Which PE Exam Is Easiest?

May 19, 2023 by admin

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:

those who are most successful have the most experience and/or knowledge in a particular discipline, regardless of their past career path.
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.