NSPS -- Certified Survey Technician

[LS_8750]

Anybody have any positive or negative thoughts on this program?
Does it include a series of preparatory steps to prepare one for the LSIT exam?

[rmaher]

Good question; since I've got to check in with the speaker on this next webinar, I'll pose it as a pre-question to be discussed.

Apr 11th, 2018 CLSA Webinar: NSPS CST Program
Time: Wednesday, 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Speaker: Glen Thurow
Register for this webinar in the CLSA Store

Perhaps the NSPS At-Large Director, Armand Marois, can give us some insight?

[marois]

I believe the program has very positive effects for our profession. Not every survey crew member or office personnel has had a chance to attend college. The CST program can provide the opportunity for training and evaluation of your field and office staff. And provides the experience of taking a timed exam.

The program offers four levels of examinations for both field and office technicians. Level 1 (entry level) is design for both field and office and is a four hour exam. Levels 2 thru 4 are divided between field and office tracks. Level 2 and 3 is a six hour exam. Exams can be computer based or paper, except for Level 4 which is in a “take home/open book” format and will consist of two or more essay questions. There are experience requirements for each level. A Certified Level 4 candidate would be well prepared for the LSIT.

CST offers online training for Levels 1 thru 3 and sample copies of the exams. Attached is a copied of the program guide and a testimonial about CST.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions also, as Rich has pointed out, CLSA will be having a Webinar by Glen Thurow. Glen developed the on-line training program http://www.learncst.com.

Armand Marois

[Peter Ehlert]

thanks Armand. I was not aware of the depth.
Those certifications would look great on a resume.

[Edward M Reading]

I'm a Level III CST and proud of it. It is a great program with rigorous testing. I took the Level III test back in 1989 or so. It is actually what propelled me to go farther in surveying. Because of it, I ended up going back to school and got a BS in Surveying. I'd hire someone that had gone through the certification process in a heartbeat. I agree that a Level IV would be well prepared for the LSIT exam.