The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast

From dreaming of the Air Force to finding his calling in civil engineering and becoming a PE, today’s guest is a testament to the twists life throws at us…and some of them can be a blessing! 👇In this episode, we have Jared Foulk on the show. He’s a civil engineer in Washington who recently passed the Water Resources PE Exam, and is here to spill the beans on everything he learned on this journey.He talks about the ups and downs of prepping for (and passing) the PE exam himself, what he did to prep, and how passing it can boost your career almost instantly — just like it did for him.He also dives into why civil engineering is a fantastic field right now, especially with the current demand for PEs and the lack of workforce to fill in those shoes the companies are hiring for.If you're gearing up for the PE to boost your career and want to hear the hard-learned lessons from someone who’s walked the walk and crossed the finish line, this episode is packed with golden nuggets of wisdom you’ll love.Go check it out!🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:His Journey into Civil Engineering from an Initial Air Force Dream JobIs a Civil Degree Easier to Get Than a Mechanical Degree?How He Learned (the Hard Way) That the Civil FE Exam is Required After SchoolWhat Pushed Him to Go Get the PEDo You Need a Master's to Do Well in Civil Engineering?His Experience Taking the Water Resources PE ExamWhat He Worried About and Struggled With the Most When Prepping for the PEHow He Found CEA Using AI...and Decided to Go With ItWhat He Liked About CEA's PE Review Course That Helped Him (a Lot!)Another Aspect of the Course That Streamlined His StudiesWhat His Exam Prep Journey Looked Like from Start to FinishThe Score to Shoot for on Practice ExamsDid He Feel Confident Going into the Exam With Our Course?The Importance of a Support System When Studying for the PEHow He Prepped to Apply for Licensure...Before He Even Took the ExamThe Immediate Impact of Passing the PE Exam on His CareerWhy It's a Really Good Time to Be a Civil EngineerHis Hard-Learned Lessons for Those Taking the PE Soon🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONEDCivil PE Review CourseAir Force ROTCUniversity of Washington💬 CONNECT WITH JAREDLinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOUThe Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup GuideFREE Floodplain Manager Course Module🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSESCivil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review CourseFloodplain Manager Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMSFE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFloodplain Manager Practice ExamFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEAWebsiteNewsletterFREE CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Civil engineering shapes the world around us, but not everyone sees themselves in it. For some, finding role models who’ve been there is tough…and that’s exactly what Azael Garza had  to overcome. 👇Azael is civil engineer with a latino heritage that went from a small-town math student to launching his own firm and working for himself at Aztlan Engineering, all while keeping the memories of his ancestors alive.In this episode, he dives into this solo journey and everything had to push through to get where he’s at right now given the lack of representation problem in the industry.The FE and PE exams. The challenges of running a firm. What pushed him to finally go all in on building something of his own.All of this as a Latino Civil Engineer in a small town in Georgia! 😲So, if you’ve ever thought about starting your own thing one day, or you’re looking for a latino who’s carved out their own lane in this field, this episode is worth your time.It’s honest, inspiring, and full of lessons you can immediately apply…from someone who’s walked the walk.Go give it a listen!🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:How His First Job After School Motivated Him to Start His Own FirmWhat He Did to Prepare to Start Working for HimselfHow He Finally Took the Leap and Ventured Out on His OwnThe Biggest Issue He Faces Building His Firm (And You Will Too If You Start Yours)A Big Business Secret Any Engineering Firm Owner Needs to Know to Get More ClientsOne of the Biggest Downsides of the Civil Engineering FieldWhat Makes a Civil Engineering Degree Difficult (And It's Not Academic Rigor)The Hidden Nature of Civil Engineering Most People Don't RecognizeWhy Small Engineering Firms are Better to Work at Than Giant ConglomeratesHis Experience With the FE & PE Exams (And How Totally Different They Are!)A Shift in Education Pursuits by the Younger GenerationHow CEA Helped Azael in His Journey to PE and Firm Owner🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Civil PE Review CourseUniversity of GeorgiaToyota Industries💬 CONNECT WITH AZAEL:Aztlan [email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup GuideFREE Floodplain Manager Course Module🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review CourseFloodplain Manager Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFloodplain Manager Practice ExamFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFREE CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

AI is making its way into civil engineering fast. Whether you like it or not, it’s changing the rules of the game already. So, the only possible question left is: are you keeping up…or getting left behind? 🤔In this episode, we chat with Peter Nabhan, a PE who pioneered the transition of a big AEC firm to adopting technology and now works at the intersection of civil engineering, business leadership, and tech.After seeing the negative impacts of a lack of AI mastery on civil engineers’ careers, he decided to help them get ready for the “AI age” that’s coming for all of those in the industry — again, whether you like it or not.So, if you want to future-proof your career and not get blindsided — or worse, fired! — by what’s coming, this is one of those conversations you don’t want to miss.It’s practical, honest, and a bit of a wake-up call, to be honest. As the saying goes, “the only thing constant is change.” So, you’ll need to change if you want to keep your job in the (very) near future. 😲🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Biggest Challenge AEC Firms Face TodayWhat He Created to Help Firms Solve This Big Challenge (+ How to Do It)How He Gravitated Toward the Tech Side of Civil EngineeringHow He Manages the Different Initiatives He Works on the Tech SideWhy He Got into Civil Engineering SpecificallyThe Gap in Civil Engineering Education That Engineers Need to Fill on Their OwnHow AI is Making Its Way into Civil Engineering (And Why You Need to Master It)His Tips for Young Engineers to Find Mentors...Based on His Own ExperienceA Lesson from Peter's Journey That All Engineers Should Learn FromThe Life Advice Every Single Engineer Should Listen to🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Engineering News RecordTerraconECS Group of Companies💬 CONNECT WITH PETER:[email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup GuideFREE Floodplain Manager Course Module🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review CoursesFloodplain Manager Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFloodplain Manager Practice ExamFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEAWebsiteNewsletterFREE CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Most people think an engineering career locks you into one path. Design, build, repeat. Endlessly. But what if it could actually open doors you never knew were there — even totally unrelated to engineering? 