Changes to the FS Exam 2021

by DrNettleman | Jul 28, 2021

https://youtu.be/r3ZymQfNo0w

Has the FS Exam changed in 2021?

The short answer is, yes. When the FS exam first came onto the scene, it was a good mix of surveying, engineering, and computer science. It was tough, but fair. Over the years it’s involved into an overrated math exam. However as of 2021, the fundamentals of surveying exam shifted in a direction for the better.

This year, the exam has shifted from traditional math to surveying math. Which is good news for everyone. While the exam is not easy, it has become easier. This is due to less focus on linear algebra, differential equations and other purely mathematical questions.

So, how do you shift your study habits?

Two years ago, you needed to know the matrix determinate, matrix inverse, and matrix transposition. Those might still apply, but there will likely be less of those questions. What you’ll need to know is that the morning exam is mostly surveying math and the afternoon exam is mostly legal aspects, standards and specifications, etc.

Study habits have shifted from pure math to surveying math. Traversing, coordinate geometry, volumes, area, and trigonometry. They will ask surveying trick questions, so don’t forget SOH CAH TOA (a mnemonic to help you remember the definitions of the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent), how to use angles, how to form triangles, distances, and all the basic formulas to accurately solve the problems.

Having a pre-programmed calculator is a huge help on the exam. Especially for time. Let the pre-programmed solve the problem for you. This will save a lot of time on the exam and allow you to focus on the tougher questions. Use it to your advantage!

The FS Exam now has fewer theoretical and pure math problems. Which is a great thing! It’s now geared more towards surveying and less towards basic math (thank you NCEES)!

Let’s get studying!