Advice please on stress and depression about test going to CBT

[Sparky Bill PE]

This is the first time I've been allowed to take PE (passed FE in September of last year) and I was SO EXCITED to buy all my reference books, sign up for Zach's class and DOMINATE this test. I am weird, I semi enjoy learning everything their is to know about electrical engineering. I didn't care if it took 5 years because I will love these books and keep learning my entire life. I'm not the type of engineer that passes this test, sells all my books, and never looks at it again. My goal is to be a chief engineer for a large substation/transmission company. 

I can't stop being stressed and depressed about the fact that if I fail 2 times (this year 2020 April/October) after that the test goes to CBT (Computer Based Testing, Like the FE test), and I can't help but think I'm spinning my wheels and almost wasting time on this one. I try to keep the attitude "well just buckle down and pass it the first time", but I go crazy if I "expect to pass". It is VERY HEALTHY for me to go into the FE/PE with the attitude "If I pass great, if not it's not the end of the world I'll get it next time". So far I have worked 725 problems and spent 242 hours on this PE attempt. 

I just hate knowing that if i don't pass one of these two times, this THOUSANDS I've spent on classes/binders/tabs/reference books etc will literally be a waste because I will have to use the NCEES provided "reference book" and that's it. (Mechanical PE's are already CBT testing). 

Anyways, hopefully one of y'all have a minor in being a therapist and can help me LOL

EDIT: Also doesn't help that I am the go-to engineer on my team so I am constantly teaching/helping less experienced designers/engineers (that is my favorite thing to do!) but they all come to me instead of my boss (which is also an engineer).  Sadly, I also have the same "work load" as everyone else. So all this time that I miss by teaching/helping/guiding I have to make up latter which takes time away from studying. 

 

[BebeshKing PE]

This is the first time I've been allowed to take PE (passed FE in September of last year) and I was SO EXCITED to buy all my reference books, sign up for Zach's class and DOMINATE this test. I am weird, I semi enjoy learning everything their is to know about electrical engineering. I didn't care if it took 5 years because I will love these books and keep learning my entire life. I'm not the type of engineer that passes this test, sells all my books, and never looks at it again. My goal is to be a chief engineer for a large substation/transmission company. 

I can't stop being stressed and depressed about the fact that if I fail 2 times (this year 2020 April/October) after that the test goes to CBT (Computer Based Testing, Like the FE test), and I can't help but think I'm spinning my wheels and almost wasting time on this one. I try to keep the attitude "well just buckle down and pass it the first time", but I go crazy if I "expect to pass". It is VERY HEALTHY for me to go into the FE/PE with the attitude "If I pass great, if not it's not the end of the world I'll get it next time". So far I have worked 725 problems and spent 242 hours on this PE attempt. 

I just hate knowing that if i don't pass one of these two times, this THOUSANDS I've spent on classes/binders/tabs/reference books etc will literally be a waste because I will have to use the NCEES provided "reference book" and that's it. (Mechanical PE's are already CBT testing). 

Anyways, hopefully one of y'all have a minor in being a therapist and can help me LOL

EDIT: Also doesn't help that I am the go-to engineer on my team so I am constantly teaching/helping less experienced designers/engineers (that is my favorite thing to do!) but they all come to me instead of my boss (which is also an engineer).  Sadly, I also have the same "work load" as everyone else. So all this time that I miss by teaching/helping/guiding I have to make up latter which takes time away from studying. 

Sir @SparkyBill, we are on the same boat. Stressed and depressed with all of these stuffs. I just took the Cram practice Volume 2 and only got 67.5%.   I keep telling myself that I should have done better.Mistakes and errors that are minor were much more depressing when I saw the solution.  We still have 47 days before the exam and hope we could still correct all those errors.

