How to Pass the PE Exam

May 19, 2023 by

How to Pass the PE Exam – Without Spending a Fortune

How To Pass The PE Exam

To answer the question “How to Pass the PE Exam,” we offer the same four recommendations to everyone who asks. Based on the feedback we’ve received from past test-takers, this preparation method works.

Take a Review Course
  • This recommendation is purely subjective. If you are confident you know the exam material well enough, then skip this recommendation. If you’re not so confident, then look into review course options. Most universities and community colleges offer some type of PE Exam test preparation course. Be careful when choosing this route. The university’s professors typically present these courses, who may approach their portion of the review as an opportunity to “teach” you the information from an entire course in a few short days. This method is truly information overload and may not show you How to Pass the PE Exam.
  • Another option is to take an online review course. Kaplan Engineering, School of PE, PPI2PASS, and the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers are all reputable companies with online courses. Again, take the time to research these companies to make certain they offer what you need in a format that’s beneficial.
  • EngineeringDesignResources.com offers 60-Day Review Courses for Architectural, Civil (Construction, Geotechnical, and Structural), Electrical, Fire Protection, and Mechanical (HVAC/Refrigeration and Thermal/Fluid Systems).
Work as Many Representative Problems as Possible
  • This How to Pass the PE Exam activity gives you confidence and feedback at the same time. If you know the subject matter well enough, then you should have no problems working through sample problems. If you can use extra reinforcement in any area, you’ll know immediately by struggling. This feedback is valuable; you can use it to seek out additional information (add to your Test-Prep Resource Library©) and work more sample problems.
  • To find practice problems, search the internet based on your specific exam – i.e. Electrical Engineering PE Exam Sample Problems or visit EngineeringDesignResources.com.
Assemble a Comprehensive Test-Prep Resource Library©*
  • *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 a Test-Prep Resource Library© as a method of study and preparation. 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.
  • In our blog post 12 Weeks to PE Exam, we go into detail about a Test-Prep Resource Library©. To summarize, your library should contain resources addressing each of the topics listed at NCEES.org. Put all these resources into tabbed three-ring binders for easy navigation during the exam. This method will allow you to quickly and efficiently retrieve the information you need without fumbling through textbooks, review manuals, and college notebooks.
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.
Take a Practice Exam
  • Taking a practice exam is helpful in three ways:
    • First, you get a feel for the pace of the exam by setting up your practice exam similar to an actual test day. To do this, start the morning section at 8:00 am, work until 12:00, take a one-hour lunch break, start the afternoon section at 1:00 pm, and finish up at 5:00 pm. This costs you an entire Saturday or Sunday, but the experience gained will far outweigh the cost.
    • Second, you find subject areas where you need more information or practice. It’s better to find out your weak areas during a test run than on the actual exam.
    • Third, you practice using your Test-Prep Resource Library©. You discover what’s usable and what needs to be reworked, and you might even find sections that can be trimmed down.
  • To find practice exams, search the internet based on your specific exam – i.e. Civil Engineering Construction PE Exam Practice Exam, or visit EngineeringDesignResources.com.

Additional Information can be found at:

How to Pass the PE Exam

Engineering Design Resources
NCEES
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Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, web addresses or links in these materials may have changed.

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12 Weeks to PE Exam

May 19, 2023 by

12 Weeks to PE Exam

12 Week Planning Calendar

In 12 Weeks to PE Exam, we focus on resources and the Test-Prep Resource Library©

In one of our previous posts, 100 Days PE to Exam Success, we outlined ten action items for you to get started on immediately. Hopefully by now, you’ve been able to check off everything on the list – or at least half of them.

  • How are you doing?
  • Have you gotten registered?
  • Do you meet the licensing requirements?
  • Have you read the referenced blog posts?
  • Have you put together your game plan?

We are firm believers in assembling a concise, well-organized Test-Prep Resource Library©.

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.
  1. Working as many sample problems as possible.
  2. Taking a review course that only reviews test-specific topics.
  3. Remaining calm and confident throughout the process – including Exam Day.

If you’ve read any of our PE Exam Study Guides you will remember the story of Jeff Setzer’s exam day. Other test-takers were hauling in reference material on hand trucks and in actual bookcases. Jeff stood with his little box of binders feeling vastly outnumbered and grossly under prepared.

But he wasn’t.

He had assembled just what he needed in a system of binders that allowed him to find information quickly and efficiently. Jeff was amazed and amused at the mad scramble, the frantic searches, and the sighs of grief as others tried desperately to find what they needed.

We don’t want you to experience those feelings of exasperation.
So your mission is to assemble a Test-Prep Resource Library©.

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.

Do internet searches on each of the topics listed on the NCEES website.

  • Print off any articles, sample problems, example situations, helpful commentary, etc. you think would be helpful on Exam Day.
  • Assemble three-ring binders with your resource information. The number of binders and the organization of the material will depend on which exam you’re taking and on what information you include. Everyone is not the same in terms of their strengths and weaknesses so no two resource libraries should look exactly the same. You only want to include information you need – do not include resources in your strong areas or resources that you think may be on the test. Stick to the NCEES outline.
  • Include information you’ve gathered since graduation that is helpful in your daily career.
  • Include applicable Code Books, Standards, and Guides. If including the entire book is too much, make copies of useful charts, tables, etc.

Do not overlook this very important task!

Your Test-Prep Resource Library© will definitely be essential to the provisions you take to the exam site, and it will also:

  • Help you find and strengthen your weak spots
  • Support the strengths you already have
  • Give you confidence – by knowing you’ll have what you need
  • Become a useful resource in your career after the exam.

So commit to investing the time required, don’t take the first resource you find, research each topic thoroughly, and be successful on EXAM DAY!

12 Weeks to PE Exam

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EngineeringDesignResources.com prohibits the use or reproduction of this material by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. This includes photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system.

Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, web addresses or links in these materials may have changed.

Any resemblance in the images in this material to actual people or locations is merely coincidental. EngineeringDesignResources.com prohibits reprinting, copying, changing, reproducing, publishing, uploading, posting, transmitting, or using in any other manner images in this material.

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10 Must-Have PE Exam Resources

May 19, 2023 by
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.

These 10 Must-Have PE Exam Resources should be at the top of your PE Exam Test-Day Checklist

These resources are specifically listed for those taking a Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Exam but some are applicable to every test. Refer to the NCEES Examinee Guide for a list of approved and not approved items allowed in the exam room. Check out the links – the pictures are links, too – to find related information.

1 – Acceptable Form of ID

Acceptable forms of ID must be government issued and must include:

  • a valid expiration date
  • your name
  • date of birth
  • a recognizable photo
  • your signature

Valid U.S. military IDs that do not include a signature will be accepted.

2 – Exam Authorization

Bring a printed copy of your exam authorization to prove that you’re registered and approved to take the exam. This will help in avoiding delays at check-in.

3 – International Building Code

We recommend purchasing a copy of the International Building Code. After the exam, you can either use it in your practice or attempt to resell it.

4 – Approved Calculator

Review the Approved Calculators List on NCEES.org.

  • Don’t try to outsmart the system on this one.
5 – Timer

A timer is a definite must-have for the test. With 80 questions on the exam and eight hours to finish, that only gives you six minutes per question. In this six minutes, you must:

  • read the question
  • determine what the question is asking for
  • find your resources
  • solve the problem
  • mark the answer sheet

For the majority of questions – hopefully – this will be plenty of time, but there is always a certain percentage of the questions that will take you more than six minutes to solve/answer. By using a timer, you can stay on schedule, picking up a few precious minutes here and there to use towards those more difficult questions. The last thing you want on test day is to be well short of finishing when the proctor indicates you have 30 minutes left.

Note: Cell phones are NOT allowed in the exam room at any time. Do not plan to use your smart phone app as your timer or else …

6 – Resource Library

In addition to the International Building Code, you need to have those resources that are specific to your particular exam. A good rule is that if you used a resource – code book, handbook, chart, graph – when solving practice problems during your preparation, then include them in your Test-Prep Resource Library©*

If you used something once or twice, make a copy of that particular resource only. Your Resource Library is not intended to be every notebook, textbook, study guide, Post-It Note®, scrap of paper you can find. You will see people hauling in so much material you might feel under-prepared.

Don’t!

There is no way they can use all that stuff in the limited amount of time available. The good news is you’ll be amused by the fact they spent a lot of time and effort getting their collection to the test site while you waltzed in carrying a box of binders.

7 – Binders of Solved Example Problems

If you’ve taken any of the Crash Courses we offer, then you are well aware of our endorsement for working example problems. You can take all the review courses you can find, read all the study guides you want, and use any number of other preparation routines, but you still won’t beat the benefit of working problems. We built our Test-Prep Resource Library©* by finding example questions for each of the topics shown for the specific exam. Working through the problems will allow you to add to the supplemental materials you found helpful. Then, assemble everything into your five-binder library. These five binders, plus a few Code books, are all you will need to pass your PE Exam.

8 – Equations, Formulas, & Conversions

Although this one seems a bit obvious, I can assure you there will be a question or two that requires some obscure equation or conversion factor you don’t have. Find a good source of equations and conversion factors – in a book or online – and add those to your library.

9 – Engineering Economics Resources

Almost all the PE Exams have an Engineering Economic analysis problem or two. During your preparation time, determine the most typical type of analysis problems – depreciation, present worth, future worth, equivalent uniform annual benefits – and find applicable tables and charts to solve these problems.

10 – Snacks and Nonalcoholic Drinks

Make certain your snacks (i.e. hard candy, candy bars, gum) and drinks can be opened and consumed with little or no noise that would disturb the other examinees. There is nothing more annoying in a testing room than someone attempting to quietly open a candy wrapper. In their efforts, they usually make considerably more noise than if they would have just opened it normally. Your goal is to quickly have a snack without anyone noticing.

That’s it … our 10 Must-Have PE Exam Resources!

10 Must-Have PE Exam Resources

Engineering Design Resources

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Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, web addresses or links in these materials may have changed.

Any resemblance in the images in this material to actual people or locations is merely coincidental. EngineeringDesignResources.com prohibits reprinting, copying, changing, reproducing, publishing, uploading, posting, transmitting, or using in any other manner images in this material.

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Which PE Exam Is Easiest?

May 19, 2023 by

Which PE Exam is easiest to pass with minimal study and preparation time?

Which PE Exam Is Easiest

We continuously receive questions like these:

  • Which PE Exam is easiest?
  • Which exam requires the least amount of study and preparation?
  • In what discipline should I test to ensure I pass and get a PE License?

Our answer is always the same,
they’re all easy … if you’re prepared.

Stop rolling your eyes for a minute, and let us explain.

It’s our experience, after working with hundreds of eager (and a few not so eager) test-takers, that:

  1. those who are most successful have the most experience and/or knowledge in a particular discipline, regardless of their past career path.
  2. those who struggle with the exam, and typically have to retake it several times, are the ones attempting to test in a discipline in which they think they should (or are receiving imprudent advice).

Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it?

However, in reality, that’s not always the case.

For instance, someone graduates from college with a degree in Mechanical Fluids Engineering and then spends the next four years working as an HVAC construction engineer.

The wise path is to take the Mechanical Engineering HVAC and Refrigeration PE Exam or the Civil Engineering Construction PE Exam.

In all honesty, there are some who insist on taking Mechanical Engineering Thermal and Fluid Systems PE Exam because that was their major.

Wrong Choice

So, back to our answer to Which PE Exam Is Easiest?…

All PE Exams are easy … if you’re prepared.

Preparation is not cramming four years of college review and four years of practical, on-the-job experience into as little time as possible just to pass an exam.

  • First, this rarely works, especially given the fact that you probably have a job, a social life, and other outside interests that consume a good deal of your free time. So, the amount of time you are able to devote to preparation for the exam is most likely considerably less than required.
  • Second, the intent of the PE Exams is not to make you learn or re-learn multiple concepts in order to pass a test after which you will promptly forget the vast majority. The intent is to show you’ve been able to develop a level of mastery of a discipline and that you are competent enough to provide your services to the public.

