Where can you find the best practice problems? School of PE is the best course we've found. It's a separate set of exams that you've got to do. I could be wrong on this, but having no required standards just eliminated a TON of extra work for you. So that's the first thing. But most people take a breadth and depth test or an all depth exam. But water resources, I believe, is the highest right now. And the unexpected bonus was that it made me a better structural engineer, which has really helped my career since I passed the PE. Those are the things I hear from others. Exams. Although its not easy, dont panic. You just have to know those codes and standards really well, and you plug and chug. I'm just letting you know the reality of it. As engineers with an analytical science-based background, we tend to rely a lot on what the numbers tell us about something. It contains 80 questions that take students an average of 8 hours to finish. Like, you have to know every discipline because construction touches every discipline. Now, I'm not saying that this should discourage you when you take and prepare for this exam. I believe they're at 12, I think, if you go look at it. Tons of geotech questions and the hardest ones were theory that you needed to know i.e. TLDR; the structural depth exam is most likely the hardest exam to take. Another great reason to rank this as the easiest exam to take is that if you look at the historical pass rates for water resources they are typically at 70% or higher for first time takers and consistently rank higher if you are a repeat taker of the exam. Earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program, Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, Complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a PE, and, Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, They provide you with the right kind of exam-like study questions, They show you how to solve them quickly and correctly, They focus your study sessions by sticking to only whats important to know, They help you get your notes and references organized for test day. If you have to take the test again your baseline odds of passing decrease to only 35%. I'm curious what you guys think. Exam results are based on your total number of correct answers. The exam has 80 questions and lasts 9 hours total. The breadth and depth exam has two parts: the morning breadth section that covers a broader range of topics, and the afternoon depth test which is more specific. Each depth exam has it's challenges, and frankly, I haven't taken each depth exam, so I can't go into each and every one of them with extreme detail, but I've heard enough from others that I felt I could piece this together. Finding time in your busy schedule to accommodate this much studying isnt impossible, but signing up for a test preparation course might be your best bet to provide the structure and motivation to stay on top of your review. That sounds great until you struggle to decide which resources and how many you should bring into the room. Can't really help you with the references to take because it's been a few years since I took the test and, I still have them, but they aren't exactly handy at the moment. You may have noticed that some computer-based tests (CBT) are administered year-round, while others are not. Do you find yourself pursuing activities outside of work that are in-line with your career or completely different? I'm clear. From choosing baby's name to helping a teenager choose a college, you'll make . Do you think I should stick with WRE if I take a course this time? Those are two separate things. Are you done with your engineering degree and intend to attempt the licensing exam? Ive spent a lot of time scanning through engineers comments in threads on Reddit and engineerboards.com. The biggest factor to consider here is the discipline youve been doing work in. Check out some of the best PE review courses here. Choose your depth below to get started. Subscribe to Civil Engineering Academy's YouTube channel to get notifications when new video tips are available! You might get a raise from becoming licensed after passing the PE and maybe regular annual raises after that, but you might miss out on other advancement opportunities if you took the right depth and developed your skills further in it. Isaac Oakeson: All right, guys. And if I just thumb through here, I can see structural. It also depends on how well you did in certain classes in school. The world is changing. Check out these simple tips to help you register, study and pass the PE exam. In the end, no matter what you take, you'll be locking yourself in your closet and hunkering down for 3 to 6 months. The computer-based exam has 80 questions and lasts up to 9 hours. It is always given at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers. You can download our show notes summary here or get our transcript of the show below! You can take the exam at any NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers. So - is there a general consensus that "_____ is the easiest", or does it not really matter and just personal preference? Then I list transportation right there. It's going to help you in your career and it'll help boost your own career and knowledge base, you know? Comparing the Civil disciplines, here are the various pass rates:DisciplineFirst-Time Pass RateSecond-Time Pass RateWater Resources/Environmental71%46%Transportation70%39%Structural64%41%Construction61%35%Geotechnical55%24%. The familiarity that I had with the structures topics and questions made it a lot easier for me to answer those. For example, civil engineers typically take