Sample Exams as a Reference for PE

[chavez]

I realize this is probably covered in the rules, and perhaps somewhere on the board, but since the exam is only 5 days away I wanted to post and ensure I get response from those who have taken it in the past.

Specifically, can I take in the "the other board" practice exam and solutions (they're in the same book), and the NCEES sample exam/solutions book?

Just double checking...don't want to get booted out for something stupid.

 

[Dleg]

It depends on your state's rules. Some states allow it, and some don't. Check your state's website to find out. If you tell us what state you are in, it's also possible that someone on-line will be able to answer more directly.

 

[chavez]

It depends on your state's rules. Some states allow it, and some don't. Check your state's website to find out. If you tell us what state you are in, it's also possible that someone on-line will be able to answer more directly.

oklahoma

I did submit an e-mail to the state coordinator...so we'll see what they say. Not sure it'd be that helpful, but you never know.

 

[Slugger926]

oklahoma
I did submit an e-mail to the state coordinator...so we'll see what they say. Not sure it'd be that helpful, but you never know.

I took it in Oklahoma a couple of times. Yes, if your materials are a book or your notes are bound, they are free game to take into the test. Since my field was very broad, I took in books of problem solvers in several fields. Unbound notes are not allowed, and may get you invited to leave the test. Also be sure your calculators are acceptable.

A practice exam wont help as much as having problem solver books in your areas, and knowing how to get to each area quickly, and solving the problems quickly with the proper formulas.

Be sure you get the questions you know how to solve quickly right. It is the little quick things in the tests that will cause you to pass or fail rather than the big problems you may not know how to solve.

If you have many books, make sure you have a luggage cart (dolly) to transfer your materials on. I took mine in a clear plastic container/tub with a dolly. I also loaded tub down with spare batteries for the calculators, cokes, Gatorade, starbucks canned coffee, protein bars, and candy bars. I wanted to make sure I had enough energy to make it through the test, and had a backup in case fast food wasn't close enough for lunch.

If you are planning to drive in and get a hotel for the test, I would recommend staying in a hotel two nights before the test since sleeping the first night in a hotel really sux for sleep. Get out and relax for some extended study breaks the day before (this may be a good time to get a massage). The mental side of these tests to keep yourself performing hard for 8 hours may be more important than your actual knowledge in the subjects being covered.

 

[IlPadrino]

If you have many books, make sure you have a luggage cart (dolly) to transfer your materials on. I took mine in a clear plastic container/tub with a dolly. I also loaded tub down with spare batteries for the calculators, cokes, Gatorade, starbucks canned coffee, protein bars, and candy bars. I wanted to make sure I had enough energy to make it through the test, and had a backup in case fast food wasn't close enough for lunch.

Very prepared, but what about a change of underwear? You never know how you'll react to the stress!

 

[Jennifer Price]

I had emailed one of the guys on this board a while back about the Florida restrictions. This is what he told me (which is a huge help):

"Hi Jen. You can pretty much bring in anything you need without too many restrictions.

- problems that you have worked on, if they happen to be on looseleaf, 3-hole punch them and place them in a binder. NO loose paper is allowed. If you worked your problems in a notebook, then that is okay.

- 6 minute problems and their solutions are allowed. same with the answer guides to any other book.

- no limit on reference materials

- technically you cannot have those sticky post-it tabs to mark your pages that you can remove and stick ... only the ones you peal and paste on ... but I saw people that had them ... hmmmm, don't risk it

- make sure you have the correct calculator. They will check this very carefully. Bring 2 to be safe and a tip ... start using your exam calculator now so you are use to it"

The Florida Board site didn't have anything on what can/cannot be brought into the exam (at least as far as I could tell).

 

[Guest]

^^^ I took the exam in Florida. I saw numerous people with copies of thier NCEES Exam or other sample exams as stand alone documents sitting on thier tables. Proctors seemed to be primarily concerned with 1) were the materials securely bound and 2) were there any fugitive papers in your text references.

For myself, I had re-organized all of my materials (including sample exams, six min solns, etc.) into notebooks. Initially I had done this because Florida used to have a 15 reference limit for the PE exam prior to ELSES taking over the administration of the exam but eventually it just made sense to put together my own set of materials to minimize duplication of information.

JR

 

[chavez]

Thanks to all the replies. The state board did reply saying it was okay to have the sample practice exams. I don't plan on using them unless I see something incredibly familiar.

 

[Polysloman]

Phoenix, Arizona. Please, advise.

 

[squishles10]

I had emailed one of the guys on this board a while back about the Florida restrictions. This is what he told me (which is a huge help):
"Hi Jen. You can pretty much bring in anything you need without too many restrictions.

- problems that you have worked on, if they happen to be on looseleaf, 3-hole punch them and place them in a binder. NO loose paper is allowed. If you worked your problems in a notebook, then that is okay.

- 6 minute problems and their solutions are allowed. same with the answer guides to any other book.

- no limit on reference materials

- technically you cannot have those sticky post-it tabs to mark your pages that you can remove and stick ... only the ones you peal and paste on ... but I saw people that had them ... hmmmm, don't risk it

- make sure you have the correct calculator. They will check this very carefully. Bring 2 to be safe and a tip ... start using your exam calculator now so you are use to it"

The Florida Board site didn't have anything on what can/cannot be brought into the exam (at least as far as I could tell).

What about pencil notes? Timers? Watches? I really hate that the FL website doesn't say anything. Do they really care about the tabs??? What if you tape them down?

 

[Mike in Gastonia]

What about pencil notes? Timers? Watches? I really hate that the FL website doesn't say anything. Do they really care about the tabs??? What if you tape them down?

Florida is an ELSES state - so is Arizona. Here are some FAQs from the ELSES website:

Frequently asked questions:
1. I have heard that a three-ring binder is considered bound. Is this true?

Yes, as long as all pages of your notes, tables, etc., remain in the binder for the duration of the examination. If they are removed from the binder, a proctor will consider that to be loose paper, it will be confiscated, you will be dismissed from the exam, and your exam will not be scored.

2. If I forget a reference manual in my car, can I go get it?

Not during the examination. If you leave the building, you will not be permitted to return to the examination room.

3. May I bring in an NCEES Sample Questions and Solutions Book for open-book exams?

Yes, as long as it is bound and remains bound for the duration of the examination.

4. Are penciled notes allowed?

Yes, but be aware that proctors are trained to look for examinees who may be writing exam questions in their materials to take home. Be sure to put your pencil down while handling your study materials.

5. Do I have to use a clear plastic bag to bring in my reference materials?

No. This policy applies only to examinees taking closed-book examinations, such as the FE and FS. You may bring your materials in any suitable container. Please note that not all exam locations have elevators or ramps, and you will not be provided assistance.

6. Are tabs and page markers allowed?

Yes, you may use tabs and page markers in the open-book exams. We recommend using the self-adhesive flags that look like cellophane tape with colored ends. All tabs and page markers must be affixed before you enter the exam room.