Civil Engineer how-to

How to Study for the PE Exam

A plan beats cramming.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

A plan beats cramming. In short: choose; get; make, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Choose your discipline.

  2. Get the reference handbook.

  3. Make a study schedule.

  4. Work practice problems.

  5. Take timed practice exams.

  6. Review weak areas.

Safety reminders for civil engineers

  • Wear PPE on sites
  • Design with appropriate safety factors
  • Follow codes
  • Report unsafe conditions

PE · FE exam · Load · Factor of safety · Hydraulics · Stormwater: see the full civil engineer glossary.

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