Videos

Conquer the Civil PE Exam with These Strategies!

November 13, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Zachary Lenz, PE, a transportation engineer at Burns & McDonnell, who recently conquered the revamped, tougher Civil PE exam and shares how the right approach can make all the difference.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Zachary:

Can you start by sharing your overall approach to studying for the civil PE exam?
What was the most challenging part of the new civil PE exam, and how did you overcome it?
How did Burns and McDonald support you in preparing for the PE exam?
How did your practical experience as a transportation engineer help you prepare for the PE exam?
Can you explain the CBT format and how it affects exam preparation?
What study materials or resources were most helpful during your preparation?
What final piece of advice would you give to engineers preparing for the PE exam?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Getting Your P.E. License Made EASY!

November 12, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Madison Anderson, PE, a transportation engineer at Stanley Consultants, about her inspiring journey to earning her P.E. license, the motivations that fueled her, how it shaped her career, and her top exam success tips.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Madison

What are the most important steps engineers should follow when getting ready for the PE exam, based on your experience?
What challenges did you face while preparing for the PE exam, and how did you overcome them?
How did your company, Stanley Consultants, support you during your journey to getting your P.E. license?
What specific strategies or study materials were most helpful for you when preparing for the PE exam?
What are some common mistakes engineers make while studying for the PE exam, and how can they avoid them?
Has earning your P.E. license improved your engineering skills, or has it mainly boosted your confidence?
Have you thought about getting licensed in other states, and what do you know about that process and any challenges it brings?
What final piece of advice can you give to engineers just starting their journey toward earning their P.E. license?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Why the Combined Stress Formula is the BEST Way to Ace Your FE Exam!

November 5, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we guide you through the Combined Stress Formula for a cantilevered beam, a valuable skill that will enhance your FE Exam prep and strengthen your understanding of essential engineering concepts.

Question:

In this scenario, we have a 300 mm cantilevered beam with a 20 mm x 20 mm square cross-section. One end of the beam is securely fixed, while the other end carries two applied loads: an axial force F_x = 200 N and a perpendicular force F_y = 150 N. Our goal is to determine the maximum combined stress produced by these forces at the base of the beam, focusing specifically on point A.

Problem Context: Combined Stresses

Before we jump into the question, let’s set the stage by exploring the concept of combined stress. This combined stress state occurs when an object experiences different kinds of loads at the same time. For instance, a beam subject to both axial and bending forces will develop a combination of these induced stresses throughout its structure. In general, there are five key stress types you should be familiar with to be able to solve these kinds of problems, and they are listed here as:

Axial stress
Bending stress
Shear stress
Torsional stress
Thermal stress

We’ll start off with a quick explanation of each stress case, starting off with axial stress.

Axial Stress

Becoming a Licensed Engineer: A Career-Changing Milestone You Need to Reach

October 29, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Jaime Cunningham, PE, associate bridge engineer at Pennoni, about how becoming a licensed engineer transformed her career. She shares powerful strategies for acing the exam, navigating the process, and elevating her role in the civil engineering world.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Jaime:

What motivated you to pursue the PE exam, and when did you know it was the right time in your career to take it?
Once you decided to take the PE exam, how did you prepare, and what strategies or resources were most helpful?
How did you structure your study routine, and why was a review course effective in keeping you on track?
What challenges did you face during your exam preparation, and how did you manage your time and priorities to overcome them?
What steps did you take after passing the exam to officially apply for and receive your PE license?
How did Pennoni support you financially and help you connect with colleagues who had already passed the PE exam?
Looking back, what do you think was the key factor in your success with passing the PE exam?
How do you think having a PE license will impact your future career opportunities and growth in engineering?
What final piece of advice you would give to engineers preparing for or considering the PE exam?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Mastering the FE Exam Through Reflective Studying

October 22, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I dive into the transformative practice of reflective studying for engineering exams. Join us as we explore how adopting a reflective approach can elevate your preparation for the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam, leading you towards achieving your professional engineering license.

Preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a significant step toward obtaining your professional engineering license. However, the journey to success in this crucial examination often demands more than mere rote memorization of equations and concepts. To truly excel, aspiring engineers must adopt a reflective and strategic approach to their study regimen. Reflective studying is a powerful tool for boosting your FE exam preparation and can be particularly effective.

But first, what exactly is reflective studying or learning?

