How hard is the PE exam? This is a question you’ll find in countless Reddit threads and engineering forums. From comparisons to the FE exam, the BAR exam, and even other professional exams like the CPA, engineers are always trying to figure out just how tough it is to pass.
It’s human nature.
However, even as an exam review course expert who spends my time studying professional exams, I cannot quantify how difficult the PE exam is. I can tell you why I think it’s a difficult exam based on research and feedback from those who did (and didn’t) pass on the first attempt. This starts with understanding the PE exams (there’s more than one) and moves to tips for making sure you’re prepared for any level of difficulty.
Understanding the PE Exam
The PE exam evaluates an engineer’s expertise in their chosen engineering discipline. It typically follows the completion of a bachelor’s degree in engineering and at least four years of professional work experience. The exam covers a broad range of engineering topics, and the difficulty level varies by discipline.
What Engineers Have to Say About the PE Exam’s Difficulty
Engineers who’ve taken the PE exam often highlight its challenging nature due to the extensive preparation required and the mental endurance needed on exam day. One engineer mentioned, “You’ve been studying for months, doing tons of example problems, thinking of the ‘what ifs,’ and it’s all come to a head on exam day.” This accumulation of pressure can lead to what some call the “mental exhaustion wall,” typically hit about an hour into the afternoon session.
Extensive Preparation: Engineers often spend months preparing, tackling numerous practice problems, and covering a vast array of topics.
Mental Endurance: The stress of exam day, combined with the time constraints, can be overwhelming. As one professional noted, “It’s a lot to have gone through mentally over the past few months! And on exam day, you’re in overdrive because it’s a stressful day, and you’re going fast because you know time is a precious commodity.”
The sheer breadth of the exam content also adds to its difficulty, requiring a deep and thorough understanding of the subject matter. One engineer summed it up well: “The best advice I can give you for the test is don’t dwell and move on. If you can’t figure it out in the first 2-5 minutes, move on and come back to it.” This strategy underscores the importance of time management and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
How Difficult is the PE Exam
Engineers commonly concern themselves with the difficulty of the PE exam. The pass rate of PE exams for first-time takers can provide some perspective, but individual experiences vary widely.
Factors influencing the exam’s difficulty include:
- Chosen Engineering Discipline: Different disciplines have varying levels of complexity. The PE civil exam, for example, encompasses numerous topics within civil engineering. It tests knowledge in areas such as construction, geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources. The broad scope of topics requires a deep and thorough understanding of civil engineering principles.
- Exam Format Changes: The PE exam is no longer an open book, and there is a new test format that many candidates are still adjusting to. This change means that engineers need to be even more familiar with the PE reference handbook and other allowed materials, as they cannot rely on a wide array of personal notes and reference books during the exam. This shift in format can add to the perceived difficulty, as it requires a different approach to preparation and test-taking strategy.
- Preparation: Effective exam preparation can significantly impact perceived difficulty. Adequate study time and the use of quality reference materials are crucial. Engineers who start their preparation early and follow a structured study plan tend to perform better. This preparation should include regular practice with problems similar to those on the exam, as well as familiarity with the PE reference handbook and other allowed reference materials.
- Professional Experience: Engineers with substantial professional experience may find the exam more manageable than recent graduates. Real-world engineering experience helps in understanding practical applications of theoretical concepts, which can be critical when solving the exam’s complex, real-world problems.
PE Exam Format
The PE exam is now administered in a computer-based format, which includes multiple-choice questions and alternative item types like drag-and-drop and fill-in-the-blank. The computer-based testing format offers flexibility in scheduling and faster result processing. The exam is divided into two sessions, typically four hours each, with a break in between.
Specific Challenges of the PE Exam
Comprehensive Subject Matter
The PE exam, especially the PE civil exam, covers a vast array of subjects. Each topic requires a thorough understanding to solve problems accurately. The exam tests theoretical engineering knowledge and practical applications, making it essential for candidates to have a well-rounded grasp of their chosen field. For example, the civil engineering exam requires knowledge of structural design, hydraulics, and geotechnical engineering, among others.