 

[DLD PE]

I'm not a therapist, and you may not want to hear my advice, but the following is what I would try to keep in mind.  This coming from someone who will be taking the same test with you guys this April:

1.  Keep things in perspective.  This is only a test.  Do not let it define you.  If you fail, so what.  There will be another one to take.

2.  Stress is almost 100% self-induced (also a good book when you get a chance - "The Myth of Stress" by Andrew Bernstein).  If you're already worried about the result or what it's going to mean to re-take it, you're wasting time and energy.  Try telling yourself, "I'm only going to focus on one thing, and that's "THE NEXT PROBLEM."  In other words, let's say you're in the middle of studying or a timed practice exam.  What good does it do to stress about problems you've already worked, or how bad you're going to do on the real test?  The best way to utilize your time is to focus on the problem in front of you.  And after that, try to learn from your mistakes.  That's all you can do right now.  I know it's easier said than done.  Believe me, I stressed enough about the results my previous attempts, but it didn't do me any good.  I could have used that wasted time to read more material or work more problems.  It's like golf.  The most important shot in golf is THE NEXT ONE.  In fact, there is no other important one.

3.  You're both doing way better on your practice exams than I was doing my first time around.  You're both probably doing better than you think.

4.  It's better to make all mistakes now and learn all your weaknesses now than during the exam.

 

[Sparky Bill PE]

I'm not a therapist, and you may not want to hear my advice, but the following is what I would try to keep in mind.  This coming from someone who will be taking the same test with you guys this April:

1.  Keep things in perspective.  This is only a test.  Do not let it define you.  If you fail, so what.  There will be another one to take.

2.  Stress is almost 100% self-induced (also a good book when you get a chance - "The Myth of Stress" by Andrew Bernstein).  If you're already worried about the result or what it's going to mean to re-take it, you're wasting time and energy.  Try telling yourself, "I'm only going to focus on one thing, and that's "THE NEXT PROBLEM."  In other words, let's say you're in the middle of studying or a timed practice exam.  What good does it do to stress about problems you've already worked, or how bad you're going to do on the real test?  The best way to utilize your time is to focus on the problem in front of you.  And after that, try to learn from your mistakes.  That's all you can do right now.  I know it's easier said than done.  Believe me, I stressed enough about the results my previous attempts, but it didn't do me any good.  I could have used that wasted time to read more material or work more problems.  It's like golf.  The most important shot in golf is THE NEXT ONE.  In fact, there is no other important one.

3.  You're both doing way better on your practice exams than I was doing my first time around.  You're both probably doing better than you think.

4.  It's better to make all mistakes now and learn all your weaknesses now than during the exam.

Thanks Hoss, I needed that. I guess I'm not "stressed about failing". It's more of "wanting to be done" I do plan on getting my PMP directly after my PE, but I honestly don't care. I'm not going to stress and I'll do that for fun in my own time. This is just the final step after a LONG journey. Getting my bachelors, then my masters, then passing my FE. This is the first time in almost a decade where I see light at the end of the tunnel, and my god is that light beautiful from where I'm standing. 

I'm trying my best to not let it define me, and it's hard. 

Also, a TON of my stress is only being able to take this twice. I honestly don't mind it and I love the fact if I fail I will go into the next attempt learning even more. Makes me a better engineer and constantly learning. Just so depressing it going to the CBT (in my opinion). If it's money, I wish they would let people pay 3x as much to take it paper/pencil way it is now.

I started this test with the idea of "I don't care if it takes 20 times, I will pass this exam". 

 

[speakeelsy PE]

This is the first time I've been allowed to take PE (passed FE in September of last year) and I was SO EXCITED to buy all my reference books, sign up for Zach's class and DOMINATE this test. I am weird, I semi enjoy learning everything their is to know about electrical engineering. I didn't care if it took 5 years because I will love these books and keep learning my entire life. I'm not the type of engineer that passes this test, sells all my books, and never looks at it again. My goal is to be a chief engineer for a large substation/transmission company. 

