Practice Test Geeks(CFS) Certified Floodplain Surveyor Practice Test
← All CFS Flashcard Decks

Professional Standards & Competencies Flashcards

7 cards from real CFS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Professional Standards & Competencies flashcards as text

  1. Which of the following best describes the role of a CFS in a multi-disciplinary floodplain project team?

    Answer: The CFS provides accurate spatial and elevation data that supports engineering analyses and regulatory determinations

    The CFS contributes specialized survey expertise — precise elevation and boundary data — that other team members rely upon for engineering and regulatory work.

  2. A CFS is asked to provide expert testimony in a flood insurance rate dispute. What standard of professional conduct applies?

    Answer: The CFS must provide objective, factually accurate testimony based on field evidence and professional judgment

    Expert witnesses must remain objective and truthful; a CFS's duty to the court and public integrity supersedes loyalty to the retaining party.

  3. The 'responsible charge' standard in surveying means that the licensed professional who seals a survey must:

    Answer: Exercise direct control and supervision over the survey work and be accountable for its accuracy

    Responsible charge requires the licensed professional to have direct supervisory control over the work, even if support staff performs field tasks.

  4. When performing a survey in support of a Conditional Letter of Map Amendment (CLOMA), the CFS must base elevations on:

    Answer: Existing natural grade elevations before any fill or construction

    A CLOMA is based on existing natural ground elevations before proposed improvements, determining whether the site as-is is above the BFE.

  5. A CFS who is also a licensed surveyor in their state must ensure that their CFS practice:

    Answer: Complies with both state professional licensing laws and CFS certification standards simultaneously

    CFS certification complements but does not replace state licensing obligations; both sets of requirements apply concurrently.

  6. Freeboard, as referenced in professional floodplain standards, is best defined as:

    Answer: An additional height above the BFE required or recommended for flood damage reduction

    Freeboard is a safety margin of height above the BFE that reduces flood risk and is often required by CRS-participating communities.

  7. A CFS reviewing a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report notices that the hydraulic model used is more than 20 years old and predates significant watershed development. The most appropriate professional response is to:

    Answer: Flag this concern to the client and recommend evaluating whether a map revision is warranted given changed conditions

    A CFS should advise clients when outdated study data may not reflect current conditions, as watershed changes can significantly affect flood risk.