Preparing for the PE Exam Archives - PE Exam Passpoint by EMI

In this article (and video above), I talk with Matthew Shakerian, PE, CFM, project engineer at Elevation Land Solutions, about the real-world challenges of preparing for the PE exam while working full-time. Learn which study strategies made the biggest impact and how a resilient mindset kept him moving forward despite every obstacle in his journey to PE licensure.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Matthew:

How did your experience moving from Iran to the US shape your approach to preparing for the PE exam?
How did you manage to balance your job, personal life, and studying while preparing for the PE exam?
What helped you stay calm and focused during the PE exam, especially when dealing with test anxiety?
What specific strategies or techniques did your psychologist share that helped you manage stress during the exam?
What study materials or resources did you find most helpful while preparing for the PE exam?
How did you manage your time during the actual exam to make sure you completed all the questions?
What final piece of advice you would give to other engineers currently preparing for the PE exam?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

In this article (and video above), I talk about a detailed 3-month study schedule that we’ve crafted for those preparing for the PE Exam. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your approach, this guide is your roadmap to success.

This is not just a study plan; it’s a blueprint for success, designed to boost your confidence and readiness for the PE Exam.

Aim to invest between 80 to 100 hours over 12 weeks. The plan predominantly focuses on weekend studies, which allows you to maintain a steady pace without burning out. Throughout the week, engage in smaller, manageable tasks to keep your momentum going and your mind actively engaged with the material. Let’s break down this journey week by week.

Weeks 1-4: Breadth Exam Focus

The first month is all about getting a broad overview. Kick things off with an initial NCEES practice exam. This step is crucial as it helps you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses right out of the gate, and create a baseline. Allocate 4 hours on a Saturday for taking the exam, and then dedicate another 4 hours on Sunday to meticulously assess your performance and plan ahead. Categorize the breadth subjects into tiers based on your proficiency, allowing you to tailor your study focus more effectively. Then over the next 4 weeks prepare for the breadth section based on your needs.

Weeks 5-10: Depth Exam Focus

Now, we shift gears to concentrate on the depth portion of the exam. This phase mirrors the first month’s approach: start with a depth practice exam to assess your understanding of more specialized topics. The weekends during this period should be dedicated to intensive study sessions, targeting specific depth subjects. Again, categorize these topics into tiers to methodically improve upon each area.

Weeks 11-12: Practice Exam Focus and Ramp Down

As you approach the final stretch, it’s time to put your knowledge and skills to the test. Take full-length practice exams under conditions that mimic the actual test environment. This not only builds up your test-taking stamina but also solidifies your accumulated knowledge. In the final weekend leading up to the exam, prioritize rest and relaxation, and ensure all your test day materials are prepared. This phase is as much about mental preparation as it is about academic readiness.

General Strategy and Tips

A consistent theme in this journey is the philosophy that practice makes perfect. Focus on solving as many timed problems as possible. Equally important is the balance between reinforcing areas where you’re strong and improving upon the weaker ones. Don’t hesitate to use all available resources at your disposal, including tutorial videos and practice problem sets. These tools are designed to enhance your learning experience and prepare you thoroughly for the exam.

So, there you have it – a comprehensive 3-month study plan to ace the PE Exam. Remember, the key to success is not just in following the plan but also in adapting it to fit your personal learning style and life schedule. Stay disciplined, stay motivated, and let’s conquer this exam together.

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

From IRAN to US: Engineer’s Daring Journey to PE Licensure!