In this article (and video above), I talk to Joanna (Jo) Johnson, P.E., a transportation engineer from Parametrix, about her experience studying for the PE exam while working full-time. She breaks down the PE exam tips, tricks and strategies she used to prep, study and pass her CBT Professional Engineering Exam.
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jo:
- You took the CBT PE exam while working full-time. What did your study schedule look like, seeing that you were working during the day?
- What was the most challenging part of studying for the exam while working full-time?
- While studying for the PE exam, did you set goals for yourself, and if so, how did the goals help you along the way?
- Did you have a support system, either at work or at home, that helped you in your preparations?
- What part of the exam did you find more challenging, the morning session or the afternoon session?
- Did you enroll in any prep courses while studying for the PE Exam?
- Do you have advice for engineers who are thinking of taking the PE exam while working full-time?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:
- Studying for the CBT while you are working during the day can be difficult to get a grasp on. Try to be consistent in your studies and stick to your schedule. Use the CBT reference book to plan out how much time you should allocate to each section. Try to study at the same times each day to help you get into a routine.
- Tackling concepts you have not seen before can be very challenging because they take extra time and impact your schedule.
- Having a milestones approach for your studies is great if you battle with allocating set times for specific sections. Set goals for yourself to ensure you are staying on track with what you have planned to achieve in your studies.
- If you have a support system at work, they will give you advice on what is in the PE exam. They will give you mentorship support and provide tips and tricks on how to get through and pass the PE exam.
- Keeping up your stamina and ensuring your body is nourished throughout the exam can be challenging. The first part of the exam is similar to the FE exam, whereas the second part deals more with the things you work on daily, but can include other things that you do not deal with at work. Going back and forth between your different skill sets in the morning session can be difficult. Being able to dial into all the different concepts of the exam in the afternoon session can also be challenging.
- Knowing how the references are presented in the CBT is very important. You must understand what you are given and be able to work with it.
- Look at what the contents of the exam will be and look for the areas that you will be comfortable with self-studying. For the areas you are not sure about, consider taking a prep course for those sections. It can help you by keeping you accountable and on track with your schedule and studies.
- If you want to take the PE exam while you are working full-time, you must decide when you are going to start preparing for it and set goals for yourself. Life will happen and you will feel like you will not have time to prepare for the exam, but you will have to make it a commitment and responsibility. Do not feel ashamed if you are in a situation where you must take the exam at a later date. Continue working toward your goal until you make it.
About Joanna (Jo) Johnson, P.E.
Jo is a professional engineer consultant working on transportation, site development, general civil, and stormwater projects for local agencies across Washington State’s Puget Sound area.
Sources:
Parametrix
Exam Prep Materials
Connect with Joanna (Jo) Johnson, P.E., on LinkedIn
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