Looking back, I'm fairly excited that I got 26 questions right. I focused way too much on vertical as I started studying way too late. A little surprised with the afternoon, but not too surprised. I think I gave myself false hope because of how easy I thought the lateral was compared to the vertical that I was much more prepared for and still kicked my ass, or so I thought. Or I stopped caring by day two!I almost got the exact same results, Mike. On the one hand its great to be done with Vertical but I hate having to face Lateral again Especially when I think I could have passed it.
I wonder what the multiple choice cutoff was...
Yeah, I'm lucky in that regard. All the guys I was taking the test with were on the hook for books and fees and all. I'd be the only person with the license in my company, so there's a lot of potential value there that they see in getting it. I won't take it if I have to foot the bill haha. It's just not expected of us. They paid for my travel, hotel, everything. I really can't complain.Yeah, almost forgot how lucky I was to not have to learn ASCE 7-10 wind (yet). Well, hopefully you don't have to buy the 2012 codes if you can get your work to pick them up (assuming they haven't already).
SERM...what a worthless book. Here are the 3 books that I did practice problems from that helped me the most:
Structural Engineering PE License Review Problems and Solutions: http://amzn.com/1427738378
SEAOC Structural/Seismic Design Manual 2009 IBC Vol 3: Building Design Examples for Steel and Concrete: http://amzn.com/1609832124
16-Hour Structural Engineering (SE) Practice Exam for Buildings: http://amzn.com/159126460X
I found that just working through problems and doing my best to understand them caused me to learn the material along the way. At the time I thought I spent way too long on a few particular problems, making mistakes, and trying understand everything since you have to move so quickly in the exam, but in reality, spending that time and making the mistakes during the practice problems probably prepared me well for the actual exam. (Don't neglect practicing bridge problems either - people seem to give up on bridge but if you just spend a week or two working problems from the practice exam, you'll be fairly well prepared.)
Congrats on your upcoming twins! That's a tall order to be expecting twins and sit for the lateral exam again, but at least it's just 1 test instead of both. Don't put too much pressure on yourself...just do what you can between now and then. Family first no matter what. The SE stuff will eventually work itself out.
...My strategy was to spend about 3 weeks studying vertical and bridges, and then about 5 weeks studying only lateral, and mostly steel structures at that. (Never studied wood or masonry, studied concrete for less than a week, but have practiced all extensively.) I spent the bulk of my study hours working and reading through practice problems for the areas I didn't know or remember as well - primarily the various LFRS for steel structures...
Dave, definitely do that. Get that PE first. I've had mine for 3 years before entertaining this behemoth. knowing how well you did on this, I'll say passing the PE is in the bag for you as long as you know how to use an index in the CERM!I think I am going to put the SE License on the back-burner and focus on passing the PE in April. If I could go back, I would have taken the PE Exam instead. It just makes more sense at this point in my career. It will get me jurisdiction in most states and is much easier to pass. For some reason they won't let me take the PE Exam on Friday (4/17/15) and the SE Lateral Exam on Saturday (4/18/15). So it looks like I'll be taking the Lateral next October.
I initially thought you had to pass the SE Exam to obtain CA PE stamp but I'm finding that isn't the case. You need to pass the PE first along with a couple of CA special exams.
Oh and don't worry about ASCE 7-10 Wind. I have found it is clearer and better organized. It takes a little getting used to but it's better. Don't let it intimidate you. There's actually a lot of similarity between it and ASCE 7-05
I agree with you. Having 15 years of good experience counts a lot. I had also like 6-7 years of experience in residential area which didn't help much so my study time was +5 months plus I have to retake the Vertical part. Also I have a friend who took the test few years ago and prepared less than 2 weeks for the test and passed both parts at once. He had good educational background and works for a reputable company. That makes a BIG difference! That's why when somebody is asking how much time do you need to put into preparation, is almost impossible to predict because it all depends on the candidate's experience and education....My strategy was to spend about 3 weeks studying vertical and bridges, and then about 5 weeks studying only lateral, and mostly steel structures at that. (Never studied wood or masonry, studied concrete for less than a week, but have practiced all extensively.) I spent the bulk of my study hours working and reading through practice problems for the areas I didn't know or remember as well - primarily the various LFRS for steel structures...
I think it's more fair to say your strategy was to have 15 years of practical expereince. Good work.
...My strategy was to spend about 3 weeks studying vertical and bridges, and then about 5 weeks studying only lateral, and mostly steel structures at that. (Never studied wood or masonry, studied concrete for less than a week, but have practiced all extensively.) I spent the bulk of my study hours working and reading through practice problems for the areas I didn't know or remember as well - primarily the various LFRS for steel structures...
I think it's more fair to say your strategy was to have 15 years of practical expereince. Good work.
I agree with you. Having 15 years of good experience counts a lot. I had also like 6-7 years of experience in residential area which didn't help much so my study time was +5 months plus I have to retake the Vertical part. Also I have a friend who took the test few years ago and prepared less than 2 weeks for the test and passed both parts at once. He had good educational background and works for a reputable company. That makes a BIG difference! That's why when somebody is asking how much time do you need to put into preparation, is almost impossible to predict because it all depends on the candidate's experience and education....My strategy was to spend about 3 weeks studying vertical and bridges, and then about 5 weeks studying only lateral, and mostly steel structures at that. (Never studied wood or masonry, studied concrete for less than a week, but have practiced all extensively.) I spent the bulk of my study hours working and reading through practice problems for the areas I didn't know or remember as well - primarily the various LFRS for steel structures...
I think it's more fair to say your strategy was to have 15 years of practical expereince. Good work.
Definitely Congratulations because whoever passed this test fully deserved it.
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