6 responses to “Episode 06 – Proven Study Tips to Pass the PE Exam”

1. 

   Justin Inwood November 3rd, 2010 at 16:56

   Hi I am looking at sitting the Structural PE exam and wanted to know the best study materials to buy. Any books that are going to help me would be much appreciated.

   Thanks
   Justin

2. 

   arichardson November 4th, 2010 at 11:53

   Hi Justin,
   Provided you are taking the Structural I exam, I would recommend the Structural Engineering Reference Manual by Alan Williams, as well as the practice problems by him as well. You may want to pick up the CERM as well. The CERM has some structural topics that the SERM does not. I would refer to SERM first, and use CERM as a supplement. You can probably get by without CERM, but if you know someone who can get you a copy that would be good. My downloadable checklist has more detailed info on this… just enter your email into the box on the site. Let me know if you have any more questions & Best wishes for your exam!

3. 

   Xavier Davis February 12th, 2011 at 03:30

   Hi Alan,

   I appreciate the episodes that you provided on your website. All were beneficial and plan to put them into practice.

   I am currently preparing to take the FE Exam in which I will take the Civil Portion in the Afternoon on April 9, 2011.

   I will take the study suggestions that you recommended and put them to use.

   Thanks,

   Xavier

4. 

   arichardson February 14th, 2011 at 17:33

   Thanks Xavier, and best wishes for your upcoming exam.

5. 

   Bala December 28th, 2011 at 17:07

   Hello Andy:

   Please suggest how to do the following:

   “Connect with others to hold you accountable
   Find someone online or off that can hold you accountable to the schedule.”

   while noting that I have a wife (that works too). and two daughters, 13 & 7, that will invariably bring an added demand on the time!

   Thanks in advance,
   Bala

6. 

   arichardson December 30th, 2011 at 10:12

   Bala,
   Here are some ideas to connect with others in order to hold you accountable:

   * Find some friends at work or from your university days, etc that you can meet up with to study. If you cannot meet up, at least check up on each other to see how the studies are coming.

   * Go to online forums such as those at engineer boards and PPI to relate to others taking the PE Exam

   * Take an exam review course, either online or local

   * And you can always contact me. I have had some examinees email me on a weekly basis to check in and let me know how their studies are coming! I will always reply to such emails and give you encouragement.

   Remember that the PE Exam is as much about getting motivated to study and prepare as it is about actually taking the test. So, having support around you is key. This will include you family.

   As for your family, I understand. I had two kids when I took the Civil PE and also the Structural I exam. For a short time of 12 weeks or so, I put the majority of my ‘free’ time after work hours and other requirements to focus on the exam. You will need to have a discussion with your family and let them know that for a short time you will be spending more time on the exam, and less time with them. After that, of course, things will go back to normal as far as that goes. That being said, there are 168 hours in each week. Over 12 weeks that leaves enough time to work, sleep, spend time with family and still put in the required 300 hours to study for the PE.

   Thoughts?
   Andy