Carlson announced earlier this month that a 3rd party training book by Rick Ellis was now available. I got my copy today, and so far it looks pretty good. It's a "Level 1" manual, so it does not cover everything, but it does cover most of the things a surveyor will be doing on a daily basis.
Not everyone can afford a Carlson College class, so this book is a good beginning. Get the book down pat and take a Carlson College class later and you will be off to the races.
Here's a link to probably the best $80 that you will spend in a long time.
http://www.cadapult-software.com/produc ... e5th830ak3
Check it out. I think it may actually help you.