Passing the Practice of Engineering exam is essential for obtaining a PE license, which not only validates your engineering expertise but also opens doors to advanced career opportunities.<\/p>
But what is the PE exam, and what does it entail?<\/p>
The PE exam is an engineering exam that leads to becoming a licensed engineer. It is offered in various engineering disciplines, including civil, electrical, mechanical, and more. Each particular engineering discipline has its own specific requirements and topics covered. Still, in general, the PE exam is a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions designed to assess your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.<\/p>
In the past, it was divided into two main sections: breadth and depth, but recent formatting updates have changed everything about this exam.<\/p>
Below, I\u2019ll give you much-needed details about these NCEES exams and what other candidates have to say about the new PE exam formatting.<\/p>
Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> The PE exam is a professional engineering test overseen by the NCEES National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. It assesses engineers’ competency in their chosen discipline. Passing the PE exam is a significant milestone in becoming a licensed professional engineer. It ensures that engineers have achieved a minimum level of competency in solving problems specific to their engineering discipline. <\/p> There are 27 different PE exams for which you can make an exam appointment. But before you can be given a test date, you must meet certain criteria.<\/p> To qualify for the PE exam, candidates typically need:<\/p> It is important to note that PE exam requirements<\/a> are state-specific and ruled by your state’s board.<\/p> The PE exam covers a range of engineering disciplines, including but not limited to:<\/p> Each discipline has its own exam specifications, focusing on the principles and practices of that particular field. <\/p> The total exam time is 8 hours. If you complete the first section in 2 hours, you can take a break of up to 50 minutes. You’ll then have 6 hours left for the second half.<\/p> The PE exam format has undergone significant changes as of April 1, 2024, with a sharper focus on discipline-specific content. This update aims to make the exam more relevant to the practical application of engineering principles in your chosen field.<\/p> Previously, the PE exam was divided into two main segments:<\/p> However, the new format has redefined this structure. Depending on the chosen discipline, the breadth segment has been minimized or completely removed. Now, there are five distinct exams, each dedicated solely to its respective area, making the content much more specialized.<\/p> For example:<\/p> Beyond the major structural changes, the NCEES has made several minor but significant tweaks to the Practice of Engineering PE exam:<\/p> While some familiar subtopics have been incorporated into the depth sections, entirely new subtopics have also been added. For example, the PE Civil Geotechnical Exam now includes a new subtopic on the “chemical, electrical, and thermal properties” of soils.<\/p> \u201cI was a little surprised by the number of conceptual questions in the soil mechanics \/ materials realm vs math problems. Also the construction section after wastewater had a lot of surveying, geometrics, and even transportation questions. I actually preferred this over conceptual questions though. One more thing that I wasn\u2019t aware of was that I could spend as much time as I wanted on the first section, and then have the remaining time to spend on the second section. The first section was 42 questions and the second was 38. Overall I feel good about my choice to wait and take this version.\u201d<\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>u\/rmudkip<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure> Codes and standards are periodically updated, and the PE exam reflects these changes. For instance, the ASCE 7-16 standard has replaced the older ASCE 7-10. Additionally, some codes, like the UFC 3-220-01, have been removed entirely from the new specifications.<\/p> With fewer overall topics to cover, the number of questions per topic has increased significantly. For example, the number of questions on “Roadside and Cross-Section Design” in the PE Civil Transportation Exam has more than doubled, requiring more focused preparation on these critical areas.<\/p> Some exams now include brand-new main topics. The PE Transportation and Water Resources exams, for instance, have added “Project Management” and “Project Sitework,” respectively, as new primary topics.<\/p> The exam now uses version 2.0 of the PE Reference Handbook, which includes several updates such as new diagrams, updated formulas, and the removal of certain tables. Familiarizing yourself with this new version is essential for efficient exam navigation.<\/p> \u201c… I wasted a lot of time adjusting the windows of the reference materials on the screen because they’re not really laid out very intuitively and they’re free-floating and can end up covering the questions. also, you can only have one chapter of one code book open at a time, but the nice thing is the chapter will open back to the last page you had open if you close it\u2026\u201d <\/em><\/strong><\/p>Reddit User<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure> Unfortunately, the cost of taking the PE exam has also increased. The registration fee is now $400, up from $375.<\/p> One of the most significant changes to the PE exam is the transition from an open-book to a closed-book format. This shift has major implications for how candidates prepare for and approach the exam.<\/p> Previously, candidates could bring any bound reference materials, including notes, textbooks, and other resources, to the exam. This open-book format allowed for extensive referencing during the test, providing a cushion for those who might not have every formula or detail memorized.<\/p> However, with the move to a computer-based, closed-book format, this is no longer the case. Candidates are now only allowed to use the NCEES-supplied PE Reference Handbook<\/a> during the exam. This handbook is a comprehensive resource, but it does not cover every possible nuance that might appear on the test.<\/p> With these changes, the way you prepare for the PE exam must adapt. The new format involves:<\/p> For recent graduates or those with less hands-on experience, the new format may present a greater challenge. Effective preparation involves:<\/p> Given these changes, enrolling in a comprehensive review program has become more important than ever. Review programs provide a structured learning environment, covering all necessary topics systematically and ensuring no critical areas are overlooked. They offer several benefits, including:<\/p> The PE exam is a crucial milestone for engineers, assessing their knowledge and skills in their specific discipline. The recent shift to a closed-book format and focus on discipline-specific content require thorough preparation. Meeting the eligibility criteria, including a bachelor’s degree and four years of work experience, is essential. Given the increased difficulty, enrolling in a review program is vital for success. Proper preparation and understanding of the PE exam structure and requirements are key to achieving licensure and advancing your engineering career.<\/p> The PE exam is a professional engineering exam that assesses an engineer’s competency in their specific discipline, required for licensure as a professional engineer.<\/p> <\/div> Candidates need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, four years of post-college work experience, and must pass the FE exam.<\/p> <\/div> The PE exam includes multiple-choice questions specific to the chosen engineering discipline and typically lasts eight hours with a scheduled lunch break.<\/p> <\/div> The PE exam is administered year-round, offering flexibility in selecting an exam date.<\/p> <\/div> Passing the PE exam allows engineers to submit and seal engineering plans, providing legal authority and enhancing career opportunities.<\/p> <\/div>
Understanding the PE Exam<\/strong><\/h2>
Eligibility Criteria<\/strong> for the PE Exam<\/strong><\/h2>
PE Exam Structure and Format<\/strong><\/h2>
Updated PE Exam<\/strong><\/h3>
Minor Changes to the PE Exam<\/strong><\/h3>
New Subtopics<\/strong><\/h4>
Updated Codes & Standards<\/strong><\/h4>
Increased Number of Questions per Topic<\/strong><\/h4>
Entirely New Topics<\/strong><\/h4>
Updated PE Reference Handbook<\/strong><\/h4>
Increased Exam Fee<\/strong><\/h4>
No More Open-Book Exam<\/strong><\/h4>
Implications of the Closed-Book Format<\/strong><\/h2>
Impact on Preparation<\/strong><\/h2>
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>
FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>