PE Exam

PE EXAM Practice Question: Calculating Flow Rate

December 6, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we calculate the flow rate of water at room temperature through 2,000 ft. of 8-in (8.18-in ID) 20 year old cast iron pipe. This question forms part of the Structural Mechanics section of the PE Exam and was created and solved by Engineer in training, Enrique Ivers, LEED Green Associate.

Question:

Water at room temperature flows through 2,000 ft. of 8-in (8.18-in ID) 20 year old cast iron pipe.. The pressure in the pipe drops from 90 psi at the source to 85 psi at the end What is the flow rate in the pipe, in gallons per minute?

Explanation:

PE 62: Your Master’s Degree May Count Toward Your PE License

November 22, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I answer a question from one of our listeners about whether a master’s degree can help you take the P.E. exam sooner, and also cover some of the other benefits of getting your master’s degree.

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Each state has its own process and requirements for you to be able to sit for the P.E. exam, so you will therefore need to reach out to the state that you are practicing in, or seeking your license in, and consult their guidelines.
In many states, a master’s degree in engineering can shave one year off your experience requirement, which will help you take the exam sooner.
Some states will also accept internship experience as part of the experience requirements.
I would not recommend getting a master’s degree for the sole purpose of taking your P.E. exam sooner. However, depending on the discipline you are in, some companies require a master’s degree when hiring new staff.

Sources:

Is a Master’s Degree in Engineering Helpful Towards a Professional Engineering License?

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

How to Maintain Your Professional Engineering License

November 8, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

As a professional engineer, you would have worked long and hard to achieve your engineering license. After years of study and after passing both your FE and PE exams, you now have the career that you have been striving towards. But what happens after you have passed your PE exam? Once you can call yourself a professional engineer, it will be essential that you understand how to maintain your engineering license. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the professional engineering license maintenance and renewal process.

Earning a PE license is just the beginning. Many state licensing boards require that professional engineers maintain and improve their skills through continuing education courses and other opportunities for professional development.

If you are a licensed engineer anywhere in the United States, you must understand how your state handles continuing education, as it’s likely to impact your license renewal process. Proper renewals allow professionals to continue practicing engineering without interruption.

Why You Need Continuing Education

PE EXAM Practice Question: Calculating Shear Force

October 25, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we calculate the maximum shear force and moment resultant from a point load applied to a beam by drawing the shear force diagram and moment diagram associated with the condition. This question forms part of the Structural Mechanics section of the PE Exam and was created and solved by Engineer in training, Enrique Ivers

Question:

For the beam shown, what is the maximum shear force and the maximum moment?

Explanation:

PE Exam Practice Question – Calculating the Source Pressure to Move Water Through a Steel Pipe

October 11, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article, (and video above), we calculate the source pressure to move water through a 3″ ID steel pipe by using the Darcy-Weisbach equation and the Friction Factor Diagram provided in the PE Handbook. This question forms part of the Hydraulics and Hydrology section of the PE Exam and was created and solved by Engineer in training, Enrique Ivers.

Question:

Water needs to be transferred from a settling basin to a treatment facility. The distance from the basin to the facility is 500 feet, and the facility is at an elevation 25 feet higher than the basin. The specified capacity is 100 gallons per minute with at least 20psig of pressure at the facility.

If a 3-inch ID steel pipe is used, how much pressure needs to be provided at the basin, in psig? The Reynolds number is determined to be 2 x 10^5 and the specific roughness per the pipe manufacturer is 0.0002 ft.

Explanation:

Tips to Negotiate a Higher Salary After Obtaining Your PE License

September 27, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I provide you with some tips that you can use to negotiate a higher salary after obtaining your PE License to enable you to negotiate the compensation that you deserve. These tips will help you earn more as a professional engineer and I strongly recommend that all professional engineers read this.
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Can You Get Approved to Sit for the PE Exam WITHOUT Passing the FE Exam?

September 13, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I answer a question that I have received from many of our listeners, which is:

“Can I get approved to sit for the PE Exam without passing the FE Exam if I have a number of years of experience working in the engineering field?”
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PE Exam Review: Force Analysis (Practice and Solution)

August 30, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we solve a force analysis problem of a field fabricated floor joist constructed by nailing together two boards, to help you prepare for your PE Exam. This week’s problem was created and solved by Enrique Ivers, an Engineer in Training.

Question:

A field fabricated floor joist is constructed by nailing together two boards as shown in the figure to the right. If the nails are spaced at s = 6”, what is the shear force (lb) in each nail if the section is subjected to a transverse shear force = 1.0 kips?

Explanation:

How Many Times Can You FAIL and Take the PE Exam?

August 16, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

I get many questions from listeners asking how many times they can take the PE exam in one year, and in this article (and video above), I provide you with the answer and explain the process of retaking the NCEES PE Exam.

If you’re getting ready for the PE exam or have been struggling to pass it, you may be wondering how many times you are allowed to take it?

Can You Cancel Your NCEES Exam? (Or Reschedule it)

August 2, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about how you can cancel or reschedule your PE Exam and also explain the costs involved in canceling or rescheduling.

Both the NCEES and Pearson VUE understand that circumstances may arise that require you to reschedule or cancel your NCEES exam. You may cancel or reschedule your appointment through your MyNCEES account by selecting the “Modify Appointment” option and following the on-screen instructions.
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