5 answers
Lincoln
Student
5
Questions
Updated
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How hard is it to pass your PE(Professional Engineer)test?
How much studying is required to do well?
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5 answers
Tom McCaffrey
Management
25
Answers
Smyrna, GA
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Passing the PE exam is definitely achievable, though it requires dedication. It's actually two exams that assess different aspects of your engineering knowledge. The first part, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), covers basic science, math, and engineering principles. It's designed to ensure you grasp the core concepts. When I took it, I joined a prep class for a couple of months, which made the exam seem much more manageable. The second part, the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), is more focused on your specific field and goes into greater detail. This one was tougher for me; I spent about three months studying every weekend, revisiting material I hadn't seen since college. It was challenging, but the hard work was worth it. Getting that license is a significant achievement, and I’m really proud to be a professional engineer.
Teklemuz Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
717
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz’s Answer
The PE exam is challenging, but you can do well with consistent preparation. How much you need to study depends on your experience, your fundamentals, and how much time you can commit. The pace is up to you, but dedication and consistency are important. Start early, take practice tests to find your weak areas, and spend most of your time solving problems and reviewing your mistakes. NCEES practice exams, along with platforms such as School of PE, Civil Engineering Academy, and PEwise, can give you realistic questions and worked solutions. As the exam gets closer, take full-length timed tests to build your speed and confidence. Regular practice is much more effective than last-minute cramming.
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
119
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Lincoln!
First, I should tell you that I took the PE exam in 1970. A lot has changed relative to how tests are conducted since then, so consider that as you study my reply. I did pass the exams on my first try. At the exam site, there were several individuals who were taking the test for the 2nd or 3rd time.
My experience is much like Tom's. In my case, I had recently completed my Master's Degree while working full time. I felt like it was the best time for me to take the PE exam, since many topics were fresh in my mind. And, I had more than the minimum years of practical experience.
I should add that I also had to take the "Engineer-in-Training" exam along with the PE exam. That was another full day of tests. If you can, take that test soon after you get your degree and begin your career. That will make taking the practical exam a lot easier.
I joined a group of engineers who were also studying for the exam. We helped each other with the topics in which we were more proficient. For me, that was Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer.
The practical portion of the exam was the most challenging. Our test consisted of choosing and completing one of several optional questions that were related to our specific skills and experience (that was determined when we made the application for the test). That part of the test took an entire morning or afternoon.
Get the information for your state's PE and EIT applications.
Join your local Professional Engineering Society chapter. They should have an associate membership if you are not a PE.
Get as much variety in your work experience as you can.
First, I should tell you that I took the PE exam in 1970. A lot has changed relative to how tests are conducted since then, so consider that as you study my reply. I did pass the exams on my first try. At the exam site, there were several individuals who were taking the test for the 2nd or 3rd time.
My experience is much like Tom's. In my case, I had recently completed my Master's Degree while working full time. I felt like it was the best time for me to take the PE exam, since many topics were fresh in my mind. And, I had more than the minimum years of practical experience.
I should add that I also had to take the "Engineer-in-Training" exam along with the PE exam. That was another full day of tests. If you can, take that test soon after you get your degree and begin your career. That will make taking the practical exam a lot easier.
I joined a group of engineers who were also studying for the exam. We helped each other with the topics in which we were more proficient. For me, that was Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer.
The practical portion of the exam was the most challenging. Our test consisted of choosing and completing one of several optional questions that were related to our specific skills and experience (that was determined when we made the application for the test). That part of the test took an entire morning or afternoon.
Dennis recommends the following next steps:
Samuel Scozzari, PE
Construction Management and Director in NYC
13
Answers
Suffield, Connecticut
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
I found the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (Part 1, full day) to be the hardest. This was because, in Connecticut, I had to practice engineering for six years before I could take the exam, as I had a BT degree instead of a BSCE degree. If you have a BSCE degree, try to take the FE exam in your senior year of college while the material is still fresh. The exam covers all areas of civil and structural engineering, even if you're focusing on one type. Since I had about five years of experience as a design engineer, passing the second half of the PE test in 1991 was easy for me. I finished 90 minutes early and had time to review my answers. The FE was all multiple choice, while the PE exam in 1991 included long-hand and multiple-choice questions. Nowadays, there's a CM PE that doesn't focus as much on design as the traditional Civil PE did. If you earn your PE, and you're a structural engineer, aim to get your SE soon after, as more places are recognizing it. The PE and SE can open more doors than certifications like DBIA, CCM, or PPM.
Sahida Khatun
Software Consultant and Analyst
142
Answers
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Updated
Sahida’s Answer
The honest answer is: it depends on your engineering discipline, education, work experience, and how recently you studied the fundamentals.
The PE exam is not simply a test of whether you remember engineering formulas. It tests whether you can apply engineering knowledge to real-world professional problems under time pressure.
For someone with a strong engineering foundation and relevant work experience, it is certainly achievable—but it should not be underestimated.
A reasonable preparation plan for many candidates is around 200–300 focused study hours, although some may need less and others considerably more. For someone working full-time, that could mean 10–15 hours per week for 4–6 months.
The PE exam is not simply a test of whether you remember engineering formulas. It tests whether you can apply engineering knowledge to real-world professional problems under time pressure.
For someone with a strong engineering foundation and relevant work experience, it is certainly achievable—but it should not be underestimated.
A reasonable preparation plan for many candidates is around 200–300 focused study hours, although some may need less and others considerably more. For someone working full-time, that could mean 10–15 hours per week for 4–6 months.