Mechanical PE Exam Prep Podcast

Evan Adamson took a winding road to his PE license — from centrifugal pumps in California, to roller coaster wheels, to a cross-country COVID move to Texas that pulled him out of engineering for nearly four years. In this episode, he shares how he rebuilt his technical foundation from scratch, developed a study plan that had him walking into exam day with genuine confidence, and learned the crucia...

Zach Tedford's path to the PE wasn't a straight line — it took a decade of life happening, a marriage, three kids, and a management role before he finally went all in. Then in just 8 weeks, he passed. In this episode, Zach breaks down exactly what changed, what it cost him, and why he says preparation is the only thing standing between you and those two letters after your name. ENROLL IN FE &...

In this episode, Dan Molloy PE speaks with Jonah Murray who shares how he navigated a major career pivot—from wastewater projects to overhead transmission lines—while preparing for and ultimately passing the Thermal & Fluids Systems PE exam. After coming up short on his first attempt, Jonah regrouped and rebuilt his approach, committing to early-morning study sessions during his busiest season...

In this episode, Dan Molloy, P.E. talks with Cherian Joshua, a mechanical engineer who failed the PE once, procrastinated for two years, and finally broke through by changing how and where he studied. We dive into why studying alone at home wasn’t working, how nightly library sessions with a coworker became the turning point, and why booking the exam date and buying a prep course on the spot flipp...

In this episode, Dan Molloy, P.E. sits down with Gabriel Montalvo, a mechanical engineer who recently passed the PE exam after years of postponing it due to work, life, and uncertainty. Gabriel shares how a nontraditional background in facilities engineering, retrofits, and controls—not pure design—actually became a strength during exam prep, and how disciplined study habits helped him rebuild rus...

In this episode, Tyler Lloyd shares his honest and inspiring journey to passing the Mechanical PE Exam after regrouping from a tough first attempt. He opens up about the mindset shifts, study habits, and personal discipline that transformed his second try—including how a parallel physical challenge became the unlikely key to staying motivated. We dive into what changed, how he rebuilt confidence,...

In this episode Dan chats with Muhammad, a mechanical engineer in New York City who recently earned his PE license after years of persistence through immigration challenges, demanding aviation projects, and family milestones. Muhammad shares how he shifted from memorizing problems to truly understanding engineering concepts — a mindset change that transformed his preparation and performance. He re...

In this episode, I talk with Andrew Gleason, a mechanical engineer who recently passed the PE exam in New York after an inspiring comeback. Andrew shares how he balanced a demanding work schedule, coaching hockey, and personal travel while refining his study strategy after an initial setback. He opens up about what changed the second time around — from daily repetition and focused problem-solving...

In this episode, I sit down with engineer Malachi Tesarik, who took the FE in March, graduated in May, and passed the PE by September — all while settling into his first full-time engineering job. Malachi shares how he balanced on-the-job learning with 17-hour study weeks, the mindset that kept him motivated, and what it’s like preparing for the PE so early in his career. Tune in for practical stu...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Blake and Carlton—two newly licensed Professional Engineers—to talk about the realities of preparing for the PE exam. Carlton shares how he “would not have succeeded at taking the PE exam if I didn’t have somebody like Blake there keeping me accountable”—highlighting the power of study partners and weekly check-ins. Blake admits that he “floundered for the first...

In this episode of the Mechanical PE Exam Prep Podcast, I break down the upcoming 2025 PE exam specification changes for HVAC and Thermal/Fluid Systems exams. Despite the new four-section structure (loads, systems, equipment, and support), the core engineering concepts remain the same. I explain why engineers shouldn't stress about the changes and provide insights into what to expect, including co...

In this episode, David Tresner, PE, shares how he finally tackled the PE exam after 12 years in the industry, squeezing in study time between raising two young kids and preparing for a third on the way. With a background in construction engineering and a full-time remote job in design-build contracting, David opens up about the challenges of studying with an unpredictable schedule and the mental s...

