The deadline to register for the October New Jersey PE exam is barreling toward us. Hopefully, at this point, you’ve already begun your application and are well on your way to receiving approval to sit for the exam. Now that the hard part is almost out of the way, you should start thinking about what resources you need to help you prepare. Maybe you’ll learn best from an in-person class. No? Then, maybe practice exams are more your style. Regardless of how you want to study for the PE exam, our experts at the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers compiled a list of some organizations that can help you get started:
Offering review courses since 2004, School of PE is well-versed in the world of engineering. You can register for PE exam review courses in civil, environmental, architectural, chemical, control systems, electrical, industrial, mechanical, and petroleum engineering, so there’s a course for everyone. While the courses are typically $1,490, you can save $300 by registering early. Some of the courses are offered online, but others are held at locations throughout New Jersey, including Atlantic City and Newark. Learn more or register for their New Jersey PE exam review course here.
NCEES is the expert in all engineering exams, so why not go to them for your review course? The website has information about everything you need to know going into your exam, including registration procedures, design standards, fees, prep, scoring, and pass rates. You can also complete demo questions and purchase practice exam books in your engineering discipline for $39.95, allowing you to prep from the comfort of your home. Learn more about the NCEES review materials here. You can also register to take the October PE exam (if you’re running a little behind on the application part of things) in your specific discipline here.
This one was suggested by the National Society of Professional Engineers as a great place to prepare for the PE exam. Brightwood Engineering Education offers PE exam online review seminars and study guide packages for chemical, civil, electrical power, electrical and electronics, environmental, and mechanical engineering. The online PE exam review courses are 17 hours long and costs $549.95, but the topics are covered so well that it is absolutely worth your money. Check out the resources Brightwood provides here, and if you purchase anything, make sure you use promo code NSPE to receive 10 percent off!
Anything else you’re curious about when it comes to the New Jersey PE exam? We want to make sure we have all the resources you need. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, drop us a line at info@njspe.org or by filling out the contact form on our website.
You’ve passed your Fundamentals of Engineering exam, graduated with an engineering degree, and studied under a professional engineer for four years, and now you’re ready to take the New Jersey PE exam and finally become a professional engineer. This can be a very exciting and nerve-racking time, because you haven’t had to take an exam this intensive in a long time, and you want to make sure you’re prepared. We want to settle your nerves a little and help you out by providing the answers to some of the most popular questions about the PE exam:
The PE exam is only offered twice a year: once in April, and once in October. However, not all exams are offered both months. Some are one, some are the other, and some are both. The next exam is October 26, 2018.
The PE exam costs $375, and the fee to apply to the board is $75.
Before you can register for your exam, you must submit an application to the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. This application can take time, so you definitely don’t want to wait until the last minute to apply. It has personal questions and detailed career questions, including references, who you’ve worked under, and results on other certification exams. It must be notarized and include a passport style photo of you. Once you’ve been accepted by the board, you can register to take your exam.
The deadlines are usually around 45 to 60 days prior to the exam date. For example, if you want to take the next New Jersey PE exam in October, the deadline is August 30, 2018 at 3 p.m. EDT. This means you should already have received approval from the board to sit for the exam and registered for the exam date via the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying website.
Unfortunately, when the registration deadline ends, you will be unable to late register. Instead, you will have to wait for the following exam day, either in April or October.
Cancellations are only accepted prior to the registration deadline. If you cancel the exam after the deadline, you will not receive a refund. However, if you cancel prior to the deadline, you will receive your money back with the exception of a $50 processing fee. If there is an emergency on the day of the exam, such as illness, death of a family member, car accident, jury duty, or military duty, you can submit a written refund request up to 30 days following the exam date.
