Is the Civil PE Exam Difficult to Pass? After completing a college degree, passing the FE exam, and getting at least four years of experience working in engineering (in most states), candidates can sit for the PE exam. The PE exam is one of the last steps in becoming a licensed professional engineer. But how hard is it? In this article (and video above), I answer that question and also take a look at the PE Pass rates.
civil engineering
FE Exam Prep: Strength of Materials
In this article (and video above), I solve a strength of materials question, similar to one you might encounter during the FE Exam, to give you a better understanding of what you can expect during the exam.
Question:
A steel bar (E = 200 GPa) is stretched with a force of 50 N. If the bar is 4 m long and has a cross-sectional area of 0.5 square meters , what is the approximate elongation?
(A) 1 nm
(B) 2 nm
(C) 3 nm
(D) 4 nm
Solution:
What Kind of Experience Qualifies for Qualifying Engineering Experience?
In this article, (and video above), I respond to a question from one of our listeners about what qualifies as qualifying engineering experience for the PE exam.
Here is the Question:
“What kind of experience qualifies for work experience for being able to take the PE. Would surveying natural and built assets quality as work experience? Just curious how long I should expect to wait before being able to do my PE?”
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Engineering Ethics Problem Question
In this article, (and video above), I solve an engineering ethics problem that you may encounter as part of the Ethics and Professional Practice section of the FE Exam.
Question:
An Engineer-In-Training (EIT), is asked to review and stamp a set of civil engineering drawings by his or her supervisor. The EIT is working under a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and has met the state requirements to obtain licensure. The EIT may seal the contract documents if :
(A) He or She has been given permission by their supervisor who is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
(B) He or She has a PhD in the area of Civil Engineering.
(C) Stamping the drawings is a requirement for his or her job within their company.
(D) He or She is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and is competent in the area of Civil Engineering.
Solution:
What Is the Passing Score For the PE Exam?
What’s the passing score for the PE Exam in 2021? And what’s the scoring process? In this article (and video above), we look at the exam and see how the NCEES “determines the level of performance that corresponds with minimal competence in that discipline”.
You can find the information shared in this post, plus more, on the PE Exam passing score at NCEES. Most of the PE Exams are 80 multiple choice questions taken over an 8 hour period – 40 questions in the 4 hour morning session, and 40 questions in the 4-hour afternoon session.
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FE Exams In 2021 – New Changes
In this week’s Pass the FE Exam article (and video above), I am going to provide you with a COVID-19 update on the FE Exams in 2021, and talk about what you need to know if you are planning or have already booked your FE Exam.
It is likely for you to have questions about the status of your FE Exams in 2021, like, what is the status, will it require scheduling new exam appointments at this time? The status of Pearson’s global test delivery is changing rapidly due to the spread of COVID-19.
The Pearson VUE-owned test centers are continuing to monitor the situation and make decisions about test center operations in accordance with government and local authorities.
How Much Money Does a Licensed Professional Engineer Make?
If you achieve your engineering license, will you get a pay raise? If so, how much can you expect and how much more does a licensed Professional Engineer make? You will get answers to all of these in this week’s Pass the PE Exam article (and video above).
It can be uncomfortable to ask your supervisor or company’s HR staff about a salary increase or raise, because you don’t want people to think you are only in it for the money.
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Do Not Make This One Mistake or You Will Fail Your PE Exam
In this week’s article (and video above), I share with you the biggest mistake that most engineers make, and if you make, might cause you to fail your PE exam.
The biggest mistake that engineers make in preparing and taking the exam is not realizing or remembering that the biggest obstacle that you face during the exam is TIME – PERIOD!
So, just as important, if not more important than studying all of the different problem types, is having a solid approach to the exam in terms of approaching the problems and using your time efficiently. [Read more…] about Do Not Make This One Mistake or You Will Fail Your PE Exam
How To Beat PE Exam Nerves and Avoid Exam Anxiety
In this post (and video above), I discuss a challenge that many engineers struggle with, during the PE exam – NEVES. How can you try to overcome nervousness for the exam and avoid exam anxiety as it can truly cripple you?
It all comes down to practice and preparation…
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Are You Eligible to Take The PE Exam?
In this Pass the PE Exam article, I explain how you can determine if you’re eligible and qualify to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam also known as the PE Exam.
The Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam (or PE Exam) is administered by the (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying), also referred to as NCEES, a national organization tasked with regulating the testing of engineers and surveyors. The PE exam is a standardized test administered nationally across the United States.
