Studying for the PE exam can sometimes be daunting and hectic, as the PE exam is one the toughest exams in the USA. However, the PE exam is not the overly difficult monster everyone is painting it to be. The PE exam is definitely passable. But, if you do not prepare properly, the chances of failure are high. Continue reading to learn six things you should know before studying for the PE exam.
1. Study Period
When working as a full-time engineer, you will not have unlimited hours to prepare for the exam like when you were in school. Also, you may have additional family responsibilities on top of your career-related tasks.
So, you need to develop a study schedule and set aside time for studying. Try to plan your day-to-day activities and figure out how you can fit in studying. Make efforts to improve time management and make use of your free time to prep for PE.
Start your PE exam preparations at least 6 months before the examination date. Aim to study for 3-4 hours on weekdays and 6-8 hours on the weekends, and ensure you stick to the study plan. Starting early and adhering to your study schedule can help you cover all the topics in the PE exam syllabus.
2. Gather Your Resources
Before beginning your PE exam prep, collect the essential study materials to enhance your prep. Seek advice from your peers and friends on the best PE exam prep materials. Further, you can also hit the internet and browse various blogs, social media threads, discussion forums, etc., to identify the highly-rated PE exam manuals and textbooks.
Most PE exams are computer-based tests (CBT), so the NCEES PE Reference Handbook is the only reference material you can use during the exam. So, familiarize yourself with the charts, formulas, graphs, etc., in the handbook. You can download the free electronic copy of the NCEES PE Reference Handbook by registering or logging into the MyNCEES website.
3. Form Study Groups
If some of your friends or colleagues are appearing for the PE exam, set up study groups to learn together. Preparing for PE as a group gives an opportunity to greatly enhance your learning experience. While studying as a group, your mates can help you with your weaker subjects and vice versa. Also, pick the brains of the senior engineers in your office. By seeking their help, you will gain valuable insights and problem-solving tips.
4. Join a PE Exam Review Course
Preparing for PE can be exhausting, and self-studying is not for everyone. PE review classes are a great way to give structure to your study schedule. If you are someone who needs expert support with your PE exam preparation, consider enrolling in a PE review course on popular platforms like School of PE. Yes, you have to spend your hard-earned money on these courses, but in most cases, they are worth the cost. A good PE review course should offer essential study materials, practice questions, etc. If you have a jam-packed work schedule, you can go for Ondemand recorded lectures; for a more structured approach, you can choose live classes. Registering for a good PE review course on platforms like School of PE is money well spent, as it significantly improves your chances of passing the PE exam.
5. Develop a Test-taking Strategy
The PE exam is 8 hours long. So, if your test-taking skills are not on point, the test can prove to be a nightmare. A big part of passing the PE exam is time-management. 8 hours may seem like a long time, but the PE exam includes 80 questions, implying you will have only 6 minutes per question. So, try to spend no more than 6 minutes on a single question. If you cannot solve a problem within the 6-minute window, flag it and move on to the next question. This way, you will not end up wasting your time solving a single question.
6. Practice Problems
The importance of solving practice problems when prepping for PE cannot be stressed enough. Practice problems are the MOST important component in the PE preparation phase. One of the best ways to master complex concepts is through practice. So, try to solve as many practice problems as you can. Practice problems can help you sharpen your problem-solving and time-management skills.
Concluding Thoughts
With a good preparation strategy, you can ace the PE exam, as it is not as difficult as people suggest. We hope the tips listed in this article can help you prepare better for the PE exam. Like any other exam, a smart study plan can help you pass the exam!
Good luck with the exam!
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