Since the PE exam is open book, you can bring whatever books or reference materials you’d like (although you should check with the board if you are unsure). Any paper materials or notes should be contained in a three-ring binder or notebook – stapling is not permitted. You cannot bring tablets or cell phones of any kind. Only a few specific types of calculators are allowed for the exam: Casio fx-115 and fx-991, HP 33s and HP 35s, and the TI-30X and TI-36X. The permitted calculators change annually, so make sure you check again after 2018! You may also bring two straight-edge tools, such as a ruler or protractor. Outside pencils or erasers are forbidden, and a mechanical pencil and eraser will be provided when you arrive for the exam.
The PE exam is usually eight hours long and consists of 80 multiple choice questions. The exam is entirely pencil and paper based for most, but some are only computer-based.
Results can be accessed via your NCEES account usually eight to 10 weeks following the exam. You will receive an email telling you when your results are available for viewing. Rather than having a numerical grade, PE exam results are pass or fail. If you fail, you will receive a diagnostic report to help you understand what areas you need to study.
Have another question regarding the New Jersey PE exam and don’t see the answer? No problem! Reach out to us via our website or send us an email at info@njspe.org. We will help you feel fully prepared and ready to conquer the PE exam! Once you’ve passed the exam, check out this blog for information on next steps.
Taking the next step in your engineering career can be both exciting and stressful. Preparing for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, like many of your engineering feats, is no walk in the park. Preparing for the exam includes hundreds of hours of studying and, most importantly, making sure you’ve met the right requirements to take the test. The requirements for the PE exam include:
If you meet those requirements, congrats! The only thing standing between you and a professional engineering license is the PE exam. The exam may seem daunting, but NJSPE is here to provide you with a checklist to make preparing for exam as simple as possible.
Studying for and passing the PE exam is no easy task. If you follow these tips, stay on schedule, and focus on studying, you’ll be walking away from the exam with confidence. Good luck on obtaining your professional engineering license! For more on passing the PE exam, take a look at our FAQ.
Congratulations to all the young engineers who made it through four years at university earning your engineering degree and for passing the Professional Engineering exam. However, for many, this time can spark anxiety in new engineers wondering, ‘what next?” If you are wondering how to best put your PE exam results to use, let the New Jersey Society of Engineers help guide you.
Passing the PE exam is an exciting time for young engineers. By following these steps after receiving your result, you will be making the most of your new designation. Another great way to boost your career as an engineer is to join professional engineering associations such as the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers. Visit our website to investigate the benefits of membership.
Becoming a professional engineer does not happen overnight. Most engineering students know passing the PE exam takes years of work. People are often left with many questions about what it takes to become a PE and what the benefits are to receiving the license.
The New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers is here to answer any questions you may have about passing the PE exam. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.
How is a PE Really Different from an Engineer?
Becoming a PE shows clients and employers you have the skills, knowledge, and credentials to earn their trust. Some of the things PEs can do that non-PE engineers cannot so include:
What are the PE Exam Requirements?
First, you must have a four-year degree from an accredited engineering program. Then, you must pass the Fundamentals in Engineering (FE) exam. After passing the FE, you’re considered an engineer in training (EIT) and must complete four years of engineering experience under a PE. After you complete your four years of experience, you’re eligible to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
How Long is the PE Exam?
The PE exam is eight hours long and is normally split into a morning and afternoon session.
When is the PE Exam Offered?
The PE exam is offered twice a year, once in April and once in October. Make sure you check for exam dates far in advanced, so you can clear your schedule.
Will My License Be Recognized in Every State?
A PE must meet the licensure requirements in each state where they wish to practice. Almost all states offer licensure by comity to PEs who are licensed in a different state. However, the requirements of the current license must be equal or greater than the requirements in the new state.
What Do I Do After I Pass?
You need to submit your results to obtain your PE license, and then you’ll officially be a PE. Click here to learn more about what to do after obtaining your PE license.
Passing the PE exam and getting licensed is a great way to advance your engineering career. If you’d like more information about passing the PE, feel free to contact NJSPE. We’d be happy to give you the resources you need to help you become a professional engineer! For more information for recent PEs, download our free one-page checklist here!
