2017 is history. Leave any comments (and suggestions for blog or GB
improvements) in the comments below. I would enjoy hearing from anyone
and everyone.
Please remember the blog rule: prior PE
Exam questions, in whole or in part, will NOT be discussed on this blog.
General topics, such as resources, testing techniques, or general
problems only!
I'll kick this thread off with things I've learned talking to folk this year and reading last year's 2016 comments:
ReplyDelete1) The 7 Volume SPE Handbook Series (HS) is flat-out indispensable. Buy the whole set (I've got a link to it lower left). Can't afford it? Borrow or steal it! Tab chapters and know how to use it fast; I taped a TOC on the cover & spine for speed when I took the exam (see the picture on the 2016 Practice Exam below). Also: tab the VII Index by letter. Practice using it when you study or do practice exams.
2) Underline key passage in pencil through the entire Handbook. I'm going to add what I think are key passages to the Guidebook when I can find the time. The problem with the HS is that it is too big to use fast on the exam, the index is lame, and you really need the key passages available quickly like the Guidebook structure provides.
3) The SPE Textbook Series Volume 1, 2, & 12 are useful but you can get by without them if you have the Guidebook. But TS 12 is still a must have for the discussion points.
Related sidenote: The 2018 Practice Exam is quite a bit different in that it includes about 1/3 of the problems from the HS; the rest from the GB. I've done a better job editing/reviewing this practice exam as well, plus building an solution key for addition to the blog on demand.
The guidebook was very helpful this go around. I agree with your comment on the SPE handbook series. Most of the true/false were reference from the set. The other true/false questions involved vague terms I was able to find in the petroleum glossary. As expected, the calculation problems were a little more detailed than the ones in the practice tests.
ReplyDeleteAlex, thanks for that comment. Which practice tests did you take? 2004, 2014, 2016, 2017? Do you think the practice calc problems should be longer?
DeleteAnd congrats for giving that monster a go. These days few Petro types have the stamina.
I highly suggest that people do the 2014 SPE practice exam .... Davids test are way too easy.
DeleteFor those who don't know: the 2014 practice exam is not written for the PE Exam but for the SPE Certification Exam. The Cert has different timing, allows only one resource, and his thus a completely different beast. I took the 2014 in 2015 and found it to be way too easy as well as completely unlike the exam I took in the same year. This makes sense: the 2014 is for a completely different exam. Note I'm not the only one with this experience; nearly everyone I've spoken with agree with me on the 2014. I'm not slighting your experience Anon (everyone is different in their knowledge base and experience), I just want to make sure everyone here understands what the 2014 is all about, since I don't use it much for the reasons described.
DeleteAnon: Please note my practice exams are written to "practice" using the Guidebook with speed and at exam pace, not "predict" what will be on the exam you will take. If you use the Guidebook to simply "find" answers on the practice exams, rather than learn the material in anticipation of other questions relating to it, it won't guarantee success.
HI David, you have mentioned your point two:
Delete"Underline key passage in pencil through the entire Handbook. I'm going to add what I think are key passages to the Guidebook when I can find the time. The problem with the HS is that it is too big to use fast on the exam, the index is lame, and you really need the key passages available quickly like the Guidebook structure provides."
Did you ever end up doing that or it is still work in progress? If so what do you recommend highlighting specifically? Thanks in advance!
Yes, V2 has a Notes section an the end of the chapter. These are key passages I think worthy of including. But yes, it's still a work in progress too as I get suggestions and ideas from other people each year. My problem is the same as everyone who tries to write on this stuff: what is obvious to me is new for somebody else, and vise-versa on the next subject. So I take a lot of suggestions and change things often to hone if and make it better. I also add new subjects over time as well.
DeleteYou’re right about that. I was surprised to see so many petroleum test takers utilizing your study guide. Most who had it seemed pretty comfortable with the test.
ReplyDeleteI took all of the above exams. I worked about 10 to 20 problems a day for the past two months. This worked for me because I could go back through the questions I got wrong and rework them until I received the correct answer. As for the length of the questions, I think you have a good idea of how the test works. If somebody recognized the concept they were being tested on then they can follow the test taking strategy from the GB and add in a piece from elsewhere. It was a good idea to recommend the standing and Katz chart be added into the GB. It turned out to be a pretty useful resource as well.
I found the pace very painful, so wrote practice exams not to replicate the exam but rather the pace and resource needed. For me the most important skill? Being able to "cut and run" when nonproductive on a problem.
DeleteHi David, There was a lot of word questions. So a petroleum dictionary is a must. I did use your GB a lot. That was my most used reference.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to add "money quotes" from the Dictionary and SPE Handbook Series (HS) to the Guidebook, along with page references to the HS for fast access. I hated that HS index. Rather, I underline what I think are relevant passages.
DeleteI found the economics problems exceptionally hard.
ReplyDeleteI've noted most engineers who think economics problems are easy make a lot of mistakes on them. I sure do. So I personally find ECN (and DCA) problems the most dangerous of problem types. Of course testers are shooting for fail rates on each one, so "easy" subjects are gonna be trick-laden. So it if looks easy, be afraid. IOW, my view is that it's a good sign that you found them hard because that means you didn't fall for all the tricks. Cause you know they are there...
DeleteVery quickly, API reference and standards should be reviewed as well. Certain questions were from those resources. A good source of which API should be reviewed are from the resources page from Bing's Guidebook.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the guy sitting behind me only brought in Davids guide and he looked at me after the exam and said he failed. In my humble opine, David's tests are so easy compared to the actual exam. There is a sense of over self confidence going into the exam with the GB. Also a must have is the IADC drill bit guide and API standards as you noted. I missed 4 problems for not having a solid understanding of these items.
DeleteAPI Standards are on page vi in the Guidebook.
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DeleteEmmanuel, we are getting a bit too close to talking about actual exam problems. Could you delete that comment and repost with the general idea without exam reference?
DeleteKeep in mind the Guidebook has only 130 pages and captures maybe 80% of the exam subject material. That means you may see 15-20 problems not covered in the Guidebook at all. This is by design. For specific details on problems (say bits, IADC, pumps) you will either know it or not. Where most guys get hung up is trying to solve every problem regardless of their experience or knowledge. When I too the exam, I didn't use much besides the GB & dictionary, but I was an experienced engineer with broad experience (drilling, logging, production, some reservoir) and many petro types are very specific to their area of expertise. There is no cure for this but looking over the GB TOC and studying those areas until you know them all.
Anon: A good source of which API should be reviewed are from the resources page from Bing's Guidebook.
DeleteCould you be specific here? What API do you think should be reviewed? Because there is a big difference between knowing a general subject and the relevant API (the Guidebook shows this) and the actual details of the API doc. Are you suggesting knowing the detailed content (not general as the GB does) of the API is as good time investment when studying for the PE Exam? Or you would just carry certain API docs in?
Anon: the guy sitting behind me only brought in Davids guide and said he failed.
DeleteAs expected. As a 20 year engineer who wrote the Guide I woudln't dare do that (see my recommended resource list). I do know brave guys who have passed using only the Guide and a Dictionary, but they are clearly the elite. Bottom line: no book will pass the PE exam for you; all it can do give you the best shot.
Anon: A good source of which API should be reviewed are from the resources page from Bing's Guidebook.
DeleteCould you be specific here? What API do you think should be reviewed? Because there is a big difference between knowing a general subject and the relevant API (the Guidebook shows this) and the actual details of the API doc. Are you suggesting knowing the detailed content (not general as the GB does) of the API is as good time investment when studying for the PE Exam? Or you would just carry certain API docs in?
Original poster here: The original intent of my post was to let all future test takers know that the PE will now test you on the detailed information found within those API reference manuals. As you've indicated, it's probably not practical to bring them all to the test. Reviewing them before the exam doesn't necessarily help either because the questions they've asked were very specific. Knowing what I know now, however, I'd spend a day to briefly read through some of the documents.
Example: In the past a question may be "Which API document provides guidance on pipe usage under conditions". A question we were asked in this year's test were "Under XXXX API document, (this type of pipe) is allowed under which conditions?"
So the approach of this type of question is focusing on more details than just general knowledge. I think I've worded the example in a way that was not too specific to the exam.
Anon, got it, agreed. Very fair question and not "API" question at all, really, just testing one's experience of pipe material use under different conditions. There are 1,000 questions like this that could be asked, and any API details mentioned would just be a red-herring.
DeleteA similar example: in my 2017 Practice, I ask: ...the maximum tension that can be applied to the fast line while remaining below the API recommended design factor... A person doesn't need to know the API specs to get this one right, just a rough idea of what the practical limits are. Also, in my 2018 practice I ask T/F: API does not specify the minimum yield strength for sucker rods. On this one, you won't need the API you just need the Handbook. This is one of many "money quotes" I hope to add to the Guidebook.
A lot of word problems can be solved by using elimination and common sense even without refering to the handbook or API reference.
ReplyDeleteThe GB is a must have to pass the exam, if you don't have a lot of time to review all the materials David suggested. PE exam tries to examine the engineer's understanding of different domain knowledge. I think not many engineers can cover all areas if he or she has less than 10 years' experience like me.I think GB was not only the main reference during the PE exam, it will also help me to do my job in the following years even I am thinking to quit from petroleum industry since it will shrink to much smaller in next 10-15 years.
ReplyDeleteEveryone getting antsy?
ReplyDeleteWhen are online results expected? Was earlier than I expected in 2015 (was shocked to see it when somebody suggested I look...)
DeleteFrom what I gather it’s always on a Thursday at 10 am EST. Looks like we missed yesterday, so perhaps next? That would line up with Bing’s theory...1st week in December.
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ReplyDeleteThanks for the note. Don't let it get you down; most petros don't have the guts to even take it. Any suggestions/comments for next year prep, materials, methods?
DeleteChecking in from Louisiana. Pass here, no score listed. Any way to find out what the cut-off score was?
ReplyDeleteReporting from Texas: Pass! First time taking it, starting studying ~ 1 month prior to the test. The Guidebook was very helpful, but I feel it was Hyne's Dictionary that really saved me.
ReplyDeleteAgree. I probably answered 15 questions straight from that dictionary. By far the best reference to bring in for the test.
DeletePassed in Texas, no idea how to find out my score on the website.
ReplyDeletePassed in Louisiana. Second Attempt. Guidebook was essential.
ReplyDeleteI failed with a score of 37/80. I didn't find this site and Guidebook until after the test. Guess I'll start studying for next year...
ReplyDeleteI really don't understand, I got 44 correct out of 80, and my score on the website is 69. And failed.
ReplyDeleteWhere do you see a score of 69? Mine does not show a score
DeleteIn Texas you can learn your score from the Texas Board's website.
DeleteHow did you get to know your raw score (out of 80)?
DeleteResults haven't been released in Colorado, but there's no way I scored a 44, even with the guidebook. Guess I should start preparing to take it again.
ReplyDeletePassed in Texas at the 1st attempt. TBPE showed my score as 71.00. Is that the number of questions I correctly answered?
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DeleteWhere can I find this info? Thanks!
DeleteWell I guess 46/80 was the passing score this year. I got 44/80 and did not pass. Will need to do a little better next year
ReplyDeleteMy guess is the passing score was 45. If the person who wrote above got a 44 and that corresponded to a 69, then 45 is probably the lowest passing score to give a 70.
DeleteI scored a 45 and still failed with a corresponding score of 69. So it looks like 46 might be the cutoff.
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DeleteI got a 45 too, shocked that it's not passing. I guess good luck to us next year!
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DeleteHow did you figure out the exact number of questions you got correct?
DeleteI passed, but do not know how many I answered correctly. NCEES didn't give me my score or diagnostics, it simply said I passed. I understand that a score is given if one fails. The Texas Board website says I got a 73.00, which I'm guessing is a percentage based on whatever their adjusted score criteria is. Based on what others have said and the ratios, I'm thinking I scored either a 47 or 48.
ReplyDeleteThe score in Texas Board website is a percentage, because I know a person who got 90 score in Texas.
ReplyDeleteIf the score a percentage, 90 score mean the correct number is 57/80. From a person who score 69 and pity failed.....
Deletewhy 57/80 is 90%? how is the percentage calculated? Thanks!
DeleteLuckly, I got 70 and passed the exam for only three weeks preparation with this guidebook and I just praticed the 2004 exam only. I did not bring the handbooks or many other books to the site at all.
ReplyDeleteFor a 70% what was your number of answers correct out of 80?
DeleteWhere do you find the number of correct answers?
DeleteSince I failed, I was given a diagnostic sheet that told me how many questions I answered correctly in each category (drilling, reservoir, production/completion, project management, and facilities). I added up the number correct which was 45. Not sure if Texas gives this diagnostic to those who pass or if its just a percentage.
DeleteHey all, I passed. Read a lot of the Applied drilling engineering Red Text book. Get a good Well Control Book. Good Petroleum Dictionary, Hynes is what I used. I took BW class also. It helped me. Guide Book is a must. Thanks David for all the information and works.
ReplyDeleteHello All,
ReplyDelete(a) does anyone know of a very good reference material (not Vol.3 of the petroleum hand book) on emissions and calculations relating to emissions. e.g emissions released in tonnes/year given gas composition. I will like to know where to find this stuff.
(b) A good reference text on facilities engineering (onshore/offshore) out outside of Vol.3 of the petroleum engineering hand book & Bradley.
(c) A good reference text on completions engineering outside of the 7 vol. set
Thanks in advance.
This is a good question. Can anyone help out here?
DeleteWell Completion Design Textbook by Jonathan Bellarby is a good reference text on completions engineering outside of the 7 vol.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have an idea of what the rough passing score was this year?
ReplyDeletePaul above: I passed...thinking I scored either a 47 or 48.
DeleteBing said it was 46
DeleteReporting from Texas; I did not pass. I did study quite a bit, but was required to work long hitches during the last 2 months, so I wasn't really focused on the exam towards the end. (That's my excuse, anyway.)
ReplyDeleteIn any case, I'm working on a game plan for next year, and will consider taking an actual instructor-led course this time around.
Does anyone know what is the average class size of Bing's class? (Winrock)
I see one in Houston that is limited to 40 students. That makes me think they're typically larger. Does anyone have any helpful input?
Thanks!
Bings class is good. Our class was 40 people on the first offering in Houston but I heard others were half that size or less. It is a very good review and his material will get you prepared for the exam is you study like he tells you.
DeleteThe best advice is to make sure you have the right resources. I highly recommend the UT dictionary, I answered at least 10 questions from that. Second, the red drilling book and master the hydrostatic equation, the problems from the practice exams will prepare you pretty well. 1 good reservoir book, read it and know generally where everything is. SPE 7 volume series is good to have. It's not practical to study all the books but at least look through them the week before the test so you know where things can be found. As far as facilities are concerned, GPSA is a good resource. Well testing book is also a must. These books will help you answer all the word problems, Bings book will help you solve the calculation problems. You can't just study the problems and expect to pass though, you have to really know the material because the questions are going to be asked in ways you haven't seen them before.
One good thing you'll learn from Bing is time management and strategy to taking the exam. He's been teaching for however long the test has been around so no one knows better than him concerning how to take it.
Thanks for that update, Anon. A few comments:
Delete1) I spent a weekend comparing the UT Dictionary and the Hyne Dictionary. The Hyne is much better, and everyone I know agrees. But I agree on the importance of a dictionary. It's critical, the most important book you will bring.
2) Bing's class was exceedingly good for the lectures. I've said this before, but it can't be said enough, those lectures are really, really good. he knows what to cover for the exam.
Thank you both for your response. I'm definitely going to give Bing's class a go this time around. I also appreciate the tips. Any recommendations on a good, practical reservoir engineering textbook? I also purchased John Lee's 1980 release of Well Testing--is there something better out there?
DeleteThanks again guys/gals.
I used Ahmed's Reservoir Engineering Handbook. I would recommend using Lee's book for the well testing material but this book included topics such as O&G property evaluation and waterflooding so if you have this book you wont need to purchase individual books on those topics.
DeleteED, regarding Anon's point, keep in mind the PE Exam tends to follow the SPE Textbook Series and the SPE Handbook Series. I've written the Guidebook following this view. For example, HS 5 adds to TS1, Waterflood is TS3 & HS 5, and O&G property evaluation is HS 5.
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