I can't stop being stressed and depressed about the fact that if I fail 2 times (this year 2020 April/October) after that the test goes to CBT (Computer Based Testing, Like the FE test), and I can't help but think I'm spinning my wheels and almost wasting time on this one. I try to keep the attitude "well just buckle down and pass it the first time", but I go crazy if I "expect to pass". It is VERY HEALTHY for me to go into the FE/PE with the attitude "If I pass great, if not it's not the end of the world I'll get it next time". So far I have worked 725 problems and spent 242 hours on this PE attempt. 

I just hate knowing that if i don't pass one of these two times, this THOUSANDS I've spent on classes/binders/tabs/reference books etc will literally be a waste because I will have to use the NCEES provided "reference book" and that's it. (Mechanical PE's are already CBT testing). 

Anyways, hopefully one of y'all have a minor in being a therapist and can help me LOL

EDIT: Also doesn't help that I am the go-to engineer on my team so I am constantly teaching/helping less experienced designers/engineers (that is my favorite thing to do!) but they all come to me instead of my boss (which is also an engineer).  Sadly, I also have the same "work load" as everyone else. So all this time that I miss by teaching/helping/guiding I have to make up latter which takes time away from studying. 

I feel you Bill! Honestly, I mostly took today off for my sanity - and it's felt really good. Maybe try taking a day off? I know that feels like the opposite of what you want/need to do, but it may help you reset and get pumped up for an even better week.

We still have a lot of time to work on things, and you haven't failed the first time yet. Concentrate on this test first! Try your best not to worry about something that hasn't happened yet. You're doing awesome and working super hard! And you're definitely making progress! Try to keep a positive attitude, and put your effort into THIS one first. 

Like you, I also have a super stressful job, with a lot of responsibility. And this has been extra work on top of everything. I've learned a ton by explaining things we're studying to the learners. So definitely dont think of that as time wasted. Plus it may help to sit them down and explain why you dont have all the time to help them and try your boss first, or set aside a specific time window that they can ask you for help. Hopefully they will understand.

Overall, my advice - take a night off. Do something to forget about the exam and stress and get in a better mental state. 

The next day when you feel like you can take on the world cause youre refreshed and got a great nights sleep and feel like you can crush this test, buckle down and get some great study time in. Then keep up the good work!

Work on what you can control in the present, which is getting prepared for the exam in April. You're taking it, so do it to the best of your ability. Dont plan on doing something that you might not even have to do. Work on a positive attitude!

 

[Zach Stone P.E.]

This is the first time I've been allowed to take PE (passed FE in September of last year) and I was SO EXCITED to buy all my reference books, sign up for Zach's class and DOMINATE this test. I am weird, I semi enjoy learning everything their is to know about electrical engineering. I didn't care if it took 5 years because I will love these books and keep learning my entire life. I'm not the type of engineer that passes this test, sells all my books, and never looks at it again. My goal is to be a chief engineer for a large substation/transmission company. 

I can't stop being stressed and depressed about the fact that if I fail 2 times (this year 2020 April/October) after that the test goes to CBT (Computer Based Testing, Like the FE test), and I can't help but think I'm spinning my wheels and almost wasting time on this one. I try to keep the attitude "well just buckle down and pass it the first time", but I go crazy if I "expect to pass". It is VERY HEALTHY for me to go into the FE/PE with the attitude "If I pass great, if not it's not the end of the world I'll get it next time". So far I have worked 725 problems and spent 242 hours on this PE attempt. 

I just hate knowing that if i don't pass one of these two times, this THOUSANDS I've spent on classes/binders/tabs/reference books etc will literally be a waste because I will have to use the NCEES provided "reference book" and that's it. (Mechanical PE's are already CBT testing). 

