FAQs

What is the CFedS Program?
Who will be managing the CFedS program?
What is the purpose of the CFedS program?
Who is eligible for the CFedS program?
Will the CFedS certification allow me to work in States where I am not presently registered?
How do I become certified?
Why would I want to be certified?
Do I have to be certified to provide cadastral services in Indian country?
Where will the training be held?
What courses do I have to take?
Are there tests involved?
Can I test out of any of the courses?
Are there continuing education requirements?
When can I register for the program?
How do I pay for the CFedS Training Program?
What are the minimum system requirements for the CFedS Training Program?
Will the training qualify for continuing education credits?
Will I receive college credit for the course?

What is the CFedS Program?

The CFedS program is a certification program designed to provide Registered Professional Land Surveyors with training necessary to execute boundary surveys in Indian Country, to basic federal standards.

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Who will be managing the CFedS program?

A panel established by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and composed of members selected from BLM, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the private sector will oversee the program.

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What is the purpose of the CFedS program?

The CFedS program has been authorized by the Secretary of the Interior to enhance the delivery of cadastral services in Indian country.

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Who is eligible for the CFedS program?

Registered Professional Land Surveyors in good standing.

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Will the CFedS certification allow me to work in States where I am not presently registered?

No. This is not a licensing program. You must have a current license for the State in which you are working.

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How do I become certified?

You must complete a training module equivalent to a three-credit college course (approximately 120 hrs.) and pass the Certification Examination.

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Why would I want to be certified?

The CFedS certification is intended to be a significant addition to the resume and credentials of the Registered Professional Land Surveyor and Tribal Surveyor. Upon completion of the program, the surveyor's name will be placed on the CFedS Roster. Individuals, Tribes and the BIA will be encouraged to select surveyors from the CFedS Roster when contracting for cadastral services in Indian Country. BLM cadastral survey contracts will include credit for those who have completed the CFedS program.

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Do I have to be certified to provide cadastral services in Indian country?

The program is voluntary, but certain services must be performed by a CFedS to be accepted by the BLM.

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Where will the training be held?

The course will be delivered by various forms of distance learning.

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What courses do I have to take?

The training will include portions of the BLM's Advanced Cadastral Survey and Land Tenure in Indian Country courses along with new material covering Standards for Indian Trust Lands Boundary Evidence.

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Are there tests involved?

Successful completion of the training portion of the certification program will require completion of several quizzes within the various training modules. In addition to the training, a comprehensive Certification Examination must be passed to receive the CFedS certification.

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Can I test out of any of the courses?

No. The training courses must be completed to be eligible to take the Certification Examination.

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Are there continuing education requirements?

Yes, however the exact requirements have not been determined at this time.

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When can I register for the program?

On September 10, 2007 open registration will begin. We will no longer have specific periods when registration is open, instead you will be able to register and pay your tuition at any time. The training material will be shipped when your registration is received. You will proceed through the course work at you own pace. The certification exam will be offered 3 times per year, in February, June and October; you choose the exam the best fits your schedule.

How do I pay for the CFedS Training Program?

Payment of fees shall be by credit card. All application fees are non-refundable. The initial fees cover the cost of the training courses and testing for admission to the program. Initial training, examination, and CFedS Certification: $1,200.00.

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What are the minimum system requirements for the CFedS Training Program?

  • Windows XP operating system
  • Computer with a USB port (USB 2.0 port recommended)
  • Internet Explorer (6.0 or higher) or Firefox
  • Audio and Video Card
  • Speakers
  • Access to the Internet (for the quizzes)
  • Adobe Reader 8.0*
  • Windows Media Player or equivalent
  • Flash Player Plug-in*

*If you do not have the Flash Player Plug-in or Adobe Reader 8.0 you will find links to these tools located on the hard drive under Program Resources.

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Will the training qualify for continuing education credits?

The State(s) of your registration will make that determination.

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Will I receive college credit for the course?

Not at this time.

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