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SE Exam Studying

SE Exam Studying

SE Exam Studying

(OP)
Hello,

I am just beginning to prepare for the SE Exam and have realized that the material for this exam is so encompassing and varied in comparison with the PE exam. I've read all the posts and materials about references, requirements, etc. but wanted to see if someone can offer some advice where to begin my studying. I live in a state where SE is not a requirement, but feel that by passing this exam, I would improve my qualifications while also learning something along the way. Should I go back to my old textbooks and re-learn some concepts of the areas I don't do every day or just go straight into the practice problems? Of course, I do work, so I am trying to optimize my time also. Thanks for your time and advice!

RE: SE Exam Studying

Are you attempting to sit for the October 25th test date? If so, you are tragically late in your study schedule. If you are thinking of the April 2014 date, there is time.

The SE Exam (each day) is really two exams in one. The first exam (the AM portion) tests a cursory knowledge of the design codes. The practice exams, Six Minute Solutions, and other publications cover this part reasonably well. The second exam (the PM portion) is the lighting round. How fast can you design and detail 4 problems, one from each of the materials covered. This is more difficult to study. Rebar detailing, development length, maximum spacing of bars, minimum reinforcement area, etc. are all well represented and that is just relative to concrete. There is one book that shows the full depth of these problems that I have seen: "246 Solved Structural Engineering Problems" published by PPI.

The exam requires nothing less than your total effort. Just remember “Success is a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired. You quit when the gorilla is tired.”

RE: SE Exam Studying

Make sure you get comfortable with the basics of structural analysis from the textbooks. But you also need to really get familiar with what is in the codes that the test uses. Go through each entire code book, tab pages, and make equation sheets for quick reference. GET FAMILIAR WITH AASHTO. I have seen many talented structural engineers fail the exam because they blew off studying for the bridge portion. The bridge questions honestly aren't that difficult even if you never do bridge design as long as you prepare adequately. Then do as many practice problems as you can. Recommended study time is 150-200 hours for the P.E. exam, probably double that for the S.E. exam because it is twice as long and very difficult.

RE: SE Exam Studying

If you are reasonable well-versed and structures but you want to start somewhere:

Make sure you can get through Chapters 11 and 12 of the ASCE7 in your sleep. Be able to get from Ground Acceleration Values -> Seismic Design Values -> Seismic Design Category -> Base Shear quickly...and be able to distribute that base shear upwards as need be. Every test is different, but from the practice problems you will see that generating these values are often a first step...which then leads into other steps. If you spend too much time fumbling here, you won't be able to tackle the additional tasks which are sure to follow.

"We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us." -WSC

RE: SE Exam Studying

(OP)
Thanks to all! Any other advice is helpful. Oh and no, I have not even selected when to take the exam, still very early, but probably in April '15

RE: SE Exam Studying

Consider joining your local Structural Engineers Association Chapter and taking the Structural Engineering Exam review course when they offer it. The information is current, and the outline provided will save you tons of time. I did and never regretted it for a moment.

By the way, when you are finished with the test, plan in advance to let off steam and reward yourself with a 72 oz microbrew with some of your compatriots. Believe me, you will need it.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

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