The #1 Mindset You Need to Pass the PE Exam: The Hidden Factor Most Engineers Miss

In this article (and video above), I break down how a strong, intentional mindset can shape your preparation, keep you motivated, and ultimately determine your success on exam day. Whether you’re taking the exam for the first time or giving it another shot, this video will help you overcome obstacles, stay focused, and build the mental resilience needed to earn your PE license. 

Your mindset determines how consistently you prepare, how well you handle pressure, and how effectively you perform on exam day. Here are the three mindset strategies that can make a real difference:

1. Know Why You’re Taking the Exam

Stay motivated by reconnecting with the long-term benefits: gaining the legal authority to sign and seal engineering documents, increasing credibility, expanding career opportunities, and earning a permanent professional designation that no one can take away. Keeping your “why” front and center fuels discipline and consistency.

2. Build and Protect a Real Study Schedule

PE preparation can’t be something you squeeze in when convenient. I recommend treating your study sessions the same way you treat work or family commitments. Put them on your calendar, stick to them, communicate with your family about the time you’ll need, and build your study plan by working backward from your exam date.

3. Visualize Yourself as a Professional Engineer

Visualization is a powerful motivator. When I was preparing, I wrote my name followed by “P.E.” on a sticky note and kept it on my monitor. Seeing it every day helped me stay focused and believe in the outcome I was working toward. You can do the same—picture yourself as a licensed Professional Engineer and let that image guide your habits and mindset.

The key takeaway here is that your mindset is just as important as your knowledge. By adopting a growth mindset, using visualization techniques, and building resilience, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. So, if you’re struggling to prepare for the PE exam, don’t give up. Shift your mindset, and trust that you’ll get there.

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