My SE Exam Journey COMPLETE: Why the New Computer-Based Format Falls Short

[@hebrews11vs5]

Amazing timing on this video. I just decided yesterday I will go for the SE exam. I wasn't going to do it, but I just decided I would challenge myself and go for it.

[@shawnstrazar7282]

Congratulations! I was lucky enough to get through both vertical exams this last spring testing session and have the lateral exams coming up this fall! You have been a great inspiration and continue to provide useful studying videos and explanations for things

[@Theejohnjohn]

Congrats Kestävä!!!! you helped me pass my FE just this past June! And been studying now for the PE i work as civil/structural engineer for building & starting bridges, and want to take SE one day! I’m trying to take PE next year!

[@MikeYTnc]

Well deserved Congrats! I'm also a PE who has experience with both the NCEES old school and new CTB tests, and I appreciate you taking us on your journey! I used your youtube practice problems to help me study and found them very informative and helpful.

[@ForensicCats]

Congratulations!

[@tristianybarra1176]

This is so cool! Well done Rich! I’m so happy for ya! Your continual efforts and determination finally paid off. Best of luck in your new chapter. 👍🏼

[@titi0xiaotian]

Hi Rich, I just got my PE Civil Structural exam passed on 8/31. I really appreciate all the videos from you which helped me so much and good luck for everyone here for your exam !

[@sashajohnson9041]

Congratulations! Very well said improvement points

[@archer111000]

The experience you've described here was the same on the PE exam I took in July of 2023. The system they use to administer the test is so clunky! You can only draw 5 shapes or lines on the scree before it deletes your oldest line. So for the problems where you needed to triangulate something on a soil chart it was exactly possible, but if you draw one of the lines wrong you can't interact with that line, you have to redraw it. Since the questions are randomized, you might get two questions in the same category but several questions apart. Here's hoping you remembered what page you were on after you dug through the index, because (as you said) when you close that code it resets to the table of contents. Completely agree with everything you said at the end: they make it so difficult to prove your ability that I think it's not a good "test" of your abilities. Who actually engineers like this? Same criticism I have of schooling in general, they make you do it alone without input from your peers, but almost all of my project work engineering is done collaboratively with coworker input.

[@sci-fimodeler1701]

So I took the old exam back like over 10 years ago. I did not pass the gravity, mainly due to being too spoiled by software, and all the calculations for influence lines and cables I know I could not answer. I have a MS degree and knew all the different building elements but did not know seismic very well, I work in Florida and I can practice structural engineering without having an SE until just recently where Florida will now have what they call a "recognized Structural Engineer" where I would have to pass the SE exam to have that designation. With the old exam I had (2) milk crates of references. Now I am thinking of taking it again and only get to bring my calculator. So I am studying a different way now. Learning seismic, and going through every chapter of Hibbler structural analysis. I plan on taking it in a year. Thanks for all the info. I already went through your seismic example on wood structure. I will be going over quite a few of your tutorials as well. Congrates on passing. They way I see it, less people in structural engineering makes us more in demand!

[@bloody3red]

I took the cbt Fe and the cbt PE civil structural exam and you basically described how I felt after walking out from taking them. I'm so excited that you passed both of your SE exams. Congratulations!🎉🎉🎉 I thought I was done with my testing journey with the PE, but you've just motivated me to take my SE exams. Your practice problems are very useful, I practiced some while studying for the PE. Please keep making practice problems videos (for SE) and create a playlist for them. I (and all of your community) would appreciate it! Thanks Rich!

[@Kestava_Engineering]

@@bloody3red that’s the plan!

[@Theejohnjohn]

Bro u killed it insane 🎉🎉🎉 I’m worried bout the civil structural PE bout feel like it won’t be that bad once I get all the codes down!😊

[@cesvalle1]

For one, congratulations on becoming an SE! I’ve decided to take the PE Structural to apply for California SE in 2026 (fingers crossed). I’ve started updating my NCEES profile and I’m looking to start collecting study material for this new CBT approach. Good luck ti all those that are getting after it. Remember, it’s a sacrifice to make time to study but you’ll all do great. Best of luck to all.

[@hadrianaugustus5712]

California is very strict about the SE, are you qualified?

[@cesvalle1]

California is very strict indeed. I’m a California PE with multi-state licenses. Most of my engineering design experience has been on California projects performing structural design. Granted I don’t have much experience in Masonry or Bridges or Skyscrapers but I’ve done enough concrete/steel and wood design. I touch AASHTO once in a while. California is big on Schools and Hospitals so the CBC has these additional “A” chapters with special provisions. Similarly, they have their own amendments to AASHTO. California is particular about their examination approach, they have lots of requirements. I’ve worked under a lot of SEs but that doesn’t guarantee me a passing score. I’ll let California decide if I’m qualified to be an SE. The SEs I work with think it’s time for me to take the exam. I’m just going to take the PE Structural first and then apply for licensure in CA. I took my California PE exam back in late 2000s when it was paper and pencil and a stack of study material so CBT will be tough. We’ll see how it goes. Just going to prepare as best as I can and go from there. One step at a time.

[@Anghel57190]

Congrats!

[@jesusisthelordforever4357]

I am happy for you bro keep up the good work.

[@pavanpatel4150]

Congratulations (once again)! I don't think I could imagine taking the SE without my references. Sounds like a headache...

[@paularchambault8620]

Congrats on passing! I passed Lateral Oct ‘23 and failed Vertical this past April. I have the same thoughts as you… I’ll be skipping the offering this October in hopes that things improve for April ‘25.

[@christiancastillo2542]

Thank you for such an informative video and congratulations on passing your SE! I'm getting as prepared as possible as I'll be taking my vertical breadth/depth SE this October. This CBT format, expanded into a 22 hr SE exam, closed book/notes sounds like beast.

[@hebrews11vs5]

@christiancastillo2542 how far in advance do you need to book the depth tests?

[@christiancastillo2542]

@@hebrews11vs5 If you were to sign up, they give you a one year window to book your tests. Depth is offered 2 times a year and breadth is offered year round.

[@christiancastillo2542]

@@hebrews11vs5 Once you sign up, you are given a one year time window to book for the exams. Breadth is offered year around and depth is only offered April and October .

[@hebrews11vs5]

@@christiancastillo2542 I see. Thank you!

[@pickpocket293]

I'm halfway through this video and I want to say two things: 1) Congrats! You've definitely earned the achievement, and I hope to join you in the SE club one day soon. 2) Something must be up with the camera stabilization, because every time you bump/touch your desk, the camera wobbles all over the place.

[@Kestava_Engineering]

oh what the heck! ill get that fixed. and youll be an SE I know it!

[@pickpocket293]

@@Kestava_Engineering I wanted to follow up on this and let you know of some updates! I took the SE Vertical Breadth last week (results pending. . . . ) and the reference material situation seemed to be much improved from when you took it. Many of the codes were separated out by chapter (IBC, AASHTO, AISC, specifically) but TMS and ACI were just a single PDF. When you closed a code and reopened it, it opened at the last place you had previously opened. I was able to page-up and page-down the reference material pretty quickly, and overall I didn't feel like I was "fighting" with the computer as much as I was expecting to. I had definitely been studying with the mindset of knowing where things were without tabs though, so I didn't go in cold. Anyway, I figured you'd appreciate another data point. It appears that things have improved. EDIT: I will say that the longer format with 55 questions was LONG. I was running out of steam by the end. I'm still not sure why AASHTO is covered if someone wants to go into buildings... EDIT x2: I just took the vertical depth, and I revise my opinion back to agreeing with you. I was fighting the exam CONSTANTLY referring back to figures that barely fit on the screen, etc. Total garbage experience, and I won't be wasting my time again. The move away from pen and paper was a huge mistake.

[@ngonimandizha7738]

Congrats on earning your SE!! I'll be going into my sophomore year of civil engineering undergrad, but I've watched some of your videos here and there. I'm looking forward to the journey of becoming a Civil/Structural Engineer.

[@RachadZayd]

Congratulations! I had the same experience with my PE. Would you recommend any text books or other study material to help get a deeper understanding of lateral systems and designs ? Will you continue posting videos on KZbin now that you're done studying ?

[@KeyganEIT]

Congratulations Rich! Thank for sharing your journey with all of us. Time to update that disclaimer in the description to state that Richard Racz DOES in fact hold the title "structural engineer".

[@Kestava_Engineering]

im SO excited to not have to say that anymore

[@jmartinez6755]

I like the computer for the PE

[@raffiart5121]

Congrats on passing SE! I just started studying for SE and the CBT thing is a big unknown. So are the depth questions multiple choice as well? There used to be essay questions but now we can’t write down the answer. If depth questions are multiple choice then what is the point of having breadth and depth?!

[@slykshadelock92]

Kestava, do you have any recommendations on courses to study for the SE CBT exam? Thanks.

[@lunalugo1]

I was waiting this video 😂... Congrats on that achievement. I passed vertical on P&P like you did. Just passed the CBT Lateral Depth. Yes, fortunately I was within 14% who passed. Sitting for the lateral breath in a few weeks!!! I agree with you on everything you said in this video. Any advice specifically for the lateral breath? Thank you

[@Kestava_Engineering]

@@lunalugo1 lateral breadth questions “worked” better for computer format since everything is multiple choice. You don’t feel like total garbage moving on cause you at least have a 25% chance lol

[@Kestava_Engineering]

You got this!

[@jonathanfernandez4662]

Did you use any prep course for this achievement?

[@trevorjones4683]

Thank you for your thoughts and commentary. I'll be going for my first exam this October and what you are saying matches what I've seen on reddit and the Discord channel. I think NCEES has some explaining to do with pass rates that low (the bar exam hovers around 50%!) but I'll demur as I am at the start, not the end, of this journey. Keeping in mind the "one-screen" thing, I have decided to do all my studying on one monitor. I've also ordered the Practice Exam Booklet and non-erasable marker from online, and am using it to work example problems. Do you have any other tips or tricks that you think would help make the exam-day experience less awful?

[@Kestava_Engineering]

i gotta say... your right! mimic as much as you can to what the testing experience is going to be. I know its the worst, but if thats what they are going to give you then stick to that style in your studies. you got this!

[@tonyantonio2]

Congrats! I don't think I will be taking the SE but will be submitting my experience soon for PE (civil Structural) I took the pe structural cbt august 2023 and passed the first time with AEI. I felt like it was clumsy too but the problems weren't very hard to the point I needed more screenspace or better interface to pass, I had lots of time. This was before changed the exam to 1 discipline.

[@vartantelian2078]

What is the best source or book to cover the bridges for SE buildings ? any tips

[@hadrianaugustus5712]

David Connor has a good book for bridges

[@jorgetrevino325]

Oh do I have a problem for you haha. I need some help designing a deep beam using this so called “strut and tie” method. Almost nobody on the internet has any example problems for simply supported beams with a point or distributed load. Can you do one? Thank you !!!!

[@juanortegam73]

Your channel is gold! Do you recommend Matchcad over Excel? Which software do you recommend for hand calculation? Btw, congrats!

[@Kestava_Engineering]

I love excel and HATE mathcad, but thats just me. i know many people that love mathcad!

[@Saltyarticles]

Took the PE Civil Structural when it first switched to computer. Felt the same way. Hopefully they remove the kinks from the SE. plan to take it in the coming years. Thanks as always for all you do.

[@BIGGERmac14]

I did not take it this cycle, but I have heard from others that TMS was in fact missing page numbers

[@Kestava_Engineering]

@@BIGGERmac14 that was the one!

[@rebryant3]

Do you think NCEES will work to make improvements? Or are we all just going to have to deal with the sub-optimal testing conditions

[@Kestava_Engineering]

they aint gunna do anyyyyyyything. which is brutal

[@theengineer2020]

These are the problems that I've complained about every time I've taken a CBT exam

[@tiagopariol]

👏👏👏👏

[@FB-bf1ww]

Congrats on passing, that's awesome! 👍👍

[@Aaron-nw7qx]

Graduated with plans to get my SE now after working a few years I’m wondering what’s the point? I don’t want all that liability, for what like $100k/yr?

[@ser7825]

I’m starting to think about this too. I want other areas of my life to thrive, especially when I don’t need to practice in Illinois and Hawaii to thrive in my career anyway

[@nascentnaga]

I hope you double your salary for passing that bullshit. seriously

[@hadrianaugustus5712]

😂 yeah right.