Time Management
Managing time effectively when you’re in the exam room is another challenging aspect. With each session lasting four hours and comprising numerous questions, it’s vital to pace yourself. Practicing with timed exams can help improve time management skills. Many examinees find it difficult to complete all questions within the allotted time, so developing a strategy to answer questions efficiently is crucial.
Problem-Solving Skills
The PE exam emphasizes problem-solving abilities. Candidates must demonstrate their capacity to apply engineering principles to real-world scenarios. This requires a deep understanding of concepts and the ability to think critically under pressure. Problems often require detailed calculations and the application of engineering judgment, which can be daunting without extensive practice.
High Standards
The PE exam is designed to uphold high standards for the engineering profession. This ensures that only qualified individuals achieve licensure, which contributes to the safety and well-being of the public. As a result, the exam’s difficulty is deliberately set to filter out those who are not adequately prepared. The rigorous nature of the exam ensures that only those with a strong command of engineering principles and practices can pass.
More Actionable Advice
Several engineers shared their experiences and advice in a Reddit thread I reviewed, offering valuable insights into the preparation process. While each discipline comes with its own set of hurdles, many found the Geotechnical depth to be surprisingly manageable compared to others. The material and chapters were fewer, making the study load somewhat lighter. However, this didn’t make the exam easy by any stretch of the imagination.
Learning a New Language and Passing the Exam
One user shared a unique experience because English was their second language. They had just four months to get up to speed with English, making the journey even more challenging. They didn’t bring an English dictionary on exam day and stumbled over several words. Yet, through determination and some educated guessing, they figured things out and passed the exam.
The Power of Quality Study Material
A major key to this user’s success was the material from School of PE. They didn’t splurge on multiple books; instead, they printed comprehensive resources and brought them to the exam. The quality of the material was top-notch and provided everything needed. This approach was both cost-effective and efficient. They confidently recommend these resources to anyone preparing for the PE exam.
Dedication and Success
The PE exam demands dedication. One Reddit user mentioned, “I know three people that are on their 3rd or 2nd try because they did not study enough for the first exam. 20 hours per week and 2-3 months you should be ok.” Dedicating about 20 hours a week for 2-3 months is suggested as a good preparation strategy. It’s not just about the hours but about how they are utilized. Breaking down the study material into manageable chunks and consistently working through them is crucial.
Advice from Fellow Engineers
Other engineers on Reddit shared their insights:
“Which depth are you taking for the PE exam? It really depends if you are well-versed in the subject matter, if you’re a good test taker, etc, since the difficulty varies for everyone,” noted Positive_Swordfish34.
“Break it up into manageable chunks. You eat the elephant bite by bite, not in one gulp :),” advised 75footubi.
“Some are going to prepare for a few weeks and pass with no problem; others are going to study for months and fail three times. If you’re self-aware of your study and learning habits you should be able to adjust to do well,” added mr_bots.
Conclusion
The PE exam is one of the most difficult exams for engineers, but with thorough preparation and the right resources, passing is achievable. Familiarize yourself with the exam format, use reference materials effectively, and practice regularly. Maintaining a disciplined study routine and staying focused on your goals will help you succeed. Becoming a licensed professional engineer not only enhances your career prospects but also signifies a high level of competence and dedication to the engineering profession.
FAQ
The PE civil exam is challenging due to its broad coverage of civil engineering topics. Proper preparation and practice can make a significant difference.
The PE reference handbook is provided during the exam. You can also bring approved reference books and materials, but checking NCEES guidelines for specific allowances is essential.
Start preparation early, use quality study materials, take practice exams, and consider enrolling in review courses. Consistent and focused studying is key to reducing how difficult is the PE exam.
No, you cannot use personal notes or reference material.
Familiarize yourself with the PE Reference Handbook and practice solving problems under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy. Use PE practice exams to simulate the actual test environment and refine your time management skills.
