Videos

Conquer the PE Civil Reference Handbook Version 2.1 Like a Pro!

September 9, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I show you how to master the PE Civil Reference Handbook so it becomes your greatest asset, not your biggest time-waster. You’ll learn what’s inside, how to get it, why it’s essential, and how to use it efficiently under exam conditions.

Whether you’re a first-time test taker or giving it another shot, this episode will help you build the clarity and confidence you need to pass the exam.

What the Handbook Is & How to Get It

Let’s start with the basics. The PE Civil Reference Handbook Version 2.1 is the only reference allowed during your exam. It’s provided by NCEES, the organization that administers the PE exam. You’ll access it digitally during the computer-based test — it’ll be on-screen, embedded in your exam software. So you can’t bring your own copy, and you can’t rely on any outside notes or resources. This handbook includes formulas, tables, and essential data across all the civil engineering disciplines covered in the PE exam: Construction, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources and Environmental.

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FE Exam Timing Secrets That Help You Pass with Less Stress

August 26, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Chris Miller, General Manager at School of PE, a division of EduMind, about FE Exam timing. He shares expert advice on when to take the exam, how to build a study plan that fits your lifestyle, and how to avoid common mistakes that could hurt your chances of passing. We also cover how to stay consistent, strengthen weak areas, and stay focused when test day arrives.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Chris:

When is the ideal FE Exam timing for students or recent graduates, and what are the risks of delaying their path to engineering licensure?
How can someone structure their FE Exam prep timeline while balancing school, work, and family commitments?
What are the most common mistakes people make during FE Exam preparation, and how can they avoid them with a better study plan?
What strategies can help manage test day anxiety and maintain focus during the FE Exam, especially for first-time test takers?
How does your organization support students in preparing for the FE Exam, and what prep resources are available to guide them?
Where can people learn more about your FE Exam prep offerings, and do you have any final advice for those navigating licensure and FE Exam timing decisions?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

The best FE Exam timing is within a year of graduation, when concepts are still fresh and pass rates are highest. Even for those years out of school, it’s never too late to begin FE Exam prep and pursue engineering licensure.
Building a consistent study routine is essential—ideally a couple of hours daily over several months, with longer sessions on weekends. Scheduling the exam early and involving family or friends for support can help maintain momentum.
Many candidates assume that enrolling in a prep course guarantees success. In reality, strong results come from what happens outside the classroom—reviewing materials, practicing questions, and taking a practice exam early to identify weak areas and guide focused study.
Managing test-day anxiety requires preparation and pacing. Simulate full-length study sessions to build stamina and familiarity with the exam format. Prioritize easy questions, flag the difficult ones, and always submit an answer to avoid blanks.
A quality exam prep provider offers flexible formats like on-demand courses, live classes, and question banks tailored to different learning styles. Personalized study plans and one-on-one support help students stay accountable and target their weaker areas.
A reliable provider makes it easy to choose the right course format and stay updated on exam changes. Success depends on committing to the process, using available tools, and showing up consistently with a clear goal and smart FE Exam timing strategy.

About Chris Miller:

Chris Miller is the General Manager at School of PE, one of the leading providers of professional engineering exam preparation in the United States. With over a decade of experience in education management, Chris oversees operations, product development, and student support services that help thousands of engineers successfully prepare for the FE and PE Exams each year.

Under his leadership, School of PE has expanded its offerings to include flexible learning formats—like on-demand, live online, and in-person review courses—designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s engineering students and professionals.

Chris is passionate about making licensure more accessible and less overwhelming. His work bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world exam readiness, helping early-career engineers gain the confidence and tools they need to succeed.

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Chop Wood Carry Water

Sources:

EduMind
NCEES
Lafayette College
Connect with Chris Miller on LinkedIn

This Episode Is Brought to You by School of PE:

School of PE has been a leading provider of exam prep courses since 2004, helping thousands of professionals achieve licensure and certification in engineering, surveying, and project management. Taught by industry experts, their courses align with the NCEES CBT format and consistently deliver pass rates above the national average. School of PE is recognized as a top-rated provider, and they are committed to student success through expert instruction and high-quality materials. Visit http://www.schoolofpe.com/ for more details and to see how they can best help you achieve your professional goals. Specialties: FE Exam Review, PE Exam Review, Surveying, and PMP.

I hope you found this week’s FE Exam article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will answer more FE Exam questions and run through more practice problems. We publish videos bi-weekly on our Pass the FE Exam YouTube Channel. Be sure to visit our page here and click the subscribe button as you’ll get expert tips and tricks – to ensure your best success – that you can’t get anywhere else. Believe me, you won’t want to miss a single video.

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of the videos or here 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. Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Why Skipping Topics for the PE Exam Could Cost You Big!

August 12, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about why skipping topics for the PE exam is a risky gamble that can hurt your chances of passing. I share some relatable examples (yes, including my own close calls), explain the big risks of leaving out parts of the syllabus, and give you practical tips to tackle those weaker areas without feeling overwhelmed. By the end of this post, you’ll see why covering all your bases is the smartest way to go – and you’ll feel more confident knowing you’re fully prepared for whatever the exam throws at you.