As you’ve probably witnessed in your career, those two letters – PE – after someone’s name evokes a great deal of confidence from the general public. In addition, it’s the licensing board’s duty to responsibly award PE licenses.

Preparation begins your first day “on the job”

Through your four-year internship (i.e., J-O-B), you learn how to apply the principles acquired in college, how your particular discipline operates, how to design and implement projects, how the quality review process works, what codes and standards are applicable, and so on.

It’s during your work experience that you gain the knowledge you need to pass the PE Exam and to continue a career in engineering. This same four-year period will also reveal your passions – what you are meant to do.

So, when it comes time to select which PE Exam to take, don’t try to figure out which PE Exam is easiest, I recommend spending some time reflecting on the past four years.

  • Do you like what you do?
  • Do you have a passion for your vocation (or does it just “pay the bills”)?
  • Do you find yourself pursuing activities outside of work that are in-line with your career or completely different?
  • Are you really good at what you do, and would you be a good ambassador for your profession as a Licensed Professional Engineer?
  • Are you able to step away from the label you “earned” in college and take the exam that truly tests your knowledge and abilities?
Resources

After you’ve answered the questions above and understand the path you should follow, then it’s time to tackle the particulars of the exam. Read PE Exam Success – The 10 Best Ways To Be Prepared and How To Pass The PE Exam for additional information on what it takes to pass the PE.

Which PE Exam Is Easiest?

Which PE Exam Is Easiest

Engineering Design Resources
NCEES
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EngineeringDesignResources.com prohibits the use or reproduction of this material by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. This includes photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system.

Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, web addresses or links in these materials may have changed.

Any resemblance in the images in this material to actual people or locations is merely coincidental. EngineeringDesignResources.com prohibits reprinting, copying, changing, reproducing, publishing, uploading, posting, transmitting, or using in any other manner images in this material.

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5 Daily PE Exam Preparation Actions

May 19, 2023 by

Preparing to take one of the Professional Engineering Exams is a big undertaking. Even if you’ve been performing engineering design work for a number of years, there will be topics on the exam with which you are unfamiliar. You will need time to gather and organize materials, prepare a realistic study schedule, study, research, and review. Every year we get feedback that people don’t budget enough time or stick to their schedule … the exam always seems to “sneak” up on them. Family obligations, work commitments, and life invariably derail the best of intentions. For this reason, we have prepared a list of 5 Daily PE Exam Preparation Actions that have helped others:

5 Daily PE Exam Preparation Actions

Image credit: ©nasir1164 www.fotosearch.com

1. Work a set number of sample questions each day.

This will depend on:

    1. how many days you have until the exam
    2. how much time you can spend each day
    3. how familiar you are with each topic

Example: You have three months (12 weeks) until the exam. You can work one hour per day, Monday thru Friday, and four hours per day Saturday and Sunday. This gives you 13 hours per week for 13 weeks, or a total of 169 hours, to work problems. Assuming an overall average familiarity with the exam topics, you will probably need to work between 1,000 and 1,500 problems. This works out to between six and nine problems per hour. Monday thru Friday you’d work six to nine problems, and Saturdays and Sundays you’d work 24 to 36 problems.

2. Add information to at least one section of your Test-Prep Resource Library© (see note below).

Even though you are no longer allowed to take information into the testing center, you can still gather your study materials into an organized Resource Library. This library will be beneficial during your review sessions and, if you don’t pass the exam, you’ll have a head start preparing for the next time.

3. Research an exam topic – thoroughly.

Print the topics found in the exam specifications at NCEES.org for your specific exam. Start gathering information on each topic, and organize the information into your Test-Prep Resource Library© (refer to #2 above). The less familiar you are with a topic, the more research you will need to do.

4. Ask a PE in your company or search the internet for advice.

Most licensed engineers are eager to share their experience and knowledge. Asking for their advice on preparing for and taking the licensing exam will probably turn into a very long conversation full of great information and helpful hints. If you can’t get one of them to talk (which is hard to believe), or you just want additional input, search the internet. There are bulletin boards, chat rooms, and websites (like EngineeringDesignResources.com) where you can find great information and possibly schedule a meeting or phone call by Contacting Us. Don’t downplay the importance of this step.

