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When and How Should I Take the PE Mechanical Exam

Are you aspiring to gain your Professional Engineering (PE) license in Mechanical Engineering? You must pass the PE Mechanical exam to secure your PE licensure.

The NCEES administers the PE exam in a computer-based testing (CBT) format. The exam appointment time is 9 hours and includes 80 questions. You can register for the exam through the NCEES website and by following the instructions on the screen. An exam fee of $375 is payable directly to the NCEES exam. Read this blog for some tips and tricks that can help you ace the PE exam.

When Can I Take the Exam?

You can appear for the PE Mechanical exam after passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and gaining 4 years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed PE. In some states, you can take the PE exam without work experience, but you have to gain the required work experience once you pass the PE exam. The requirements vary state-wise, so please check your state board's regulations to avoid confusion.

Taking the PE exam early in your career is a wise decision, as all the information will be fresh in your mind, and it will be easy to remember the engineering concepts. Also, appearing for the exam after gaining the required experience can help you solve the queries with your acquired practical knowledge. So, get the FE out of the way in the senior year of your college, gain the required experience, and apply for the PE exam as soon as you are eligible to have a better chance at passing the exam.

How to Study for the PE Mechanical Exam?

Here are some tips to improve your preparation process:
  • Plan Ahead: Start your PE exam prep early, at least 6 months before the exam. Develop a solid study structure and adhere to it. Study for 300 400 hours during this 6-month period. Study for at least 1-2 hours on weekdays and spend half-day on weekends.
  • Reference Material: The PE Mechanical exam is offered in the CBT format. So, the NCEES PE Mechanical Reference Handbook is the only reference material you can use during the exam. So, get this book and familiarize yourself with the formulas, equations, charts, and other information. Download the PDF version by logging into your MyNCEES account.
  • PE Prep Course: Signing up for a review course on trustworthy platforms like School of PE can help you pass the PE exam in one go. The opportunity to interact with expert tutors and access comprehensive study materials can prove valuable in your exam prep.
  • Practice is the Pressing Need: Practice exams are your best friends; solving time-based practice exams is crucial to improve your time management and problem-solving skills.
  • Test-Taking Strategy: Having a good strategy is important to ace any exam, and the same goes for the PE exam. Solving the questions in increasing order of difficulty can be a shrewd tactic. You do not get any bonus marks for solving the questions in sequential order, so do not waste time stuck on a complex problem. If you do not know how to solve a problem, flag it and move on to the next question. Following this method can ensure that you do not miss out on the more straightforward questions if time runs out.
Concluding Thoughts

Passing the PE exam is critical to taking your career to the next level. Following these steps and enrolling in a good review course can help you ace the PE exam. Be confident you have the skills to ace the PE Mechanical exam and get a good night's sleep the day before the exam.

Good luck with the examination!

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