Why Skipping Topics is a Risky Gamble

First off, the PE exam covers a wide range of topics. And trust me, it’s designed to pull from all of them. The NCEES specifications list every topic that can show up — and if it’s on that list, you can bet it’s going to be asked during the exam. That’s why skipping topics for the PE exam can backfire.

Now picture this: you walk into the exam feeling confident, only to see multiple questions on that topic you avoided. Not only are you losing out on those points, but it can seriously throw off your focus. You start doubting yourself, wasting time flipping through your handbook for answers you didn’t prepare for.

Even worse? Every question is worth the same amount. That means you can’t “make up” for missed questions just because you’re stronger in another area. Skipping topics for the PE exam could be the difference between passing and failing.

Even Easy Points Can Be Lost

How I’d Pass the FE Exam in 2025 – If I Had to Start From Scratch

July 29, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about how I would approach the FE Exam in 2025 — with no recent coursework, no study momentum, just a goal to pass and a plan to make it happen.

Whether you’re just graduated, or it’s been a few years and you’re dusting off the cobwebs, this episode is packed with practical, tested strategies that real engineers — just like you — have used to pass.

I am going to walk you through two common scenarios and share practical, targeted strategies for each — so you can move forward confidently with the FE Exam in 2025, no matter where you’re starting from.

Scenario 1: If You’ve Been Out of School for a While (Or Didn’t Pass the Exam Before)

Now, if it’s been a few years since graduation—or if you’ve taken the FE before and it didn’t go your way—first of all, that’s not failure. It just means it’s time to switch up the strategy.

Here’s how I’d approach it:

Start with a self-audit.

MASTERING Form 4A for the PE Exam Using a 5-Step Process

July 15, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I walk you through everything you need to know about completing Form 4A using a clear, five-step process. Whether you’re filling it out for the first time or helping someone else navigate the process—this is the guide you didn’t know you needed.

I am going to use New York as an example, since I am licensed there—but keep in mind that the process may vary slightly from state to state.

What is a Form 4A?

Form 4A is the Verification of Experience form. It confirms that you’ve completed the engineering work required to qualify for licensure. It must be filled out by a supervisor, preferably a licensed PE, and submitted directly to the New York State Education Department (NYSED)—not by you. You can download the latest version of Form 4A directly from the NYSED website displayed on the screen and in the description of this video.

Now let’s talk about Completing the Form…

Step One – Applicant Information

You, the applicant, complete Section I. Enter your full name, date of birth, social security number or assigned ID, and the name of the university where you earned your degree.

For Example:

Name: John L. Doe
Date of Birth: 01/15/1990
SSN: 123-45-6789
School: Rincon Polytechnic Institute

Step Two – Verification of Experience

Is the FE Exam HARDER than the PE Exam?

July 1, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I discuss a hot topic in the engineering world: Is the Civil FE exam actually HARDER than the PE?

From exam formats and technical content to unique challenges and prep strategies, I’ll share everything you need to know to help you figure out where the real difficulty lies. Whether you’re a student preparing for the FE or a seasoned pro gearing up for the PE, this episode is packed with insights for you.

The FE exam—also known as the Fundamentals of Engineering—is often viewed as the first big step in your professional journey. It’s broad, highly theoretical, and covers a massive range—calculus, statics, ethics, fluid mechanics—you name it. It’s like compressing all your undergrad engineering courses into a single test. No wonder it feels overwhelming.

But here’s the twist—some engineers say it’s easier because it’s more about memorization than real-world application.

Now enter the PE exam, the Principles and Practice of Engineering. It’s focused, in-depth, and hands-on. This one demands you apply what you’ve learned on the job to real engineering problems. Think: complex calculations, design scenarios, and discipline-specific questions.

Sounds tougher, right? Well, not always.

Many engineers actually find the PE more manageable because of their experience. Years of working in the field help you approach the exam with real-world context.

So, which is harder? It depends—on you.

LETS DO A FORMAT & STRUCTURE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TWO:

What to Do If You Fail the PE Exam (Beyond Logistics)

June 17, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about what to do if you fail the PE Exam and provide you with a powerful plan to reassess, refocus, and rise, so you can come back stronger, smarter, and more prepared than ever.

Let’s break it down into three powerful steps: Reassess. Refocus. Rise.

Step 1: Reassess

Now is the time to analyze your performance — not to beat yourself up about the fact that you did fail the PE Exam, but to learn and grow.

Reflect on:

Which areas were most challenging?
Did I run out of time?
Was it anxiety, or was it a knowledge gap?

While the experience is still fresh, take a moment to jot down the specific topics that challenged you. If available, go a step further and request a diagnostic report. This isn’t just about identifying what went wrong—it’s about uncovering what you can do better next time.

