2019 is history! Comments - especially suggestions for blog/Guidebook/Companion improvements - are most welcome and appreciated. 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, resource suggestions, and testing techniques only. Please don't "cross the line" by discussing specific problems from prior exams. For example, comments like: "...several of the drilling questions with probability...” is crossing the line. Thanks, folk!
UPDATE 1: There is a delay between comment submission and when it appears; please be patient. Don't hesitate to gmail me at mdavidgo with any issues.
UPDATE 2: I am being extremely conservative in rejecting comments. So if your comment doesn't appear after 24 hours, it's likely this is why. Please understand there is nothing technically "wrong" with these comments, I just don't want there to be any possible question. So if this happens to your comment please re-work it and resubmit. Your suggestions are valuable, so I hope you re-post!
UPDATE 3: Since this is the first year of the CBT, it would be nice if anyone who has taken the previous style of exam and the CBT both to weigh in, especially suggested changes to the Guidebook and companion problems.
Surprised a bit with some of the out of left field word questions. Thought they would reign that in a bit going away from an open book style exam. Work out questions were about what I expected, a couple ones that I heard were always going to show up didn't this year though it seems. All in all, I feel like if I guessed correctly on a couple of word problems I didn't know or didn't fall into easy traps on the work out problems I should be okay. Still don't feel great about it though.
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts on study methods? What you would do different? What to add or subtract from the Guidebook?
DeleteBTW, "left-field word questions" were what I was expecting, since that's what has been seen since 2015 at least. Mostly from the HS. I tried to make summary pages at the end of each GB section with "money quotes" to help here.
DeleteEvery "left-field word questions" could be deduced down to two answers everytime. Since the calculations were simple, I had plenty of time to spend on the conceptual questions. The strategy on my end was simple...Take your time reading the problem and think about all the considerations possible for each answer....Eventually, two the answers are apparently wrong.
DeleteI agree, with that assessment about being able to narrow down to two. I think the 2005 SPE practice exam is a must, I would do that twice in preparation. I still think your guidebook is good, I would read through that and know all the note information. The practice strategy you laid out prior to the exam was good I think. Also, having taken the exam last year and didn't pass, I think this years exam was much more fair.
DeleteAs a test writer and designer, I'm glad to hear the thoughts. Yes, some of the word problems were designed to get down to 2 answers rather easily. At least easily for a practicing engineer with roughly 4 years experience who was "minimally competent." If you picked answers that were clearly wrong, probably a sign that you don't have the experience in that subject matter yet and need more experience or time before becoming licensed.
DeleteI think the test was very fair this year. There are definitely questions that require specific experience in one of the major Petroleum disciplines, but these questions were very evenly distributed so as not to overly favor one area. My tip would be to know how to perform every problem on the 2005 SPE PE Practice test.
ReplyDeleteThen read as much as you can of the books listed on the PE Exam Strategy 2019 CBT post here. I hope I passed, but am glad this is over for now. Let me know what everyone else thinks.
that was awful
ReplyDeleteBasically the way I tried to study was to go through your exams then go through the work out problems in Bing's book. Going through the HS and trying to retain anything meaningful that isn't already retained in your mind seemed trivial. My thought on the word questions were either you knew it or you didn't, and you weren't going to find any assistance in the supplied reference, so you may as well guess and move to the next one.
ReplyDeleteHere's my quick rant. A little frustrated with the exam. I needed a dictionary more than the reference manual that was provided. Calculation problems were extremely simple. Lost most of my points on practical and obscure questions. Having passed the mechanical thermal fluid and systems pe exam and having field experience in the oil industry, i still had a tough time. David, your study guide was spot on with this exam. 100% I pass if i could have brought your study guide.
ReplyDeleteWhere I went wrong...since it was closed book with only a calculation reference guide, I thought my field and industry experience could hold me over on the conceptual problems - nope! All those hours obsessing over engineering calculations was not needed.
Anyways, you can never know if you passed or not.
How come by comment is not posting?
ReplyDeleteCan anyone who took the old P&P exam give insight on how it compares to the new computer test?
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DeleteFirst time taker so not sure how it compared to past written exams, but I liked the structure of the exam in terms of grouping disciplines together. This for sure helped me stay focused on each topic at a time. Overall I thought it was a good testing of the problem solving process in engineering as opposed to straight up plug and chug
ReplyDeleteThe afternoon was tough. I had to do jumping jacks during an unscheduled break to stay awake! I took a lot of breaks to keep my mind fresh. There was no coffee at the testing center, which would be a nice "comfort" aid. If passed, it was because of this blog, David's study guide, working 4 different practice tests twice, and my +10 years of experience! Years of experience was helpful for this exam, since its hard to predict/study for the word problems/tricks in the calculation problems. Thank you, David!
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the best way to prepare was to do the sample exams from years past and the ones in your books using the electronically provided SPE Petroleum Engineering Certification and PE License Exam Reference Guide. I purchased it before taking the exam to get familiar with it and used it to perform all practice exam calculation problems. Get to know this book and how it's put together. Also, know that when you keyword search the PDF some of the text from any figures shown may not be searchable. That is to say you may miss something contained in one or more of the figures in the book if you are solely relying on the keyword search as opposed to genuinely knowing the material in the book and where it lives.
ReplyDeleteWhat are people thinking will be the cutoff score on the 2019 exam?
ReplyDeleteMore than likely much higher than last years. Thanks David for all your insight and help. I am sure I am not the only one grateful for your resourcefulness.
ReplyDeleteWhat's everybody's opinion of the cut-off score? I passed the mechanical PE and I think the cut-off score was 65% raw.
ReplyDeleteIt was easier than I expected. I was surprised that the 17 page Errata for the SPE exam reference book that the SPE released a couple of weeks ago was not provided. Nor were the errors corrected.
ReplyDeleteDid you feel like the errata were needed? Did it impact the test for you?
ReplyDeleteNcees did not have time to incorporate the corrections into the test. Luckily the mistakes did not matter when it came to calculations
ReplyDeleteJordan says [I've edited out a few parts of this comment to be conservative]: First time test taker. I resonate with a lot of the comments from above and I felt that I spent too much time studying standard plug-n-chug problems which are easy.
ReplyDeleteIf I have to take it again next year my strategy will be to study David's material and questions, as well as purchasing the SPE handbook series and beginning to build a catalog of notes on concepts. I felt that my five years of industry experience were beneficial in my core area, and that I struggled in my lesser work experience disciplines, so i will most likely spend more time in those areas.
I felt that the 2019 Test was fair. I felt prepared going into the test by working through the 2005 SPE Test and your 2016 and 2018 Practice Tests. I then went through your Petroleum Engineering Guidebook for each subject and made my own set of notes of about 20 pages of concepts and theory. Combined with my industry experience and your Guidebook notes, I was able to pare down most theory questions to 2 answer choices.
ReplyDeleteI think I did well enough to pass but still have lingering doubt.
Thank you for all of your hard work to provide the resources on this blog and your Petroleum Engineering Guidebook which I have already used as a reference for work and shared with my co-workers.
I barely missed the cutoff last year.. Really struggled in a couple weak areas, where I don't have much experience. Last year, I feel that I bogged down with time, trying not to let any given problem "beat me" and that cost me the exam.
ReplyDeleteCame back this year and focused on the practice exams, and getting faster by recognizing 5+min problems, moving on and saving them for a 2nd pass.. I studied in 1-hr blocks of time during the week and 4-hr chunks on the weekends, both simulating testing conditions.. Then after a set of 40 questions, I'd go and read up on the material relating to my flagged/wrong problems.
I'm nervous to get my results back, but will be very surprised if I don't get it this time.
My primary problem was always speed. I like thinking through a problem carefully and that just doesn't cut it on this exam. But it sounds like you have it figured out. Even if you don't make this one you will soon enough. I think your testing strategy is perfect.
DeleteI passed. Thanks for everything David!!
ReplyDeleteTX here, results are in. Passed! Best of luck to everyone else, here's hoping y'all did the same
ReplyDeleteI passed!
ReplyDeleteWilling to share some experience if anyone interested.
Please I am interested. how do I contact you
DeleteMrCrespo, are you trying to contact me or Grace?
DeleteExam Scores have been posted
ReplyDeletePassed!! Your tests are an absolute must to pass the PE
ReplyDeletePassed! Thankfully I can now stop checking the NCEES website every 5 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI passed! Thank you David for everything you have put together here!
ReplyDeletePass from here in texas! second time trying. Thanks David!
ReplyDeleteI did not pass. Congrats to those that did. I worked all practice exams in testing conditions and felt like I understood the majority of the material. Time was not an issue on this exam as I was able to check every problem after both morning and afternoon sessions. I know I has to guess on some questions and must have missed all of those. Overall, I thought it was a fair exam and will plan to retake next using David's guide. David, thanks for all your help. Any tips are welcome!
ReplyDeletePassed 2nd time in TX. Glad that is over!
ReplyDeleteI passed! Thanks for this blog. Thanks David!
ReplyDeleteI passed!!! Thanks for all the help, David. The guidebook and practice tests you put together along with Bing's class and general industry knowledge were all necessary keys to getting this beast of an exam behind me. I'd strongly encourage others taking this test in the future to not only know how to do the problems but understand how they may complicate/change the problem to truly test one's understanding of the material. This is not an exam where memorization will get you very far.
ReplyDeleteTest Result: Failed **Read below with this in mind**
ReplyDeleteBackground: Mechanical engineering degree, 10+ years drilling (more PowerPoints than calculations).
Study method: Bought the SPE reference in digital format. Bought David’s guidebook and did most of his 3 excellent tests. Took Mr. Bing’s class. Did not read the HS, TS, dictionaries, etc.
Test: Largely very fair assessment in my opinion without a time rush. Many calculations in the morning and more “know it or you don’t” in the afternoon. 17 page errata document not available during the test so the reference manual had all the errors. Reference manual was easily searchable by specific keywords.
Hints and Tips:
- Learn the in’s and out’s of the reference manual ideally in digital format. Not memorizing anything but familiar where things are located.
- I didn’t feel SPE intentionally was avoiding questions covered by Mr. Bing or Mr. Dammeyer.
- In the final run up to the test, I focused more on Mr. Bing’s workbook answering via the SPE reference manual. I should have split time more with Mr. Dammeyer’s 3 tests and the SPE exams.
- Mr. Bing’s class, though largely calculation based, is still worth it in my opinion.
Test Result: Passed first attempt
ReplyDeleteBackground: PE for 20+ years. Helped with the terms and practical questions but only in area of expertise.
Study: Guidebook and practice exams are critical. Due to working out to the country (AU), Bings class was not an option. Did fine working the problems and seeking assistance from other engineers with expertise in the company.
Flipping through the recommended reading material and gleaming the highlights helped. New material since I took many of these classes at University.
Regardless of passing or failing, just the experience of working the problems, gaining the confidence and meeting the challenging was mentally revitalising.
The test is long and do be prepared to focus for the duration and be able to sit still. A morning run prior to the test helped.
If you are out of the country, keep in mind that not all the downloadable books can make it through the firewalls. I bought my Kindle and downloaded the practice exams on a planned trip to NY. SPE books could not be purchased and shipped direct either. Plan ahead.
Did Not Pass.
ReplyDeleteAs an Engineer taking this exam with less than 4 years of work experience, I found the word questions were what got me. Historically, the exam was always weighted towards the calculations, therefore in my preparation I primarily worked problems. Had no issues with the problems at all and breezed right through them.
Unfortunately, what got me this year.....the word questions. If you've dealt with those topics in your career, I'm sure the answers jumped out at you. In hindsight, since I don't have the experience under my belt, I wish I would have spent more time reading through the HS, though you will never retain all the information in those books. I think drilling/production/reservoir work experience played a huge role in whether you passed/failed. I'll be back
True story: I asked a guy with a PhD in Petroleum Engineering and a decade of experience walking out of the PE exam how he did. He said "no clue". I was like WTF? He said the only reservoir engineering question on the exam he didn't understand the wording so wasn't sure, and that was his specialty. We laughed.
DeleteSo my point: the test is so broad experience is not going to fix much. But IMO having taken the test once definitely will, and you will probably get a P is you try again.
I didn't pass last year, but passed this year. My point is, pick your head up and try again. Look at what areas you need to work on and focus on those. I know its discouraging, but take a month or two off, regroup and start studying again, chances are there's even more information you will pick up the second time through. The first thing I would do is read through David's study book, that gives you a good base of knowledge. Know the notes sections as best as you can. Then start early reading the PEH's. Pick the area you did worst on and read through that book and then move onto the next weakest area. If your limited on time then do some speed reading, read the first and last paragraph of each section and then then first one or two sentences of each paragraph in between. You have to simulate sitting working problems for 1, 2, 4, 8 hr sessions leading up to the test. I'm also with the person who commented above, go to the gym that morning before your test, helps workout the stress. Also, take a walk during your lunch break, get the blood flowing a little.
ReplyDeleteI would like to connect with you via email. Please could you drop your email? I am assuming it is allowed to connect with people personally
DeleteSure use gmail "mdavidgo" I'm pretty responsive.
DeleteJust a note to anyone who can't get access to the PEH or can't afford them, utilize Petrowiki. You can do topics searches and the information is essentially the same as the handbooks and its free. You can work through the NCEES topics list and search the site for general knowledge on that topic. They also have a random page option. You could even hit that and pick a random page a day to read through.
ReplyDeleteThis comment was edited to remove any it gave too much detail about the exam.
ReplyDeleteI passed 1st attempt... My studying consisted of taking Bing class September 23-27. While in Bing class, I highlighted each problem that was discussed or worked. Beginning September 27, I started at the beginning of Bing's workbook and worked through every single problem that was highlighted. If I didn't understand a problem, I would focus on it until I thoroughly understood the theory behind the solution. I made a list of each problem that gave me concern and then returned to it later (after working a few more problems)to make sure I still remembered the theory behind the solution. I kept a log of my study hours. From 9/27 to 10/13 I spent a total of 34.5 hours working through Bing's problems. I ended up with 51 pages of worked problems. On 10/14 I spent 4 hours looking through the 2009 exam. I only worked a handful of problems and was mainly just trying to get a flavor for what may be on the exam.[edit]
This comment was edited it to remove any faint possibility it gave too much detail about the exam.
ReplyDeleteI walked outside at the halfway point feeling 95% sure that I would pass. [edit] I still feel pretty decent about my chances of passing, but that is in large part because all my engineering experience has been in the field. During preparation I felt really good about the facilities calculations [edit] I think it is critical that word questions be included because it ensures that an engineer be well-rounded and not just book smart.[edit]
This comment was edited it to remove any faint possibility it gave too much detail about the exam.
ReplyDeleteFirst time test taker. I resonate with a lot of the comments from above [edit] I felt that I spent too much time studying standard plug-n-chug problems [edit] If i have to take it again next year my strategy will be to study David's material and questions, as well as purchasing the SPE handbook series and beginning to build a catalog of notes on concepts. I felt that my five years of industry experience were beneficial in my core area, and that I struggled in my lesser work experience disciplines, so i will most likely spend more time in those areas.
This comment was edited it to remove any faint possibility it gave too much detail about the exam.
ReplyDeleteJcBenne: David, I passed the 2019 CBT, (did not pass 2018). Your GBs and tests, plus SPE cert sample test, plus 2005 Exam, plus recommended reading, plus 23 yrs experience in Reservoir and Production were keys to success. [edit] Thanks for your great work. on 2019 PE Exam Comments
JcBenne, send me a gmail at mdavidgo with your specific question; I think it's fine I just want to make sure there could be no question at all. Cheers!
DeleteThis comment was edited it to remove any faint possibility it gave too much detail about the exam.
ReplyDeleteI passed but it wasn't easy. I would like to credit my passing to Mr. Wines ( I took his course few years), David (your guidance was essential), and perseverance ( I took this exam couple of times). I use to approach this exam thinking that I could solve the problems in Bing and David's handouts that I would be okay. But I was wrong; knowing to solve the problems could help but not all. This new closed book version definitely provided me with the time needed to solve the problems. [edit] YOU HAVE TO READ THE PETROLEUM ENGINEERING HANDBOOK Vols 1-6. Thanks again to Bing and David. Goodluck on your next attempt to those who did not pass.
Does anyone know what the cutoff score was? Looks like 63% passed.
ReplyDeleteHi, where can we find this 63% pass result? I could not find on Texas PE Board or NCEES. Thanks.
DeleteIt is shown on the NCEES website: https://ncees.org/engineering/pe/pass-rates/ however it is only showing data for first time takers as of 11/7? Looks like they may still be updating it.
ReplyDeleteI see, thanks. I am hoping a full set of statistics are forthcoming soon. Kind regards.
ReplyDeleteThe 63% rate will be the only statistics given. Since Pearson Vue does not know who was a first time or repeat examinee, all this first time were treated as first timers on the CBT. Our statistics that we receive later will account for repeaters.
ReplyDeleteAnyone can share what materials can be brought to the CBT exams? only SPE handbooks and reference guides? or other books one they stay binded?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
No books of any kind is my understanding. The Update is provided on the computer for you.
DeleteThe only thing you can bring into the room is an approved calculator (no cover or case) and the clothes you are wearing. No pens, paper, food, drinks, keys, nothing, and they patted me down and had me empty my pockets to make sure. They even scanned my glasses to make sure they were not "Google Glasses". The proctor said they had caught three people this year trying to wear these digital glasses into PE exams. Yes, the reference book is on the screen beside the exam. It does have search capability. The published errors were still in there, but had no impact on the exam. In fact, I only used the reference on a handful of questions. Most of the time everything needed (and more) was given in the problem. They also provided a seven page dry erase tablet and marker with gridlines for plotting. They do not provide an eraser and instruct you to ask for another tablet if you fill it up. I made it through all day with the same tablet maybe half-full at the end.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone find out how to check the exam grade on engineers.texas.gov ?
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find my score
I just heard back from the Texas Board of Professional Engineers. Now that the PE exam is CBT, passing scores are no longer available and therefore will not be reported as in the past with the P&P exam. Only failing scores with diagnostics will be reported.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Sounds like TX is now just like the rest of 'em.
DeleteHi David, I would really appreciate your strategy, and I plan to start to prepare for PE exam this year. I am wondering how many hours you suggest for preparing PE petroleum exam? For exam 300 hours? if I start now, do you think the time is enough for taking the Oct 2020 exam? By the way, I am curious about how much percentage of questions I need to reach the correct answers to pass the exam. I know NCEES never tell us that, but based on your experience, do you have any idea? Thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteI think each person will need a different # of hours. Some guys need little to none, some need a thousand, no kidding.
DeleteI would ignore the "how many do I need to get right" meme. There is no way to know, because it's got a curve applied based to the pass rate. Also, it's impossible to know if you have a problem right due to the trick potential.
I strongly recommend reading the Handbook and doing problems for as much time as you can afford :-).
Thanks a lot. I saw the CBT exam also includes Alternative item types questions, so does it mean for the petroleum PE exam, there is not only multiple choice, but also some Alternative item types questions, which makes the exam more difficult?
DeleteI was just working Problem #37 from 2018, and I am getting 10 days of fishing time, but the solution says it should be 10 days... what gives? After 10 days of work, $500k has been spent, and a ST plus cost of lost tools is also $500k...?
ReplyDeleteCan you type out the problem here so I can solve it? I'm currently away from my files.
DeleteNevermind!
DeleteI just got home from taking the Oct 2020 exam. Happy to post some thoughts/comments if you set up a page for it.
Done! Eagerly awaiting your comments there :-).
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