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From Written to CBT: Mastering the PE Exam

August 15, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Megan Nugent, EIT, a project engineer for Geotechnical Services at Colliers Engineering & Design, who has experienced the unique challenges of both the written and CBT (Computer-Based Testing) exams. Megan shares her firsthand insights and experiences, discussing topics such as balancing graduate studies and exam preparation, the transition from written to CBT format, and the impact of field experience on exam performance.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Megan:

Could you provide an update on your progress toward obtaining your PE license and give us an overview of your current status in the process?
Can you talk about your October 2021 written exam experience, how you prepared including weekend classes, what worked, what didn’t, and what you learned from not passing?
How did you handle balancing your graduate courses, exam preparation, and managing everything leading up to the computer-based test you took?
Could you share how you modified your study approach for the new computer-based test format?
Before the exam, it’s crucial for you to familiarize yourself with the codes so that you’re not searching extensively but instead know where to find specific information—can you elaborate on this responsibility and its importance?
Can you share your thoughts on the morning general civil and afternoon geotech portions of the CBT exam?
Could you share more about how you structured your study schedule and any strategies you used to stay focused amid other commitments?
Did you practice more with timing and simulating exam conditions as the exam date neared?
Did you have the opportunity to collaborate or study with anyone who assisted you in the preparation process?
Could you discuss the impact of having support on your exam preparation and how it influenced your overall experience during this process?
Field experience is highly regarded in the engineering field, but can you explain how your real-world experience, particularly in areas like geotech, may have influenced your performance in the PE exam and if there were any direct connections between your practical work and the exam material?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Crush the FE Exam: Expert Tips for Preparation and Retaining Knowledge

August 9, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article, (and video above), I dive into one of the most important steps on the journey to becoming a licensed engineer: PREPARING FOR THE FE EXAM. We explore effective strategies to utilize your strengths and weaknesses in each exam topic, and discuss techniques for retaining knowledge to maximize your domain knowledge.

Once you’ve decided to register for the FE exam, or if you’re in the planning phase, the next crucial step is to prepare for it. Finding studying techniques and strategies that work for you is key to making the process friendly with your workload and daily responsibilities.

Strategies help us organize information into patterns and encourage purposeful learning. Understanding the exam specifications is essential, so let’s take a look at the areas of knowledge covered in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) CIVIL CBT Exam.

The Exam Consists of 14 Areas, Including:

Decoding Codes and Standards: A Guide to Utilizing Them in the PE Exam

August 1, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I explain the importance of codes and standards in the PE Exam, how they shape the engineering practice, and their role in the PE exam. I also tell you where to find these valuable resources and how to effectively use them during the exam.

The Codes and Standards section, accounts for approximately 10 questions on the PE exam. This section presents a great opportunity to excel in the exam, so make sure to leverage it to your advantage.

The PE Exam is a professional engineering exam that tests the knowledge and skills of engineers who want to become licensed professionals in their respective fields. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including mathematics, engineering sciences, ethics, and professional practice. However, codes and standards are a critical component of the exam, as they are the foundation of engineering practice.

Codes and standards are sets of guidelines and regulations that define how engineering projects should be designed, constructed, and maintained. They are developed by professional organizations, government agencies, and industry groups to ensure safety, quality, and reliability in engineering projects. Therefore, candidates taking the PE Exam must have a deep understanding of the codes and standards related to their discipline.

The exam questions may ask candidates to identify the relevant codes and standards for a specific scenario or to apply the codes and standards to solve a problem. They are used for both conceptual questions and process-oriented questions. For example, a civil engineer may be asked to identify the relevant building codes for a specific construction project or to calculate the required thickness of a concrete slab based on the American Concrete Institute (or ACI) code.

To prepare for the exam, candidates must study the relevant codes and standards thoroughly. They should be familiar with the content, structure, and application of each code and standard. They should also understand how to use these resources to solve problems and make decisions in their professional practice.

How Do You Find Out What Codes May Be Discussed on Your Exam?

Group Studying for the FE Exam: Weighing the Pros and Cons

July 26, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article, (and video above), I explore the topic of group studying for the FE Exam and whether it is beneficial or not. Studying for the FE Exam is a crucial step in an engineer’s journey, and finding the most effective study methods is essential for success

Group studying for the FE Exam can offer several advantages. It provides an opportunity for students to collaborate, share knowledge, and tackle challenging problems together. By working in a group, students can learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives, which can enhance their understanding of the exam topics, as well as their performance.

Another benefit of group studying is that it helps students stay motivated and accountable. When studying as a group, individuals are more likely to remain focused and committed to their study goals because they don’t want to let their fellow group members down. The shared sense of purpose can create a supportive environment that encourages active engagement and consistent progress.