5. Read one section from a code book, a standard, or a handbook.
5B. Read:
*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 a Test-Prep Resource Library© as a method of study and preparation. 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.

5 Daily PE Exam Preparation Actions

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Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, web addresses or links in these materials may have changed.

Any resemblance in the images in this material to actual people or locations is merely coincidental. EngineeringDesignResources.com prohibits reprinting, copying, changing, reproducing, publishing, uploading, posting, transmitting, or using in any other manner images in this material.

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Architectural Engineering PE Exam

May 19, 2023 by

The Architectural Engineering PE Exam tests proficiencies in Building Systems Integration, Electrical Systems, Mechanical Systems, Structural Systems, and Project Management & Construction Administration. The Architectural Engineering PE Exam is tailored specifically for engineers whose primary business focus is building design, commissioning, project management or other construction related engineering.

Architectural Engineering PE Exam

The exam consists of 80 questions – 40 in the morning and 40 in the afternoon. You will have four hours in each session with a one hour lunch break. Take the time during the lunch break to review what you can remember from the morning including the format of the test, content being covered and your general, overall “feeling” for how you performed in the first half. You can then make adjustments to your game plan, review material that appears to be dominating the exam and give yourself time to relax. Also, it’s a good time to eat something.

Building Systems Integration makes up approximately 17% of the exam. Topics include:

  • Building Vibration, Noise, Lighting, and Climate Control
  • Analysis of Building Construction
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Applicable Standards and Codes
  • Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Requirements

Electrical Systems make up approximately 25% of the exam. Topics include:

  • Electrical Systems, Short Circuit, and Grounding Analysis
  • Power Distribution
  • Voltage Drop and Lighting Calculations
  • Fire Alarm
  • Applicable Standards and Codes

Mechanical Systems make up approximately 25% of the exam. Topics include:

  • HVAC
    • Fan and Pump Laws
    • Psychrometrics
    • HVAC System Analysis
  • Plumbing
    • Domestic Water, Sanitary Waste, and Vent Systems
    • Fire Protection Systems

Structural Systems make up approximately 25% of the exam. Topics include:

  • Types of Construction
  • Structural Components
  • Loads – Gravity, Lateral, Temperature, Settlement, Construction
  • Analysis of Frames, Structures, Stability, and Deflection
  • Foundations

Project Management and Construction Administration makes up approximately 8% of the exam. Topics include:

  • Requests for Information, Change Orders, Architectural Supplemental Instructions, etc.
  • Submittal and Alternate Process
  • Design and Construction Scheduling
  • Construction Administration
  • Contracts

The pass rates for the Architectural Engineering PE Exam (as of 2019 data) are 72% for first time test takers and 48% for repeat test takers. This pass rate can increase with proper preparation and the use of relevant “Test Day” reference materials.

Architectural Engineering PE Exam Study Guide

To help increase the pass rate, a comprehensive Study Guide for the exam is available to help engineers taking this exam. The Study Guide includes sample questions with solutions, commentary on the various topics, a Test Day Resource List, recommendations for study, a list of formulas, and a list of useful websites.

Architectural Engineering PE Exam

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Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, web addresses or links in these materials may have changed.

Any resemblance in the images in this material to actual people or locations is merely coincidental. EngineeringDesignResources.com prohibits reprinting, copying, changing, reproducing, publishing, uploading, posting, transmitting, or using in any other manner images in this material.

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PE Exam – Let’s Get Started

May 19, 2023 by

Ready for the PE Exam – let’s get started! Do you remember the first time you tried something new? Whether it was skydiving or scuba-diving, a new sport or a new instrument, learning to drive or learning to fly, those first few “steps” can seem huge. Most times, all we need to do is take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other, and begin moving.

Put one foot in front of the other and move.

© kevron2001 www.fotosearch.com

Put one foot in front of the other and begin moving.