🤔This week, we chat with Lorri Zella. She’s a licensed PE who took her career in a totally different direction, going from engineering to full-time real estate investing with a stop in forensic analysis today.In this episode, Lorri dives deep into this awesome journey. She details how her education, work experience in engineering, and PE license helped her prep for the non-engineering stuff she’s done…all the way to how to come back into engineering if you leave it to try something new.(🚨Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you trick yourself to think it is!)If you’re feeling boxed in by your degree or current job and wondering what else is out there beyond the typical path, this episode might just flip a switch for you.There’s more you can do as a civil engineer than designing and constructing buildings. And the good news? Your education and experience preps you really well for that already. 😉So, go give this episode a listen  to see how the PE can take you way beyond engineering!🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:Why She Went for an Engineering Degree (Even Without Liking Math)What's the CPESC Credential?What's the LEED and Certification?How She Keeps All Her Credentials Active in Every StateHow Engineering Prepped Her to Invest in Real EstateIs It Difficult to Go Back into Engineering If You Get Out of It?Her 3-Attempt Journey to Get Over the PE ExamHer Experience with the LEED and CPESC Certification ExamsWhat She Does in Forensic Engineering TodayHer Tips for All Engineers Who Want to Get into Real Estate on the Side2 Tips for All Women Pursuing a Career in Engineering (And Win!)🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:CPESC CertificationLEED certificationUniversity of Dayton💬 CONNECT WITH LORRI:[email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEAWebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

🚨 ATTENTION 🚨 The latest stats on licensure exams are out — and some of it that’s never happened before on any point in history will make you jaw drop big time! 😯In this episode, we dive into the 2025 Squared Report by the NCEES and break down the biggest takeaways from it regarding the civil FE and PE exams.What are the latest pass rates? What’s the perfect time to take them in your career based on those who passed it? Do test-takers prefer a specific period of the year to go sit for them? 🤔These are all things we cover in this episode. Plus, there’s some interesting stuff about how the NCEES is evolving the licensure requirements to support engineers mobility, both in and out of the US. 🌍If you’re planning to take the FE or PE — or are already in the middle of your prep for it — this episode has all the latest numbers about them so you know exactly what you’re up against. Go give this episode a listen to see what the latest FE and PE trends mean for you! 🫵🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Latest Stats on the Number of Test-Takers Per ExamA Brand-New NCEES Program to Train People to Come Up With the Exam QuestionsThe NCEES Reports for University Teachers to Help Them Tailor Their ClassesThe Latest Pass Rates for the Civil FE ExamOverall vs. EAC vs. ETAC vs. Other Takers (And How FE Pass Rates Differ for Each)The Most Preferred Testing Window by FE Test-TakersThe Top Universities With the Highest FE Exam CandidatesFE Pass Rates Per Graduation Date: Does It Matter When You Take It?The Latest Pass Rates for the Civil PE ExamsPE Exam Pass Rates Per Years of Experience: When Are Your Chances at Each Stage?The Latest Pass Rates for the SE ExamAverage Age of Examinees by Exam TypeThe Highlights of the Latest Stats for the Surveying ExamsThe NCEES Records Program to Get Licensed in Other States by ReciprocityThe Credentials Evaluations Service for International Civil EngineersAre the NCEES Exams Offered in Other Countries?The Number of Licensed Engineers in Each StateThe Historical Growth in the Number of Engineering & Surveying Licenses in the US🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:2025 NCEES Squared ReportCEA Episode #312 (SE Exam With Brandon Dashwood)🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Does the PE equal a 6-figure salary?! 😯 This is one of the trends in the civil engineering job market today that, if you don’t pay attention, you may be leaving big opportunities on the table. 👇This week, Brandon McGill jumps back on the show to pull back the curtain on what’s really going on in the civil engineering hiring scene in 2026. As The Civil Recruiter himself, he’s in the trenches every day placing civil engineers at their dream jobs. Therefore, he sees firsthand what companies and candidates want…and what the biggest trends and shifts are right now in the industry.In this episode, he talks about why licensed PEs are gaining more leverage, the biggest mistake people make when thinking about switching jobs, the pay differences across fields, and more!If you’ve been wondering whether you’re underpaid or thinking about making a move but don’t know what things look like right now for civil engineers, this is a must-listen!It's a real talk about the current state of the civil engineering job market by someone who works with it every day of every week. No fluff. No sugarcoating.Go check it out!🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:What's Going on in the Civil Engineering Industry Right NowA Big Shift in the Industry Hiring Scene That Favors Licensed PEsShould You Really Change Jobs to Get a Higher Pay After Passing the PE?What Companies are Doing That's Causing Good Engineers to LeaveWhat Leads Civil Engineers to Being Underpaid (And What the New Gen Does Today)The Biggest Mistake Civil Engineers Make When Considering a Job ChangeIs There a Difference in Pay Among the Different Civil Engineering Fields?Do You Get a Higher Pay When Working with a Recruiter or Applying on Your Own?What the Future of the Civil Engineering Hiring Scene Looks LikeThe Impact of AI on Hiring and Paying Civil Engineers in the FutureWhat Makes The Civil Recruiter Stand Out (And Why You Should Try It)💬 CONNECT WITH BRANDON:LinkedInThe Civil [email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Having trouble passing the Civil PE Exam in your current discipline? 🤔 If yes, then switching exams can be the game-changer you’ve been looking for…if you do it right. 👇While sticking with the same exam is (and always will be) your best bet, there are a few exemptions to that rule that can really turn things around for you.In this episode, we cover the only six possible scenarios in which changing exams makes a whole lotta sense and can help you (finally!) get it over with.If you’ve been failing this exam over and over again, go check this out to see which one of these scenarios applies to you and how you could shake things up for your next try.