Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
There is much to consider when deciding how best to prepare for the PE Exam. Our course has a proven track record, but you probably have a question or two that needs answering before you dive in. This list of our most frequently asked questions should answer most of them. If you gone through these and you’ve still got questions lingering, feel free to ask at our support desk.
Helpful Links
If you’re still not convinced that our Video on Demand Course is the right choice for you, go ahead and do it the hard way. Here’s some links that’ll help you get that Banging Your Head On a Brick Wall feeeeeelin’:
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on June 7, 2010
The exams are all currently delivered as files you download, and print. However, we’re developing a new online format that will be available this summer. These new exams will offer substantial advantages over the existing downloaded PDFs:
- The problems will draw from a large database of problems, thereby increasing variety.
- The new online exams will be strictly timed, which means that you’re going to have to work the clock – which makes for better preparation.
- You’ll be able to select from a variety of emphases – one discipline or mixed.
- Each exam will be graded instantly, with print-ready feedback on your performance.
- All questions and solutions will be available at the end of the timed tests and can be downloaded and printed.
We will transition all existing Practice Exam subscribers.
Category: Course Content, FAQ
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on May 7, 2010
In order to watch videos on our site, the following system requirements are recommended for the best viewing experience:
- Macromedia Flash Player 7.0+ plug-in
- Windows 2000 or higher with latest updates installed
- Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
- Firefox 1.1+, Internet Explorer 7.0+, or Safari 1.0+
- Broadband connection with 500+ Kbps
Category: FAQ, Technical (Computer) Questions | Tags: system requirements, video won't play
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on May 7, 2010
Since the videos we offer on the site set up as a progressive download, there is no internet connection speed requirement to view the videos. A slower connection will simply result in a longer wait until the stream begins to play. That said, we do recommend a broadband connection with 500+ Kbps.
To check your internet speed, check one of the various online speed checkers, such as: http://www.america.myspeedtestonline.com/
Category: FAQ, Technical (Computer) Questions | Tags: system requirements, video won't play |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on May 7, 2010
We have a clever algorithm that inspects the time your account will have been shown as active.
We can issue a certificate providing you have put in an adequate amount of time.
Category: FAQ, Other
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on February 9, 2010
We are constantly updating the video and pdf materials on PE Review. It is very possible that you’re looking at an outdated version of the video and problem, due to your computer’s cache.
This is your computer’s temporary storage area where frequently accessed data is stored for quick access. Your computer has effectively made a copy of the pereview site contents, at some time in the past. So, it’s going to content that has been replaced, upgraded, or corrected.
All you need to do is empty your cache, and you’ll be accessing the very latest information. If you’re not sure how to empty your cache, go to: http://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Your-Browser’s-Cache
Category: FAQ, Technical (Computer) Questions
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on January 22, 2010
There are a couple of ways that an employer can pay for any of the PE Review courses. The easiest would be to have your employer simply sign up as the employee and pay with a credit card as any other subscriber would.
If an employer would rather be invoiced, then here are the steps to follow:
- Send me an e-mail with your employers address details.
- Go to PeReview.net and ‘sign up’, just like a regular subscriber, except you leave out the credit card part.
- We will invoice your employer by e-mail.
- As soon as we receive a confirmation of receipt of the invoice and e-mail commitment to pay, we will open your subscriptions.
Category: Employers, FAQ
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on January 22, 2010
Go to the pereview.net home page and click on the tab “STORE” on the top of the page. It will take you to a set of materials useful for the PE exam. Click on “Permissible Calculators” (on the left under ‘powered by Amazon’). You’ll see all of the permissible calculators. We like the HP calculators the best because of their ‘feel’. They are the most robust calculators on the market. The best one is the HP 33S which can be pre-programmed to a limited but permissible level.
Category: FAQ, The PE Exam
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
No – the subscription is in your name and is for you alone.
Category: FAQ, Subscriptions & Fees |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
An unofficial estimate is 70%. Go to the link to NCEES below where they explain the rationale.
Category: FAQ, The PE Exam |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
These are delivered in PDF format. You download the files, print them, and then take the exams under “exam conditions”. The detailed solutions will enable you to score your own efforts. The solutions will help you fix your mistakes. The timing is the key because it will prepare you for the unusual 4 hour format.
Category: Course Content, FAQ |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
You can try the 2-hour exams under timed conditions; or you can double up two exams to simulate the ‘real thing’. You can even set up a full day’s worth (4hours + 4hours) to get the complete experience!
