PE Exam

How to Pass the PE Exam After a Gap Period: 7 Essential Steps

October 10, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I discuss effective strategies for resuming PE exam preparation after a hiatus, ensuring your success in passing the exam. You’re not alone if you’re an engineer who’s taken a break between the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. Life can get busy with family and other commitments, making finding time for PE exam preparation challenging.

Here Are 7 Steps You Can Take To Get Back in the Game and Pass the PE Exam:

1: Understand the NCEES Format

The first step is to familiarize yourself with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (or NCEES) exam format. This will help you understand the structure and content of the PE exam you plan to take.

2: Review Existing Reference Materials

Next, review any reference materials you have from your undergraduate studies. This will serve as a valuable background to refresh your memory on important engineering concepts.

3: Seek Guidance from Peers

Discuss your exam options with coworkers or peers who have recently taken the PE exam. They can provide insights into the application process and help you choose the right exam based on your career goals and experience.

4: Apply for the PE Exam

Once you’ve decided on the exam and feel confident, go ahead and apply for the PE exam. If you’ve been out of school for a long time, don’t hesitate to explain your situation to the State Board. They may be able to provide updates on your application status, or you can check online if your account is still active.

5: Choose Your Exam Date

After receiving approval to sit for the PE exam, select your preferred exam date. Most PE exams are now computer-based, allowing you to choose a date that suits your schedule.

6: Enroll in an Online Review Course

Consider enrolling in an online review course to enhance your preparation. These courses provide structured content and expert guidance to help you succeed on the PE exam.

7: Dedicate Time to Study

It’s crucial to dedicate time to study diligently. Utilize the review course, practice questions, and exams to reinforce your knowledge. Keep in mind that NCEES updates the exam format every 6-8 years, so focus on recent materials to stay up-to-date.

There are 7 steps that you can take, but I am going to give you one more as a bonus…

Bonus: Maintain a Positive Mindset

Above all, you must maintain a positive mindset. Believe that you will pass the exam, and remember that there’s no limit to how many times you can retake it if needed. Stay optimistic, and keep pushing forward towards your goal. Preparing for the PE exam after a gap period is doable with the right approach and mindset. Stay committed to your studies, seek support from peers, and remember that success is within your reach.

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 Bounce Back after Failing the PE Exam

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

In this article (and video above), I talk with K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E., a licensed Professional Engineer and an Associate Vice President at Verdantas, about his journey to passing the PE exam, which included many setbacks, challenges, and valuable lessons he learned along the way.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask James:

Can you share your licensure journey, including challenges and what helped you persevere?
What motivated you to return to school part-time after being kicked out of the engineering program?
How do you keep moving forward despite setbacks in your career?
How does perseverance in the face of adversity shape your success?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Unsupervised Engineering Experience: Does it Count Towards Qualifying for the PE Exam?

September 12, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I answer a question from one of our listeners who asked:

I am on active duty studying and preparing for the PE Exam. Most of my engineering experience has not been supervised by licensed PEs. Can I still account for these engineering experiences towards my total years of experience to qualify for the exam?

When it comes to qualifying for a professional engineering (PE) exam, most licensing boards require a certain number of years of engineering experience in addition to a relevant degree. The exact requirements can vary by state but typically range from 2-5 years of experience.

The good news is that this experience doesn’t necessarily have to be under the supervision of a licensed PE. However, you may need to provide additional documentation or explanation of your experience to the licensing board or exam committee if it is not.

For example, if you worked as an engineer for a company but didn’t have a direct supervisor who was a licensed PE, you may need to provide details about the projects you worked on, your responsibilities and duties, and any other relevant information that demonstrates your engineering knowledge and skills.

Qualifying Engineering Experience

In order to constitute as qualifying experience, the experience must meet a number of criteria.
[Read more…] about Unsupervised Engineering Experience: Does it Count Towards Qualifying for the PE Exam?

The Value of the PE License for Engineers

August 29, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Bill Lloyd, PE, President of Great West Engineering, Inc. about how the PE license have helped him in his career and how it can help you too.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Bill:

Could you elaborate on the significance of the PE license in your career and how it has contributed to your professional advancement?
When considering leaders within your organization, does the PE license stand out as an impressive qualification for individuals contemplating potential career trajectories within the company?
Given your long-standing license and understanding of exam changes, could you offer advice for effectively balancing exam preparation with a demanding engineering career?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

In the consulting industry, obtaining a professional engineering license stands as a pivotal advancement. Without it, one cannot assume responsibility for their work, always requiring oversight. This license underscores not only competency and commitment to safety but also enables the transition to overseeing others’ work, vastly expanding career horizons.
Achieving the PE license showcases personal dedication and determination. Even if not passed on initial attempts, persistence is key. This accomplishment not only signifies expertise but also opens doors to mentorship and diverse career paths at Great West Engineering, where it’s a vital factor for progression and leadership roles, reflecting industry understanding, client engagement, and staff development aptitude.
The journey to obtaining a PE license aligns with a transformative phase of life, demanding substantial dedication amid growing personal and professional responsibilities. It signifies a remarkable testament to one’s commitment and determination.

About: Bill Lloyd, PE

Bill is the President of Great West Engineering, Inc., a multi-discipline civil engineering firm with offices in Montana, Idaho, and Washington. He joined the firm in 2005 and assumed the role of President in 2019.

Bill offers 29 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry. He began his career working in the water/wastewater, site development and solid waste fields before shifting into transportation, hydraulic, and bridge design for state and local governments. Bill recently guided the firm’s expansion into the federal market offering comprehensive civil engineering services to multiple agencies throughout country.

Bill is a past board member and president of ACEC/MT and past chair of the ACEC Small Firms Coalition. He continues to serve on the Small Firms Coalition Leadership Committee and participates in numerous ACEC National Committees. Bill also serves as a Trustee for the ACEC Business Insurance Trust, sits on the Montana State University Civil Engineering Advisory Board, and is former member of the Montana Contractors Association Board of Directors.

Sources:

Great West Engineering
Connect with Bill Lloyd, PE, on Linkedin

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments 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

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:

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?

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:

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:

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

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

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

Achieving The Right Mindset for Your PE Exam

June 6, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Sean Spromberg, PE, a licensed professional engineer and team leader at MSA Professional Services, who shares a remarkable philosophy on achieving the right mindset to alleviate the immense stress associated with PE Exam preparation.