Which civil subsection did you take?
About the CERM, you need to remember that it is a tool. It might not be the perfect tool, but it is none the less just a tool. A car is a great tool; but if you don’t know how to use it, then it is worthless. A calculator is a great tool, but if you don’t know what the symbols are or how to use them, then it is worthless. The CERM is not a magic pill or a silver bullet. Your ability to use this tool will determine its worth. Use the CERM as your main reference when working practice problems. If you find some information that is not in the CERM, add it to the correct spot in the CERM. Write in the margins, add equations, staple in the correct area (if that is still allowed). The CERM is already organized, no need to reinvent the wheel.
For seismic, you only need two books to pass the exam. Hiners book and the CBC. I knew nothing about seismic before reading Hiners book, and felt i easily passed the test.
For surveying, there is no one great book. Caltrans has a study guide on the net for free (do a websearch for it, i cant remember the address). Coumo's book has some good info. Others might add more books.
