Apologizing in advance for the longwinded response.
I took the Construction exam in October. I was able to fit all of my references into a medium sized rolling suitcase, and I was content. But, I saw a wide array of transportation methods from wagons, to hand trucks and I'm quite surprised a few people didn't rent forklifts/box trucks...Obviously, everybody is different but I couldn't see needing THAT much material. Albeit, I took it the same day as the Structural folks and I know there is a TON of codes and references required, so that may have been the people I saw trailer loads of books.
The biggest thing is, what do you think will work for you? Due to the size of my binders & other books it was just more logical to me to have something on wheels. A coworker of mine took the exam on the same day and only brought 1 Banker's Box in. We both passed. So it's not necessarily about the quantity of references so much as the quality of references. When I was preparing, I literally pulled out every college textbook I ever owned, pulled references from our work "library", downloaded all kinds of crap...and never touched them in my preparation. Those books made my cut list about 3 weeks or so out. I then proceeded to take the EET simulated exam and the NCEES exams with what I thought my "game day" arsenal was going to be. Did "well" on both exams and said ok all these references are must haves on the test. I took the day before the exam off from work for a mental health and prep day. Packed my suitcase, and tried to separate my AM from PM references and made sure my calculators were in there with a straight edge and anything else recommended/allowed in the exam room. Took one last look at the "cut" references and decided to bring one or two as an insurance policy. I took a ride up to the exam site to scope out the parking situation. It was only a quick 40 minute ride for me, so I realize that may not be feasible in most people's cases.
On exam day, I got up there EARLY (I was third in line to enter the room, with my coworker just ahead of me). Maybe an hour and half or so to give myself time to find the actual exam location, bathroom, have a coffee, say a few prayers, cry a little, etc...and at that point your anxiety is running at an all time high but, no looking back at that point. Take some deep breaths, focus and just take the test. It's only a test. Pass or Fail you're no better or worse of an engineer than before you started. Buckle up and kick some ass. Don't let the exam intimidate you or you're already at a disadvantage. Here's my tips for during the exam:
1. READ each question carefully and do not rush. Do not just bomb into solving the problem. Make sure you understand what the question is asking for. One word/caveat in the problem can completely influence the correct answer.
2. KNOW what subjects you are strong in (you should have figured this out in your prep). Get all of those questions correct (or try to). Try to find a few of these from the start to get your confidence up. Don't get caught up in a problem that isn't one of your strengths and let that set the tone for the 4 hours you're there in each session. Make sure you get all of the "low hanging fruit" look up type questions.
3. KNOW what subjects you are weak in. Don't waste time in the beginning trying to figure these out. Score the points while you have the time and come back later. If you don't know what to do immediately after reading the question, move on. Come back later. There were some problems that were "easy" but in the out of the gate adrenaline rush I just wasn't thinking straight. Come back once the nerves have settled.
4. FOCUS. You got this.
5. If all else fails, GUESS. You can't lose points. You only gain them on this exam. You might be able to snag a few points this way.
I have always been a very quick test taker throughout all my schooling. I set a goal to finish the AM in no more than 2.5 hours to give myself the maximum amount of time to regroup for the afternoon. I did succeed in that. While I realize that is not the reality for everyone, but there should be plenty of time to complete the exam and check your answers. Set yourself a realistic goal and work for it. Again, this might add some unnecessary stress if that's nto your style, but as long as you know your references, and the exam material, you will have plenty of time. Four hours is a lot of time, and it does certainly go by quickly. Biggest thing is to just keep a level head and keep moving forward.
Good luck. If you need anything else as far as the Construction exam goes, feel free to DM me. I'm no expert by any stretch of the word but I'll try to help as best I can.
that's a fantastic story. I wish I could finish the exam that fast. That's an amazing super power!
