Mechanical PE Exam Prep Podcast

In this episode, I talk with professional engineer Bryan Hermany. Bryan's story is unique because his degree is in architectural engineering and he took the 20 plus years experience route to become eligible for the HVAC and Refrigeration PE exam. With a full plate of responsibilities personally and professionally, Bryan stresses the importance of accountability as a key factor in passing the PE ex...

There is nothing quite like finding out that you are becoming a parent to light a fire under anyone with significant goals. Many of the engineers I’ve had the privilege of supporting in the last few years became highly motivated to pass the PE exam prior to the arrival of a new baby. This is undoubtedly a wise approach as the addition of a new person in your life brings about a reorganization of p...

In this episode, Dan speaks with Nate and Joe, mechanical engineers working in the utility power industry in California. As college friends, roommates, and colleagues, Nate and Joe were the ultimate accountability partners for each other during the PE exam study process, which enabled them to pass on the first try. Their story illustrates how a successful study journey can be balanced and rewardin...

In this episode, we answer several questions submitted by recent PE candidates, such as what percent score you need to be getting on practice exams to be ready, how to study for conceptual questions, whether you can get a raise for having your PE in two disciplines, and my feedback on a typical study schedule. To get in touch, email Dan@mechanicalPEexamprep.com. I welcome feedback and questions.

In this episode, Dan speaks with Cat, a Professional Engineer who has been practicing in the state of Washington for 5 years. We look back on Cat's exam preparation including her strategy and mindset, how she avoided burnout, and how she dealt with exam anxiety and imposter syndrome and is now thriving in her her career. This episode is full of key themes and common challenges candidates encounter...

The vast majority of PE candidates are within the first 10 years of their career when they pursue professional licensure. My personal experience puts me in this majority, having obtained my PE license in 2014, 6 years after completing my undergraduate engineering degree. However, there is a smaller cohort of PE candidates that have been in their careers for a decade or more and are only now seekin...

In this episode, Dan speaks with Julian, a Professional Engineer who recently passed the PE Exam. Julian shares his experience and methodology as well as some of the pitfalls and surprises along the way. He shows how strong preparation will allow you to stay cool even when something unexpected happens on your exam day.

In this episode, we discuss strategies for making your study process faster and more effective without risking failure. We talk about the common misconceptions and pitfalls that candidates often succumb to despite having good intentions. Any questions or feedback reach out to Dan Molloy, PE at Dan@mechanicalPEexamprep.com

This episode presents a framework for deciding which method of preparation is right for the the aspiring professional engineer in terms of a variety of factors including the cost of the investment associated with each method. To get in touch, visit www.mechanicalPEexamprep.com.

In this episode, I talk to professional engineer Luke Fauss about his experience passing the PE exam on the first try while juggling the responsibilities of being a new parent. Luke possesses an infection enthusiasm that I personally find inspiring, and I'm excited for you hear his thoughtful approach to the bigger picture of exam prep.

This podcast offers a handful of practical tips for cultivating the ability to build new cognitive skills. We'll discuss six specific tactics from the three key pillars: Sleep, Nutrition, and Fitness. You don't have to be perfect. The benefits from these practices will powerfully set the stage for an enriching and enjoyable study experience. To get in touch, visit www.mechanicalPEexamprep.com.

In this episode, I talk to professional engineer Sean Boston about his experience preparing for and passing the mechanical PE exam after moving to the US from Australia. We discuss the unique challenge that international engineers face when having to use US Customary Units, and the importance of flagging questions to revisit later as a key exam day strategy. So with that, here's my chat with Sean.

In this episode, we discuss three rules for "Slow Studying" adapted from professor and author Cal Newport. Cal has had a major influence on my thinking about how to best perform deep work. We will cover the importance of doing less, studying at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. We will come to see how slowing down can, paradoxically, make the study process faster!

In this episode, I talk to professional engineer Brett Screechfield about his experience preparing for and passing the HVAC & Refrigeration PE exam on the first try. Brett's success story gets to the heart of why it is often difficult to know if or when you are actually ready to take the PE exam. His final takeaways are absolute gems for anyone going through the PE Exam study process. So with...

In this episode we discuss the motivation cycle, specifically the slump so many candidates go through in the middle of the study process, and 3 tactics for dealing with the common struggle.

In this episode, I talk to professional engineer Kalin Hollingbery about his experience preparing for and passing the HVAC & Refrigeration PE exam on the sixth try. Kalin's persistence is truly amazing and his story is a perfect example of not only building technical competence but also personal and professional growth. Anyone re-taking the PE exam will be inspired by the advice in this episod...

In this episode, we talk about 3 tips for retaking the PE Exam for candidates who have failed but remain committed to getting their PE license. Even if you have failed multiple times, these observations from working with hundreds of candidates gets to the root of what adjustments need to be made so you can pass on your next try. To enroll in the Full Access Bundle, visit www.mechanicalPEexamprep.c...

In this episode, I talk to recent candidate and soon to be professional engineer Brad Bonavida about his experience preparing for and passing the HVAC & Refrigeration PE exam on the first try. Brad's approach has a perfect balance of confidence and humility, which I hope aspiring PEs will take notice of and emulate so they can have the same success as Brad.

Map of which states are exam first and which are application first. NCEES list of state board websites. NCEES Exam Specifications HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle Thermal & Fluids System Full Access Bundle