April 2006 Transportation Depth PE Exam 2

[CDO863]

I have had a problem finding sample exam problems that utilize the standards for the April 2006 exam, Transportation depth. Even the online exam from ppi2pass uses outdated references. This is frustrating as I work the problem and find my answer is incorrect (according to the practice test). I have wasted precious time looking everywhere to see how they got their solution, only to discover they are referring to outdated standards! AARRGGHH!!!!
If anyone reading this knows of practice problems for the pm transportation portion of the pe exam that utilize the 2004 Green Book, 2000 HCM, (basically all of the April 2006 standards) please let me know. Thanks!

 

[jeremyk55]

I'm not sure if this is the case, but while reading Lindeburg's introduction to his 2006 review manual, I found out that the PE Exam is not always based on the most current editions of reference manuals like the green book. You might check and see if you can find out which edition the ncees is referencing for the exam. It could be the 2001 edition.

 

[cvg]

It is the case. I studied the 1988 edition of the Uniform Building Code as a primary reference for the PE exam seismic test in California and found once I got there that the test questions specifically required the 1985 edition. Luckily I had brought both books with me. Unfortunately, I had not studied the earlier edition so I was at a bit of a disadvantage trying to find the necessary information.

 

[Stoph]

http://www.ncees.org/exams/professional/pe_design_standards/transportation_design_standards_06.pdf

This link lists the current standards as listed by bear26.

 

[CDO863]

Let me clarify...I have been aware all along of the standards that will apply to the April 2006 PE exam. That is not what I am asking about.

I am looking for Practice Problems that utilize these Standards. For example, I enrolled in the Exam Cafe on the website "

http://www.ppi2pass.com",

which is an online practice PE exam. However, it refers to standards, for example, from AASHTO Green Book 2001, while the current PE exam refers to the 2004 edition. This is also the case for the 6-Minute Solutions for Transportation Problems.

I am wondering if anyone else, perhaps someone that will be taking the PE exam in April, specifically the Transportation depth module, has found any PRACTICE PROBLEMS / PRACTICE EXAMS THAT REFER TO THE SAME STANDARDS THAT THE APRIL 2006 PE EXAM REFERS TO.

 

[francesca]

I suggest that the problems would be the same but the answers may be different. As long as you worked them the same way as the solutions with the wrong standards, you should be good to go. I realize that it's disconcerting, and I would ask ppi2pass for my money back if I were you. (Not that I think you'll get it, but it doesn't hurt to ask.)

 

[CDO863]

Yes, I was getting different answers...then spending time figuring out "why"...only to discover they were refering to an old book.
Instead of trying to work the Practice Problems, I have decided to go thru the manuals page by page. In real practice we use the State manuals, so no one is really that familiar with AASHTO Green Book, HCM, and all the others listed. Well, except maybe a professor or a USDOT employee.
BTW, I have emailed ppi2pass twice. They have not responded.....yet.

 

[BelspringKen]

I did the PPI2pass class this spring. I was not impressed by the Transpo section.

When I reviewed the HCM, I went chapter by chapter through the last few chapters and tried to do one or two problems that I figured were typical (not too short, but not too lenghty) to get the basic concepts of the chapters. I felt well prepared by getting to know the HCM.

 

[CDO863]

I ended up complaining to "ppi2pass" about the problem; they inititally never responded to my THREE inquiries. So, whenever questions arose on the ppi2pass forum about recommendations, I gave my impression. Within days I had a reply, an apology AND a full refund!

 

[BelspringKen]

bear26,

Did you notice that 2 of the Problems of the Week in the Transpo/Traffic section were taken verbatim from the Six Minute Solutions Book for Transpo? That really bugged me.

There was also a huge emphasis on pedestrians and bikes in the QOW. Its good that bikes were mentioned, but there was just too much on it.

Overall, I did not like the fact that I was locked into "their" schedule.

 

[CDO863]

Yes. Additionally, there were incorrect solutions.

My advice to anyone studying for the PE exam is to study the material such as the example problems in the references like HCM and TR-55, etc.

I think of all of the time I wasted on problems due to errors on the part of the author, and outdated problems (that were sold to me as "up to date" material).
They are just making money off of the ones striving to pass our PE -- I find it unethical, and I wonder why the instructors push the 6 minute solutions so much? If someone is taking a PE review class, they are already paying around $800, and that should include practice problems and solutions. I can see someone buying a book who does not take a review class.

Anyway, these are my greivances with the preparation; they are ones I had not heard of going into it, and wondered if anyone else ran into the same.

 

[BelspringKen]

I had high hopes for the PPI online class. I felt like the water resources segment was very good. The geotech guy was pretty good, and good at answering questions. On the other hand, I actually answered a question related to sizing a culvert during the Transpo/Traffic week when the "tutor" dropped the ball. I found the answer in the CERM! I had also read some related material in an older book.

Having signed up, and having X number of problems to do per week helped me to keep going.

Those authors of the books are the "tutors" on the PPI online board. I guess they get a few bucks from the sales of the books.

 

[LIGWY]

Do you recommend taking the PPI pass course online in general for all subjects?