Anyways, hopefully one of y'all have a minor in being a therapist and can help me LOL

EDIT: Also doesn't help that I am the go-to engineer on my team so I am constantly teaching/helping less experienced designers/engineers (that is my favorite thing to do!) but they all come to me instead of my boss (which is also an engineer).  Sadly, I also have the same "work load" as everyone else. So all this time that I miss by teaching/helping/guiding I have to make up latter which takes time away from studying. 

Hi @SparkyBill let's cross that bridge if we get there. Try your best to keep things in perspective and to focus on what is in front of you, one foot in front of another. Don't let the possibility of having to take the CBT test distract you from studying for and preparing for April 17th, 2020. 

 

[ItsStudyTime!]

@SparkyBill - I feel so much empathy for you! Ahh! Especially since it sounds like you really do enjoy the learning aspect. I'll echo the words of encouragement from others on this thread - everyone has said some really helpful things. Especially the sentiment about 'not letting the exam define you'. I remember having that exact feeling! My partner at the time was very helpful in encouraging me. To quote him; 'you are valuable and you have something to offer the world'. 'the people writing and administering this test are human, just like you, not all mighty deities creating the ultimate challenge designed for you to fail', and finally, and most helpfully, 'This exam in no way judges your value as a human being, or your competence as an engineer.' Which is what I wrote on my website, along with a bunch of other reminders, like how once you are in the 'community' of 'studying for the PE', your become really sensitive to 'advice' and 'stories' from others who have taken the exam. Exaggeration is real, and emotions run high, and it's hard to filter all the information and actually extract useful nuggets from people. I have this whole section on my website about 'things to be wary of...' because your mind is vulnerable when you have this kind of 'weight' taking up all kinds of room in your brain. 

Let me toss a few more thoughts and words of encouragement your way. LOTS of people pass on their first try! Like, lots! Why not you? I think you are hearing all the stories of people on their 3rd & 4th attempt and 'normalizing' that because those stories are scarier and rise to the top of your memory. Probably lots of people who passed first try move on and never talk about it again...so you don't hear their (boring) story! 'I studied for a reasonable amount of time and passed on my first try' doesn't exactly encapsulate an audience. You even have a whole extra bonus try at it before the CBT doomsday! 

Last thoughts. I originally told myself 'I'm not going to let this exam take over my life, that's so lame, I'm going to make sure to still socialize and work on all my other personal goals'...then I looked at a calendar after I signed up and realized I only had 9 weeks until the exam and I did a full 180. I was like 'why not?' so for the final ~6 weeks before the exam I just gave myself permission to 'be bad at life' and only focused on the exam. I let my good friends know what was going on, and my partner picked up the full share of house-spousing, and I paused all other personal projects. Just 'work' and 'study' for 6 weeks. in the grand scheme of things...that's just not a very long time. Once I had the 'permission' (self-given) I actually felt my stress go down...I didn't realize I was carrying a lot of stress around 'not letting this exam ruin my life' and 'making sure to still eat salad' and 'trying to keep up that personal growth project' and once I was like 'F**k it, all exam, all the time' I was way more relaxed. 

Good luck! You got this! You are valuable and you have something to offer the world. 

 

[Sparky Bill PE]

hello, dude. how is going with that now? have the same problem with strss before tests

Thanks for reaching out. Kind if insane how many people "dismiss" using 5 and a half months of peoples life studying just to be gone. NCEES REALLY should have looked into more options about testing even if it costed more money to be "socially distances". 

It's all good on my end though. Studying like crazy now, 7 days a week, would really love to pass this before it goes to CBT testing. CBT testing didn't bother me till I seen that reference handbook. Lord have mercy that thing is terrible compared to us having our own binders + 30 books. 

 

[akyip]

I'll put out my two cents. I was stressed about the fact of eventually transitioning to CBT exam style, since that would eliminate my efforts in my PE Exam "Bible Binder". But for now I'm studying for the upcoming October exam which is still pencil-and-paper based. I'm focusing on that instead of worrying about the upcoming CBT exam style since the October pencil-and-paper based exam is more what's in front of me.

