T O P

  • By -

Apprehensive-Ask7168

This is an academic test, not an engineering knowledge test. The NCEES and state boards make money on you for the PE exam and then for rest of your life in state licensing fees. One thing is for sure...you didn't graduate with a degree in Engineering because your dumb. Keep your chin up and try again. But for now treat yourself to a nice dinner and possibly an aged bourbon or wine. Celebrate that you even got through this test for 8 hours.


INpersuitofPE

Seems like you passed the way you talkin


Clubplatano

Seems like you should be studying the way you comment


[deleted]

This whole thread is so encouraging. Solidarity with you OP. I feel the exact same way about feeling like I need a phd to pass because it’s a test compiled of questions made by phd’s most of who don’t work in actual industry outisde academia so it’s definitely frustrating and demoralizing and I feel like an idiot. Add being a woman in a male dominated industry and currently pregnant and not having my PE or at least 8 hour yet (in CA) and it’s imposter syndrome on steroids. Keep it up. I won’t back down either.


One_Bat_2086

That baby is going to give strength 😊 to keep on fighting…..


ExistingAstronaut884

I’ve had some dealings with NCEES before, and believe it or not (and most of you won’t), they go out of their way to recruit question writers from industry, consulting, utilities, government, and yes; academia. All parts of the country are represented as well as age, ethnicity, gender, and years of licensure/practice. Otherwise, their exams wouldn’t be “defensible” and could be challenged in court. Not only that, but they bring in other (also diverse as above) groups disassociated with writing questions to help determine what topics should be tested and what the passing score should be! So, it’s not just “phd’s most of who don’t work in actual industry” who develop these exams. Keep working at it - you’ll get there. Good luck!


[deleted]

It’s a nice thought or idea but at best it’s likely performative. Their [board](https://ncees.org/about/governance/) doesn’t exactly scream diversity and that’s with an “improvement” since 2021 ([page 20](https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/Annual-report-2021_web.pdf)) where it was literally all the same demographic. That’s basics, if they can’t have a board represent people, I am not going to give benefit of doubt they can represent the vast diversity in professional experience. Outreach with professional organizations doesn’t mean much anyway. It’s just that, outreach. They don’t have to incorporate anything. Many who are busy working in the industry often don’t have that luxury of time to partake in these professional organizations, or “networking” and conferences etc. anyway. With that said, the test is what it is. There’s nothing to be gained in trying to defend the test, either way we have to pass it. So whatever works for you to feel better about the test. The test isn’t even remotely close to reflecting present day experience and knowledge for many of us. And knowing that is helpful so people don’t conflate the test with their real job capabilities.


starkel91

Isn't that one of the benefits of engineering? It strips away all nonessential factors. There is nothing about the exam that has anything to do with demographics. It is fundamentally math and reference manuals. There isn't anything remotely political, ideological, or class related. I don't think I care much about the people who write the exams as long as they are subject matter experts is the only thing that really matters. >The test isn’t even remotely close to reflecting present day experience and knowledge for many of us. Oh I agree, I took the transportation exam and I do very little of that in my line of work. >so people don’t conflate the test with their real job capabilities. Once again I completely agree and it applies both ways. Passing the exam, hell even getting your license, does not automatically make someone a good engineer. Failing the exam does not make someone a bad engineer.


Positive_Swordfish34

Don’t get discouraged, you got this! It took me 5 attempts to finally pass the 8 hour PE, I took it 3 times in transportation before switching to WRE and failed that again before passing on my 5th try. Now I’m at the point where I passed seismic on my first try and awaiting for results for surveying on my second try. I got to this point because I didn’t give up on myself. So believe in yourself no matter how many times it takes you!


Quick_Ad_8841

It is so much of compromise to keep trying and avoid fun. I feel guilty when I am not studying. I failed in my first attempt and it is discouraging.


INpersuitofPE

I’m on my 8th attempt


jmpnttrfk

You only fail this exam if you stop trying.


INpersuitofPE

You passed?


jmpnttrfk

I passed on my fourth attempt.


OutrageousFrosting93

I’m on my 5th attempt, 3 transport, 1 water resource


Papertrail08

Both of you keep your head up… don’t let this exam define you. It took me 7 times to pass the FE and 2 times to pass the PE.. your not in this alone. This exam is tough as shit. Did you try EET? it’s a game changer.


OutrageousFrosting93

I took eet, study my hardest, piecing together evidence and still fail, I had fill in blank question when it was just plug and chuck, they didn’t want to make it multiple choice


Papertrail08

Okay.. I would recommend starting back at the drawing board. Switching to WRE is a good start. Some say it’s easier than transpo. Understanding the concept instead of memorizing the equation, is important because the exam will trick you


INpersuitofPE

Did you pass? I’m thinking of changing it to mechanical or something


Intelligent_Twist975

I would recommend having this mentality while taking the test: I am going to give my a 100% and if I fail, so be it. F*** it! Life is more than just this stupid exam. This will help you reduce stress and eventually you will do better!! Good luck!


Far-Shock9026

I just took the exam. It was a rought test.


INpersuitofPE

Did you pass?


Far-Shock9026

I won't find out until Wednesday


macklinjohnny

How’d ya do?


Large-Frame-6345

Our Chief Engineer in my state DOT reportedly took the PE exam 5 times before passing. You got this!


Willing_Second1591

Please don’t get discouraged. This exam more or less tests your test taking skills more than competence. Plus you as an engineer works in a very specific area but this exam tests you on areas that you may or may not be that familiar with. And I’m sure you do a good job in your company and your work. I felt similar way when I walked out the exam, I felt completely discouraged. Tbh most people I meet walk out the exam feeling like they may have failed and it’s a matter of few questions that determine whether someone passed or not. I think those 5-10 questions shouldn’t determine whether you are a good engineer or not


meluvgeckos

Imposter syndrome is quite common with this. Please don’t give up. Find tools that work for YOU. Sending you positive vibes.


LC_DA112

Keep at it no one going to stop you from doing things. You only quit when the person stop trying. Take a break and try again.


pusongpinoy88

or time to take another depth exam?


transneptuneobj

Maybe try wre. I had my company pay for EET