Apply these same steps to just about any endeavor. Take, for instance, preparing for the PE Exam. Hopefully, by now you’ve made the decision to take the PE Exam and have registered with NCEES.org. Where most people find themselves at this stage is … “The exam is two months away; I’ve got plenty of time to prepare … I’ll start later.” Before you know it, one month is gone, then another week, and another. Now you’re in panic-mode. There’s not enough time to properly prepare, so you try to cram as much as possible into the little time remaining, and you spend the next few weeks agonizing over the daunting task.

If you’re taking the Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, or Structural PE Exam, you’ll only have to carry this burden around for six months, until the next exam. However, if you’re taking the Architectural PE Exam, you get to suffer for twelve full months … one whole year. Don’t be this person. Take these next two months seriously. Put in the work. Do the hard things necessary to pass the PE Exam, and remember this by Walt Disney…

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

So … let’s get started.

This post – and a few others – primarily pertain to the Architectural Engineering PE Exam, but the information presented is applicable to any exam.

These first two topics are to get the test-taker to consider building systems – Architectural, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing – as a whole – and how each one affects the others:

  1. Aspects of building performance that affect human comfort (e.g., vibration, noise, lighting, climate control) and,
  2. Impact of one system on another (e.g., lighting load on air-conditioning system capacity)

For example, how do vibrations transmitted from HVAC equipment to the structure impact the overall acoustics of a space or entire building?

  • Does the Mechanical Engineer treat the cause with additional isolation devices to limit the transmission?
  • Does the Structural Engineer use heavier – or more – steel to counteract the impact?
  • Does the Architect and Acoustics Engineer provide additional sound dampening?

How do each of these affect the occupants?

Vibrations can be annoying and interfere with productivity.

Sound dampening can alter the intended “feel” of the space.

Noise can undermine speech and affect attention.

Everything we do as designers has the capacity to impact something else, so we must be aware of our efforts as well as the efforts of others.

To successfully navigate this portion of the exam, we recommend gathering information – articles, charts, graphs, examples, etc. – that relates to these types of impact.

Gather information on:

  • Vibration
  • Noise
  • Lighting
  • Climate Control
  • Insulation Types & Characteristics
  • Day-Lighting
  • Windows
  • Building Materials

In addition, gather information on:

  • How does the lighting load affect the air-conditioning load?
  • Does the HVAC load affect the overall electrical load and service size?
  • What effect do the MEP systems have on the Structural systems?
  • Do the combined systems affect the final architectural design?
Test-Prep Resource Library

In future posts, we will provide some beneficial resources and websites that you can include in your Test-Prep Resource Library©*. For now, do some digging on your own and see what you can find. Be curious, always ask why or why not, and never merely take someone else’s opinion for your own. This part of the exam has a certain element of subjectivity, and it’s not always “written in stone.” In your quest, you might find a new insight or twist on a long-held belief that makes you question your stance on the issue. That is not a bad thing. Tony Robbins, a life and business strategist, says, “It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.”

*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 a Test-Prep Resource Library© as a method of study and preparation. Taking the time to assemble your own 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.

So, are you ready for the PE Exam – let’s get started!

PE Exam – Let’s Get Started

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PE Exam Success – The 10 Best Ways To Be Prepared

May 19, 2023 by

PE Exam Success – The 10 Best Ways To Be Prepared explains the top methods to dramatically increase your odds for success on the PE Exam.

PE Exam Success Results Vary Primarily Due To The Use Of Effective Exam Preparation Methods …

Or Not!

PE Exam Success

Prepare Smarter Not Harder!

As you are preparing to take an engineering PE exam, it will help to keep these in mind:

1 – Build A Solid Test-Prep Resource Library©*

*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 a Test-Prep Resource Library© as a method of study and preparation. 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.

This one is a must-do. Of all the other nine PE Exam Success – The 10 Best Ways To Be Prepared ideas listed here, this one, in our opinion, is by far the most important.

If you will take the time to:

  • Collect all the relevant information pertaining to each of the topics shown for your particular test, including:
    • Example PE Exam Problems with Solutions
    • Equations
    • Commentary
    • Charts and Tables
  • Assemble the information into binders.
  • Devise some method of retrieval to locate information quickly.
  • Spend a portion of your allotted study time to review and fine-tune your reference binders.

