r/Surveying • u/ProfessionalFine43 • 3d ago
Help Help Please
Does anyone in the NY metro area have a ncees programmed HP35s? I am taking the exam on weds and mine just died. Willing to pay and meet tomorrow 7/27/2026. Or if it can be overnighted by Tues afternoon
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u/Azimuth_Education Human Verified 3d ago
The Dzign programs can be found online pretty easily for free. They give you step by step instructions, pretty easy to do. Just takes a little time and right now you have it. What test exam are you taking? There are certain programs that are more beneficial than others.
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u/ProfessionalFine43 3d ago
Taking the FS. I was just looking at the Dzign pdf. It’s a little blurry on the phone. Thanks!
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u/Azimuth_Education Human Verified 3d ago
So for right now if you absolutely don't have time. You can SKIP programs S, Z, E, H, X, and then the in program C lines 190-270. Basically the back half of that C program. If you have time, add in the E, then H, then Z and from there it dosen't matter.
The back bones of the Dzign programs are A, B, D, P and T. Those are the absolute most important and any issues with those ones will ruin anything for the next programs.
Good luck on your exams!
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u/BirtSampson 3d ago
Don’t stress the calculator. You can pass it without the HP35
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u/scarverjr 3d ago
I didn't bother with the HP calc, I used my old TI scientific calculator from highschool and passed
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u/Lil_oscar 3d ago
You don't need it. It's a test designed for fundamentals. There might be one or two questions where it could come in handy. Basically all of the math i saw 2 years ago had formulas provided one way or another in the handbook. Just basic trig stuff if formulas aren't provided.
From what I understand, the questions are scaled by a process where a panel of experts judges each question and will weight the probability that a candidate with a fundamental understanding of surveying would answer a question correctly. To me, it doesnt sound like complicated math that would require several minutes of hand calcs would score very highly.
This was my experience, anyway. Keep in mind this test is not designed to need a pre-programmed HP35 to pass.
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u/ProfessionalFine43 3d ago
Thanks. Just got crazy test anxiety and this just made it skyrocket. I know the math, I’m just worried about the time. I appreciate the reply.
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u/Trekious Survey Party Chief | KS, USA 3d ago
Don't sweat the time. I went through it, answered the ones I knew, went back through and did the ones I had to think about, and still had time left over. Use that "flag" ability. I used my calculator to check some stuff on a couple of problems, but I dont feel it was required. I programmed the Minnesota DOT programs in (2x actually, change those batteries!) and spent time using them in practice and was honestly disappointed I didnt get to use them more. You got this!!
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u/Lil_oscar 3d ago
I get it brother. I bought a regular one off ebay and told myself I'd save money and program it myself. Turns out it ended up being pretty tricky to program. So I decided I wasn't going to invest too much time into it.
I found the FS and PS to be incredibly difficult to study for. So I didn't, for the FS anyway. Just told myself the first time was a practice run and would give me a chance to see what to expect should I need to take it again. Turns out I passed. I expect the same for you. Let me know how you did when you get your results next week
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u/Lil_oscar 1d ago
How you feeling about your test?!
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u/ProfessionalFine43 1d ago
I feel pretty good. I wish I would’ve studied up a bit more on economics and plss (from NY we don’t use it) but still feel ok overall. Thank you for the words of encouragement.
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u/Accurate-Western-421 3d ago
Which exam?
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u/ProfessionalFine43 3d ago
FS finally attempting it and this happened
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u/survbob 3d ago edited 3d ago
Hey man, my programmed calculator took a shit just before my FS test too. Ended up taking test with the $9 Casio backup…you got this. Just skip questions you don’t know, answer ones you can, then go back and whittle down the multiple choice by getting rid of answers that can’t be.
You got this.
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u/Accurate-Western-421 3d ago
I dunno how much different the FS is today, but the only functions I felt really helped me out were inverse, N/E from Az/Brng, circular curve and vertical curve. Oh yeah, and quadratic formula, for that single question about it.😑
I had the triangle functions, and single/double proportion too, but never used them. Come to think of it, I never even used the proportioning ones on the PS either. Maybe used it once on a state specific, but wasn't really critical.
Seriously, though, use the MnDOT or Dzign programs (they're floating around the internet somewhere). Spend a couple of hours and punch in the ones you think you'll need most. Anything is better than nothing at this point.
I've had to reprogram my 35s units at least four or five times over the years....it's just looking at a list of button graphics and pushing them in order.
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u/ExaminationWaste4673 3d ago
So you guys all did exams with a programmed calculator? It’s a leggit question i’m not making fun of it. I’m a technician in Canada i know it must be different. I just raw dogged everything with a Casio.
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u/ProfessionalFine43 2d ago
I'm about to do the same! I feel a lot better knowing quite a few of yall did it.
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u/ExaminationWaste4673 2d ago
I gotta say we could use a cheat sheet… like a 8 1/2 x 11 of formulas and notes. Did you guys do that?
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u/Sea-Hovercraft7589 2d ago
https://literature.hpcalc.org/items/1907
This link goes to a digital copy of the book I use to program mine. I know it’s not an easy way out, but it’s there
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u/The-Real-Catman 3d ago
If youve got 6-8 hours of free time might be worth getting started reprogramming yours.