CFS Professional Standards & Competencies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scenario best demonstrates a CFS applying the principle of public safety above client interest?
- Revising survey data to lower a BFE at a client's request to reduce insurance costs
- Recommending freeboard above the BFE even though it increases construction costs for the client (Correct answer)
- Omitting floodway encroachment data from a report to speed project approval
- Certifying a structure as compliant despite an unmeasured foundation
Correct answer: Recommending freeboard above the BFE even though it increases construction costs for the client
Recommending freeboard prioritizes long-term public safety even when it conflicts with short-term client cost preferences.
Question 2: A CFS preparing an MT-2 application (LOMA/LOMR) must base elevation data on which vertical datum?
- National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29) exclusively
- The datum shown on the effective FIRM for that panel, typically NAVD 88 (Correct answer)
- Any locally adopted datum accepted by the county engineer
- International Height Reference Frame (IHRF) as required by FEMA since 2020
Correct answer: The datum shown on the effective FIRM for that panel, typically NAVD 88
FEMA MT-2 applications must use the vertical datum referenced on the effective FIRM panel, which for most modern maps is NAVD 88.
Question 3: The CFS code of ethics prohibits 'misrepresentation.' In surveying practice, this specifically includes:
- Using GPS instead of total station for measurements
- Presenting survey data selectively to support a predetermined conclusion (Correct answer)
- Subcontracting field work to licensed survey crews
- Charging fees based on project complexity rather than hourly rates
Correct answer: Presenting survey data selectively to support a predetermined conclusion
Selective presentation of data to bias a determination constitutes misrepresentation and violates professional ethics standards.
Question 4: A CFS working in a FEMA Community Rating System (CRS) community should understand that CRS credits primarily benefit the community by:
- Exempting the community from NFIP participation requirements
- Reducing flood insurance premiums for policyholders in the community (Correct answer)
- Allowing structures to be built below the BFE without variance
- Increasing FEMA grant funding allocations to the community
Correct answer: Reducing flood insurance premiums for policyholders in the community
CRS credits reduce NFIP flood insurance premiums for policyholders, rewarding communities that exceed minimum floodplain management standards.
Question 5: When a CFS signs and seals a survey document, this act legally signifies that the professional:
- Approves the project for construction without further review
- Takes professional responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the work (Correct answer)
- Transfers liability to the client for any subsequent use of the document
- Certifies that the project complies with all local zoning requirements
Correct answer: Takes professional responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the work
Signing and sealing a document means the CFS accepts full professional responsibility for the accuracy and quality of the work product.
Question 6: Under what circumstance is a CFS permitted to share confidential client information obtained during a floodplain project?
- When requested by a neighboring property owner disputing a boundary
- When required by law, court order, or with the client's explicit written consent (Correct answer)
- When the information would be helpful to another client in the same flood zone
- When the project is complete and the CFS no longer represents the client
Correct answer: When required by law, court order, or with the client's explicit written consent
Confidentiality may only be waived when legally compelled or when the client explicitly authorizes disclosure in writing.
Question 7: A Certified Floodplain Surveyor is hired to perform a Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F). The site contains fill that was placed without a grading permit. What should the CFS do?
- Proceed with the LOMR-F application since FEMA only reviews elevation data
- Advise the client that unpermitted fill may disqualify the site and recommend obtaining proper permits before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Submit the application and omit mention of the permit status
- Refuse all work on the project without further analysis
Correct answer: Advise the client that unpermitted fill may disqualify the site and recommend obtaining proper permits before proceeding
FEMA requires that fill used for LOMR-F purposes be permitted and legally placed; the CFS must advise the client of this prerequisite.
CFS Professional Standards & Competencies 3
Which scenario best demonstrates a CFS applying the principle of public safety above client interest?