tolerances and acceptance decisions after
an unexpected result is observed, which choice is most appropriate? Consider the decision while maintaining traceable
evidence.
A. Skip the prerequisite check because the schedule is more important than the documented sequence
B. Follow the specified sequence, confirm prerequisite conditions, and verify the result before advancing
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: B
Explanation: For Least-squares concepts, uncertainty, tolerances and acceptance decisions, 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.
2. Which choice best supports safe and compliant work involving Field notes, sketches, metadata, plans and defensible
technical reports at a quality-control hold point? Consider the decision with current conditions documented.
A. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
B. Use the approved procedure and governing requirements rather than relying on memory alone
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 Field notes, sketches, metadata, plans and defensible technical reports, 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.
3. Which action most effectively prevents recurrence after a problem involving Jurisdictional survey law, professional duty
and protection of the public is corrected 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. Record only the final conclusion and omit the supporting observations or measurements
C. Replace a component or revise the design immediately before verifying the actual cause
D. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
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.
4. A result associated with Safe field planning around traffic, utilities, terrain and environmental hazards does not agree with
the expected condition before making an operating adjustment. Which action is best? Consider the decision with current
conditions documented.
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. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Safe field planning around traffic, utilities, terrain and environmental hazards, 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.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level II Examination – Field Page 1
,5. Which decision best reflects professional responsibility for Coordinate systems, datums, projections and transformation
principles while preparing for an audit or independent review? Consider the decision while maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Bypass a protective control temporarily without formal authorization
B. Proceed because the same task has been completed successfully on previous jobs
C. Use an instrument or data source without confirming that it is suitable for the decision
D. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Coordinate systems, datums, projections and transformation principles, 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 response is most consistent with controlled professional practice for Distance, angle, elevation and position
measurement with error adjustment before authorizing the next dependent activity? Consider the decision with current
conditions documented.
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. Close the issue before verifying that corrective action was effective
D. Investigate likely causes systematically, changing one relevant variable at a time and retaining baseline evidence
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Distance, angle, elevation and position measurement with error adjustment, 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.
7. Which method best prevents an undocumented assumption when dealing with Total station, GNSS, leveling and field-data
collection workflows during a field inspection? 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. Verify the datum, control point identity, instrument setup and required tolerance before accepting the observation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: For Total station, GNSS, leveling and field-data collection workflows, 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.
8. Which method best prevents an undocumented assumption when dealing with Requirements, constraints, assumptions
and selection of defensible design criteria during troubleshooting? 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. Use redundant or independent measurements and evaluate closure or residuals before finalizing the result
D. Make several changes at the same time so the problem is more likely to disappear quickly
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: For Requirements, constraints, assumptions and selection of defensible design criteria, 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 II Examination – Field Page 2
, 9. Which factor should be resolved before the practitioner relies on a result concerning Materials, components and
equipment behavior under expected operating conditions while reviewing test records? Consider the decision while
maintaining traceable evidence.
A. Use redundant or independent measurements and evaluate closure or residuals before finalizing the result
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 Materials, components and equipment behavior under expected operating conditions, 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.
10. What is the strongest basis for deciding whether a condition involving Boundary evidence, monuments, deeds,
occupation and cadastral reasoning is acceptable 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. Reconcile field evidence with record information and escalate unresolved boundary conflicts for appropriate professional judgment
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 Boundary evidence, monuments, deeds, occupation and cadastral reasoning, 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. Follow the specified sequence, confirm prerequisite conditions, and verify the result before advancing
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 control networks, datums, coordinates and benchmarks, 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.
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. Investigate likely causes systematically, changing one relevant variable at a time and retaining baseline evidence
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 field notes, observations and measurement redundancy, 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.
NSPS Certified Survey Technician Level II Examination – Field Page 3
