For listeners of the Civil Engineering Academy Podcast, the transition from the usual pen-and-paper exam to a computer-based format (CBT) is not “breaking news”. We’ve all listened to episode 51 of the podcast featuring Tim Miller, the Chief Officer of Examinations at the NCEES, who oversees the development and scoring of all examinations, as well as the exam administration. In his interview with Isaac, he presented NCEES’s plan for accelerating this transition and making the civil PE exam go 100% CBT in 2022!

While the reason for accelerating this move came as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications, it actually follows the trend already put into practice for the FE exam and the PE exam for mechanical engineering. Today, Mark jumps back on the show to discuss some of the new conditions announced by NCEES that will come along with such a move, and whether or not they can be considered a pro or a con, at least from a test-taker standpoint.

On one hand, people will be able to take the test any time of the year, as opposed to the previous April and October time frames people used to center their studies around. On the other hand, there’s a slight possibility that questions belonging to the breadth and depth portions could get mixed up and tested “together”. To top it all off, the number of references test-takers can bring to the testing locations will be reduced to…. Listen to the show to find out!

The CBT format is now, more than ever, a reality. It’s not something to be afraid of. It's just something that will require an adaptation period and a lot of discipline and effort. If you’re planning on taking the PE exam or the FE exam, do not forget to check out the Civil PE Review Course and the Civil FE Review Course to refresh your memory on all the things you need to know to ace these exams!

Resources Mentioned

CEA Episode 51 with Tim Miller - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/cea-51-the-ncees-chief-officer-of-exams-tim-miller-pe/

The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course - https://civilpereviewcourse.com/

The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course - https://civilfereviewcourse.com/

PPI is our partner to help you ace your FE and PE exams. Use our discount code of CIVAC and our link to get 15% off any book you order - http://www.civilengineeringacademy.com/ppi

If you need exams, solved problems, or courses, make sure to check out our home base - https://civilengineeringacademy.com

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