🧠 IN THIS EPISODE:Scenario 1: Career ShiftScenario 2: Past Work ExperienceScenario 3: Scope of Work Scenario 4: Comfort With Exam ContentScenario 5: College Background Scenario 6: Most Favorable Exam🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Why You Should Stick With The Same Exam After a Fail?Which Civil PE Exam to Take?Joe Ebinger InterviewEsteban Valderrama InterviewBrett Van Hazel InterviewGrant Junghans interviewCameron McLaurin Interview🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Most licensed civil engineers don’t think about the legal risks in their career…until something goes wrong. But according to attorney Matthew Fornaro, when it does go sideways, it’s usually too late. 👇Matthew works right in the intersection of construction and business law. He’s seen it all in the AEC industry — from small contract disputes and ethical violations…all the way to full-blown, million-dollar litigation cases.In this episode, we dive into the legal risks licensed PEs like you face every day — and that will follow you for years after any project you touch is done. Why?!Once you’ve got that PE stamp, you’re not just approving projects. You’re taking on real responsibility that lasts through the lifetime of the building you signed off on.Everything you do now can be traced back to you years down the road if anything happens to the building you approved. (I know. Wild! 😟)So, if you’re a licensed PE — or on your way there — this is one of those conversations you’ll not want to skip.It’ll open your eyes to the legal side of engineering nobody really teaches, but everyone should understand. Otherwise, it’ll come back to bite you in the butt.Go check it out to learn how to protect yourself and your career legally with the help of an attorney!🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:How the Construction Law Is Different From Other LawsThe Different Situations in Which Engineers Need Legal CounselingThe Legal Weight of Getting the PE LicenseThe Life-Long Responsibility of Stamping a Project's PlansThe Big Issue With AI to Do the Legal Work (And How to Use it Right)The First Thing Engineers Wanting to Start Their Own Business Should DoNuances of Construction Litigation Cases (And Why It Matters to Engineers)The Most Common Construction Litigation Case That Attorneys HandleAre Ethical Violations Common in Construction Lawsuits?💬 CONNECT WITH MATTHEW:[email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

If you want to practice in California, the journey isn’t quite over after you pass the PE Exam. 😅 There are two extra tiny little things standing between you and the PE license in the Golden State. 👇In this episode, Taylor Austin jumps back on the show, but now to talk about her experience tackling these California-specific hurdles — the Seismic and Surveying Principles exam.After passing the Water Resources PE Exam with our review course, she had to face these two exams to advance her career in California. The problem?Her background is environmental engineering with no in-depth structural engineering training…which made the seismic portion a whole new ball game. 😯In our chat, she spills the beans on everything you can expect when prepping for and taking the CA exams. From the top-notch study resources to use and prep time you should give yourself…all the way to what the exam experience is like (and how it differs from the PE!)If you’re planning to get licensed in California — or even thinking about it down the road — this episode breaks down the nuts and bolts of the process with helpful, real-world tips from someone who’s walked the walk. 👍Go give it a listen to see what it really takes to pass the California Seismic and Survey exams!🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Nuts and Bolts of Taking the CA Seismic & Survey ExamsWhat the CA Seismic & Survey Exams Look LikeWhat Her License Got Held Up in California (And What She Did to Fix It)Her Journey Prepping for the CA Seismic & Survey ExamsHow Much Prep Time Should You Give Yourself?The Test-Taking Strategy for the CA Exams That Got Her Passed 3 Tips for Anyone Gearing up for the Seismic and Survey ExamsHow Many Practice Exams She Took in Her PrepThe Often Forgotten Benefit of Getting a PE in CaliforniaHow Much Does It Cost to Take the CA Exams?Does Reciprocity Rules Apply in California...Without the Seismic and Survey Exams?The Value of Getting the PE (in and out of California)The Study Resources She Recommends for the CA ExamsHer Biggest Tip for Anyone Facing the Seismic Exam Without a Structural Background🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:CEA CA Seismic and Survey Courses WaitlistHiner's Seismic Design ReviewAdvanced Engineering Institute (AEI) Seismic Review CourseCivil PE Surveying Review CourseCalifornia Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoWSPWater Works Engineers💬 CONNECT WITH TAYLOR:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Every year, we like to hit pause, look in the rearview mirror, and reflect on everything that happened in the past year. We just did that with our 2025 Year in Review…and that was a crazy one! 😅In this episode, we dive into the 2025 highlights that made all the late nights and weekends of work totally worth it. Both in terms of traction we’ve gotten, the number of students we’ve had…all the way to our 10-year anniversary (which still feels a little surreal! 😯).On the flip side, we also dive into the biggest issue we’ve battled here at CEA for pretty much the entire year. It was a monumental task that, thankfully, is now over with the launch of our PE Structural Review Course. 🙌Then, at the end, we also dive into the opportunities we see for CEA moving forward. What we have planned for you. How we’re thinking about AI. And even how you can join the CEA Team to help with our exam prep materials. 👍It’s been a long ride and we’re really thankful for everybody who’s been here with us, using our materials and giving us feedback so we can keep improving. So, if you’re in the online “CEA sphere,” give this episode a listen to learn what went down at CEA in 2025 — and where we’re headed next.This one’s transparent, forward-looking, and straight from the heart. 🤝🧠 IN THIS EPISODE:Our Biggest Challenge Since the NCEES Updated the SpecsThe Highlight of Last Year (2025) Here at CEAThe Traction We've Gotten on Our Social Media ChannelsThe Growth of the Civil Engineering Academy Podcast in 2025How Many Students Used CEA's Review Courses in 2025Our 10-Year Anniversary in 2025...and the Sale We Ran to Celebrate ItThe Opportunities at CEA Heading into 2026Is CEA Implementing AI Into Their Exam Prep Materials?How We'll Keep Tightening Up Our PE Review CoursesHow You Can Help CEA With Its Study Materials in 2026🎙️ SOME OF THE CEA STUDENT STORIES IN 2025:Alberto Ortigão (PE Geotech)Yameli (PE Transportation)Aggie Lie (Civil FE)Colin Tinsley (PE Construction)Haddi Azzawi (PE Water Resources)Josiah Ferguson (PE Water Resources)Raymond Muñoz-Tabares (Civil FE)Kenneth Wilson (PE Water Resources)Ryan Turley (PE Water Resources)Mudasir Gulzar (PE Geotech)Scott Pelath (CFM Exam)Jimmy Daughtry (PE Construction at 60!)Seirra Patrick (PE Water Resources)Scott Williams (Civil FE)Hunter McCabe (PE Construction)Bill Bollman (PE Transportation)🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Think Floodplain Management is only for Water Resources Engineers? Those already working in water- and flood-related fields? 