Sava Level 6 Surveying exam-day guide
Sava Level 6 Surveying · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring the original photo ID named on your booking. Accepted forms vary by provider, so confirm the list in your admission letter before travelling.
Booking confirmation and admission letter
Carry your candidate number, venue details, and start time. Confirm whether a printed copy is required or a digital version is accepted.
Approved calculator
Check the permitted calculator list for your sitting and bring a familiar model with fresh batteries. Confirm whether programmable or graphing models are excluded.
Field book and writing kit
Bring a bound field book with numbered pages if required, plus 2B pencils, eraser, sharpener, and a permanent marker. Confirm whether the provider supplies a standard field book.
Total station, tripod, and tribrach (if candidate-supplied)
Confirm the equipment policy: some centres supply instruments, others require you to bring your own. If bringing your own, charge batteries and pack spares.
Prisms, poles, and levelling staff
Check prisms are clean and poles are straight; include a plumb bob and chaining pins if your procedure uses them. Verify the required kit list with the provider.
Levelling instrument
If the exam includes differential levelling and instruments are not supplied, bring an automatic or digital level and staff. Confirm the centre's calibration expectations before the day.
PPE and weather protection
Pack a hi-vis vest, safety boots, hard hat if required, gloves, waterproofs, sun hat, and drinking water. Confirm the site's PPE rules in the joining instructions.
Simple watch or stopwatch
A non-smart timing device helps you pace observations. Smartwatches and phones are commonly prohibited; confirm the centre's policy on wearable devices.
Permitted reference data or formula sheet
Bring only the extracts explicitly allowed for your sitting. Confirm whether annotated, highlighted, or loose printed copies are permitted.
Plan the day
Re-read the admission letter and candidate instructions. Confirm the venue, travel route, reporting time, and whether you must bring your own instruments. Note any equipment the centre supplies so you do not duplicate or omit kit.
Set up your instrument at home or a practice site. Check battery charge, tripod screws, tribrach levelling, optical plummet, and prism condition. Replace worn items and pack spares such as batteries, pencils, and a cloth.
Run through the standard field routines you will be assessed on, including booking readings and closing a traverse or level run. Avoid learning new methods. Keep sleep and meal times regular so the exam morning feels normal.
Lay out every checklist item and pack it in one bag. Charge all batteries overnight. Put ID, booking confirmation, and any printed formula sheets in a separate pocket so they are easy to show at registration.
Check the forecast and choose clothing and footwear accordingly. Confirm transport times and allow a generous buffer. Set two alarms and arrange a backup wake-up call if travel is long.
Review field-book layout, booking codes, and the order of observations. Confirm any last-minute instructions from the provider by email or noticeboard. Stop studying early and eat a normal meal.
Eat breakfast and arrive at the venue with time to spare. Use the extra minutes to check you have ID and equipment rather than to revise. Switch your phone off or store it as directed.
Present your ID and confirmation, collect any centre-supplied equipment, and listen carefully to the safety and conduct briefing. Ask the examiner where to leave bags and prohibited items before the test starts.
Choose a stable station, set the tripod firmly, and check the instrument is level before observing. Follow the site safety rules and keep your area tidy so you do not trip or obstruct others.
Write every reading, booking, and observation directly into the field book as you take it. Do not rely on memory or loose paper. Check for booking errors before you move the instrument.
Note the stated finish time and pace yourself across the required tasks. If a reading fails, repeat it promptly rather than carrying an error forward. Leave time to close the survey and pack equipment.
Ask the examiner to clarify an instruction you genuinely cannot read, but do not ask for help with method or calculations. Follow the examiner's directions immediately if a safety issue arises.
Rules to check
Carry original photo ID at all times. Confirm the accepted forms with the provider before the exam day.
Arrive at the stated reporting time. Confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider, as candidates arriving after the briefing may not be admitted.
Use only permitted equipment. Phones, smartwatches, and unauthorised aids should be switched off and stored exactly as the centre instructs.
Follow all site safety instructions and wear the required PPE. The examiner may stop any procedure considered unsafe.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the practical unless the task explicitly requires teamwork.
Ask the examiner to clarify instructions, but not for technical help with survey method or calculations.
Break and rest-room arrangements vary between centres. Confirm the policy with the provider before the test rather than assuming a fixed break.
Scoring and partial credit are set by the awarding body. Confirm the marking scheme with the provider, and record all raw data so your method can be assessed.