Post by Dothracki PE on Jul 11, 2022 12:46:18 GMT -5
This is likely going to be an ongoing thread with additional posts and developments as study aids are being updated often with the change to the CBT exam. I would suggest that any follow up posts have the reference listed with a link to where others may purchase or research the resource. If you used this resource, please provide some feedback or comments on how you used it, if you feel it was helpful, any disclaimers, etc.
Reference Books
- 2017 NFPA 70 Handbook - link - This is a great resource to have in preparation even though you will be given a PDF version of the 2017 NFPA 70 code on the exam. The handbook has the exact same code language as that PDF, but plenty more information on many code sections including informational notes, examples, diagrams, and photos to further explain code sections. There are many aids such as tabs you can buy to help navigate the book, but the cheapest and easiest thing to do is to flag the start of the articles you will see most on the exam. I would suggest 100, 110, 210-250, 310, 314, 408, 422, 430, 450, 700, 760, Chapter 9, but there could be more chapters you will come across. An alternative to this is to use the free access version of the code available on the NFPA website here but this will only give you the code, not the handbook.
- 2017 NESC - link - This is one that is a pretty steep cost for not a lot of information on it, but it is included on the exam. You may be able to find used versions of this book cheaper or you may be able to find PDF version somewhere. Keep in mind that the NESC handbook from McGraw-Hill is not the same and does not actually contain the NESC code. It's merely a supplemental guide.
- Power System Analysis and Design - link - This book is fairly good for some parts of the exam. Especially for the basics on units, conversions, Ohm's law, Per Unit, Autotransformers, Power Lines, and Symmetrical Compoents. It can be quite complex and goes from 0 to 60 on topics really quickly. If you can find a solutions manual to breakdown the steps to problems, that would probably be helpful. There are a lot of sections covered in the book not on the exam specifications so really make sure you cross reference the exam specifications to make sure you stay focused on the topics at hand.
- Electrical Machines, Drives, and Power Systems - link - Similar notes as to Power System Analyis and Design. This one covers KVL and KCL, Generators, Motors, Power Factor and Power Calculations, and Transformers.
Online Tutoring
- ElectricalPEReview.com - link - I might be biased towards this site, but this is probably one of the best routes for Power PE review in my experience. I made the investment and got an unlimited pass to take full advantage of Zach's on-demand training classes, virtual live class training, practice exams and quizzes, and many other resources he has available. The price point is fairly high, but well worth the investment given the amount of information he has available to you. He is constantly updating modules and building on his extensive program especially with the CBT exam in mind. Many of his tests and quizzes now feature the alternative answer types you might see on the exam instead of having all multiple choice questions. He really takes the time to help as many of his students as he can.
- Engineerproguides.com - link - While I have not taken the classes, I did add to my PE preparation with some of the practice exams they have available on their website. Their pricing is a little better and they have many a la carte options if you want to purchase certain materials from them without spending on a subscription. Justin is the lead instructor of the Power classes and he has put together a well-developed program just as Zach has done. They too are keeping up with the CBT changes and have many options for on-demand and live classes. They have a practice exam dedicated to codes you may see on the exam that I highly recommend even if you use some other method for study preparation.
- PPI - link - I personally have no experience with the site, but I have heard a lot about it. It is one of the more pricier options out there, but they have an extensive program with on-demand and live class options for different prices.
- School of PE - link - Again, no experience, but they have many different pricing options and seem reasonable compared to others and many a la carte options for study help.