🤔 Well, this interview with Chris Moe will make you rethink that. 👇Chris is an Electrical Engineer by trade who entered the public sector many years later doing building inspections and was encouraged by his boss to go for the CFM® exam to boost his career.After two failed attempts studying by himself, he almost gave up on that goal, but didn’t. He decided to get back on his feet and come back stronger…now with a brand-new approach for his third (and last) try with our review course. 💪In this episode he dives deep into this journey. From what most people misunderstand about the CFM® exam and the biggest mistake he made that you need to avoid…all the way to why this exam is more than just a credential if you work in the public sector.If you work in city and town planning, emergency management, local floodplain administration, insurance, or anything like that, the CFM® Exam is for you — and this episode is packed with real talk and practical tips from someone who’s been there…without a civil background. 😮🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:What Everyone Gearing up for the CFM Exam Need Know About ItWhat He Did After His First Failed Try That You Should Never Do as a Repeat TakerWhy He Almost Gave Up After the Second Failed Attempt...But Didn'tHow He Found Our CFM Review Course (And Went for It)What He Loved the Most About the CFM Review Course That Makes It Stand OutWhat the CFM Exam Day Experience Looks LikeWhy Floodplain Management Knowledge Is Needed Beyond the Test PurposesThe Impact of the "CFM" Initials on Your Career And SalaryHow the CFM Exam Results are ReleasedHow He Organized His Studies into His ScheduleThe Advice He Gave to a Coworker Who Wanted the CFM That You Should Follow TooThe Minimum Amount of Prep You Need to Be Able to Pass the CFM ExamIs the CFM Only for Water Resources Engineers?What He Suggests Everyone Taking Our CFM Review Course DoHis Secret to Prepare for All Licensure Exams He Took...And You Should Do the SameWhere to Find the CFM Review Course Chris Used to Pass🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Floodplain Manager Review CourseFloodplain Manager Practice ExamThe Certified Floodplain Manager Credential ExplainedCity of Folly Beach💬 CONNECT WITH CHRIS:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup GuideFREE Floodplain Manager Course Module🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review CoursesFloodplain Manager Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFloodplain Manager Practice ExamFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]🚨 Disclaimer: 🚨CFM® is a registered certification mark of The Association Of State Floodplain Managers, Inc. (ASFPM), which is not affiliated with and does not endorse or sponsor this course nor any other goods or services offered by CEA. Our course is based solely on publicly available materials and general industry principles. We do not use or distribute any proprietary or exam content from ASFPM. The author of our course took the exam more than four years ago and cannot (and will not), under any circumstances, answer questions related to the exam itself or its content. References to CFM® are for descriptive purposes only.

Do you know the biggest mistake AEC firm owners make? 🤔They get lost in the busy work and never plan how they’ll leave the business one day. That’s why this episode with Laurie Barkman is huge!Known as the “Business Transition Sherpa,” she’s a M&A advisor who helps owners scale their firms smarter…and exit them stronger.She’s a former CEO who led a $100M company through the acquisition process — and now she works specifically with AEC firms to help their owners set themselves for a transition the right way.In this episode, we dive into all things business for a civil engineering firm. Valuation metrics, how to navigate the acquisition process, why a 50/50 partnership is not the way to go, and a lot more!So, if you’re running a civil firm now — or plan to start one one day — this episode will get you thinking long-term. Because no matter whether you sell it, pass it on, or step away, you don’t want to wing it…and then be trapped into the business until your late 60s.Right?🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:2 Things Engineers Need to Know Before They Get Into Business Side of EngineeringWhy a Business Partnership Should NEVER Be 50/50The Biggest Mistake Any Firm Owner Can Make That Makes Life Difficult LaterShould All Owners Be Looking to Sell the Business? Is It the Only Way Out?Where Does the Owner's Successor Come From? (Hint: Not What You Think)What's The Business Transition Handbook All About?How to Valuate Your Own Engineering BusinessThe Right Way to Find Buyers When You're Interested in SellingHer Mastermind Group to Help Owners Set up Their Business for a Profit ExitWhat She Recommends for Every New Engineer Getting into Business for the First Time🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Business Transition Handbook, by Laurie BarkmanSuccession Stories PodcastB.U.I.L.T. Leader CirclesB.U.I.L.T. Freedom™ CourseIngersoll Rand💬 CONNECT WITH LAURIE:LinkedInWebsiteLaurie's Advisory Consultation🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

When you think of “Structural Engineering,” you likely picture big concrete or steel structures. Right? 🤔 Exactly — and that’s the problem! 👇There’s a whole corner of that industry outside of these two materials that most Structural Engineers have never been taught or exposed to before. 😯Today, we talk to Dr. Joshua Schultz, PhD, P.E. He’s a Structural Engineering professor and consultant whose path started off in architecture, took him to work on the Burj Khalifa, and then led him into a specialty most Structural Engineers overlook.In this episode, he dives into what this unique niche is, why it’s so unique, and how it brings up a lot of factors of the design work in the real world that school doesn’t teach (from a professor himself!).If you’re a Structural Engineer — or thinking about becoming one — this episode opens your eyes to career paths you didn’t even know were on the table. There’s more out there than buildings and bridges…if you’re willing to look. 😉So, go check out this episode to take your first step into this Structural Engineering niche most people never talk about.🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:While He Keeps Doing Consulting Work Even as a Full-Time ProfessorThe Little-Known Structural Engineering Niche His Career Took Him ToThe Reason Why Using Mass Timber for Structural Design is Still a ChallengeThe Biggest Challenge for Structural Engineers to Use Mass Timber TodayHas the Interest in a Civil Engineering Degree Been Decreasing?Why the New Generation is Going for Civil Engineering vs. Why the Last Generation DidNon-Technical Aspects That Drive Any Project But are Not Emphasized in SchoolWhy Lightweight Structures are so UniqueHis Favorite Lightweight Project in His Career so FarHis Book on Lightweight Structures for Structural Engineers (And Why He Wrote It)His Experience Designing the Tallest Stair in the World's Tallest Building!His 2 Biggest Pieces of Advice for Future Structural Engineers That Nothing Can Beat🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture, by Joshua SchultzGonzaga UniversitySkidmore, Owings & MerrillBrooklyn Academy of Music“How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?”