Reflective learning typically involves looking back at something, a past experience or idea and critically analyzing the event. By looking at successful and unsuccessful aspects of an experience, reflection will help students learn from their past experiences and turn surface learning into deeper learning.

It’s not just passive absorption of information. It involves actively engaging with the material, asking yourself questions, and analyzing your understanding. This helps you identify areas of weakness, solidify your knowledge, and develop better problem-solving strategies.

Here Are Some Benefits of Reflective Studying for FE Exam Preparation:

Boost Your Engineering Salary by 15%! Here’s How Continuing Education Helps

October 16, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about the world of continuing education for engineers. In an industry that’s constantly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is more important than ever. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, continuing education can play a vital role in your professional journey, and when you achieve your PE license, continuing education will be required most likely, depending on your state of licensure.

Getting your PE license opens doors to greater career opportunities, but that’s just the beginning. Continuing education is not only a requirement to maintain your license in most states, but it’s also critical for your ongoing growth as an engineer. Whether you’re preparing for the PE exam or already licensed, here’s why investing in continuing education matters.

Let’s start by taking a look at the types of Continuing Education for Engineers

There are various avenues for continuing education, all of which can help keep you competitive and relevant in the industry:

Formal Courses:

These include bachelor’s, master’s degree programs, or specialized certificate programs offered by universities or online platforms. For PE candidates, taking courses related to your discipline can help reinforce critical concepts and provide exam preparation support.

Professional Development Programs:

Workshops, seminars, and conferences offered by engineering organizations not only help you stay current with industry trends but also provide networking opportunities with other professionals.

Independent Learning:

Reading technical journals, participating in webinars, or engaging in mentorship programs are other ways to enhance your skills and knowledge base—whether for passing the PE exam or staying updated post-licensure.

Benefits of Continuing Education

Now, let’s explore the six key benefits of continuing education for engineers, both before and after obtaining your PE license:

Maintaining Professional Status:

For licensed engineers, accumulating continuing education hours or professional development hours (also known as PDHs) is often required to renew your license. Even while preparing for the PE exam, learning about these requirements early ensures you’re ready for this professional responsibility.

Boosting Earning Potential:

More education typically translates to higher earning potential. Even as a PE candidate, furthering your education can improve your exam performance and job prospects post-licensure. According to PayScale data, engineers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications can significantly increase their salaries.

Advancing Professional Growth:

The engineering field is always evolving. Continuing education ensures you stay updated on the latest technologies and methodologies, helping you excel in your career, whether you’re studying for the PE exam or growing in your role as a licensed engineer.

Specialization Opportunities:

Through continuing education, you can deepen your expertise in specialized areas such as structural, transportation, or environmental engineering. For PE candidates, learning about these subfields can also help you choose your area of focus for the exam and in your career.

Networking and Mentorship:

Continuing education events, including conferences and seminars, provide valuable networking opportunities. Building connections with other engineers—especially licensed PEs—can offer you support during exam preparation and throughout your professional journey.

Enhanced Job Engagement:

Staying engaged at work is important for long-term career satisfaction. Continuing education gives you the chance to explore new concepts and skills, keeping you motivated and mentally stimulated whether you’re preparing for the PE exam or looking to take on new challenges as a licensed engineer.

By investing in continuing education throughout your engineering career—both before and after earning your PE license—you’re not only ensuring your compliance with professional requirements, but also positioning yourself for continued growth and success in the field.

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

Joining Professional Organizations for PE Exam Success

October 15, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Melvin Moncey Joseph, PE., staff electrical engineer at Burns & McDonnell, about how his involvement in professional organizations like IEEE boosted both his PE exam prep and long-term career growth.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Melvin:

How has your involvement in professional organizations contributed to your career growth, especially while preparing for your PE exam?
How can joining professional organizations help engineers studying for the PE exam by offering resources and support?
What valuable skills or knowledge have you gained from participating in these organizations and working groups?
What challenges have you encountered while working in these groups, and how did you overcome them?
How do you balance your professional commitments with active participation in these groups, and what advice can you offer on managing these responsibilities?
What final piece of advice would you give to aspiring engineers about using professional organizations for both exam preparation and long-term career success?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Solving a Two-Block System Using Work-Energy Principles

October 8, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we take a deep dive into how to solve a two-block system problem using the work-energy principle, straight from the Dynamics section of the FE Exam. We explore how forces like friction, gravity, and motion all interact in a real-world scenario involving an inclined plane and a pulley. By breaking down the steps and applying core principles, you’ll learn how to calculate the velocity of a block after it descends a given distance helping you confidently prepare for the FE Exam.

