The registration process consists of passing two written eight-hour exams. The first exam is the F.E. (fundamentals of engineering, used to be called E.I.T. engineer-in-training). The second eight-hour exam (called the P.E. exam) is taken after the first one is passed. It is based entirely upon the candidate's major field of engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended way to prepare for the exam?

What is the PE exam like?

How does the PE exam differ from state to state?

Since it is an open-book exam, what can I take into the exam?

Department of Professional Engineering

Questions?

Copyright (c) 1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q - What is the PE exam like?

The format of the exam is now breadth-and-depth, and the exam will consist of two four-hour sessions separated by a one-hour lunch period. As before, the exam only covers subjects in a major field of study. This is an open-book exam. Although some states have a few restrictions, generally you may bring in the calculators and books of your choice.

The mornng session of the exam will focus on the breadth of the major field. All examinees will take the same morning exam. The questions will be multiple choice. Most questions will be unique; that is, they will be scenario-based with one question per scenario. There may be some multi-part questions, where one problem statement (i.e., scenario) is followed by two or three questions. The multi-part questions will nevertheless be independent; that is, you will not have to answer the first questions correctly in order to get the second or third correct (they do not "cascade"). A total of 40 questions are expected, and you must answer them all to get full credit. The problems will be traditional in nature and tend toward the academic.

The afternoon session will focus on the depth of the major field. You will select one depth module to work. The questions will be multiple choice, with a total of 40 questions in each module. The modules will be printed in a single examination booklet, so you will have an opportunity to review all modules before deciding which module to answer. (The longer you take to decide, however, the less time you'll have for answering questions, so it helps to have an idea of your favored module prior to the exam.)

Back To The Frequently Asked Questions

How To Prepare for This Exam

Copyright (c) 1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q - How does the PE exam differ from state to state?

A - All states take the same exam prepared by the NCEES. However, certain states individually have additional exam requirements. Contact your state board for specifics.

Back To The Frequently Asked Questions

How To Prepare for This Exam

Copyright (c) 1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q - Since it is an open-book exam, what can I take into the exam?

A - All states permit calculators (battery-powered, silent, non-printing, without word-processing capabilities). Some states restrict the use of ROM cards. Most states permit three-ring binders with notes. Some do not allow collections of solved problems. Some allow only textbooks and standard reference handbooks. Contact your state board for specifics.

Back To The Frequently Asked Questions

How To Prepare for This Exam

Copyright (c) 1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q - What is the recommended way to prepare for the exam?

A - You will need to do some review. Experience has shown that those who try self-study get frustrated in their attempt to prepare because of the uncertainty of what to expect and there is so much to study. Short review classes barely scratch the surface and rely heavily on the student doing a lot outside of class. The Home-Study Video offered by EUI has focus and guidance. It has become the most popular and successful way of preparing.

Back To The Frequently Asked Questions

How To Prepare for This Exam

Copyright (c) 1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back To The Frequently Asked Questions

How To Prepare for This Exam

Copyright (c) 1998-2002 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.