💬 CONNECT WITH JOSHUA:[email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Passing the PE Exam is difficult enough already. Now imagine doing it as a single mother, with 3 successive failed attempts over 5 years, and having to start from scratch after switching exams? 😮That’s exactly why this episode with Bianca Wilson hits different.She’s a Geotech Project Manager who just passed the Civil PE Exam after 4 tries over 5 years — long after most people would’ve folded already. But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.In this interview, she opens up about the emotional rollercoaster this journey has been to her as a single mom.The tough calls she had to make in life to get this done. The decision to switch exams and start over. The tight budget she had to get help to get over this hump. All the way to the study habits and how she organized her schedule to find time to study…with a full-time job and a kid!If you’re a repeat taker, questioning whether you’ll ever get to cross the finish line, this episode has some honest lessons from someone who had every reason to quit, but didn’t — and passed instead! ✅Go check it out!🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:Her Long PE Journey from 2020 to 2025 in a NutshellHer Controversial Take on Switching Exams...After Doing It HerselfWhat She Had to Overcome to Pass After Switching Exams (And How She Did It)How She Managed to Study as a Single MotherThe Minimum Study Time Required to Pass the PE, in Her OpinionThe Importance of Accountability in Your Exam PrepHow She Found CEA's PE Course And What She Loved About ItHer Tips for Approaching Practice Exams That You Should ListenThe Exam-Day Test-Taking Strategy We Share in Our Course That Helped Her PassHow the CBT Exam Simulator Helped Her Prep for the Actual CBT ExamHow to Get a Handle on All the Codes You Need to Know for Your ExamHas the CERM Really Become Obsolete for the New PE Format?Her Biggest Surprise on Exam Day (Hint: The PE Isn't as "Tricky" as You Think)How the Different AIT Questions Stack Against One Another in DifficultyThe 4 Surprisingly Simple Secrets to Passing the PE ExamHow It Really Feels After You Pass the PE ExamWould She Recommend Civil Engineering Academy to Others?🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Civil PE Review CoursesPE CBT Exam SimulatorA Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and StreetsGuide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian FacilitiesGeorgia DOT💬 CONNECT WITH BIANCA:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

AI is already everywhere. Students are using it. Companies are relying on it. And schools are feeling the pressure to do the same. The question is — is it  raising the bar…or quietly lowering it? 🤔In this episode, Mark jumps back on the show to break down a recent ASCE article that unpacks how AI is starting to reshape civil engineering education. Probably forever.By changing how students learn and taking over work tasks once done by entry-level civil engineers, AI has shed a light on how the traditional 4-year programs may no longer be the best (or only) path to prepare civil engineers for the real world.But there’s a catch…The current use of AI also reveals the engineering skills it can’t replace — and why those matter more than ever before and won’t change no matter how advanced the tools get.(Hint: Thin includes the professional licensure exams!)So, if you're a civil engineering student or a working civil engineer wondering where this is all headed, this episode tackles all the uncomfortable truths of an AI-heavy future — without the hype or fear-mongering. 👍🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:How AI First Started Being Used in Civil EngineeringA Real-Life Example of the Downside of Using AI in Engineering3 Reasons Why There's a Huge Pressure to Use AI TodayThe Biggest Problem With AI In Engineering Right NowWill AI Replace a Civil Engineering Degree?Will AI Ever Take Over the Job of the Civil Engineer?How AI Will Change Civil Engineering Undergrad Programs (But Not Completely)Two Past Instances When Tech Seemed to Threat Engineering Jobs...But Didn'tWhat the Future of Civil Engineering Education Looks Like2 Critical Engineering Skills That Will Still Matter in the Age of AIWhat Academia is Worried About With the AI TakeoverAI-Proficient vs. Skilled Civil Engineer: Who's a Better hire?Is In-Person Classroom Civil Engineering Education Outdated (Even Without AI)?How to Implement AI in Schools Without Turning It into "Prompt Class?"The Biggest Challenge of Implementing AI Civil EngineeringThe AI Impact on the FE and PE Licensure ExamsWhy Civil Engineering is a Good Field to Hedge Against the Impact of AI on Jobs🚨 OUR NEW YEAR SALE ENDS THIS SUNDAY! 🚨Discount: 20% OFF any review courseCode at Checkout: NEWYEARSALEDeadline: February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM MST.🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:ASCE Article🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:Civil FE Practice ExamsCivil FE CBT Exam SimulatorCivil PE Bonus Theory QuestionsCivil PE Practice ExamsCivil PE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Ever told yourself you’d “start your own firm one day?” 🤔 Most civil engineers have, but they kick it down the road because they don’t know what it takes.If that’s you, this interview with Daniel Bressler is a must. He’s a Structural Engineer who walked the walk you’re planning to walk. In this episode, he breaks down the big “Aha! moment” that got him to take the leap, the experience dilemma you’ll face, and the big difference between running a firm and doing the engineering work to prevent yourself from just getting another job once you get started.If working for yourself is on your radar, go give this one a listen.🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:Why He Started His Own Engineering Firm...Despite Not Wanting toThe Experience Dilemma to Start a Firm: Do You Have Enough of It...or Will You Ever?The Difference Between Owning Your Job and Owning Your Company (Live By This!)The Advantages of a LLC That Make It a Good Move for All EngineersHow to Get a Business Education to Grow Your Firm as a Civil EngineerThe Two Biggest Business Challenges Every Newly Founded Firm FaceThe (Realistic) Value of the Brutal SE ExamHow He Organized Himself to Get His PE After Grad SchoolA BIG Mistake He Made After Graduating (That You Should Never Make!)2 Reasons Why Keeping in Touch With Your Classmates Can Help You at WorkOur Hot Takes on the Value of a Master's Degree: Is It Worth it?ASCE Resources He Used to Get Ahead — in School and Beyond2 Pieces of Advice He Gives to Anyone Getting Started in Structural Engineering🚨 OUR NEW YEAR SALE IS LIVE 🚨Discount: 20% OFF any review courseCode at Checkout: NEWYEARSALEDeadline: February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM MST.🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:CEA Podcast Ep #312 (SE Exam)CEA Podcast #229 (Colten Johnson)ASCE Structural Engineering Institute (SEI)ASCE Mentor MatchASCE Collaborate CommunityASCE Concrete Canoe CompetitionASCE Steel Bridge Competition2023 ASCE New Faces of Civil EngineeringBrooklyn CollegeNew York University💬 CONNECT WITH DANIEL:LinkedInCompany Website🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Long gone were the days when engineering was only about the technical work! Today, you can take your technical skills, flip it, and use it in a way that’s never been possible before — and this episode is proof of that. 👇Today’s guest is David Jasinski, a geologist who built a career in the geotechnical industry and has done work in many, many countries that’s even hard to keep track of them all. 😅Along the way, he transitioned into a more business development role selling sheet piles and other geotech products…and that’s when he got started with social media content.Now, he’s amassed more than 141,000 followers on LinkedIn alone and become the go-to person for engineering firms to partner with to share their message and educate their customers on the products they sell.(Who said engineers cannot be influencers? 😂)If you’re a young engineer worried about the options for you in the field, this episode is a testament to the fact that engineering can take you way further than you even think possible.Go give this a listen to find out how you can pair your engineering skills with other business-related skills to build a “non-traditional career”...that makes all the sense to you!🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:His Transition from Technical Engineer to Business DevelopmentHow the Engineering Work and Business Factors Vary By Country3 Tips for Young Engineers to Get to Know All the Paths They Can GoThe BIGGEST Problem of Engineering Companies in Today's WorldWhy "Cost-Effectiveness" as a General Term is Wrong3 Business Aspects Where Engineering Firms Fall ShortWhy He Got Started on Social Media (+ How He's Using It for Business)Content Tips for Engineering Firms to Build a Brand OnlineWhy He Created His Career Guide for Young EngineersHis Work-Life Balance With His Job + LinkedIn Content Creation on the SideHis Single Most Important Piece of Advice for Everybody in Engineering🚨 OUR NEW YEAR SALE IS LIVE 🚨Discount: 20% OFF any review courseCode at Checkout: NEWYEARSALEDeadline: February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM MST.🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:ESC SteelARUPPietrucha GroupSilesian University of Technology💬 CONNECT WITH DAVID:[email protected] (Old Twitter)Threads🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Civil Engineering Academy is turning 10 years old! 🎉 To celebrate it, we’re looking back at how it went from an idea after a huge frustration with the PE to helping thousands of civil engineers get licensed.Today, Mark Oakeson jumps on the show again and shoots questions at Isaac to dig into the real story and current operations behind CEA.From the early struggles and building prep materials on late nights and weekends…all the way to managing a growing team of practicing civil engineers to produce those materials and the single metric we use to judge whether we’re being successful in our mission.If you’ve ever used any of our resources (free or paid), you’ve contributed big time to this huge milestone in our story. As a thank-you for that, we’re running a special promotion to celebrate our 10-year anniversary…but you're the one getting the gift. 😉So, go give this episode a listen and celebrate 10 years of Civil Engineering Academy with us! 🎉🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:Isaac's Face-Slapping PE Experience That Gave The Idea for a PE Prep PlatformThe Early Days: How CEA Got StartedONE Thing That Makes CEA Different from Other Prep CompaniesThe Biggest Early Challenge He Faced Growing CEA (on the Side of a Full-Time Job)The Evolution of the CEA TeamWhen CEA Started ClickingThe Difficulties of Managing an Enterprise With a Growing TeamHow CEA Has Been Able to Grow Over 10 Years (And the Challenges of It)The Overarching Mission of CEAHow CEA Measures Its Success as a Company (Hint: It's not What You Think!)Examples of Past CEA Students With Awesome Journeys to Become PEsThe Fun Side of Running CEA (+ the Real Motivation Behind It)What We Have in the Pipeline for CEAThe Future of CEA in the "New Industry" That Will Pop Up Due to AIWill AI Replace Civil Engineers and Tutors?Our 10-Year Celebration That YOU Benefit From!🚨 OUR NEW YEAR SALE IS LIVE 🚨Discount: 20% OFF any review courseCode at Checkout: NEWYEARSALEDeadline: February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM MST.🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:CEA Podcast Ep 270 (Alberto Ortigão)CEA Podcast Ep 263 (Jessica Wellcome)CEA Podcast Ep 258 (Connor Aycock)CEA Podcast Ep 64 (Zdeněk Vymazal)CEA Podcast Ep 215 (AI to Help You Pass Your Exam)All CEA Success Stories🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

A lot of civil engineers dream of having their own firm one day and all the good things they think come with it…until they do and they’re working crazy hours to barely even make ends meet. 😟 Why? “Profititis.”In this episode, we sit down with Ben Hansen — aka The Profit Doctor. He went from Microsoft to building an eight-figure consulting business, and now works with firms doing $5–50M to help them keep more of what they earn and essentially kill “Profititis” once and for all.This isn’t one of those fluffy “raise your prices” conversations. It’s a real look at where profit actually leaks out of businesses, how (the wrong) people quietly drain margins, and why profit isn’t just the owner’s job.If you’re planning to start your own firm or practice, this episode gives you a massive head start. You'll have the antidote to one of the biggest business-killers before you ever hang your own shingle.🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:2 Biggest Aspects of Civil Engineering That Hurts Its Profit PotentialIs the "Drive to the Bottom Bid" Exclusive to Civil Engineering?What is "Profititis"?The Minimum Financial Literacy You Need to Have to Start Your Own FirmThe Biggest Rule of Thumb to Grow Profitability InstantlyWhat Really Generates Almost All the Problems in a BusinessAre Employee-Owned Companies More Profitable?Should Employees Worry About Profit Too?The Profit Margins in Engineering Services (+ What You Should Aim at to Win)How Profitability Knowledge Applies to Your Engineering Work as an EmployeeThe "People" Problem Inside Companies That Affects ProfitsHow to Find the 10 Places Where Your Business is Likely Leaking Profitability🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Entrepreneurs' OrganizationProfit CFO ProgramProfitability Leak DetectorUniversity of PennsylvaniaThe 80/20 Principle, by Richard KochState of the Global Workplace Study, by Gallup💬 CONNECT WITH BEN:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramYouTube🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Licensure exams are hard, but here’s what you didn’t know — the technical content isn't the biggest challenge civil engineers say they face when they go up against them! 