the structural breadth and depth exam, while electrical engineers often take the Power depth exam. And I believe that is the water resources. But if you succeed, then congratulations: youre a newly minted PE! Which civil pe exam to take - Professional Engineer & PE Exam Forum The license is granted when candidates meet a number of requirements in experience, education, and exams as outlined on the. I dont work in WRE and didnt study it at school, but I enjoy the subject, well I enjoy hydraulics. Maybe you just hate the topic and that's fine. First, this rarely works, especially given the fact that you probably have a job, a social life, and other outside interests that consume a good deal of your free time. In 2023, the exam date falls on April 17th. You might have really struggled in water resources classes. Best Calculators for the PE Exam - Study for FE PE Mechanical: Machine Design and Materials, PE Nuclear, PE Petroleum, PE Fire Protection, PE Industrial and Systems, $200 Off School of PE PE Review Course- Undergrad, Get $100 Off School of PE PE Review Course, Military Discount- $100 Off School of PE PE Review, Extended Sale-15% Off PPI2PASS PE Review Courses, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the PE Exam, The world is changing. And if you scored extremely well in transportation topics, maybe you want to consider that. Best PE Exam Prep Courses [2023] | Reviewed & Ranked - Test-Guide Isaac Oakeson: So anyway, those are my thoughts regarding the geotech. All 4 of these exams are computer-based and administered only one day a year. And if you know how to do live loads and dead loads, then you've probably already got the ASCE-7 covered. The PE Civil exam is a breadth and depth examination. So dont worry about having to study for a different kind of exam if youre taking paper and pencil instead of digital, or vice versa. Its always a surprise how much they ask. A PE license is essential to start your engineering firm. So, you will obviously have a firm grasp on your topic of interest, making it significantly easier to ace. And I don't want that to discourage you. And a lot of people never take geotech. So, those are the things you want to consider. https://civilengineeringacademy.com: Which Civil PE Exam is the Easiest? Hi Isaac my work is primarily in structural, but I heard geotech may be easier to pass. , this is so they can use whats called a linear-on-the-fly (LOFT) algorithm to construct year-round exams, which makes cheating an impossibility. For example, California requires PE Civil exam candidates to pass not only the 8-hour Civil PE exam but also two . could you please tell me how having PE construction License would benefit me ? You can download the PDF files and print them out. Keep in mind this is my own opinion , but I would love to hear yours! If you look at the Civil Engineering Reference Manual (reminder: use the discount code of CIVAC to get 15% off at ppi2pass.com) you'll notice that the geotech section is the thinnest section of material. All other PE exams besides civil or mechanical are in this category. We at PrepFE posted a simple poll recently to see how the community felt. If you look at the Civil Engineering Reference Manual (go get it at ppi2pass.com and use our code of CIVAC to get 15% off! I get it. Are you good with waste water management? The best way to increase your odds of passing is to create an exam study schedule and stick to it. The NCEES website lists the topics and roughly how many questions for each will appear on the various PE exams in its section of exam-specific informationhere. Isaac Oakeson: Also, I also want to hit on that the structural depth exam is unrelated to the SE exam, which is the Structural Engineering Exam, where you get initials S.E. Just passing those two exams (which is no easy . That's what set me off, had me freaking out, that Construction had the lowest "passing rates". Therefore, even though easy may not be the perfect word, some of the exams require a bit less than others. The next one which I would rank as the second easiest, or in terms of difficulty, it's going to be right above transportation. ). to test for a level of competency in a particular engineering field or discipline. Water quality? . Yeah, I was a repeat taker, and that comes with its own ball of wax and mindset surrounding having to repeat. I am new to this. Your email address will not be published. We provide comprehensive courses that include essential PE prep material and lectures produced by expert instructors. It would be a little naive to think that just because water resources has the highest pass rate that its definitively the easiest test. It is closed book with electronic references. Maybe they disliked it there, whatever the reasons are around that. Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas (PE), Florida (PE) and Ontario (P. Eng) with consulting experience in design, commissioning and plant engineering for clients in Energy, Mining and Infrastructure. Next we've got construction. Other computer-based PE exams use a different algorithm thats more of a high-stakes testing model. So, simply looking at the data would suggest that you have the BEST chance at passing this exam by registering for the water resources depth exam and it takes the trophy home as being the easiest exam to take. Taking thePrinciples and Practice of Engineering (PE) examis next on your list, but youve heard its hardand youre not sure where to start. Which PE Exam Should I Take? So the reason why I believe this is the easiest exam is simply because -- Well, there's a couple reasons. So what this means is that not only are you required to understand all your breadth material, but you also have to have an in-depth knowledge of your depth material, and you also have to have pretty good knowledge of all of those standards and codes, and at least know where to find them, which means you have to go through them, you have to tab them up. However, the three easiest disciplines for first-time takers to pass (based on NCEES pass rates) are the Industrial and Systems, Metallurgical and Materials, and Architectural exams. I did geotech myself. NCEES gives pass rates for all PE exams on their website. According to NCEES.org, this is so they can use whats called a linear-on-the-fly (LOFT) algorithm to construct year-round exams, which makes cheating an impossibility. Proven PE exam prep designed to help you pass. There is currently no computer-based version. Comparing the Civil disciplines, here are the various pass rates: Think about how some engineers you know would take what they. So, that's my thoughts surrounding transportation. It's good to know that the "passing rates" doesn't really mean much. Today, I will break down each depth exam and give my opinion as to which is the easiest (and hardest) to take and why. The first time pass rate across all disciplines is 65%. Join our Free Workshop! Since this can get a little confusing, heres a general breakdown of what happens when: For more information on 2023 PE exams that can be taken year-round, check out the below information: This exam can be taken at any time since its fully computer-based. Imagine instead that you did actually take the geotechnical depth section having started your career in a geotechnical position. If you need to reschedule your exam, follow the instructions on the NCEES website to do so. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-pepreparation_com-medrectangle-4-0-asloaded{max-width:320px!important;max-height:50px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'pepreparation_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pepreparation_com-medrectangle-4-0');And as youll see in a minute, taking the right test might actually end up making you more money in the long run. If you go look at the NCEES organization, they have very high amounts of test takers and their percentage of passing is always pretty high as well relative to the other disciplines. I'll just break it to you right now - every depth exam is hard and requires a high degree of effort; but if we dive a little deeper, maybe we can spot some things that might be easier for you. The implications of these changes are vast, but were going to focus on the effect this has on 2023 PE exam dates in particular. I am happy to say I passed the Architectural Engineering PE Exam! List: Here Are the Exams ChatGPT and GPT-4 Have Passed so Far This year, the PE Agricultural Engineering Exam falls on, This exam is still administered in paper and pencil format. ), the construction depth exam incorporates topics found throughout the entirety of the book. And you really have to be focused in bridges or buildings to head that route so that you can design those things. Why PPI2Pass Makes Our Best PE Prep List. Maybe they hated it in college. I get this question A LOT. So let's dive right into it. Practically speaking, you should take the PE exam in a discipline you already practice regularly because you will be more conversant with the fundamental principles and wont have to study much. Good comments! Are You Eligible to Take The PE Exam? Many companies dont require the PE, and all that studying sounds like a drag, so you might be wondering: According to the results of the 2017 ASCE Salary Survey, the median pre-tax income for civil engineers in 2016 was $101,000. The problem with construction is that they test you on a range of topics. Other sections are very small. Because it's nice to study additional material so you can get better knowledge and help you at your workplace. Before even taking the exam, engineers must have gained a minimum of four years work experience to be eligible. NCEES PE Exam Cost. You don't have any standards. The Best FE Civil Review Exam Prep Course & Practice Exam Test, CEA 71 Becoming an Engineering From Honduras to the US with Martha Castellon, CEA 70 Crushing the Transportation PE Exam with Shannon Beranek, The Best PE Civil Review Exam Prep Course & Practice Exam Test, CEA 69 How To Deal with a Challenging Personality, Your email address will not be published. Lectures and video reviews are fine and all, but make sure you spend a good chunk of time actually solving problems and answering multiple-choice questions. CEA76 - Which Civil PE Exam is Easiest to Take? Which is Hardest? While the PE Exam cost differs state-wise, it generally costs about $375 to take the exam. would that be allowable to do so? So, what happens after youve scheduled, prepared for, and taken your PE exam? There's only two standards listed. The test is all about word problem comprehension and algebra. Which Civil PE Exam is the Easiest? - Civil Engineering Academy https://ceacommunity.com, Join over 4000 engineers like you and learn the tips and tricks to passing the FE and PE. But the beauty of transportation is that most of the problems involved in that are just simply, like, look-up problems. It is currently being administered in paper and pencil format once per year in April. One of the biggest advantages of taking a review course is knowing how to compile a reference manual full of the most useful and relevant sources that youll need on exam day. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Anyway guys, hopefully this was helpful to you as it was for me. Those are my experiences. Ok, just go there and join a group of like-minded civil engineers! Anybody in the world, if you've reached the qualifications to take the PE, you can take the structural depth exam. Pro-tip: dont try to learn everything. As another commenter said, if I don't pass or don't like the Construction exam, I could always take it again (3 times in a year!) Like, 55%! So let's go ahead and start with what I think is the hardest exam to take. You could gain new skills or get better in a way that makes you more likely to get a raise in the future. But that's my advice if you are confused about which depth exam to take. These salaries vary by engineering discipline, but you get the idea. All rights reserved. You can pick up the other topics along the way! To a certain extent, this depends on your own discipline (civil, chemical, electrical etc.). This year, all pencil and paper NCEES PE exams are scheduled on April 17th and October 23rd. Think about if you were working in geotechnical and took the water resources exam. Second, the intent of the PE Exams is not to make you learn or re-learn multiple concepts in order to pass a test after which you will promptly forget the vast majority. And you don't need to know standards. PPI is our partner to help you ace your FE and PE exams. So, in general, sure, Construction and Transportation seem to be the easiest, but it depends on your preferences and experience. Now, if you actually look at transportation and the numbers behind it, you'll see that transportation and water resources have the highest amount of test takers. Understanding of concepts of FE & PE exam, Tips to decrease studying distractions for FE and PE exam, Best specialization In electrical Engineering, PE Agricultural and Biological Engineering, PE Civil: Water Resources and Environmental, PE Electrical and Computer: Computer Engineering, PE Electronics, Controls, and Communications, PE Mechanical: Machine Design and Materials, PE Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, PE Structutual: Vertical Forces Buildings. There is currently no computer-based version. Registration opened for this exam in November 2019, but the first computer-based version wasnt administered until April 2020. So guys, that's my thoughts there. We hope this article provided you with enough insight into the easiest PE exam to take so you can make an informed decision. It is designed for engineers who have gained a minimum of four years post-college work experience in their chosen engineering discipline. The Ultimate Guide to the PE Exam - Crush The CPA Exam Unfortunately, it gets worse: pass rates for repeat takers are often even lower! For example, lets say you start studying three months before the PE test and spend two hours each day, plus six hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Civil and mechanical engineers are most likely to take this type of test. I totally get it. Although I hate to say it, the easiest test is going to revolve around your personal experiences. If water resources is what you enjoyed studying or what you do for work that I put it high on the list of potential exams to take. Isaac Oakeson: All right, the next one on my mind is going to be transportation. My structural friends have been advising me to take the geotech depth since they know people who have taken it and believe it is easier, but I have been doing structural design work for a while now. Which PE exam should I take? Easiest and hardest ones - Study for FE The good news: enrolling in a prep course can save you time! I was working a job in structures but wasnt sure if Id be ready enough to take that depth. PE Mechanical Exam Prep & Courses | PPI - ppi2pass.com Additionally, you can reserve your seat for the PE Industrial and Systems exam for up to a year in advance. You wait for your results! format, number questions, topic, etc.). Looking for some good resources to help you pass the PE Exam? Now, the subject matter is probably more difficult if you don't practice this subject, but again, if you studied it in school and enjoyed it then I say go for it (again check out our Resources Page for more water material!). If your goal is a promotion in your current role, select the one that best matches your current role. Ready to pass the civil PE exam? So dont worry about having to study for a different kind of exam if youre taking paper and pencil instead of digital, or vice versa. So if you miss one date while pursuing certification as a Professional Engineer (PE), you will not be eligible for the PE license and wont be able to start your engineering career. It is only given once per year and has 80 questions. And so you get a 71% pass rate. In what discipline should I test to ensure I pass and get a PE License? 5 Best PE Review Courses [2023 PE Exam Prep] - Accounting Institute For So What Exactly is a Professional Engineer (PE)? So, I assumed I'd take the construction PE. And so a lot of engineers go into that thinking it's going to be easy. Or do we say "which exam is the easiest"? And yeah, in terms of hardness, that's definitely going to be right there. These salaries vary by engineering discipline, but you get the idea. (update: Because of the ongoing situation with COVID-19, all paper and pencil tests have been cancelled.). In this case, all attendees will receive the exact same questions. I get it. Are you really good at what you do, and would you be a good ambassador for your profession as a Licensed Professional Engineer? Regardless of which statistical model is used, the question formats remain the same. As engineers with an analytical science-based background, we tend to rely a lot on what the numbers tell us about something.