CST Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the CST exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 CST Exam Format at a Glance

100
Questions
120 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score

📚 CST Topics to Study (21)

✍️ Sample CST Questions & Answers

1. Why is continuing education important for survey professionals?
To remain competent and current

Continuing education is vital for survey professionals to stay abreast of new technologies, evolving regulations, and best practices in the field. The surveying profession is dynamic, with advancements in GPS, LiDAR, and software constantly emerging. Ongoing learning ensures that surveyors maintain their competence, deliver high-quality services, and meet licensing requirements.

2. What term describes the right-of-way width reserved for public roads in a subdivision plat?
Dedication

A dedication is the transfer of land from a private owner to the public for streets, parks, or other public uses, shown and accepted on a recorded plat.

3. What is the primary legal principle that governs how conflicting elements in a deed description are resolved?
Monuments control over distances, which control over bearings

The hierarchy for resolving deed conflicts is: monuments (physical markers) > distances > bearings > area, with senior rights also applying.

4. What does 'azimuth' refer to in surveying?
A clockwise angle from north

Azimuth is a horizontal angle measured clockwise from a reference meridian, typically true North. It ranges from 0° to 360° and provides a unique and unambiguous direction for any line. Azimuths are widely used in surveying for defining directions and calculating coordinates.

5. What inspection procedure is essential for equipment operation?
Systematic inspection following established checklists and standards

Systematic inspections using established checklists and industry standards ensure quality and compliance at every stage.

6. What is the purpose of a retracement survey?
To re-establish original boundary locations set by a prior survey

A retracement survey follows the footsteps of the original surveyor to re-establish previously established boundary corners and lines.

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Your CST Study Path
1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation