Certified Survey Technician (CST) Level 1

The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) sponsors a comprehensive national certification program for survey technicians. The program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the National Apprenticeship Program. The Certified Survey Technician Board (CSTB), which administers this program, recognizes the importance of technicians to the surveying and mapping profession. As the Certified Survey Technician Program Organization Chart shows, the program has four levels of certification (I through IV) and two main tracks (Field and Office). Certification is by examination and experience. The certification program was initiated in 1986 and testing at Level I began in 1988. The fact sheet on the next page provides additional background information on the program. The goals of the Survey Technician Certification Program are: - Recognize the important contribution that technicians provide to the surveying and mapping profession. - Provide credentials to technicians. - Identify those who have achieved specific technical competencies. - Provide a career ladder for technicians. - Provide firms who support and utilize certified technicians a way to evaluate applicants and an opportunity to promote the fact that their technical staff is certified. - Provide additional use as an assessment tool. Level I Technicians are required to demonstrate knowledge of basic first aid skills and safety requirements. The individual in this position possesses a basic knowledge of field operations and types of surveys as well as familiarity with field equipment and procedures used in these functions. Additional skills required include computational ability, survey note taking, drafting/CAD and map reading. Work Elements further describe the requirements related to this position.