Group Studying May Not Be Suitable for Everyone

Some individuals may find it distracting or prefer studying alone, allowing them to create a more personalized study environment that maximizes their skill sets and preferences.

Calculating Axial Load (Practice and Solution) | Civil PE Exam Review

July 18, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we calculate the axial load on a temporary wall to help you understand the principles behind axial load determination and enhance your problem-solving skills in this critical exam area.

Question:

A temporary wall is subjected to a wind load of 30 psf and is prevented from overturning by diagonal braces spaced at 6 ft on center along the length of the wall as shown in the figure to the right. The connection at the base of the wall at Point A is equivalent to a hinge. Ignoring the weight of the form, the axial force (lb) resisted by the brace is most nearly:

Why a Professional Engineering License is Crucial for Engineers

July 12, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. 1 Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Patrick F. McGowan, PE, Senior Vice President and Mobility Operations Director, at WSP USA, who gives us the real reasons why you should stick to it, and take the FE Exam on your path to getting a professional engineering license.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Patrick:

How has the PE license impacted your career from your perspective at this point in your professional journey?
When you obtained your professional engineering license, did you initially have a clear determination to pursue it, or were there moments of uncertainty when you considered whether or not to commence the licensing process?
Is it common for professional engineering licenses to be a requirement for advancing to specific positions within many organizations?
Why is it important to obtain a professional engineering license, even if one is uncertain about the future direction of their career in fields like construction or chemical engineering?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Engineering Career Success: Is The PE License the Missing Piece?

July 4, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Joanna Mason, PE, a project manager at Schnabel Foundation Company, about how the Professional Engineer (PE) license has played a pivotal role in shaping her career success in engineering construction.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Joanna:

How has your PE license helped you obtain career success in construction engineering?
Do you feel like having a PE license gives you more credibility with clients and other professionals?
Do you think it is critical for construction engineers to get a PE license, even if they don’t think they need it right now?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Why I Decided to Reschedule My FE Exam

June 23, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I discuss why I decided to reschedule my FE Exam and why I believe success is not defined by how quickly you complete the journey but by who you become. July 2023 was when I was planning to take my FE Exam. However, I embarked on a profound journey of introspection and prioritization. Through deep soul-searching, I made the choice to reschedule the exam, and I want to share with you why it is the best decision for my personal growth.

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

PE Exam Practice Questions: Estimating Concrete for Canal Lining

June 20, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we tackle a real-world scenario that could show up on the PE exam: Estimating concrete quantity for a canal lining. This question was created and solved by Engineer in training, Enrique Ivers, LEED Green Associate.

Question:

Construction documents call for a 500-foot-long canal, shown below, to be lined with 6” of concrete for erosion control. A 5% allowance is made for waste and over-excavation. How many cubic yards of concrete should be ordered?

Explanation:

This problem has several steps and potential snags. Let’s think about it and then go through each one:

1) We need to consider the cross-sectional area of the concrete at the base of the canal, the left leg, and the right leg.

2) We then must consider the distance the canal travels to find the volume.

3) Finally, we have to consider our waste factor.

The area of the left and right legs are equal. We’re given the height and told the slope of the legs is 1:1.

To find the hypotenuse, or the actual dimension of the leg, we must find the width:

Now we need to find the hypotenuse:

We can now find the cross-sectional area of the lining:

Next we calculate the volume of the lining:

The canal is 500 ft long, and we’ve calculated the cross sectional area above.

V=Area x Length

We must convert from cubic feet to cubic yards; there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard:

It would be tempting to take this 372.96cy and select answer B. After all, it is very close to 373cy, and the PE will expect us to round answers in this way.

BUT, don’t forget to take into account the whole problem. We’re told there’s a 5% waste factor.

Answer:

The correct answer is C.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.

I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.

I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Becoming a Fire Protection Engineer: Requirements and Path to Licensure

June 14, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I explain what a fire protection engineer (or FPE) do, the steps to becoming one, and how the FE exam is part of your pathway.

A fire protection engineer (or FPE) is a specialized engineering professional who focuses on designing systems and measures to prevent, control, and mitigate fire-related risks in buildings, structures, and various environments. Fire protection engineers utilize their knowledge of fire science, engineering principles, and applicable codes and standards to develop effective fire protection strategies.

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Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Megan:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

The Exam Consists of 14 Areas, Including:

How Do You Find Out What Codes May Be Discussed on Your Exam?

Group Studying May Not Be Suitable for Everyone

Question:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Patrick:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Joanna:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Question:

Explanation:

Answer:

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

A Fire Engineers’ Responsibilities May Include: