OR Land Surveyor study plan

Inventory the full Principles and Practice of Surveying task list and rate personal confidence 1-5 on each task to build a study priority matrix

Reconstruct the boundary retracement workflow from memory, then verify each step against a primary source and correct the gaps

Solve 15 boundary evidence problems (monument vs. distance vs. area conflicts) and write a one-sentence rule statement for each

Build a personal formula sheet covering coordinate geometry, area by coordinates, and curve formulas, citing the source for each entry

Derive and apply horizontal and vertical curve elements (PC, PT, PI, T, L, M, E, external, mid-ordinate) to 10 computation problems

Compute circular and spiral curve stations by hand without a calculator program, then check with a spreadsheet

Explain the difference between the arc definition and chord definition of degree of curve and solve one problem each way

Set up a spreadsheet that computes curve elements from any three given inputs and validate it against three hand-worked examples

Perform a closed traverse adjustment by compass rule and by least squares on the same data set, and compare the resulting coordinates

Compute linear misclosure, relative precision, and the angular misclosure against allowable closure, and state whether each traverse passes

Convert between bearings, azimuths, and back azimuths across all four quadrants without sign errors on 30 rapid drills

Compute area by coordinates and by the double meridian distance method on the same parcel and reconcile the two answers

Solve 12 coordinate geometry problems involving line-line intersection, line-circle intersection, and perpendicular offsets

Explain how state plane coordinates, projections, scale factor, and convergence of meridians affect a survey, and compute a combined factor for one example

Describe the Public Land Survey System hierarchy from principal meridian down to aliquot parts and resolve three ambiguous description scenarios

Complete a 50-question timed mixed drill on boundary, curves, and coordinates and log every miss by cause

Compute horizontal and vertical curves, earthwork volumes by average end area and by prismoidal formula on the same cross sections

Calculate cut and fill from cross-section data and identify where the two methods diverge and why

Explain construction staking procedures for a horizontal alignment, including offset staking and grade stakes

Solve 10 route surveying problems that combine curve geometry with stationing and grade

Explain the geoid, ellipsoid, and datum relationships and how a datum transformation changes coordinates by a measurable amount

Describe GNSS positioning modes (static, RTK, network RTK) and state the accuracy and limitation of each for boundary and control work

Compute a level loop adjustment and a trigonometric leveling correction for curvature and refraction

Interpret a set of raw field notes (angles, distances, HI, rod readings) and reduce them to coordinates

Define the surveyor's duties around boundary evidence, monuments, adverse possession, easements, and riparian boundaries, and apply each to a short scenario

Explain the standard of care, error and omission exposure, and the purpose of a written contract and scope of work

Describe the role of records of survey, corner records, and platting in the public record

Complete a 60-question timed mixed exam simulation under exam conditions and score it

Re-drill every missed item from weeks 4 and 7 until each is answered correctly twice in a row

Recite from memory the formula sheet and the boundary evidence hierarchy without reference

Complete two full-length timed practice exams and compare scores to the week 4 and week 7 baselines

Write a one-page exam-day plan covering pacing, calculator use, and flag-and-return strategy