Hi.
I got passed an exam taken in Dec 2022. Not sure if you took the exam already or not.
The exam provided the design code like ACI318, AISC Steel manual, PCI handbook, AASHTO, ASCE 7, TMS, etc. They are listed in the specification of NCEES. Just search NCEES PE specification and you will find the pdf.
The 2022 exam is similar to the previous exam because the specification has not changed.
And note that you are not allowed to bring anything with you except the locker key, calculator without the case, and your ID.
For the morning part, you can use the reference handbook that is free to download from NCEES. This handbook is similar to the FE one but too simplified. Compare to the FE reference handbook, they remove more equations but put some graphic charts that may be useful.
For the depth part, you need to use the reference material they provide to solve the questions.
Instead of your own notes or even examples, you only have access to the codes. So when you review for the test, start using the code not examples.
But note that the PCI handbook has some examples that may be helpful. But definitely do not rely on textbooks. Follow the steps first but be familiar with how the code works and how you solve the problem. In the end, you need to know how to solve the question only using the code by yourself.
They are concept questions that you can not find in the code.
I really cannot say the CBT makes it harder or not. Because some people think it's easier because you can search the texts. But some people think it gets harder.
The advice is to use the code to review and solve all your practice problems. Doing more practice always helps.
Wish you good luck!
