California PE Surveying Exam Advice and Tips

My advice to pass the California state specific PE civil engineering Surveying Exam.
Share your experiences below.
Good Luck!
PS apologies for the mic issues...

[@CatZaddy11]

Thx. Im taking it again for the second time in a couple hours

[@lostsheep2139]

Good info! I passed on my second attempt this spring. I used Mansour for the studying and some of the "usual suspects" books. On my second attempt I bit the bullet and got the 550 book, it has 550 solved problems (Preparation Problems and Solutions, author is Reklaw). I recommend a combination of these two books, along with anything else you can get your hands on. The more exposure to problems the faster you will get at answering them. Also there are a lot of good youtube videos that can help with specific topics you are having trouble with. Time is the enemy on this exam!

[@Jzns82]

Dude really great videos!!! Very helpful. I passed my Fe 5 months ago and am trying to figure out all the best study resources so thanks!

[@eyass777]

Can’t thank you enough, I took you advices on Seismic exam and were very helpful and accurate as well. Than you

[@semisikaufusi2467]

Recommendations on Practice Practice Practice cannot be said enough...Thank you for sharing your thoughts....TTK

[@fcernst]

Thanks for taking the time to do this..Very helpful!

[@bille9243]

Thanks for taking the time to share your insights.

[@buddyryeSE]

You mentioned that the Mansour book didn't have all the definitions noted in it. Is there another book that could supplement the definitions piece of the puzzle? I have lots of engineering experience in structural, took a survey class in college, but haven't touched a traverse or "stick" since 1999. LOL!

[@bille9243]

I took your suggestion regarding getting a Mansour book. I purchased the "text book", Surveying for California PE license which also has sample problems. It's also supposed to have a DVD that generates random problems but that wasn't shipped due to a programming error - but the cover of the book still advertises it. With all due respect to the author, in my opinion this is not a professional publication. It needs professional editing. I've found sample problems for which there is no reference content in the book itself, and numerous sloppy mistakes regarding misused terms and discrepancies between sample questions and solutions - solutions that may be correct with respect to themselves mathematically but aren't actually answers to the original question. I don't doubt that much of the content is relevant to the exam, but, it's too poorly edited for me to continue using it.

[@debarshidas9266]

Hi , I am writing the PE Surveying exam on Nov 9. Your advices are very helpful. Just wondering should I cover compound and spiral curve also? Traverse balancing takes long time to solve. I don’t think they give problem on traverse balancing. There may be knowledge based question. Any advice will be highly appreciated.

[@conoroleary2941]

Hi Debarshi, what books would you recommend using to study?

[@larrysanchez6950]

Hey Darth Vader: How do I get a copy of Dr. Mansour's Practice Exams or Reference Manuel ? Please help

[@sorggalder]

Thanks for the through tips!

[@dustinfredricey275]

Order of the engineer.

[@BrianWallace56]

Nice shirt. LOL