Undecided on which PE Electrical exam to take up? This article is a guide to help you choose the PE Electrical exam that suits you best. Read on to know more.
Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) Electrical Exam Overview
The NCEES administers the PE exam. This exam tests for a minimum level of competency in a particular engineering discipline. Engineers with an ABET-accredited degree, a passing score in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and a minimum of four years of post-college work experience can take up the PE exam.
- There are three different variants of the PE Electrical exam to choose from, namely:
- PE Electrical and Computer: Computer Engineering
- PE Electrical and Computer: Electronics, Controls, and Communications (ECC)
- PE Electrical and Computer: Power
All PE Electrical and Computer exams are offered as computer-based tests.
Which exam to choose?
Naturally, you will have the question, "Which Electrical exam should I choose?"
The answer is simple. Choose an exam that fits your career goals.
For instance, if you want to shape your career as a Power Engineer, take up the PE Electrical and Computer: Power exam.
There is no singular exam that is universally easy for everyone. The exam you find the easiest might be the toughest for someone else. So, choose the exam you are well-versed in.
Take a look at the general NCEES exam specifications presented below to help you make a decision.
Exam Specifications
The Computer Engineering and ECC exams are 9.5 hours long and include 85 questions. Both exams are offered on a single day each year.
The Power exam is 9 hours long and includes 80 questions. It is offered year-round at NCEES approved Pearson VUE test centers.
Exam Topics
Identifying the topics to prepare for is crucial in the process of choosing an exam.
A candidate appearing for the PE Computer Engineering exam should be knowledgeable in the following topics:
- Interpretation of Codes and Standards
- Microprocessor Systems
- Digital Electronics
- Design and Analysis
- Software
- Networks
A candidate appearing for the PE ECC exam should be well-versed in the following subjects:
- General Electrical Engineering Knowledge
- Digital Systems
- Electromagnetics
- Electronics
- Control Systems
- Communications
A candidate appearing for the PE Power exam should be adept in the following topics:
- General Power Engineering
- Circuits
- Rotating Machines and Electrical Power Devices
- Transmission and Distribution
If you are still on the fence, take up some practice exams and see if you feel comfortable with one topic over the others.
Pass Rates
Take a look at the latest PE Electrical exam pass rates
Exam | First-time Takers | Repeat Takers |
Electrical and Computer: Computer Engineering | 71% | 29% |
Electrical and Computer: Electronics, Controls, and Communications (ECC) | 62% | 22% |
Electrical and Computer: Power | 71% | N/A |
Some people tend to think that one exam is easier compared to the others upon seeing the pass rates. But don't make the mistake of choosing an exam based on the pass rates. You are better off choosing a disciple you have more work experience in, as you will be familiar with the basic concepts in that discipline.
Conclusion
The PE exam is demanding and requires hard work and dedication to pass with a high score. But unfortunately, people do fail. If you are wondering, "How to ace the exam on your first attempt?" signing up for review courses on popular platforms like School of PE can be of great help, and it can improve your chances of passing the PE exam with flying colors.
Good luck with the exam!
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