I have followed this thread for 3 weeks. Let me provide insight that is missing. There is NO NEED to continue to take the test and HOPE that you will pass. There is NO NEED to try and find some other state to take the test if you have busted it 3X in one jurisdiction-- that remains pure stupidity. Obviously, if you don't know the test material, you will fail-- continue to pay money and "try" again either shows that you have lots of money or something different is going to happen. Obviously, the only thing that has happened is your bank account is smaller and you continue to fail.
OK-- so how do you solve the problem? You really have to know and understand the material on the test specification. You have to know and understand it-- all of it. This is one time that you have to know the material, and understand what is being asked. You cannot try to memorize and dump-- you have to really know what they are asking. If you don't know the material, yes, you will fail. So, how do you know the material? Really study and understand each item in the test specification-- no, don't memorize something-- know how to analyze and apply the concept being tested. After all, you are being licensed to protect the public safety, health and welfare. We don't want someone who fails to understand that.
This is a bachelor's level examination. No, you don't need a graduate degree to pass the test. In some cases, a graduate degree can be a detriment-- this is a bachelor's level exam to determine minimum competency of your engineering skills. If you got through college with a "pump and dump" philosophy, i.e., memorize the material for the test, take the test and then dump it-- you will not be successful on this exam-- pure and simple. You have to know and understand each concept identified in the test specification, how to work the problem and then do it.
A good review course is well worth the money. What is good? I don't know-- check around and find something that others seem to like and go for it. If you do a review course, you really need to invest the time and material to understand each question and concept.
The PE test is not impossible-- however it is designed to test minimal competency of the candidate. Yes, you can do this and NO, you don't need to take the test 5X to pass-- your mindset and mind carrot should be "1 and done." Really know and understand each item on the test specification, understand what is being tested and know that material.
Screwing around seeking another state to take the test in just to pass the test is wasting time you could be studying. Yes, it is unfortunate that you took the test 3 times and did not pass-- however, if you know the material on the test specification, understand what it is and how to use it, you will pass with flying colors.
This post is much more crisp than others. However, it is frustrating for me to see folks continue to struggle when that is not needed.
Yes, I was 55 when I took the test-- I had been in senior management for 30 years-- I did take a review course and spent 3 hours every afternoon 6 days a week working problems on the kitchen table. Yes, I was just as spooked and scared when I finished the exam, thinking that I had failed as well. No, I passed and kept going, using the "1 and done" philosophy. You can do this-- really study the test specification-- know that material and go for it