Category: Course Content, FAQ |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
Most states permit three-ring binders with notes. Some do not allow collections of solved problems. Some allow only textbooks and standard reference handbooks. Contact your state board for details. NCEES has an approved list of calculators and candidates must use a calculator from the approved list. Their current list can be found at: http://www.ncees.org/news/index.php?release_id=44
Category: FAQ, The PE Exam |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
All states take the same exam prepared by the NCEES. However, certain states individually have additional exam rules about what you can take into the exam, and what you can’t. Contact your state board for details.
Category: FAQ, The PE Exam |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
There are two four-hour examinations, each with 40 multiple-choice questions. The morning examination is general covering all Civil Engineering disciplines.
Category: FAQ, The PE Exam |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
Yes. The PE Exam has an unusual format (two 4-hour exams in one day!) and timing will be critical. Taking the 2-hour practice exams will sharpen your exam technique. There are ten 2-hour practice exams with 20 questions in each. They cover all five disciplines.
Category: Course Content, FAQ |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
No. All you need is audio and video so that you can hear and see the instruction video.
Category: FAQ, Technical (Computer) Questions |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
No. We host the service. All you need is a computer with an Internet connection. If your Operating System is more than 3 years old, you’ll probably have to update some key components such as “Windows Media Player”. The video demos are delivered in “High Definition Flash”. It’s just like “You-Tube”, only better.
Category: FAQ, Technical (Computer) Questions |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
Yes. You can upgrade any time.
Category: FAQ, Subscriptions & Fees |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
When you watch the video demonstrations and fill in your own solutions onto the PDF downloads, sometimes you’d like to ask a question – the Video on Demand Plus package affords the opportunity to send up to 5 e-mail questions to your Instructor, each week, on any aspect of the demonstrated or practice exam problems.
Category: FAQ, Other |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
No. But we believe that if you apply yourself to the program, your chances of passing are good. Your subscription runs for a year so you’ll be able to use it for a second try at the exam, if needed.
Category: FAQ, Other |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
No. All materials you need are available on the site.
Category: FAQ, How Does It Work |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
Yes. Dial-up will work, but the video can be a little “lumpy” at times. Other subscribers have used 56k modems and have watched the videos. Remember also, you can work from any computer with an internet connection. Some people put an hour in after work.
Category: FAQ, Technical (Computer) Questions |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
The material is all online. You download the problems and watch the videos which are streamed.
Category: FAQ, How Does It Work |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
As many times as you want.
Category: FAQ, How Does It Work |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
No. All materials are downloaded from the web site. However, if there’s enough interest, we may offer a ‘hard copy’ service.
Category: FAQ, How Does It Work |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
Your subscription remains open for 365 days. Remember, you work at your own pace to your own schedule.
Category: FAQ, Other |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
Yes. When we identify that you have downloaded the problems and activated the video demonstrations, we can send you a certificate of completion, by e-mail.
Category: FAQ, Subscriptions & Fees |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
24 modules, each with 8 problems. They’re arranged in disciplines and by sub-topic. See PE Course Content.
Category: FAQ, How Does It Work |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
Video delivered to your pc or mac – just like “You Tube”.
Category: FAQ, How Does It Work |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
You get a PDF with a partial solution for each demo problem – the video is a demonstration of how to do the problem – you ‘work-along’ with the instructor filling in the essential calculations, as he does. This way, the material sticks!
Category: FAQ, How Does It Work |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
Yes – we developed new Construction Modules and other changes.
Category: Course Content, FAQ |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
We have a cool algorithm that monitors subscription, activity, video runs, and practice exam access. We issue certificates when we can identify a minimum measure of subscriber activity.
Category: FAQ, Subscriptions & Fees |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
Some of you will be selective covering those areas that are your weaker points. But if you were to cover the entire course, it would take 30 to 40 hours of study. Take a look at the right side-bar on the home page where you’ll find a handy estimator. It takes the number of days between today and the exam, and gives you an estimate of the time you’ll need to put in each day.
Category: Course Content, FAQ |
By Dr. Peter T. Martin on September 29, 2009
Some employers have credit cards and can subscribe you directly, online. Some employers prefer to reimburse after you sign on, when you provide them your receipt. Some prefer to invoice in the traditional way; have them e-mail us at EmployerServices@pereview.net
Category: FAQ, Subscriptions & Fees |
