How Passing the PE Exam Can Launch Your Career in AEC Tech

In this article (and video above), I talk with Stefanie Reichman, P.E., Senior Customer Success Manager at Bluebeam, about how passing the PE exam can do more than boost your credentials — it can open doors to exciting AEC tech careers that blend engineering experience with innovation and problem-solving.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Stefanie Reichman, PE :

• What inspired you to pursue the PE license, even as your career evolved into AEC technology?
• What challenges did you face the first time you took the PE exam, and what changes helped you pass the second time?
• How did you build accountability and consistency into your study plan?
• How did passing the PE exam influence your confidence and open new AEC tech career opportunities?
• How can engineers balance study preparation with work and family life?
• What advice would you give to engineers who have failed once and want to try again?
• What future roles do you see emerging for engineers who hold a PE license in AEC technology?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode How Passing the PE Exam Can Launch Your Career in AEC Tech

• The PE license represents lasting credibility and professional independence. It stays with engineers throughout their careers—no matter where they work or what roles they take on. Earning it builds a strong foundation of trust and opens the door to opportunities across engineering and technology fields.
• The first attempt often highlights endurance and focus issues, especially during the afternoon session. Success on a second attempt comes from building structure—setting a clear study schedule, taking full-length practice exams, and developing stamina through repetition. Treating preparation like a long-term project creates consistency and confidence on test day.
• Accountability grows from structure. Setting weekly study goals, scheduling specific topics in advance, and committing to several full-length practice exams keeps preparation steady. Viewing studying as part of a defined plan rather than a casual effort builds long-term discipline and results.
• Passing the PE exam strengthens professional confidence and builds instant credibility with employers and clients. In the growing AEC Tech Careers space, licensed engineers stand out for their ability to connect technical understanding with technology solutions that improve project delivery.
• Balance starts with realistic timelines. An effective preparation period of eight weeks to four months allows consistent study without burnout. Incorporating small focus habits — such as daily reflection, exercise, or short mental resets — helps maintain energy and discipline throughout the process.
• Refocus on the reason for pursuing the license and treat the next attempt as a problem to solve. Identify gaps from the previous effort, create a structured plan, and hold firm to a clear schedule. Viewing setbacks as part of growth turns failure into momentum for success.
• AEC Tech Careers continue to expand, creating opportunities in areas such as customer success, product development, and digital project management. Licensed engineers bring the technical insight and real-world experience that help technology companies build tools and solutions tailored to the industry’s needs.

About Stefanie Reichman, PE

Stefanie Reichman, PE is a dynamic leader in the AEC industry, dedicated to empowering civil engineers to navigate career transitions and embrace technology. As a customer success manager at Bluebeam, she helps professionals optimize their workflows with innovative digital solutions. A co-founder of AEC Tech Jobs, Stefanie is passionate about bridging the gap between engineering and technology, drawing from her diverse experience in virtual design and construction (VDC), BIM instruction, and project management. With a master’s in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she has seamlessly transitioned into the tech space, inspiring engineers to explore new career paths. When she’s not advocating for career growth, Stefanie enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and chasing after her energetic toddler.

Sources:

Bluebeam
AEC Tech Jobs
Connect with Stefanie Reichman, PE, 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.

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