Question:

In this problem, we have two blocks connected by a massless rope over a frictionless pulley. Block A, weighing 25 kg, rests on a rough 30° inclined plane with a kinetic friction coefficient of 0.15, while Block B, weighing 35 kg, hangs vertically. The system is released from rest and our goal is to determine the velocity of Block B after it descends 8 meters.

Problem Context:

Juggling Multiple Engineering Licenses? Here’s How to Stay Compliant

October 1, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about how to stay compliant when juggling multiple engineering licenses, no matter where you are.

If you’re juggling licenses across different states, you know it can be a real challenge. Each state has its own requirements, renewal dates, and even continuing education credits. With so much to keep track of, it’s easy to see why many engineers find themselves overwhelmed. But don’t worry, I’m here to share some tips that will help you stay organized and compliant!

One of the biggest challenges engineers face is varying renewal dates. It can feel like a full-time job just remembering when to renew what! And let’s not even get started on the differences in state requirements; some states want more continuing education than others. Plus, if you happen to miss a deadline, you could face penalties or even lose your license. It’s a lot to handle! But if you take a step back and implement some strategies, it doesn’t have to be so daunting.

Alright, here’s where we get into the good stuff.

First, tracking deadlines is key. I recommend setting up a dedicated calendar—digital or physical—where you can map out all your renewal dates and deadlines. Mark them clearly and check them regularly.

Next, leverage technology! There are plenty of apps and software out there specifically designed for license management. These tools can send you reminders and alerts so you never miss a thing.

Make sure to stay informed! Follow your state’s engineering board on social media or sign up for their newsletters. This way, you’ll always be in the loop about any changes in regulations.

Now, here’s a key insight that can really simplify your life: Use a centralized tracking system for all your licenses. Whether it’s a spreadsheet or a dedicated software, having everything in one place can save you a ton of headaches. You can see at a glance where each license stands, what’s due, and what you need to focus on next. Trust me, once you get this system in place, managing your licenses becomes so much easier!

To wrap things up, let’s quickly recap those essential tips: First, track your deadlines in a dedicated calendar. Second, leverage technology to keep you organized. Third, stay informed about state regulations. And finally, use a centralized system to manage everything. Keeping all this in check is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties, which is why these strategies are so important! By understanding and planning for each state’s continuing education requirements, you can maintain your licenses, continue your professional development, and focus on what you do best—engineering.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

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

How to Get Your Free PDF Copy of the FE Reference Handbook

September 24, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I uncover a critical resource for aspiring engineers: The FE Reference Handbook, and dive into the essential steps to obtain your own free PDF copy of this indispensable tool, crucial for mastering the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

When you’re taking the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, or FE for short, you’ll get access to a free, searchable, PDF document that you can reference throughout the exam. This nearly 500-page book is known as the FE Reference Handbook. The FE Reference Handbook is your go-to resource during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, a crucial step for obtaining your engineering license in the US. It’s an invaluable tool packed with formulas, equations, charts, and data relevant to various engineering disciplines.

What is the FE Reference Handbook?

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) publishes this official handbook.
It’s the only reference material you can use during the computer-based FE exam.
You won’t bring a physical copy; a PDF version is provided within the exam software.
The content varies based on your chosen engineering discipline (e.g., civil, mechanical, electrical).

Videos

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Zachary:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Madison

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Question:

Problem Context: Combined Stresses

Axial Stress

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Jaime:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

But first, what exactly is reflective studying or learning?

Here Are Some Benefits of Reflective Studying for FE Exam Preparation:

Let’s start by taking a look at the types of Continuing Education for Engineers

Formal Courses:

Professional Development Programs:

Independent Learning:

Benefits of Continuing Education

Maintaining Professional Status:

Boosting Earning Potential:

Advancing Professional Growth:

Specialization Opportunities:

Networking and Mentorship:

Enhanced Job Engagement:

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Melvin:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Question:

Problem Context:

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

What is the FE Reference Handbook?

Here are the steps to get your free PDF copy of the FE Reference Handbook directly through NCEES: