How Long to Study for the PE Exam And the Top Prep Courses That Actually Work

If you’re planning to take the FE Civil Exam, the PE Civil Practice Exam, or earn your CFM Certification, you’re already on the right path to advancing your engineering or management career. But with so many courses and study materials available, how do you know which one is right for you?

This blog answers the most common questions students ask about these professional exams, from what they are, why they matter, and how to prepare effectively, with examples and tips to help you succeed.

1. What Are the FE and PE Exams, and Why Are They Important?

The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Professional Engineer) exams are two critical milestones in an engineer’s career journey.

  • The FE Exam is the first step. It tests your understanding of fundamental engineering concepts usually taken by students in their final year of college or by recent graduates.

  • The PE Exam comes next, once you’ve gained a few years of work experience. Passing it proves that you have the professional knowledge and judgment to practice engineering independently.

Example:


 Imagine you’ve just graduated with a degree in civil engineering. Passing the FE Civil Exam qualifies you as an Engineer in Training (EIT). After four years of experience, you take the PE Civil Exam to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE)  a credential that opens doors to senior roles, higher salaries, and project leadership opportunities.

2. What Does the FE Civil Exam Include?

The FE Civil Exam covers the foundational topics every civil engineer must know. According to NCEES, it includes:

  • Mathematics and Probability

  • Statics and Dynamics

  • Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics

  • Geotechnical Engineering

  • Structural Analysis and Design

  • Transportation and Environmental Engineering

The exam is computer‐based and typically contains 110 multiple‐choice questions to be completed in about 6 hours (with scheduled breaks).

Tip: Start your FE Exam Prep at least 3-4 months before your test date. Use a structured FE Exam Prep Study Guide that breaks down topics by difficulty and provides plenty of practice problems.

3. How Should You Prepare for the FE Civil Exam?

Preparing for the FE exam can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can simplify the process.

Here’s a step-by-step FE Exam Prep plan:

  1. Start with the NCEES FE Reference Handbook.
    This free PDF from NCEES includes all equations you’ll need during the exam. Get familiar with it early.

  2. Choose a Quality FE Exam Prep Course.
    Platforms like Civil Engineering Academy and School of PE offer full FE review courses that cover every topic with video lessons and quizzes.

  3. Use an FE Exam Prep Study Guide.
    A well-structured guide provides chapter summaries, sample problems, and solutions that mirror the real test.

  4. Practice with Realistic Questions.
    Practice is key! Use FE Civil Practice Exams that simulate the actual test environment.

Example:
If you struggle with Geotechnical Engineering, dedicate specific days to drilling practice problems and reviewing related formulas from the handbook. Then take a timed quiz to measure your progress.

 What Is the PE Civil Exam and Who Should Take It?

The PE Civil Exam is designed for engineers who have already passed the FE exam and have about 4 years of professional experience.

It tests your ability to apply engineering principles in real‐world scenarios, focusing on design, analysis, and problem‐solving.

You can choose from five specializations:

  • Construction

  • Geotechnical

  • Structural

  • Transportation

  • Water Resources & Environmental

Example:
If you work in road construction, the PE Civil Transportation Exam might be the best fit. It will test your knowledge in traffic analysis, pavement design, and highway safety  all directly related to your field.

5. What Does the PE Civil Practice Exam Look Like?

The PE Civil Practice Exam is an 8-hour test divided into two 4-hour sessions:

  • Morning (breadth): General civil engineering questions (covers all five subject areas)

  • Afternoon (depth): Your chosen specialization

Each section contains multiple‐choice questions (typically ≈ 40 questions each).

It’s open book, meaning you can bring reference materials — but only if you know how to use them efficiently!

PE Exam Prep Tip:
Don’t just collect books; organize your materials. Use tabs and sticky notes to quickly find formulas and charts during the test.

6. How Long Should You Study for the PE Exam?

Now this is one of the most common questions. Based on recent guidance:

  • According to one article, “most candidates spend 150-300 hours prepping for the PE exam over 3-6 months.”

  • Some recommend 300+ hours, especially for those who haven’t practiced engineering recently or are taking a less familiar discipline.

Realistic guideline:

  • If you’re well-versed in your discipline, working full‐time in that area, you might aim for ~150-200 hours.

  • If you’re less familiar with some topics, plan closer to 250-300 hours.

  • Start early. For example, 3-6 months before the exam, studying 8-12 hours/week (or ramping up later) works well.

Example schedule:

  • Months 1-2: 4–5 hours/week (foundation review)

  • Months 3-4: 8–10 hours/week (practice problems)

  • Final month: 10–12 hours/week + full‐length practice exams on weekends

This kind of structured plan gives you time to absorb, practice, review, and simulate the actual test.

7. How Can You Prepare Effectively for the PE Exam?

Here’s a PE Exam Prep Study Plan you can follow:

  1. Start Early (at least 4–6 months before).
    Spread out your study schedule across all exam topics.

  2. Use the PE Civil Practice Exam Book.
    Solve sample problems from NCEES‐approved materials. These mimic the format and difficulty of real questions.

  3. Enroll in a PE Exam Prep Study Course.
    Courses from Civil Engineering Academy, PPI2Pass, or School of PE provide guided lessons, video tutorials, and timed mock exams.

  4. Focus on Weak Areas.
    If Hydrology or Structural Analysis is challenging, devote more practice time there.

  5. Simulate the Real Exam.
    Take at least one full‐length mock exam under timed conditions. It helps build endurance and confidence.

Example:
Many successful students say they studied 10–12 hours per week for 4 months and took 2-3 complete practice exams before test day.

8. What Is the CFM Certification, and Who Should Consider It?

The CFM Certification (Certified Floodplain Manager) is offered by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM).

It’s designed for professionals involved in floodplain management, civil engineering, and environmental planning.