…your odds of successfully passing the PE Exam will dramatically increase.

The Study Guides found at EngineeringDesignResources.com are full of example problems, equations, commentary, and ideas for your Test-Prep Resource Library©

2 -Know the Codes

Depending on which PE Exam you are taking, it would be well worth your time to spend time reading through and becoming very familiar with the Code – or Codes – that are primary to your industry, such as:

  • Mechanical Engineering – The International Mechanical Code, The International Energy Efficiency Code, and The International Plumbing Code
  • Electrical Engineering – The National Electrical Code and The Life Safety Code – NFPA 101
  • Civil Engineering – The International Building Code
  • Structural Engineering – The International Building Code
  • Architectural Engineering – The International Codes – Building, Mechanical, Energy Efficiency, and Plumbing – and The National Electrical Code
3 – Know The Format

Most of the PE Exams are 80 multiple choice questions taken over an eight hour period – 40 questions in the four-hour morning session and 40 questions in the four-hour afternoon session.

That means 480 minutes to read the questions, understand what’s being asked, find the applicable resource, work the problem, and mark the answer on the test page – the Scantron.

That’s only SIX minutes per question.

This may seem like a lot of time … but it’s not.

Use some of your preparation time practicing answering questions at the rate of one every six minutes. This will help you gauge your pace for test day.

4 – Plan Your Study Time

Whether you have 12 months, 12 weeks, or 12 days – hopefully not 12 days – you can plan your time wisely to maximize the benefits of your study effort. Most likely, you have a job, maybe a family, other commitments, and probably some interests that take time. Sit down with the test outline for your particular PE Exam – found at NCEES.ORG – and plan out how to cover all the material you need to review in the amount of time available.

Refer back to ideas #1, #2, and #3 above.

Work through the process systematically, and you will be successful.

5 – Use The Right Tools

What tools does your industry use to make design easier?

  • Psychrometric Charts
  • Bending Stress Tables
  • Equations

PE Exam Success - The 10 Best Ways To Be Prepared

Whatever these tools are, make sure you have them on hand in your Test-Prep Resource Library© and be able to use them quickly. The last place to learn to use a tool is when you need it – under pressure.

Also, log onto NCEES.ORG for information on what’s allowed into the testing centers and what calculators are acceptable.

6 – Take Sample Tests

Ways to find sample PE Exams:

  • Search the internet
  • Search Amazon.com
  • Search your industry’s applicable websites – i.e. for Civil Engineering go to www.asce.org.

If you need assistance locating any resources, Contact Us.

7 – Work To Your Strengths

As with everything in life, we perform better and are more successful when we are doing those things we have already mastered. Only little gains will be realized trying to learn something new and gain proficiency while under the pressures of a deadline – test day.

As such, take the time to figure out what you know very well. Spend the majority of your time on these subjects. Polish your expertise, gain new insights, practice your skills. This hyper-focus on strengths will give you the confidence you need on Test Day to knock out a good portion of the questions.

8 – Get Help On Your Weaker Topics

For those topics that aren’t as engrained as you’d like, use some of your preparation time getting help from someone who is an expert. There are plenty of people who are willing and eager to help you attain your PE. Look for mentors in:

  • Your current company
  • Companies with which you previously worked
  • Local professional societies
  • National professional societies
  • Local schools, colleges, and universities
  • Online
9 – Exploit The Odds

Most of the PE Exams – with the exception of the Structural Depth exams – are 80 multiple choice questions, taken over an eight hour period. To pass the exam and receive your PE License, you need to correctly answer 70% of the questions.

That’s only 56 right answers – so weigh the odds in your favor!

Take the Electrical PE Exam as an example:

  1. You have a lot of experience in:
    • General Power Engineering – Measurement and Instrumentation (7.5% or six questions)
    • General Power Engineering – Special Applications (10% or eight questions)
    • Circuit Analysis – Devices and Power Electronic Circuits (9% or seven questions)
    • Rotating Machines and Electromagnetic Devices – Rotating Machines (12.5% or ten questions)
  2. Get tutoring in:
    • Transmission and Distribution – System Analysis (12.5% or ten questions)
    • Transmission and Distribution – Protection (10% or eight questions)
  3. Spend enough time reading through and learning the codes:
    • General Power Engineering – Codes and Standards (12.5% or ten questions)

That totals 59 correct answers – more than enough to pass the PE Exam.

