The PE Exam Countdown doesn’t have to be a frenzied, stressful cram session where you try and stuff as much information as possible into your short-term memory. The PE Exam preparation process can actually be enjoyable and possibly career-expanding by thoughtfully planning out your time and activities.
Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to help you get and stay on track with the PE Exam Countdown:
Read
Register
- Get registered with NCEES for your exam.
- Note: registration typically closes at 3:00 pm EST, eight weeks plus one day prior to the exam.
Examinee Guide
- Download and read the Examinee Guide
- Don’t under-estimate the guidelines. People have been dismissed from the exam for as little as wearing a non-compliant digital watch. This mistake could cost you an entire year depending on which exam you are taking.
Test-Prep Resources
- Start gathering your Test-Prep resources:
- Reference materials in three-ring binders
- Calculator(s) with extra batteries
- Pencils, erasers, etc.
- Watch/timer (refer to the Examinee Guide)
- Snacks
NOTE: As per the NCEES Examinees Guide, books, notes, notebooks, etc. are no longer
permitted in the testing room. This does not diminish the importance of these Test-Prep
Resources as a method of study and preparation. For example, taking the time to
assemble a resource library will naturally help you categorize and document your
study materials, help you determine what’s essential to pass the exam, and keep all
your resources in one, easy-to-access tool.
Practice, Practice, Practice
- Work through as many example problems, practice tests, review courses as possible between now and the exam. Working example problems helps you focus on your “weak” spots and builds your confidence for the exam. Solved problems are great to include in your test-day binders.
- Schedule your time during the PE Exam Countdown:
- How much time are you going to devote each day/each week to preparing?
- Where can you find enough practice material?
- Do you have to borrow any reference material (i.e. code books, handbooks, etc.)?
- How are you going to organize and catalog your resources for quick reference during the exam? Remember, you only have 6 minutes per question.
- When can you devote an entire 9-hour day to practicing with sample exams. Getting a “feel” for working through a practice exam under actual time constraints will pay huge benefits on exam day.
Plan
- Plan your exam day:
- Know the exact location of the exam including address, building, and room.
- Have accurate and detailed directions.
- Have an emergency/secondary route – just in case.
- Know how long it will take to get to the exam site.
- Plan when you’ll have to wake, eat, get ready, and leave for the exam.
- If necessary, make lodging arrangements.
- Plan how to spend your lunch break:
- Bring something to eat in your car.
- Map out the nearest fast-food restaurants.
- Have your running shoes and a change of clothes for a quick walk or run.
- Bring additional resources to look through.
By thinking through the entire process
Exam Prep → Logistics → Resources → Backup Plans
and working everything out in advance, your PE Exam experience will be much more pleasant and less stressful.
80-Day PE Exam Countdown
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