In this episode, Peter Markarian, P.E., shares his inspiring journey from marine engineering to healthcare project management, including his unique path through missionary work and forensic engineering. He opens up about the challenges of balancing life transitions, a demanding job, and PE exam prep—revealing how he overcame setbacks with resilience and strategic study habits. Peter’s insights on...

In this episode, Dan sits down with David, a mechanical engineer who recently passed the PE exam after 17 years in the oil and gas industry. David shares his unconventional journey into engineering, from a childhood fascination with machines to a career pivot into forensic engineering. He opens up about the challenges of balancing study time with a cross-country move, a midlife career shift, and e...

In this inspiring episode, Christian shares his incredible journey from failing the FE exam eight times to passing the CEM, FE, and PE exams all in one year—fueled by purpose and perseverance. He opens up about how shifting his mindset from chasing credentials to engineering with intention transformed his career, leading him to start his own firm and serve his community. With candid stories from t...

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Misael, a mechanical engineer who recently passed the PE exam after years of dedication and hard work. From learning English as a second language to earning a master’s degree and landing a job at NASA, our guest shares the challenges and strategies that helped them succeed. We discuss study routines, time management, and the mental game of tackling one...

In this episode, I chat with Nitish, a mechanical engineer who shares his journey of passing the PE exam after years of real-world experience and dedicated study. We dive into his transition from mastering fundamentals to applying them in practical HVAC commissioning scenarios, along with the challenges he faced in fluid mechanics and psychrometrics. Nitish also reveals the strategies that helped...

In this episode, I chat with Suvam, a mechanical designer who recently passed the PE exam. We dive into his journey from studying mechanical engineering in Texas to balancing work, life, and the intense study grind for the exam. Suvam shares valuable insights on forming study habits, tackling tough topics, and the mindset shifts that helped him succeed. Whether you're just starting your PE journey...

In this episode, I sit down with Mo, a determined engineer who recently passed the PE exam, to uncover his journey—from studying in Egypt to working in Dubai and ultimately earning his PE license in the U.S. Mo shares his unique study strategies, how he balanced exam prep with a full-time job and family, and the mindset shifts that helped him succeed. We dive into the challenges of mastering unit...

In this episode, Kevin shares his inspiring and candid journey to conquering the PE (Professional Engineer) exam after multiple attempts. From overcoming layoffs to navigating the challenges of computer-based testing, Kevin dives deep into his strategies, setbacks, and ultimate triumph. Discover how he balanced work, life, and intense study sessions while dealing with the pressure of career advanc...

Are you preparing for the PE exam as a mechanical engineer? This video provides a comprehensive guide to help you succeed, covering everything from the benefits of licensure and the application process to proven study strategies and essential resources. Whether you're focusing on HVAC & Refrigeration or Thermal and Fluids Systems, you'll find actionable tips to streamline your preparation and...

In this episode, Dan Molloy, PE, interviews Rafek, a mechanical engineer who recently passed the HVAC & Refrigeration PE exam after initially resisting the idea of becoming licensed. Rafek shares his career journey, from learning the ropes at small firms to co-founding his own business, and the pivotal decision to pursue the PE to unlock new opportunities. Through humor and candid reflections,...

In this episode, we discuss how preparing for the PE exam can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to assess your strengths and weaknesses as an engineer. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, this journey allows you to refresh and deepen your technical knowledge. Embracing both your strengths and challenging topics is crucial for becoming a well-rounded engineer...

In this episode, I talk with professional engineer Giles Hardy. Giles talks about adjustments that allowed him to improve on his FE experience and make his PE study journey effective and successful on the first try. We discuss calibrating expectations, making sacrifices, navigating the exam day, enjoying the feeling of relief and pride after passing, and adapting to the responsibility that comes w...

In this mailbag episode we cover questions from industry professionals in the program, several dealing with motivation and confidence during the PE exam prep process. What resources can be used for establishing requirements for HVAC system uptime? How to feel more prepared in the final month of prep? How to deal with exam anxiety, even on practice tests? How to prepare for conceptual problems and...