Civil PE sample Examination

Quote:Summary: Too difficult - source of a frustrating day
Rating: 2
I used this book prior to taking the PE exam, as a practice test - blocked out the whole day, stuck to the schedule, etc. In general, I found the problems to be very complicated and involved (NOT six minute problems), and the test was just too difficult. I was not able to complete this test in eight hours. When I took the actual PE exam a short time later, it was much simpler, and I finished both sessions with time to spare.
I will say this - if you can take the exam in this book in 8 hours, and get over half of the questions right, then you should have no problem on the real thing.
For a set of practice questions that more closely resembles the actual exam, I recommend the NCEES published book. Those questions have a comparable level of difficulty and take about the right amount of time to solve.

Quote:Summary: Broke Binding after one use
Rating: 3
As far as reference material the book is excellent. However, I used the book last night for the first time and the first 40 pages were already coming apart from the book's binding. I want a new one!!!!

Quote:Summary: Needs polishing
Rating: 3
There are many errors in this book. Some of the problems require some obscure methods in order to solve them. I doubt the PE Exam is as hard as some of the problems in this book. The online NCEES sample exam seemed more realistic in regards to the material tested. I wouldn't recommend this text except that there aren't really any better alternatives so I would say it is better practice than nothing.

Quote:Summary: I passed first time, so no complaints here!
Rating: 4
The sample problems in this text prepare you only in the sense that it gets you back into thinking again like a college student preparing for a big exam. Being a few years out of college, reviewing these problems got me back into study mode.
Most of the problems in this book are much more difficult and involved than the problems on the actual exam.
When I began studying I looked at the large pile of reference books on the floor and freaked out thinking I'll never remember all of topics covered in the PE. I calmed down, ordered this book (after receiving advise from several others who passed the PE before me). I felt much better and more prepared after a week or two of reviewing the material in this book.
Overall, I recommend this as well as the reference guide by Lindeburg. Both are much better than you originally think. After the exam, you'll be glad you had them along!