For the on-demand course, how long can I access the class material after I register?
One year of access is included in the registration fees.
How has Computer-Based Testing (CBT) changed the PE exam?
Fundamentally, civil engineering as a field has not experienced drastic changes that align with the timing of the CBT format. With the change to CBT, the preparation approach will be different. The reference handbook is free and available now from NCEES, so you should download it and start reviewing it as soon as you decide to prepare for the exam. It will be critical to understand and know how to use the reference handbook for the CBT format, because you will no longer bring any of your own materials into the exam. The NCEES has some useful information on their website also – https://ncees.org/engineering/pe/civil-cbt/
You will also have electronic access to the other reference materials (known as “design standards”) that are specified by NCEES for the depth portion of the exam.
What is the cost of the PE review course?
Please review our registration page for details about the course options and cost – https://itre.ncsu.edu/training/pe-fe/
What topics will be covered in the PE Review course?
All of our PE review courses cover the breadth and depth portions in four Civil Engineering subjects (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Construction Engineering, and Geotechnical Engineering). Only breadth topics are covered in the Structural discipline.
Is there an online option for the PE exam review course?
Yes, we plan to offer both online and in-person options. Please review our registration page for details about the course options and cost – https://itre.ncsu.edu/training/pe-fe/
What materials are provided as part of the course registration?
We include our own set of notebooks with our course materials.
How many practice problems/ tests will come with the review?
We include a trial exam in our materials and also numerous example/practice problems throughout the notes.
Could you share sample recordings from the PE Review course?
The most recent set of sample videos we have available are: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ2tBMRKXROYMi6aWFVDXllchfLBDIZMe
Some transportation specific videos and content are available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ2tBMRKXROYAW4OnuL0GjVgfdrtBp9Pp
How does the on-demand course work?
The self-paced, on-demand course consists of online lectures, along with online self-assessment quizzes and an online PE Trial Exam with video solutions. This course is pre-recorded and does not include access to instructors. Upon registration, the course participant will receive access to the online content and two binders of the PE Review course notes will be mailed to the participant’s physical address provided
Are there opportunities for payment plans?
Unfortunately, we do not offer any payment plans at this time.
Am I eligible to take the PE exam?
Eligibility varies (typically slightly) by state. Generally, you will be able to sit for the PE exam after you have passed the FE exam and graduated with a 4-year engineering degree. In North Carolina, you may also sit for the PE exam if you receive a waiver for the FE exam by providing evidence of 20 years of progressive engineering experience to NCBELS. Eligibility information for North Carolina is available here: https://go.ncsu.edu/eligibilityforfeandpe
To apply for PE licensure within North Carolina with NCBELS, you will need experience in addition to passing the PE exam.
The company I work for doesn’t have any Professional Engineers who I can list on my application. Am I still eligible to get a PE license?
This will vary by state, but in North Carolina you can send a brief waiver request to the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors along with your application. In your request, you should describe that you work for a firm that doesn’t have any Professional Engineers, but that the work you conduct fits into the definition of engineering experience (if that’s accurate) and that you practice in a field that is an exam discipline (if that’s correct that you’re practicing in one of the five civil engineering disciplines offered as an exam by NCEES). If necessary, you may also need to request a waiver of the requirement for three references from Professional Engineers if you don’t have three PE references who are familiar with your work. In place of those individuals you must include direct supervisors. Note that your three Professional Engineer references could include outside consultants, vendors, public agency staff, etc. who may not work for your company, but are still familiar with your work.
Does the On Demand class include access to instructors?
No, only our live classes come with access to instructors (which occurs during the scheduled class time).
Can I study for three months and still pass the PE exam?
Yes, if you have the time and energy to put into the course – 3 months is a reasonable amount of time to prepare for the exam.
Do you have any recommendations or thoughts to consider as to whether the on demand course or a live course would be better?
Deciding between On-Demand and Live really depends on your learning style and schedule. If you learn best by moving at your own pace, then you may prefer the On-Demand class. Access to the instructors for questions is an advantage of taking an online or in-person synchronous class.
Can you send me information about PE certifications for people from other countries?
This website contains some good information that may be useful to you: https://ncees.org/engineering/engineering-licensure/international-engineering/
I’m confused about the breadth vs depth of the PE exam in general. Can you explain how that works?
All civil engineering disciplines take the same breadth exam, but the depth portion differs by topic.
NCEES provides the following details (https://ncees.org/engineering/pe/civil-cbt/):
Exam specifications and design standards
The PE Civil exam is a breadth and depth examination. The breadth items cover topics from all five areas of civil engineering. The depth items focus more closely on a single area of practice.
For details on the format and length of the exam, the topics covered, and applicable design standards, select your engineering discipline below to download the exam specifications. PE exam specifications and design standards are posted 6 months before their effective date. Exam specifications change once every 5–7 years. Design standards change more frequently. The information below contains design standards for 2022 exams.
Civil: Construction (PDF; with design standards)
Civil: Geotechnical (PDF; with design standards)
Civil: Structural (PDF; with design standards)
Civil: Transportation (PDF; with design standards)
Civil: Water Resources and Environmental (PDF; with design standards)