Why should we support the Certified Survey Technician (CST) Program?

With the declining number of Registered Professional Land Surveyors in the work force, the amounts of work performed by technicians will be increasing. To increase the work flow through a surveyor’s office, the quality and correctness of the technicians work must be increased for efficiency and profitability. The CST program provides a career ladder and credentials for these technicians.

How can we increase the implication of the Certified Survey Technician Program?

The employer through his supervisory personnel can lead with in-house training or support from your local Chapter. Training and testing needs to be introduced to your existing technicians. Surveyors will discover quickly which technicians have the drive to improve their knowledge and add value to the company. Each TSPS chapter should have a committee supporting, teaching, and/or leading self-study classes and support groups. TSPS has prepared classes for the support of the CST Program which are available to all chapters. The CST classes have typically been taught at the symposium once a year. Testing needs to available at each chapter and at least twice a year. The CST test has been given at seven sites with approximately 50 students this year. I would like to see this numbers doubled in the next test cycle.

When should applications for testing be summited?

An application for the CST testing can be found at the TSPS or the NSPS websites. The application deadline is two weeks prior to the next scheduled exam of September 9, 2017. Applications must be mailed to NSPS CST Program, Attn: Sara Maggi at 5119 Pegasus Court, Suite Q, Frederick, MD 21704. More certified and registered proctors are needed across the state. See the TSPS web site for additional information.