I went over about 1 1/2 months of Zach Stone's online premium review courses. This was on top of already having read through A.S. Graffeo's study guide and the Engineering Pro Guides (as well as several practice exams including Complex Imaginary, Engineering Pro Guides, and Cram for Exam). I did all this to further help drill concepts into my head, rather than just memorize stuff. Taking the time to go over Zach's video examples and quizzes gave me a good amount of relief, in terms of prepping up.

I'm considering ordering the Shorebrook PE Power practice exam. I heard it may not be as good as Cram for Exam, Engineering Pro Guides, etc. but I also think that doing more practice exams is a good way of prepping up for the real PE exam when it comes...

 

[Dothracki PE]

I am no therapist, meditation coach, or health expert in any way, but here's what I have been doing.

As far as handling the stress, I listen to the Daily Wellness podcast/playlist on the Spotify music app. It is a good selection of personalized music mixed with 5-10 minute podcasts on motivational stories and speeches, breathing and relaxation techniques, and comedy podcasts. You can listen to it while getting ready for the day, driving in the car, or at work. The breathing exercises sometimes do require you to be sitting still not doing anything sometimes with your eyes closed so I wouldn't recommend doing that part while driving or doing something else.

Since I have been working from home, I will usually wake up do some simple core and cardio exercises while listening to that playlist. I definitely feel much better starting out the day with that.

I would also give yourself at least an hour before going to bed to relax and not do anything to stressful or strenuous. Sleep is the most important part of retaining all of the studying you did during the day.

I didn't really do any of the above when I took the FE exam a few years back and I definitely felt similar to what you are/were going through. I too am a go-to guy in my work for many code related issues and mentoring some of the younger engineers.

 

[Zach Stone P.E.]

I'll put out my two cents. I was stressed about the fact of eventually transitioning to CBT exam style, since that would eliminate my efforts in my PE Exam "Bible Binder". But for now I'm studying for the upcoming October exam which is still pencil-and-paper based. I'm focusing on that instead of worrying about the upcoming CBT exam style since the October pencil-and-paper based exam is more what's in front of me.

I went over about 1 1/2 months of Zach Stone's online premium review courses. This was on top of already having read through A.S. Graffeo's study guide and the Engineering Pro Guides (as well as several practice exams including Complex Imaginary, Engineering Pro Guides, and Cram for Exam). I did all this to further help drill concepts into my head, rather than just memorize stuff. Taking the time to go over Zach's video examples and quizzes gave me a good amount of relief, in terms of prepping up.

I'm considering ordering the Shorebrook PE Power practice exam. I heard it may not be as good as Cram for Exam, Engineering Pro Guides, etc. but I also think that doing more practice exams is a good way of prepping up for the real PE exam when it comes...

Hi @akyip thanks for the mention. Out of the material you've gone through in our online program, what has been the most helpful and what can we add to improve?

 

[akyip]

Hi @akyip thanks for the mention. Out of the material you've gone through in our online program, what has been the most helpful and what can we add to improve?

I definitely appreciated the examples and quizzes you have for many of the sections. They help to reinforce and drill more concepts into my head.

I don't have many gripes about your premium review course because of how massively helpful it is. At most, maybe that I felt your sequencing of transformer concepts might be a bit odd (e.g. you cover the basics of transformers first, then later power flow of parallel transformers in a later course instead of putting them together?).

And the only other thing I can think about is a few concepts I see in your practice exam that I did not find covered in your premium review course. For example, the sequence harmonics. There was one good problem I saw in your exam about it, but I didn't see sequence harmonics in your sequence components or fault analysis modules...

Other than that, no major gripes. I definitely appreciated your premium review course.

 

[Dothracki PE]

I definitely appreciated the examples and quizzes you have for many of the sections. They help to reinforce and drill more concepts into my head.

