Arizona Certified Engineering
Technician (CET) Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A survey crew is measuring a baseline that is 1,200 feet long. If the
horizontal angle at one end of the baseline to a distant point is
measured as 48°15′30″ and at the other end as 131°44′30″, what is the
azimuth of the distant point from the first end of the baseline?
A. 48°15′30″
B. 48°15′30″
C. 128°15′30″
D. 311°44′30″
Bold the rationale here explaining the concept of azimuth
measurement and angle orientation.
2. When performing a topographic survey, what instrument is typically
used to determine differences in elevation between points?
A. Total station
B. Level
C. Theodolite
D. Prismatic compass
Bold rationale explaining how a level is used to establish elevation
differences and the importance of leveling in topographic work.
3. A drafting scale reading on a site plan shows that one inch equals 50
feet. If the plotted distance between two points measures 3⅛ inches,
what is the actual ground distance?
A. 112.5 feet
, B. 150 feet
C. 156.25 feet
D. 175 feet
Bold rationale clarifying how to convert scale measurements to
actual ground distances with calculations.
4. In construction plans, the symbol “Ø” preceding a number most
commonly indicates what?
A. Column designation
B. Wall thickness
C. Diameter
D. Elevation change
Bold rationale explaining the use of symbols in drawings and
standard designation of diameter.
5. How many significant figures are in the number 0.007500?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
Bold rationale defining significant figures and showing how leading
zeros are not counted.
6. If a plot plan shows a boundary line running N 70° W for 450 feet,
what is the bearing of the reverse direction?
A. S 70° E
B. S 20° E
C. N 110° E
D. S 110° E
Bold rationale explaining how to reverse a bearing by adding or
subtracting 180 degrees.
7. When checking field notes for closure errors, the difference between
the sum of latitudes and departures must be within tolerance for the
traverse to be considered closed. What type of error does this check
identify?
A. Random errors
B. Systematic errors
C. Blunders
, D. Natural errors
Bold rationale discussing the nature of systematic errors and their
detection in traverse closures.
8. A right triangle has sides of 60 feet and 80 feet with the right angle
between them. What is the length of the hypotenuse?
A. 100 feet
B. 100 feet
C. 140 feet
D. 48 feet
Bold rationale demonstrating the Pythagorean theorem application.
9. The purpose of a benchmark on a survey is to:
A. Mark property corners
B. Establish horizontal control
C. Provide a reference elevation
D. Indicate a legal easement
Bold rationale about benchmarks and their role as elevation control
points.
10. A plan sheet shows contour lines at 2-foot intervals. If two
adjacent contours are marked 1,006 and 1,008, what is the vertical
rise between them?
A. 2 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 8 feet
Bold rationale explaining contour intervals and interpreting
elevation changes.
11. The abbreviation “R.O.W.” on a civil drawing stands for:
A. Right of Work
B. Road on Way
C. Right of Way
D. Run-off Water
Bold rationale defining common drawing abbreviations used in civil
plans.
12. When setting up a total station, the instrument must be leveled
and:
Technician (CET) Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A survey crew is measuring a baseline that is 1,200 feet long. If the
horizontal angle at one end of the baseline to a distant point is
measured as 48°15′30″ and at the other end as 131°44′30″, what is the
azimuth of the distant point from the first end of the baseline?
A. 48°15′30″
B. 48°15′30″
C. 128°15′30″
D. 311°44′30″
Bold the rationale here explaining the concept of azimuth
measurement and angle orientation.
2. When performing a topographic survey, what instrument is typically
used to determine differences in elevation between points?
A. Total station
B. Level
C. Theodolite
D. Prismatic compass
Bold rationale explaining how a level is used to establish elevation
differences and the importance of leveling in topographic work.
3. A drafting scale reading on a site plan shows that one inch equals 50
feet. If the plotted distance between two points measures 3⅛ inches,
what is the actual ground distance?
A. 112.5 feet
, B. 150 feet
C. 156.25 feet
D. 175 feet
Bold rationale clarifying how to convert scale measurements to
actual ground distances with calculations.
4. In construction plans, the symbol “Ø” preceding a number most
commonly indicates what?
A. Column designation
B. Wall thickness
C. Diameter
D. Elevation change
Bold rationale explaining the use of symbols in drawings and
standard designation of diameter.
5. How many significant figures are in the number 0.007500?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
Bold rationale defining significant figures and showing how leading
zeros are not counted.
6. If a plot plan shows a boundary line running N 70° W for 450 feet,
what is the bearing of the reverse direction?
A. S 70° E
B. S 20° E
C. N 110° E
D. S 110° E
Bold rationale explaining how to reverse a bearing by adding or
subtracting 180 degrees.
7. When checking field notes for closure errors, the difference between
the sum of latitudes and departures must be within tolerance for the
traverse to be considered closed. What type of error does this check
identify?
A. Random errors
B. Systematic errors
C. Blunders
, D. Natural errors
Bold rationale discussing the nature of systematic errors and their
detection in traverse closures.
8. A right triangle has sides of 60 feet and 80 feet with the right angle
between them. What is the length of the hypotenuse?
A. 100 feet
B. 100 feet
C. 140 feet
D. 48 feet
Bold rationale demonstrating the Pythagorean theorem application.
9. The purpose of a benchmark on a survey is to:
A. Mark property corners
B. Establish horizontal control
C. Provide a reference elevation
D. Indicate a legal easement
Bold rationale about benchmarks and their role as elevation control
points.
10. A plan sheet shows contour lines at 2-foot intervals. If two
adjacent contours are marked 1,006 and 1,008, what is the vertical
rise between them?
A. 2 feet
B. 4 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 8 feet
Bold rationale explaining contour intervals and interpreting
elevation changes.
11. The abbreviation “R.O.W.” on a civil drawing stands for:
A. Right of Work
B. Road on Way
C. Right of Way
D. Run-off Water
Bold rationale defining common drawing abbreviations used in civil
plans.
12. When setting up a total station, the instrument must be leveled
and:
