I Failed My Engineering Board Exam? - How To Recover Failing Your FE, PE, or SE Exams.

[@MatPicardal]

We got this!

[@russellirion8384]

I’m in the same boat man - we’ll get it next time! Passing the Vertical portion is no joke - so props to us :)

[@AntResilient]

Go beyond, Plus Ultra!

[@Sarieonhigh]

I respect you and I think we need more Structural Engineers like you in this world. Keep soaring Mat

[@iiFoogie]

Mat Picardal Should I become a Structure Engineer? How hard is the math and stuff behind it?

[@ThuyLe-xt2np]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I came out of the test center hating myself and not sure how to tell my employer but at least I learned what i did wrong.

[@gaocy2000]

"Focusing on end goal, not failures" summarizes my entire Stanford experience Matt...you got this bro!

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks Steve, you as well!

[@MasterCivilEngineering]

Right

[@SarahCunningham71]

I’m a licensed, professional civil engineer with (gulp) 27 years experience, and remember how intense the licensing exams were. Nobody cares if you passed on the first, second or fourth try and, yes, the exam matters but it’s not the sole measure of what makes for a good engineer. I love the way you’ve put your experience out there. I’m sure others will be better for it as a result.

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks Sarah, well said!

[@MasterCivilEngineering]

👍👍👍👍

[@agenttechrx]

Wow... I just posted kind of the similar taught about way that he explained to people... That was an excellent feedback that you send...

[@PascalIdea]

I am a civil structural engineer in South Korea. I took more than 10 exams in the past 5 years and passed last year. It was an extremely difficult time, but it was feedback that made me wiser, not a failure. I hope you pass the next exam. Thank you for sharing your valuable experiences every time.

[@RohitRaj-ji5fh]

Dude you are a real one for making this video. Also, must've been good therapy to talk about this on the video. More power to you.

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks Rohit!

[@KevDGAF]

Hey Mat, we took the SE together! I asked you if you made youtube videos right outside the exam room before we went in. I was hoping everything went smoothly for ya. Thanks for posting this video - very admirable. Best of luck on putting it behind you on the next go.

[@MatPicardal]

Hi Kevin, yes, I remember and impressed because I had a mask on lol! Hopefully this helps others!

[@Ezbeatz101]

I love the fact that someone is talking my about this subject. Everyone goes through no matter how “smart” they may be........

[@MatPicardal]

Agreed, many people don't tell you they failed the exam, so all people see are the "I Passed", so if you're one of the people that didn't pass, you feel like shit. But for the S.E. exam, the pass rate is around 30%, but the 70% that didn't pass won't say anything, so that 70% feels ashamed and isolated because no one talks about it, even though it's a really difficult test.

[@MasterCivilEngineering]

👍👍

[@kolkena]

Focus on the positive: • You've already passed once section of the SE. • You only have one remaining section so it'll be easier to study for. • You now know what to expect when you take the SE lateral! My motto: I either win, or I learn. I never lose. Not making it your first try is great learning experience, and in the grand scheme of things, it's an insignificant speed bump.

[@charleschen4550]

Good video! I just passed my GE exam, but keep in mind as you mentioned, it's just an exam. Failing doesn't define you as an engineer or your skills. Also, I imagine the SE exam is at least 10 timed harder than the GE exam! Good luck, from a fellow CPP graduate!

[@basedbilbo326]

Probably the best professional KZbinr I’ve ever found. Love relaxing on KZbin but feels good to be learning too. Graduating this spring and just started job hunting for entry level structural engineering positions (already passed my Fe) and I’ve binge watched you like crazy. So happy to have found you, love the content and your perspective and professional insight on all these topics, excited for the future. Can’t wait to keep following you

[@mohammedbarri4275]

Big thanks to you ❤ ! For making this video. No one will ever talk about his or her failure except you. The most important part of your video is how you overcome your failure on the exam and turn that into a success on the next try.

[@MatPicardal]

Absolutely!!

[@JthaEngineer]

Also, find a mentor that you can express yourself to so that you know that you have someone on your side through this journey. 2 years ago I failed the PE while 2 coworkers passed and I went through everything you said. I found a mentor & we game planned for 2 years. I took the exam in October & passed!!!

[@rajujha5225]

It takes courage to talk about your failure. Kudos to you and good luck!!

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks Raju, hopefully it helps others!

[@tempaccount2585]

You have a great attitude about the exam. That is true grit and a trait of successful people.

[@GmoneyInternational]

Much respect for keeping it real and providing tips for successes and overcoming failures. A lot of us definitely needed to hear this, myself included. We got this next time! 🤘😎

[@MatPicardal]

You got it! All part of the process!

[@oconno39]

I really appreciate your insight on this. The online documentation of the SE is so scatterbrained. It's nice to find a complete talking-to. You may not have passed on the first try, but it seems like that's fairly rare. I know at least one person that took more than 2 tries. 71k followers ain't bad. Keep up the great work and the great content! ***positive energyyyyyy***

[@jesantiago009]

Takes a lot of courage to admit this, especially to the interwebs. I think it's a detriment that failure is stigmatized this way in our field because it gets in the way of us learning from each other and only further reinforces this culture. Haha your video sounded like a "12 steps" program and reminded me of failing my PE. Thanks for this vid and your content Mat!

[@chaz3345]

I love you, man. I graduated with a BSE in 2017, concentrated in chemical engineering. I took a job with a general contractor in Chicago after graduating as a field engineer and site superintendent. I wanted something outdoors and in the nitty gritty for my first job, and that's what I got. A lot of projects were gas stations so some of the underground tank and piping work was at least somewhat relevant to my degree. I took my FE shortly after graduating and failed. Just this last summer I took it again and also failed. I made the decision, finally, as I'm still working in the civil industry, to change my FE/PE focus entirely to civil - Construction or Water Resource. I'm studying up for the FE again and to see I'm not along in the self-study hell really helps. Thank-you so much for sharing. :)

[@adityabajaj6306]

Congratulations Matt!

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks Aditya!

[@RAH-Andrew]

There are 8 Architect exams in California. It took me 16 attempts total to pass all 8 in various forms of passes and fails. As long as you can keep showing up you get there. Good luck on the next round!

[@MatPicardal]

Hi Andrew, I heard the ARE is pretty brutal as well because of that, congrats on passing! Thanks for the support!

[@shalmannoronha7203]

Chin up brother, we'll get it next time !

[@MatPicardal]

For sure!

[@carsongbaker]

Mat what an awesome video. Thanks man. Encouraging to hear you work through this!

[@MatPicardal]

I appreciate that!

[@arjuna9881]

Studying this and attempting requires balls of steel. You've attempted it. So big respect to you!!!

[@MasterCivilEngineering]

👍👍👍

[@EngineeredMojo]

This was a great reflection and process video. Good luck on the next study cycle!

[@MatPicardal]

Thank you! Will do!

[@truckynforky]

All the best bro you’ve got this. You’re already an inspiration!!!

[@MatPicardal]

I appreciate that!

[@MasterCivilEngineering]

👍👍

[@sher7436]

I'm not a structural engineer, not even in the field just did my bachelor's but I could proudly say i want to be as cool as you in the field

[@MatPicardal]

Haha, I appreciate that, don't need to be a structural engineer, we're all humans first :)

[@sher7436]

@@MatPicardal ❤️💯💯

[@kevinb7626]

One tool I find helpful to get over failure is diversify what you take pride in. Don’t put all your self-worth eggs in the professional/career basket. Make sure you also find pride in other skills (e.g. musical instrument, exercise, being a good parent) which I’ve found lessens the blow of failure in other areas a lot. It’s not really much different from diversifying your stock portfolio.

[@MatPicardal]

Great advice Kevin, thanks for sharing!

[@manasavuibaubatiwale3593]

Thanks Matt 😊 Helps us young ones realise that failure is an important part of the process of learning 💯❤ God bless and Merry Xmas (Happy New Year 😁) 🙏

[@jordanmohr9026]

Hmmmm 🙃🙃

[@manasavuibaubatiwale3593]

@@jordanmohr9026 aye 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Nice seeing you on this side of the "world" 😁

[@MatPicardal]

Absolutely! Trust the process! Merry Xmas and New Years!

[@engineeringedu5437]

this is worth watching. Let's normalize failure as a way to gauge where we are in terms of our goals.

[@afurryrabbit6104]

i'm sure you'll pass next time! always looking forward to your videos :)))

[@MatPicardal]

Next time!

[@KSlivinghappy]

Awesome video!!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@gilmaralberto6720]

We got this champ 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏻

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks for the support!

[@mirasolvilla6621]

Hi Mat. Having a license is a privileges but the most matter is we keep on going and we didn't give up. You can still get it. I like your video here because you are still inspiring your followers what needs to improve to get it.

[@mirasolvilla6621]

" Keep going! Keep studying and you can get it! " - inspiring and motivating

[@jacobD63]

This is so inspirational, thank you so much Mat! You are so genuine.

[@nattyselassie5793]

You would definitely nail this. Your videos inspired me to take the EET classes for my PE (Civil/Structural) exam, which significantly helped in passing the exam (October 2020).

[@escrowfreelancer5613]

On the bright side you get more time to make us this lovely videos to inspire other engineers....

[@902Jr]

Proud of you Mat Picardal.

[@matinghanavati]

i saw your other videos and learn lots of things from you . so thank you for your help and showing us the right way to how become a better engineer . thank you

[@civilengineeringmoretutori3974]

I really like your videos ! they help a lot. its good to see that your not letting yourself get depressed. You will Pass with flying colors next time In Sha Allah .

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks! All part of the process!

[@c.j.5751]

wow.. really great mr mat.. i am sure that there's just a few that explain about how to deal with failre :).. most of the senior one just keep telling us story to motivated us... but when we fail. it really make me not accepting those failure and sadness... nice experience :D

[@MatPicardal]

Glad it helped CJ, all engineers fail at something, they just don’t talk about it because of our egos. But we’re not alone, we’re all people

[@c.j.5751]

@@MatPicardal yupppp... from someone that live in developing country like me in Indonesia and for me that still a lot of things to learn (i graduate around 7 month ago).. seeing someone that has experience, do the job in developed country.. and use a lot of high tech technologies... it is really make us calm :) by knowing the fact that someone that has high knowledge and as good like u is human and can fail sometimes :)... hope u all the best Matt..

[@Ryan-wp5yq]

I’m only 16 right now but have been looking into pursuing an engineering career and your videos are helping me get an idea of what to expect. Thank you!! 😁

[@lefikarock]

All the best Mat, I'm sure you will pass the exam.

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks Lefika, for sure will!

[@MasterCivilEngineering]

Right

[@the7HAM7mask]

I’m sure you will pass next time. Just don’t lose hope and never give up. Eventually, you will reach your goal.

[@hazimalwaali9507]

Study few subjects and only manuals by the codes from ICC, ACI, ASCI and AWC. You are the best the smartest the fittest. I am PE in WA and I have an exception journey through this. I understand the need for the SE. 😎

[@chrisomeara5795]

Got my IStructE on the second go, took 18 months between attempts to allow myself time to get over it and start to look at revision positively again. Much easier on second attempt, esp with time management and question choice.

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks for sharing Chris! Definitely encouraging hearing from others!

[@oleopathic]

Thank you. Failed PE civil 2 times. 55% each time. Studying for 3rd try. And attacking my weak areas, which thwarted me on both attempts, as per progress report. Using all the resources to make it happen. Not giving up.

[@EnginerdBrian]

Hey. I noticed your disclaimer in recent video descriptions so I'm assuming you are sitting for the exam again next week! Good luck. I am sitting for both portions for the first time this cycle. I keep telling myself I'll be a unicorn of the industry once I pass; no shame in testing twice. Cheers,

[@kattiaalmanza5383]

Thank you for talking about this.

[@MasterCivilEngineering]

Success always comes after failure!

[@darrylros681]

Im at 3rd year of civil engineering I really hope to get that license soon

[@fadelmuhammad4627]

You wish bro

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks Darryl!

[@Katd16]

I'm almost done with my bachelors degree after 8 years of working and going to school to help support myself, I've failed a number of classes just from not having the time to properly study. I can't even imagine the stress and pressure you were under for the SE exam, but I'm confident that you will come back better and stronger. Good luck!

[@AFMathandEngineering]

You'll get it next time!

[@nehemiahstewart]

So true. Thank you.

[@MatPicardal]

Welcome!

[@chief8079]

Got fired from my first CE job after 4 months. Passed the FE 1 month later. Still looking for a job.

[@nhatchuong9999]

I passed the Vertical also. I still need the lateral to go. You are not alone 😂

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks for sharing Chuong! Passing Vertical is still a big win. Next time we'll be wiser and more prepared! We got this!

[@yancycddfdf]

great experience to share

[@Terzaghi12]

I'm also a civil engineer and when you fail one of those exams sucks, you feel like all the time you invest studying was for nothing. But all you have to do is "go back on the horse" and try again

[@MatPicardal]

Yup, just try again!

[@gunxs6091]

2:44 Hey Matt! I've also failed the test for getting an engineering job. I'm also playing FF7 game, it's relaxing me for a while. Until now I'm still feeling desperate, but I also feel excited for taking my other test.

[@enkhjargalt.765]

keep going! love u so much 💗

[@MatPicardal]

Thank you!

[@MasterCivilEngineering]

Yeah

[@Rayquesto]

I’m glad you are highlighting this failure. The small percentage of people that pass SE first time justifies that the Charlie munger effect is at play (in my opinion): smart people tend to think they are a lot smarter than they are. I think people ought to be much more realistic about this exam (I haven’t taken it, but this sounds like the key). Meaning even with years of experience, does the exam mainly depend on being super familiar with the licensee standards than experience?

[@malikjohnson6083]

Great video 🔥🔥

[@MatPicardal]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@abdennouranas137]

You are awesome Thank you

[@ausencioariza4383]

I’m an architect it took me 3 tries to pass last test...7 test process... keep moving forward, focus like a lazor. Zero in, make it as important as the air you breathe. Then you’ll make it!

[@bamffatboi5526]

Im a new grad petroleum engineer from May 2020. Working as a civil in transportation and after watching your videos, I want to try to transition to SE. I want to feel like an engineer, not an inspector with an engineer title. Thank you for talking about how to deal with failure.

[@agenttechrx]

I like the way that you honestly report when it comes Civil Engineer... I wanted you to know that by listen to you I have some good news about get your foot in the door for my first pay Internship program that I get accepted. Thank you ... I am in my first simester in Civil Engineer Technology at Nassau Community College and I am planning once I am done I will go Farmingdale State College for my Bachelor... I can not stop THANK YOU WITH CAPITAL LETTERS.

[@MatPicardal]

Congrats and thanks for sharing! That’s awesome!

[@TuanNguyen-uq8gz]

Hi Mat, thank you for you videos! I really love all of them!! In fact, I am a Junior Civil Engineering student, and I plan to pursue Structural career, so I have some couples of questions that I'd like to ask not only for you but also random people who have knowledge to answer. Firstly, is it true that SE tends to be hired by Government than Construction Engineer? Secondly, does Construction Engineer works more stressful than SE because they need to work more hours per week and always go to job sites where are maybe far away from their homes? Thank you for responding!!!

[@bobcaddock3264]

Failed my PE exam (Civil) the first time. What I learned is that the exam is made up of questions in various civil engineering areas, for example, structural, environmental, fluids, highway, or survey. The questions in each area range in difficulty, some easy some hard. What I did to pass the exam was get familiar with all the areas. It allowed me to answer the easy questions in each area. The way I did this was get book of example questions, work all the problems, and keep a notebook of them. It was easy, about one problem a night for the year prior to the exam. Here's an example of what I mean by easy questions. The structural area had a question that asked for the the extreme fiber stress in a simple beam loaded in the middle. The moment of inertia and X-section were given.

[@MatPicardal]

Thanks for sharing Bob! Exams often come down to study techniques/strategy and tips and tricks.

[@prabhatrijal]

Well said

[@MatPicardal]

Thank you Prabhat!

[@austinbeckd]

Which one is more beneficial to have - the SE license or a Master’s degree in SE? If you pursued the SE license, would the Master’s degree matter at that point?

[@lem09able]

I came here because I just failed my electronics engineering licensure exam. Thanks for lifting me up. It fucking sucks because the subjects are easy and I'm smart. I think I only failed one subject out of four. Just that, I didn't commit. It also sucks that I took it with 2 other people, and they passed. We three barely studied, but I feel bummed out that I was the unlucky one.

[@syriandamascene678]

Congratulations on passing the vertical test. Can you do a separate video about your experience with the SE exam questions ? What questions to expect, how hard, what to focus on, what problems you had in the afternoon....

[@gunxs6091]

Exactly the same what I'm feeling right now! The difference is you have passed your test and not yet for me.. I'm feel pissed off right now..

[@davidfelipecastellanosayal8928]

Hi Mat, I have watched some of your videos and I think they are awesome! I have a question for you: I'm a civil engineer from Bogotá, Colombia looking for some job opportunities in the U.S., but I have noticed that in some positions the F.E. exam is a minimun requirement / qualification. Is it posible for me as a foreign civil engineer to take the test in the U.S.? ( I got my civil engineering degree from an ABET certified university). Thank you!

[@Jacob-kc9ct]

OMG I ALSO PLAYED FF14, I'm so glad you said that. I didn't know if I would even have enough time to play ff14 after I became an engineer, but I guess if you can do it, I can do it too

[@maheshpatil2012]

Hey Mat I have a question: In one way slab we provide two types of steel one is main steel and other is distribution steel which are of different sizes ( i.e main bars of larger dia and distribution bars of smaller dia). So my question is "Do we ever provide bars of different size in two way slab?" ( I know 'In two way slab main steel is provided in both directions ' but I have seen bars of different sizes being provided in two way slab. Is it the right or wrong?

[@stevenwilliams9280]

I failed both the vertical and lateral in October and found out yesterday I passed both in April.

[@andrewc7359]

Hi can I get a link to the binders? Perhaps in pdf form?

[@mikelee6894]

I would like to know what study material you found most useful when studying for the SE exam. Thank you and best of luck on the next lateral exam.

[@MatPicardal]

I took AEI courses, but a self study resource, you can look at: www.ncsea.com/downloads/files/Education/SE%20Review%20Course/SE%20Exam%20Study%20Guide%20-%20rev.%2011.25.18.pdf

[@nabeelanwar1617]

Can you make a video on wood design like you did for masonry?

[@shawnmartin9198]

Im about to separate from the AF and go into an entry level engineering job with NO experience. I’m going to have to take my FE exam and I’m nervous I’m going to fail and look like an idiot

[@Beautiful-World8]

What is the advantages of getting professional membership from professional organizations such as Institude of Civil Engineers CEng or IEng titles

[@markirson2182]

This may be a dumb question, but what type of engineering deals with houses, because I wanna specialize in that.

[@bellaroba]

You did not fail, your license will be coming in 2021.

[@MatPicardal]

Yup, not failure, just feedback!

[@TitleistGuy]

Are we in the same class? Lol. Anyways lots of good info here - it’s all mindset - and I couldn’t agree more, no one ever asked how many times you failed once you do pass. And as cliche as this is , you haven’t failed until you give up.

[@MatPicardal]

Haha hi Scott, yes recognized the name from last season!

[@TitleistGuy]

@@MatPicardal Was going to say the same - I eneded up not taking it last fall for a whole host of reasons, but definitiely tryin pass before the code cycle change over (ugh). Anyways, good to see you on here telling the story of what it is to be a structural engineer, wish more people understood. Are you sitting for this in April?

[@andytakla3945]

About to start this process... Seems much harder than the PE. In North Carolina, the SE is not required to practice so this is strictly for pride and additional knowledge but think it is a worth while effort nonetheless. What are your recommendations for SE courses online?

[@Alzayadi44]

I recommend Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim and Dr. Foued Zayati.

[@MatPicardal]

Yup, I took AEI and they are great. More self study resources: www.ncsea.com/downloads/files/Education/SE%20Review%20Course/SE%20Exam%20Study%20Guide%20-%20rev.%2011.25.18.pdf

[@Alzayadi44]

@@MatPicardal I passed the vertical by myself but I tried with the lateral but can’t because I live in Texas and we always don’t do seismic design so I tried with EET (before changed to AEI) then I just passed after that, Now I have 14 Licenses including CA SE, IL SE and NV SE......, good luck for the next SE lateral exam.

[@IGJTHOMAS]

Did the Masters Degree help with passing? Also have you retaken and passed the failed exam?

[@saifchowdhury3581]

Whats the difference between the vertical and lateral tests? Is it written and interview or different scope/topics

[@ameerbakheet6645]

Hi Pat How do prepare for the SE. Iam thinking seriously of taking it. What is the best preparatory exam kit Got my degree from the states but being living and practicing outside

[@hadrianaugustus5712]

Have you passed the PE? FE? I think you have to have passed them both before sitting for the SE, at least in CA.

[@dontlikemycommet]

Do electronic engineering technology needs license?

[@kuldeeps3830]

Can u suggest good book on reinforced concrete foundations?

[@i_i_capncrunch]

2. Review and Relfect... not sure if thats a typo or subtle pun

[@huiwillette5431]

Sigh, I passed my PE but only have 2.5 years of working experience so can't be licensed in OHIO where I reside, can't even find a related job, feel crappy every day.........

[@hadrianaugustus5712]

Only need 2 years of experience in California with a real engineering degree, engineering technology degree requires 4

[@huiwillette5431]

@@hadrianaugustus5712 yep, have a master degree, but in Ohio still needs four years.

[@hadrianaugustus5712]

Hui Hou get the California PE, you can take the seismic and surveying exams in Ohio. Might help finding a job.

[@sunquan1980]

PE is Professional Engineer, FE is Fellow Engineer and SE is Senior Engineer, right?

[@classic8054]

FE exam is Fundamental Engineering exam I think? SE is Structural Engineer

[@markstice2098]

Do you ever get burnout?

[@musabahmad3401]

Why do you as a graduate structural engineer with a master degree have to take these exams?? Isn't your degree enough to have a well paid jobb? Or are they madatory to have a jobb?? Or do they just make your salary beter and make you a better competetor in the work market??

[@MatPicardal]

For most of the U.S., it's not a requirement, but in a few states, such as California, it's almost (basically) a requirement if you want to advance your career into upper management because we're in a heavy seismic zone.

[@sakshamostwal9016]

👍🏼

[@MatPicardal]

THanks Saksham!

[@Pleasure_Baron]

Big Bang Theory... there's your problem... that show kills time AND brain cells :-P

[@quynhcao5801]

SE .....................Too Tough..................................??

[@kimryanpomar4165]

Me: Looking Forward to my Future Failure 🤣

[@shadowcoder19]

Dude pick yourself back up! You are worth more to us than any other engineer on this planet, because you are teaching us everyday with your videos.

[@MatPicardal]

I appreciate that, all part of the process!