10 – Eat Well And Get Plenty Of Rest

This one is really a no-brainer, but it never hurts to hear it again. Take the time to adjust your diet leading up to the PE Exam. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish, nuts, and lean protein. Drink lots of water – at least 1/2 ounce for every pound. So if you weigh 185 pounds that’s 93 ounces of water per day (12 x 8oz glasses).

Bonus – Prepare for Test Day in Advance

Lastly, begin to assemble all of your test-day resources well in advance of the PE Exam. You will probably want to pack:

  • Healthy snacks
  • Drinks – like water
  • Clothing or jackets that can be taken on or off quickly and quietly
  • Extra money
  • Any forms or documents that may be required at the testing facility
  • Directions to the testing facility
  • Hotel reservations, if needed
  • Your Test-Prep Resource Library©

If you will begin putting these things together in advance, then you won’t have to worry about them the night before the PE Exam.

You can find useful and effective study materials to help you prepare for your PE Exam at:

PE Exam Study Guides

PE Exam Success – The 10 Best Ways To Be Prepared

Engineering Design Resources
NCEES
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Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, web addresses or links in these materials may have changed.

Any resemblance in the images in this material to actual people or locations is merely coincidental. EngineeringDesignResources.com prohibits reprinting, copying, changing, reproducing, publishing, uploading, posting, transmitting, or using in any other manner images in this material.

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Professional Engineering Exam

May 18, 2023 by

Professional Engineering Exam

The Professional Engineering Exam is the final step a graduate engineer must take in order to sign and seal engineered drawings and perform, or supervise others performing, engineering calculations.

The Professional Engineering Exam is administered twice  per year, in April and October. Each eight-hour test day is divided into a four-hour morning session, a lunch break, and a four-hour afternoon session. Each session consists of 40 multiple choice questions that will measure the engineer’s grasp and understanding of the subject matter.

Professional Engineering Exams are available in the following disciplines:

  • Agricultural
  • Architectural
  • Chemical
  • Civil:
    • Construction
    • Geotechnical
    • Structural
    • Transportation
    • Water Resources and Environmental
  • Control Systems
  • Electrical and Computer:
    • Computer Engineering
    • Electrical and Electronics
    • Power
  • Environmental
  • Fire Protection
  • Industrial and Systems
  • Mechanical:
    • HVAC and Refrigeration
    • Mechanical Systems and Materials
    • Thermal and Fluids Systems
  • Metallurgical and Materials
  • Mining and Mineral Processing
  • Naval Architecture and Marine
  • Nuclear
  • Petroleum
  • Software
  • Structural

Resources to prepare for the examinations are available in the form of books, CDs, online classes, classes at local universities, etc. Refer to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for additional study resources and to get specific test information and areas of concentration for each discipline.  You may also find study resources at your discipline’s professional society.

PE Exam Pass Rates

According to data from NCEES, the most current pass rates for the Professional Engineering Exam are:

Improving PE Exam Pass Rates

You can greatly improve your odds of success passing a Professional Engineering Exam by:

  1. Being thoroughly prepared with organized, structured study
  2. Working as many example problems as possible
  3. Utilizing an adequate Test-Prep Resource Library©*

*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 a Test-Prep Resource Library© as a method of study and preparation. 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.

Professional Engineering Exam

Engineering Design Resources
NCEES
Contact Us

Copyright©  All Rights Reserved

EngineeringDesignResources.com prohibits the use or reproduction of this material by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. This includes photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system.

Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, web addresses or links in these materials may have changed.

Any resemblance in the images in this material to actual people or locations is merely coincidental. EngineeringDesignResources.com prohibits reprinting, copying, changing, reproducing, publishing, uploading, posting, transmitting, or using in any other manner images in this material.

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