Welcome to the PE Handbook
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Introduction
The goal of this wiki is to share information about the process of becoming a licensed engineer. This includes, but is not limited to, applying, studying, and taking the PE Exam. Please add content to the existing sections, or add a new section by creating an account and click the 'edit' tab above. This handbook will only be as good as the information you provide!
Application Process
- Start preparing your Supplemental Engineering Record (SER) as soon as possible. At the completion of each project you work on, list the information required by the Board and write a brief summary of the project for your own use later, noting anything that made that particular project unique. This will be a lot easier than trying to remember what you worked on 4 years ago when it comes time to submit your application.
- An example SER is avavilable on the TBPE website (http://www.tbpe.state.tx.us/downloads.htm#reference), but ask your colleagues for copies of theirs as well.
- Submit your application early (as soon as you meet your experience requirement). This way if something gets lost in the mail or misplaced during the review process, there will be ample time to resubmit your documentation.
- Ask your references to keep a copy of the documents they submit on your behalf. If the references need to be resent, this will make the re-submittal process painless.
Studying
- Sign up for a review course, attend all classes, and complete all recommended exercises. Classes are usually held 1-2 months prior to the exam. Start researching review courses at least 6 months before the exam so you are aware of the registration deadlines. Below are a few recommendations:
- Studying prior to 4 months before the exam (or start of your review course) is probably unnecessary. Review classes help focus your studying efforts on actual test material, which makes your study time more effective.
- If you would like to start studying earlier or do not want to take a review course, make sure you are using PE review study material and not just reviewing course notes and textbooks from college. The review course instructors and study material authors know what's going to be on the exam.
- Work practice problems with the calcululator you will use on the exam. Make sure your calculator meets the NCEES requirements!
Test Day
- Make sure you eat a good breakfast.
- Bring two (2) of the same model calculators with you just in case one of them breaks.
- If you do not have a large suitcase with wheels, borrow one from a friend. This will be the easiest way to haul all your reference materials into the exam room.
- Recommended reference materials vary by specialty. For transportation, the following should be brought with you to the exam:
- Review Course Material
- Civil Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam, Lindeburg
- Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
- Highway Capacity Manual (HCM)
- AASHTO A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets ("Green Book")
- AASHTO Roadside Design Guide
- ITE Traffic Engineering Handbook
- Traffic Engineering, Roess, Prassas, McShane
- Bring snacks and drinks with you for during the exam. Also bring a sack lunch - there will most likely not be time to drive anywhere for food and you run the risk of missing the afternoon portion of the exam if you return late.
Other Advice
- Visit the exam site prior to the exam. Know where to park and how to get to the exam room.
- Take the day or two before the exam off from work and relax! If you are going to continue to prepare for the exam, do something easy like tab your reference materials and shop for snacks.
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