Earning your CFM Certification demonstrates that you understand floodplain regulations, mapping, and risk management  skills in high demand for government agencies, consulting firms, and environmental organizations.

Example:
If you work on flood control or drainage projects, the CFM Certification can make you a trusted expert in your field. Many civil engineers pursue both PE and CFM credentials to strengthen their careers.

9. How Do You Prepare for the CFM Certification Exam?

To prepare for the CFM Exam, follow these steps:

  1. Review the CFM Exam Content Outline.
    The topics include floodplain mapping, regulations, and flood insurance basics.

  2. Take an Online CFM Prep Course.
    ASFPM-approved courses offer video lessons, case studies, and quizzes.

  3. Study the FEMA Manuals.
    Familiarize yourself with key resources like FEMA 480: National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Floodplain Management Requirements.

  4. Practice Sample Questions.
    Use a CFM study guide or flashcards to review key terms and concepts.

While the recommended study hours for CFM are less rigorous than for PE, you still need to dedicate a consistent block of time (e.g., 40–60 hours) depending on your familiarity with floodplain management.

10. What Are the Top-Ranked Study Exam Prep Courses for FE, PE, and CFM?

Here are some of the Top-Ranked Study Exam Prep Courses based on student reviews, pass rates, and content quality:

ExamTop-Ranked Course ProvidersHighlights
FE Civil ExamCivil Engineering Academy, School of PE, PrepFEVideo lessons, topic quizzes, full-length practice tests
PE Civil ExamPPI2Pass, Civil Engineering Academy, EETStructured modules, live classes, and realistic simulations
CFM CertificationASFPM Online Training, Floodplain Management UniversityReal-world examples, FEMA updates, and self-paced learning

Bonus Tip:
Choose a prep course that matches your learning style. If you prefer structured guidance, go for instructor-led courses. If you like flexibility, choose a self‐paced online program.

11. Why Should You Invest in a Prep Course Instead of Self-Studying?

Many students try to self‐study but end up feeling overwhelmed. A structured course offers:

  • Guided Learning Path: You don’t waste time figuring out what to study.

  • Expert Instruction: Learn from professionals who’ve passed the exam.

  • Practice Tests: Identify your weak areas early.

  • Accountability: Scheduled lessons keep you consistent.

Example:
Students who used a structured FE Exam Prep Study Guide or online course reported 20–30% higher pass rates compared to self‐study methods.

12. What Are Common Mistakes Students Make During Exam Prep?

Here are some frequent pitfalls  and how to avoid them:

Mistake 1: Studying without a plan.
Fix: Create a detailed weekly schedule with topic goals.

Mistake 2: Ignoring practice exams.
Fix: Take at least two full‐length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

Mistake 3: Memorizing instead of understanding.
Fix: Focus on concept application, not just formulas.

Mistake 4: Studying only easy topics.
Fix: Balance your time between strong and weak subjects.

13. Final Thoughts: How to Stay Motivated Until Exam Day

Studying for professional exams is a long process  but remember why you started.

Passing the FE Civil Exam, PE Civil Practice Exam, or earning your CFM Certification isn’t just about getting a title. It’s about proving your knowledge, expanding your opportunities, and making a lasting impact in your field.

Motivational Quote:

“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally; it comes from what you do consistently.”

Stay disciplined, use the right resources, and believe in your preparation. With the help of top‐ranked study exam prep courses, your professional engineering goals are well within reach.

Key Takeaways:

  • Start early and plan your prep schedule.

  • Use reliable resources like FE and PE practice exams.

  • Choose top-ranked prep courses for structured learning.

  • Stay consistent and confident.

Your dream of becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) is closer than you think all it takes is the right preparation and mindset.



FAQ.

How long should I study for the PE Exam?

Most candidates spend 150–300 hours preparing for the PE exam, spread over 3–6 months. If you’re working full-time, aim for 8–12 hours per week of consistent study. Use structured PE exam prep courses and full-length practice exams to maximize your efficiency.

2. What is the best way to prepare for the FE Civil Exam?

Start by downloading the NCEES FE Reference Handbook, then follow a FE Exam Prep Study Guide or enroll in a top-ranked FE prep course such as Civil Engineering Academy, PrepFE, or School of PE. Study 2–3 hours daily for 3–4 months, and take multiple mock exams before test day.

4. What is included in the PE Civil Practice Exam?

The PE Civil Practice Exam includes both breadth (general civil engineering) and depth (specialized) sections. The exam lasts 8 hours and covers 80 multiple-choice questions. Practice using NCEES-approved PE practice exams to get familiar with the real format.

5. What are the top-ranked study exam prep courses for PE and FE exams?

Some of the top-ranked study exam prep courses include:

  • Civil Engineering Academy – for both FE and PE

  • PPI2Pass – known for in-depth video lessons and practice problems

  • School of PE – offers live and on-demand classes

  • EET (Engineering Education and Training) – great for PE Civil depth review

These courses provide structured study plans, realistic simulations, and expert guidance.

6. How many months should I study for the FE Civil Exam?

You should begin studying at least 3 months before your FE exam date. Dedicate 150–200 hours total to review concepts, solve practice problems, and take sample tests. A mix of self-study and guided prep works best.

7. What is CFM Certification and why is it important?

The CFM (Certified Floodplain Manager) Certification is offered by ASFPM. It validates your expertise in floodplain management, FEMA regulations, and flood risk mitigation. Earning this certification enhances your credibility in civil, environmental, and public sector roles.

8. How do I prepare for the CFM Certification Exam?

Study FEMA publications such as FEMA 480 and FEMA 775, and enroll in an ASFPM-approved CFM prep course. Spend around 40–60 hours reviewing regulations, flood maps, and sample questions.

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