1. Applicant Information Determining Where To Start
August 2016

2. Steps to Getting Certified
Determine which Level to start at
Selecting the exam format (on-line or paper)
Finding a proctor and a test site
Fill out the Application and send it in
Website Review

3. Step 1 Which Level to Start At
How many years in the surveying profession?
How many credits of accredited education?
Decide which track you want to follow
Field or Office (Level II and above)
You can start at level for which experience requirement is met.
Licensed Surveyors may start at Levels I, II, or III
Level IV applicant must possess a Level III certification

4. Level I is an entry level
Certification is by Examination and Experience (job competency).
Four levels of Certification throughout the United States
Level I is an entry level
Levels II, III and IV have minimum field and office requirements.
Two main tracks.
Field
Office
The program uses “work elements” to define testing parameters.

5. Assessing Your Education
1 Semester credit = hours
1 Quarter credit = hours
1 CEU = hours
(1 CEU/PDH = 10 classroom hours = 0.5 credit hours)

6. Assessing Your Knowledge/Experience Level
Level I – No experience required
Level II – 1.5 years experience required
Level III – 3.5 years experience required
Level IV – 5.5 years experience required (no sample exam)
Sample Exams for Levels I, II, and III are available on the website
Levels I & II also have Sample Exams at LearnCST.com

7. Step 2 Determine the exam format you want
The exam is offered in two formats - Paper and Online. 
Paper Exams can be taken at any time at an accepted testing site.
Online Exams will be offered any week day and on the 2nd Saturday of each month.
Both exams require the presence of an approved exam proctor.

8. Step 3 Finding a Proctor and Test Site
Go to nsps.us.com web site
Select ‘Programs’
Select ‘Certified Survey Technician’
Select ‘CST Coordinators’ for your area and contact them for information to schedule an exam

9. Step 4 Application
The application requests information in the following areas
Personal Information
Exam Format
Exam Schedule
Certification Level
Education Information
Employment History
Statement of Understanding
Fees
The application is at nsps.us.com/programs/cst/application

10. Step 5 Website Review
Peruse the website to learn about review courses, study habits, calculator use, book references and notes, and many other related items.