Step 2: Refocus

How to Solve PW Problems with Uneven Cash Flows

June 3, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we tackle a key concept from the Engineering Economics section of the FE Exam: PW Problems analysis. We’re given an investment with an initial cost and varying cash inflows over six years, and we calculate its value using an 8% interest rate. To do this, we apply the Single Payment Present Worth formula, which is ideal for handling non-uniform cash flows. Mastering this method is essential, as it’s a common topic you can expect to encounter on the FE Exam.

Question:

An investment generates the following cash flows over a 6-year period. Determine the Present Worth (PW) of the investment using an annual interest rate of 8%.

In today’s question, we are presented with a series of cash flows occurring over the span of 6 years. The investment has an initial cost of $30,000 in year zero, followed by a series of positive cash flows. Here, the goal is to calculate the Present Worth (PW) of these cash flows at an 8% interest rate. However, since these cash flows occur at different points in time, we’ll also need to account for the time value of money. Let’s start with a basic review of the concepts behind this problem:

The Present Worth Method:

The Present Worth method is a tool in engineering economics used to evaluate the total value of a series of future cash flows as if they occurred at the present time.

Time Value of Money:

Crush the PE Construction Exam With These Methods

May 27, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I break down three high-impact strategies that have helped thousands of engineers not just pass—but absolutely dominate the PE Construction Exam.

Tip #1: Master the Theory

If you want to crush the PE Construction Exam, you need more than surface-level knowledge. You need to understand the “why” behind what you’re solving.

Here are five resources will help you build that deep foundation::

PE Civil Reference Manual (PPI): A must-have. Focus only on the construction chapters and use it to clarify anything the NCEES handbook skips over.
Construction Depth Reference Manual: While it’s from an older version of the exam, it’s still highly relevant. It covers everything from estimating and scheduling to materials and earthwork.
School of PE Review Guide – Construction: Two volumes, full-color visuals, and QR codes for extra help. Ideal if you’re a visual learner.
Civil Engineering PE All-in-One Guide (Dr. Goswami): Broad, budget-friendly, and includes built-in practice problems. It’s a great one-stop resource.
Construction Methods and Management (Textbook): Yes, it’s a textbook—but this one’s different. Many engineers keep it as a reference even after the exam.

Use these resources to reinforce weak areas and get a deeper understanding of key concepts. That way, when a tricky question shows up, you’ll know exactly how to approach it.

Tip #2: Crush Practice Problems Like a Pro

Once your theory’s solid, it’s time to train for speed, accuracy, and endurance.

Here are six excellent resources packed with construction-specific problems:

PE Civil Practice Problems (PPI): These are tougher than the real exam—and that’s what makes them so valuable.
Six-Minute Solutions – Construction Depth (PPI): Quick-hit problems you can fit into a study break or morning routine.
School of PE’s Construction Practice Problems: Aligned with the current exam specs—relevant and fresh.
Construction Practice Problems (Dr. Mansour): Over 200 questions. Specs are slightly older, but just solve them using the current handbook.
100 Bonus Theory Questions (Civil Engineering Academy): Theory-based questions are more common than you’d think. These will help you recognize how NCEES frames conceptual problems.
All-in-One PE Practice Exams (Goswami): Use this as a custom problem bank. Target construction-specific questions and work through them in sets.

Always practice with your exam calculator and the NCEES handbook as your only reference. Build muscle memory now, and you’ll save serious time on exam day.

Tip #3: Simulate the Real Exam with Full-Length Tests

You wouldn’t run a marathon without practice runs. The same goes for this exam. Taking full-length, timed, CBT-style exams is non-negotiable.

Start taking full-length exams 4–6 weeks before test day. Then take another one every week or so. Treat them like rehearsals, and you’ll go into the real test cool, calm, and ready.

Closing Thoughts:

Remember, the PE Construction Exam is tough. No one’s denying that. But with the right materials, a clear plan, and consistent effort, you won’t just survive it—you’ll conquer it.

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 monthly, 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., AEC PM, F. ASCE
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Mastering the FE Exam Amidst School and Work Chaos!

May 20, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Brea Jarrell, EIT, an Engineer I at Parametrix, about the transition from student life to full-time engineering work, the pivotal role mentorship has played in her career, and how mastering the FE Exam—and the skills and mindset gained from that preparation—continue to impact her daily responsibilities.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Brea:

How did you land your opportunity with Parametrix as a freshman, and what was that experience like?
When did it become a priority for you, and can you walk us through the emotional and practical journey of not passing it the first time? What changed the second time around?
How did you find the time and focus to study for the FE exam? Were there any specific strategies or habits that helped you stay on track, especially the second time?
Were there any tough or unexpected FE topics that really challenged you? How did you work through those moments, and did any mentors help guide you through the more difficult parts?
How did you go about finding them, and what impact have they had on your transition from student life into the professional world?
How do you see the concepts or mindset from your FE preparation showing up in your day-to-day work?
What final piece of advice would you offer to students or early-career engineers, especially those who may be struggling with the FE or navigating the shift from college into the professional world?