Written vs Computer test
I took my exam back in 2008. They had similar types of tests in terms of topics, the one exception being: Civil-Structural, Structural 1 and an entirely separate Structural 2 exam. Passing any *one* of those 3 exams made you a PE (at least in Florida). I waited a long time in my career (too long - 15 years) before in finally took the PE Exam. I graduated with my B.S. in 1993 when I was 22 years old… couldn’t find a job, went back to grad school. Started in pure “civil” engineering before being able to get experience in structural design.
Back to the topic. The *only* way I studied was by working through problems beginning to end. Got grid paper, sketched everything out. Even simple problems and would even write the code section in every step of the problem. Obsessively neat. I would focus on making that problem I was solving outrageously, perfectly neat. Used best mechanical pencil and expanded everything out.
I brought the notes in with me and they were a Godsend. I actually did not go to them during the exam as much as I thought - but the process of solving and citing EVERY piece of code… and writing it down on grid paper along with the best possible diagrams… gave me huge confidence.
I first took the Structural 1 exam and quickly realized I did not solve enough problems. This was back before they even gave you a score.
So, went back and spent another 6 months doubling the amount of problems worked. Almost 500 pages of every type of material and structural element.
I took the Civil-Structural the send time and I knew walking out I passed. Absolutely knew… and I did.
I brought my notes with me and it probably directly helped me on 4-5 problems that were somewhat similar. I would go so far as to NEATLY write the formula from the code right above my solution. I’d put a neat little box around it too.
Yes… I have that level of OCD 😜.
The idea of not having those notes with me would have been discouraging to say the least. Maybe I would have studied differently.
Has anyone ever taken the written exam *and* the computer exam? Which one did you find harder?
For those who can only take the computer exam now - would you prefer the written exam where you could bring in your own notes 🤔