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Question About CFedS Exam
I just finished your [Tony Cavell's] article on the Certified Federal Surveyor exam in the May issue. Thanks, it was well written and interesting. I would like to be considered for the CFedS program. Could you please provide the information on where to apply for the study materials, the cost and when it is available? This also sounds like an excellent continuing education course that should be accepted in most jurisdictions. Continuing Ed is another issue altogether. Many jurisdictions already require it with more all the time. It sure would be nice if there were a central records office where C.E. credits could be reported and where courses would be available so that guys licensed in more than one jurisdiction could maintain a complete record of C.E. credits. I believe that with all of the technology improvements recently and to come, surveyors will be forced into constant education in order to maintain the professional designation that we cherish so much.
Rick Hofsess, LS PE
Brighton, Michigan

Cavell Replies
Thank you for your kind words. I am always happy to learn that someone has enjoyed an article I've written. Continuing Education is a characteristic of a professional. We all need it; as much for re-learning basic principles and history as for new technology. What is a shame is that some, outside the profession, see a regulatory need to require study of something they know little or nothing about.

Current info for the CFedS program can be found on the website: (www.cfeds.org/info_howto.asp).

• On September 10, 2007 open registration will begin. We will no longer have specific periods when registration is open, instead you will be able to register and pay your tuition at any time. The training material will be shipped when your registration is received. You will proceed through the course work at your own pace. The certification exam will be offered 3 times per year, in February, June and October; you choose the exam that best fits your schedule. 

• The Registration Form should take only about 15 minutes to complete. 

• You will be required to pay the $1200.00 tuition at the time of registration. Payment is by credit card. Tuition is non-refundable. 

• We can accept up to 600 students in the program at one time so we should be able to accommodate all qualified applicants. 

• The certification program is designed to take approximately 120 hours to complete. 

• The training is delivered on a set of 29 DVDs with a combination of video lectures, computer-based problems and reading assignments. 

• Applicants will have access to instructors via e-mail and monthly conference calls. 

• Resource materials will be included on the DVD set.  The certification examination will be administered September 7, 2007 and in February, June and October of 2008.

• The certification examination shall be taken in the presence of a proctor approved by the CFedS Certification Panel.

• It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange for the proctor.

• It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange compensation for the proctor and that the facility and testing environment meet any special requirements of the applicant.

• Applicants will have 6 hours to complete the examination.

Good luck to you! I wish you all the best in your pursuits. Feel free to contact me any time. My web address is www.GPSman.Com/nuke. ­ J.A.C.

A 152Kb PDF of this article as it appeared in the magazine—complete with images—is available by clicking HERE