Pe exam 2021 Archives - PE Exam Passpoint by EMI

Do you know that all PE Exams are eventually going to be CBT (computer-based testing) and what exactly that means for you?

You can find the details from NCEES here, however NCEES had always planned to move the exams to computer-based testing or CBT, however, it is now fast-tracking the move to CBT for some of the PE exams, as part of its response to COVID-19. Currently, PE exams are administered in either CBT format or a pencil-and-paper format depending on the discipline of the exam. Once an exam is moved to CBT, the biggest difference is that you can’t bring in your own books or reference materials anymore – you only get one reference book that they provide you with which is an online reference manual.

Computer-based testing or CBT exams include traditional multiple-choice questions as well as alternative item types (or AITs). AITs, provide opportunities to assess the technical knowledge of examinees using methods not available through traditional pencil-and-paper testing.

All questions, including AITs, are scored as either correct or incorrect. There is no partial credit. These AITs or alternative item types may include but are not limited to the following:

The biggest challenge in passing the PE exam for most people is not having enough time to answer difficult PE questions. You can be proficient in every technical concept on the exam, but if you’re not fast enough, you may not answer enough questions to pass the PE exam. The best possible way to feel less anxious about the PE exam is to be prepared.

My wife is a licensed professional engineer, and she struggled with this. She was really good at the technical concepts, and could answer any question if she had unlimited time, but when she got into a pressure type exam situation with limited time, she really struggled. So I helped her to create a process for tackling the exam questions with a focus on time management and I want to share that process with you in this video.

With regard to tackling difficult PE questions, I have to acknowledge that some of the PE exams, depending on discipline, have already gone to the CBT or computer based testing format. And the biggest change with CBT is that you cannot bring in personal reference materials, you can only use the digital handbook that NCEES provides. So the approach in answering questions may be different depending on whether or not your test is computer based. However, if your exam is CBT, it should go without saying that you must know the NCEES reference handbook inside-out.

What PE Exams Are Now CBT (Computer Based Testing) in 2021

How to Answer Difficult PE Questions During the Exam

How To Approach Exam Problems From Both a CBT and Non-CBT Perspective?