Free Computer Based State Specific Surveying Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Computer Based State Specific Surveying Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Before certifying a North Carolina boundary line as actually surveyed, what investigation must the PLS make along that line?

   1. A. Check recorded bearings, distances, and stated acreage only
   2. B. Investigate encroachments, gaps, lappages, and other irregularities
   3. C. Collect affidavits from owners adjoining every surveyed line
   4. D. Confirm tax-map dimensions and the assessed parcel area

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Rule .1602(a) requires investigation of "encroachments, gaps, lappages, or other irregularities along each line surveyed." Without it, the line may not be certified as actually surveyed.

   Reference: Chapter 56 Server Side Transcribed — 21 NCAC 56 .1602(a)

2. 2What is a North Carolina PLS's primary professional obligation when project interests conflict?

   1. A. Protect the public health, safety, and welfare
   2. B. Maximize the client's return
   3. C. Follow the contractor's schedule
   4. D. Preserve the firm's market share

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Rule .0701(b) says a licensee must "recognize the primary obligation to protect the public."

   Reference: Chapter 56 Server Side Transcribed — 21 NCAC 56 .0701(b)

3. 3Which sheet size is expressly permitted for a recorded survey plat in North Carolina?

   1. A. 8.5 by 11 inches
   2. B. 11 by 17 inches
   3. C. 18 by 24 inches
   4. D. 24 by 48 inches

   Answer: C

   Explanation: G.S. 47-30(a) permits plats measuring "18 inches by 24 inches."

   Reference: G.S. 47-30 — G.S. 47-30(a)

4. 4Which equation does the NCDEQ guidance give for peak flow by the Rational Method?

   1. A. Multiply coefficient, intensity, and area: Qp = CIA
   2. B. Add coefficient, intensity, and area: Qp = C + I + A
   3. C. Divide area by the coefficient-intensity product: Qp = A/(CI)
   4. D. Divide the coefficient-intensity product by area: Qp = CI/A

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The NCDEQ manual states "Qp = C * I * A," where Qp is peak flow in cfs.

   Reference: Stormwater Calculations — Part B, Rational Method for Peak Flow, equation “Qp = C * I * A,” p. 1

5. 5A North Carolina LIS/GIS project will determine property lines and easements, and no statutory exemption applies. Who must perform that surveying work?

   1. A. A Board licensee
   2. B. A county tax mapper
   3. C. A GIS database administrator
   4. D. A title insurance examiner

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Rule .1608 states that "LIS/GIS surveys relating to property lines, rights-of-way, easements, subdivisions, monuments, contours, fixed objects, or geodetic surveying shall be performed by a Board licensee unless exempt by G.S. 89C-25." Because this project determines listed boundary interests and has no exemption, a Board licensee must perform it.

   Reference: Chapter 56 Server Side Transcribed — 21 NCAC 56 .1608(a)

6. 6A client's decision overrules the PLS and endangers public welfare. Whom must the PLS inform of possible consequences?

   1. A. Employer, client, survey crew, owner, and Board chair
   2. B. Contractor, crew, owner, title insurer, and lender
   3. C. Employer, client, contractor, affected parties, and appropriate agency
   4. D. Owner, insurer, lender, attorney, and register of deeds

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Rule .0701(b) directs notice to "the employer, the client, the contractor, other affected parties, and any appropriate regulatory agency."

   Reference: Chapter 56 Server Side Transcribed — 21 NCAC 56 .0701(b)

7. 7A plat is oriented horizontally across the sheet. On which edge must its 1.5-inch border appear?

   1. A. Along the left edge
   2. B. Along the right edge
   3. C. Along the bottom edge
   4. D. Along every edge

   Answer: A

   Explanation: G.S. 47-30(a) requires a one-and-one-half-inch border on the "left side" of a landscape plat.

   Reference: G.S. 47-30 — G.S. 47-30(a)

8. 8How is a composite Rational Method runoff coefficient determined for mixed land uses?

   1. A. Use the smallest coefficient
   2. B. Use the arithmetic sum
   3. C. Use the area-weighted average
   4. D. Use 1.00 for every site

   Answer: C

   Explanation: NCDEQ says the composite C is the "weighted average of all of the land uses within the drainage area."

   Reference: Stormwater Calculations — Part B, Rational Method for Peak Flow, composite C weighted-average paragraph, p. 1

9. 9When investigating a boundary and recorded easements, which adjacent records must a North Carolina PLS examine?

   1. A. Examine only the earliest deed found in each chain
   2. B. Compare only the current county tax-map dimensions
   3. C. Review recent adjacent records and later-recorded deeds and plats
   4. D. Review only the title records furnished by the client

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Rule .1602(c) requires the most recent adjacent deeds and plats and "all deeds and plats recorded after the date" of the survey reference deed or plat.

   Reference: Chapter 56 Server Side Transcribed — 21 NCAC 56 .1602(c)

10. 10When may a PLS undertake an assignment in a specific technical field?

    1. A. Whenever insured
    2. B. When qualified by education or experience
    3. C. Whenever the client consents
    4. D. When a technician has done similar work

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Rule .0701(c)(1) allows assignments only when "qualified by education or experience in the specific technical field."

    Reference: Chapter 56 Server Side Transcribed — 21 NCAC 56 .0701(c)(1)