I don't have many gripes about your premium review course because of how massively helpful it is. At most, maybe that I felt your sequencing of transformer concepts might be a bit odd (e.g. you cover the basics of transformers first, then later power flow of parallel transformers in a later course instead of putting them together?).

And the only other thing I can think about is a few concepts I see in your practice exam that I did not find covered in your premium review course. For example, the sequence harmonics. There was one good problem I saw in your exam about it, but I didn't see sequence harmonics in your sequence components or fault analysis modules...

Other than that, no major gripes. I definitely appreciated your premium review course.

I concur with akyip @Zach Stone, P.E., too difficult to find any negatives. The boot camps are a great introduction to get back on track and then the review course takes it from there.

 

[Novanian]

The rate things are going, I would not be surprised if the fall one is also pushed out.

My company had 5 different Waves we planned on returning people to company property with. Wave 1 was in June and Wave 2 just started in July but they already canceled Wave 3-5 for the rest of the year.

Our internal infections are going up a lot too and we have pretty strict mitigation measures in place.

I still plan on studying regardless though.

 

[akyip]

I concur with akyip @Zach Stone, P.E., too difficult to find any negatives. The boot camps are a great introduction to get back on track and then the review course takes it from there.

Also, one other god-send I learned from Zach's course.

Power factor correction:

Qc = P * (tan(theta new) - tan(theta old))

MUCH FASTER to solve power factor correction problems, instead of having to calculate and draw out 2 power triangles!!!

This godsend effectively cuts down my time in solving p.f. correction problems.

 

[Dothracki PE]

Also, one other god-send I learned from Zach's course.

Power factor correction:

Qc = P * (tan(theta new) - tan(theta old))

MUCH FASTER to solve power factor correction problems, instead of having to calculate and draw out 2 power triangles!!!

This godsend effectively cuts down my time in solving p.f. correction problems.

I JUST LEARNED THIS TOO LAST NIGHT! Are you spying on me?

 

[akyip]

I JUST LEARNED THIS TOO LAST NIGHT! Are you spying on me?

Nope! I just appreciate faster ways to solve problems, in the obvious interest of saving time.

 

[BebeshKing PE]

Also, one other god-send I learned from Zach's course.

Power factor correction:

Qc = P * (tan(theta new) - tan(theta old))

MUCH FASTER to solve power factor correction problems, instead of having to calculate and draw out 2 power triangles!!!

This godsend effectively cuts down my time in solving p.f. correction problems.

One of the best technique I learned as well, in terms of power factor correction using CAPACITOR BANK.  

**correction to your formula though, it should be:

Qc = P * (tan(theta old) - tan(theta new))   

 

[akyip]

One of the best technique I learned as well, in terms of power factor correction using CAPACITOR BANK.  

**correction to your formula though, it should be:

Qc = P * (tan(theta old) - tan(theta new))   

The reason why I have the theta new first and then the theta old after is so that the Q value becomes negative, corresponding to sending VARs. From basic circuit analysis convention for a load, negative value for Q corresponds to actually delivering reactive power. Though if you're just looking for the value of VARs being delivered, what you have is also correct.

That's my perspective. I'm sure others can provide their input on this.

 

[roy167]

Also remember guys, this test is all relative. If it is difficult for everyone, then they will have to make an adjustment so the pass rate is still what it had been. It might take a cycle or two for it to adjust so one needs to be prepared to take this test for several times. Eventually things should even out. I know the big thing right now is NCEES provided reference material as opposed to you could take whatever you wanted. When I took test, I like many others took boat load of books. They did not help me answer the questions where I really needed help. The stuff that you are supposed to know anyway and is well defined such as per unit system, power factor if you know those topics well, then odds of your passing goes up. There are some open ended areas such as instrument transformer, or ground testing, industrial experience can help there. Put in the work as if you want to ace it and then it is going to be what it is going to be. There is very high chance that if you put a required efforts then you will pass. You have to, because it is not a voodu science.