😧 Here’s what it is…👇According to 64% of them, the real challenge they face to pass the FE, PE, or CFM exam is finding the time to actually sit down and study.After all, among work responsibilities, family obligations, household chores, and personal interests, how can you possibly find any time to study in your busy days?! 😅All of us here at CEA have been in that exact same situation, but we found out about a surprisingly simple time management technique that helped us make time for our exam prep. Every. Single. Day.In this episode, we dive into what this technique is all about, the psychological reasons why it works like a charm no matter how busy your life is, and how you can apply it right away in 4 simple steps.Apply this technique and you’ll find the time to study that you didn’t think you had so you can get this over with once and for all. (Thank us later. 😉)🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:What this Time Management Technique is All About3 Reasons Why It Works Like a Charm to For You to StudyThe 4-Step Process to Apply It and Find Time to Study (Still Today!)The Biggest Thing You Need to Remember for This Technique to Work2 Fatal Mistakes to Avoid When Using This TechniqueThe Brutal Truth About Finding Time for Your Exam Prep (Hint: You Won't Like It)🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Harvard Research Paper🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

You studied after work every day. You sacrificed your weekends to stay home studying. You even took vacation time to study even more. You literally walked into the exam knowing you gave it your all…but guess? 🤔It wasn’t enough to pass — and that’s not the first time it happened. 😞If you’re in that repeat taker position, this one is for you. Whether you failed only once or multiple times.In this episode, Mark and I sit down to talk about one aspect that makes professional exams way more like sports than most people realize: the mental part of “playing the game.”Athletes lose games, miss shots, and get injured. But the ones who make it aren’t the ones who never fail. Instead, they’re the ones who learn how to make a comeback when they do fail.That same concept applies to FE, PE, and any other big exam that’s ever knocked you down before — and this episode gives you the tools and strategies you need to pull this off.Failing actually doesn’t mean you’re done. In a weird way, it might actually be the best news you could’ve gotten!Now, tune in to this episode to learn how to make good use of this good news and get it to propel you to a passing score faster than you think.🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Similarity Between Sports and Your Professional ExamsA Real-Life Example of Mental Toughness That You Can Borrow for Your ExamHow Mental Toughness Plays a Role in Your Exam Prep2 Different Voices You Can Choose to Listen to When You Hit Rock Bottom2 Things You'll Feel After Failing Your Exam Multiple TimesHow to (Correctly) Break Through When You Get Knocked by an Exam FailureThe First Thing You Should Do After an Exam FailureA Tool for You to Get Back on Your Feet After Failing Your ExamA Super Simple Strategy for You to Turn an Exam Setback into a ComebackHow Repeat Takers Who Chose CEA for the Next Try Ended Up PassingWhat Mental Toughness in Your Exam Prep Comes Down toWhat Failing Your Exam Really Means (+ Why That's the Best News You Could Get!)The Biggest Differentiator Between Those Who Pass and Those Who Don’t🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:NCEES FE Pass RatesNCEES PE Pass RatesCEA Podcast Ep 290 (Latest NCEES Exam Stats)🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Ever walked into an exam feeling completely ready…and then suddenly your heart is pounding, your mind goes blank, and even the easy stuff looks like it’s written in a foreign language? 🤔 If that sounds familiar, you’re gonna want to listen to this!In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the other side of taking those professional exams — the part that’s not in specs but can tank your performance and make months of hard work and sacrifice go down the drain if you don’t get it right.There’s a single skill no professor and no other exam prep course provider out there teaches…but every FE and PE test-taker needs!We dive into what that other side of passing your exam is, that single skill you need to get it right, and the tools and frameworks you can use to actually (and easily) do it. 😉If you blank out, rush through questions, or panic yourself into silly mistakes when taking your FE, PE, or CFM® exam, this episode shows exactly how to undo that pattern.Give this episode a listen and walk into your next exam with a calmer mind, a clearer plan, and way more control than you’ve ever had before. 👍🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Biggest Non-Studying Obstacle We Hear From StudentsWhat "Composure" on Your Exam Really IsThe Problem of Labeling Yourself as "Bad at Exams" (+ What to Do About It)What Test Anxiety Really Is...And The Only Way to Get Rid of ItWhat to Do the Week Before the Exam to Build ComposureHow to Spend the Day Before the Exam to Avoid Sabotaging YourselfWhat to Do in the Morning of the Exam to Make Things Go SmoothlyThe 3x3x3 Exercise to Calm Yourself Down When You Face a Tough QuestionThe Triage Test-Taking Strategy to Stay Calm While Taking the ExamThe Self-Talk Script to Use When Anxiety Spikes During the ExamThe Mid-Exam Reset You Need to Do to Show up Sharp for the Second HalfHow to Keep Composure With the (Increased) Test Anxiety as a Repeat Taker🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Don’t think you can become a PE years after school and without having followed the traditional path of getting a degree in civil? 🤔 Then this episode with Bill Bollman, PE will blow your mind!Bill started out as a CAD Technician who worked his way up to Roadway Production Manager over 30 years without a civil engineering degree…and has now just become a licensed PE! (Yep, you read that right. 😯)In this episode, he shares the legalities around waiving the FE exam and dives deep into the details of this fascinating journey to pull this off. From how he weaved an insane amount of study hours into his days to be able to fill huge civil engineering knowledge gaps he had…all the way to how he strategically scheduled practice exams at very specific moments in his prep to help him with the time management issue.If you didn’t follow the “traditional” engineering path, are deep into your career, and are wondering if becoming a PE is still on the table, Bill’s story shows that not only is it possible — you still have a lot to gain from it.🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:His Journey to Get the PE as a CAD Tech With No Civil DegreeHow He Filled the Knowledge Gaps for the Exam That He Didn't Learn in SchoolHow He Structured His Study Hours in His Days With Work and FamilyWhy He Put in So Much Study Time That Other People Would Call Him "Crazy"What His Support System at Home Looked Like to Be Able to Pull This offHow He Processed His Failed First Attempt at the PE (And Got Back on His Feet)A Big Part of Passing the PE That's Not Related to Studying at AllThe Civil Engineering Academy Resources He Used and Why He Liked ThemHow He Strategically Scheduled Practice Exams to Fix His Time Management IssueThe Real Ratio Between Calculation vs. Theory Questions on the PEWhat Getting the PE License Means to His Career, Even Without a Civil DegreeHis 2 Pieces of Advice for Those Taking the PE🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Dr. Daniel Findley’sPE GeniusCEA Podcast Ep 195 (Wade Broussard)CEA Podcast Ep 306 (Jimmy Daughtry)CEA Podcast Ep 258 (Connor Aycock)100 Bonus Transportation Theory QuestionsThe Ultimate Transportation PE ExamCEA’s FREE Transportation ProblemsCEA’s FREE Water Resources Problems💬 CONNECT WITH BILL:[email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEAWebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Most people say they want to pass the PE Exam, but saying ≠ doing. This episode with Hunter McCabe gives you a perspective on what it really takes to pass — and why it’s worth it. 👇Hunter is a past CEA student who recently crushed the Construction PE Exam while juggling unpredictable work hours and a pretty tight deadline with a wedding on the way. No pressure, right? 😅How did he do it? By following a study routine most people would call “crazy.”In this episode, he breaks down his entire exam prep journey and habits that made him successful.From choosing between Transportation and Construction to his own study technique that saved him on 3 questions on the real deal…all the way to his insane schedule with 8+ study hours on weekends — every week! 😮If you’re gearing up for the PE and looking for a real-world example of what it takes to pass the PE and how to do it, Hunter's story delivers it. 👍🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Challenge You Face Before You Even Start Your PE PrepHow to Settle the Debate on Which Civil PE Exam to Take Once and for AllHis Advice for Anyone Taking the PE Exam That You Need to Take to HeartHow He and His Wife Structured Both Their Exam Preps TogetherHow He Organized His Study Hours into His DaysHow He First Found Civil Engineering Academy (+ Why He Loved It!)The Most Common Exam Prep Mistake Civil Engineers Make...and That's Why They FailWhat He Liked About Our Video-Based Practice ProblemsHis Struggle With the Codes for the Construction Exam (And How He Overcame It)The SINGLE Code Most of the Questions Referred to in His ExamHow Many AIT Questions He Got (+ Which Ones They Were)Do Multiple-Choice Questions Prep You Well for AIT Questions?Are the PE Exam Questions Difficult or "Tricky," Really?How Theory Questions Caught Him Off Guard on Exam DayHow He Broke His Time Between the Morning and Afternoon SessionsHow He Weaved Practice Exams into His Study Plan (And When He Took Each)His Experience with CEA's CBT Exam Simulator to Mimic the Real DealWhat He Enjoyed About CEA's PE Course That Fit into His Schedule PerfectlyThe "Proprietary" Technique He Used to Keep Him in the Habit of Studying🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:PPI's PE Civil Practice Problems Book1926 OSHA StandardTransportation PE Exam SpecsConstruction PE Exam SpecsDelaware DOTPhiladelphia Water DepartmentTemple University💬 CONNECT WITH HUNTER:[email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Have you found yourself working in engineering without an engineering degree…and getting passed over for jobs to someone who “is” just because of the diploma? 🤔 If yes, this interview with Scott Williams is for you. 👇Scott is a past CEA Student with an Environmental background who came back from two failed attempts and losing a role he was perfect for because he didn’t have the degree…all the way to finally getting the FE done.In this episode, he dives into this very journey and spills the beans on everything he learned the hard way that you can steal and make this happen for you as well — but without the hassle. 😅Many people without a civil engineering background wonder if they can pass the Civil FE Exam. If they’re repeat takers, they wonder if they can make it. If they’re facing trouble in their career, they wonder if the FE will help.Scott was in all three categories above. All at once. If you’re in at least any one of them, his journey and tips will answer it all for you. 👍So, go give this episode a listen — especially if you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want to hear from someone who fought through the exact same stuff. ✅ 👷🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:Going for the FE to Save His Career (Even With a Lot of Certifications Already)What's More Valuable: Professional Certifications or a Master's Degree?His First Failed Attempt at the FE (+ a Big Lesson That You Need to Live by!)How He Picked Himself up for the Second TryWhat Made Him Choose Civil Engineering Academy's FE CourseHow He Found Civil Engineering Academy in the Online WorldHis Top Tip for Prepping for a CBT Exam (And How CEA Can Help!)20:12 What Caught Him Off Guard on the ExamOne Thing You Must Have When Prepping for Your ExamHis 4 Tips for Anyone Gearing Up for the FE Exam to Get It DoneHow He's Structuring His PE Exam Prep from What He Learned in His FE JourneyWhy He Recommends Civil Engineering Academy for any FE Test-TakerWhat You need to Keep Top of Mind When Prepping for Your Exam🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Coaching Call With IsaacFE Civil Review ManualReed Family CompaniesCertified Air Permitting Professional (CAPP)Qualified Industrial Stormwater Practitioner (QISP)Six Sigma ProgramMerced CollegeUniversity of California, Merced💬 CONNECT WITH SCOTT:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

If you thought the PE was tough, wait until you hear everything Brandon Dashwood has to say about the SE exam after taking it himself. (Hint: it’s not good news. 😬)Brandon is a Structural Engineer at PARADIGM Structural Engineers who’s deep in the grind of passing the most brutal exam in the civil engineering world — the SE Exam. The catch?The exam has now gone from pencil-and-paper to computer-based (CBT), and the whole exam experience is now, let’s just say…a big mess! 😅From becoming closed-book to a clunky interface to a new way to do what used to be the written portion, Brandon gives a first-hand look at what the new CBT SE Exam is really like — the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating.If you’re a structural engineer planning to go that route and take the SE, this conversation gives you a candid look behind the curtain of the new format and all the aspects of it that you need to know for when your time comes.Tune in to learn what the new SE exam is really like — and all the bugs that the NCEES will need to be looking into.🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Restrictions for PEs That Make the SE Required for Different Types of Work2 Reasons Why You'll Want to Get the SE Despite the Work It RequiresWhat the SE Exam Used to Be Like & How It Was ScoredHow the SE Exam Works Now With the New CBT Format2 Downsides of the CBT Format for the SE ExamThe Even-Lower Pass Rates for the SE Exam in the CBT FormatHow the Written Portion of the SE Changed (And Became More Frustrating!)His Own Experience Passing 3 Out of the 4 Sections of the ExamHow the SE Exam Results and Diagnostic Report are ReleasedThe Third (and Biggest!) Downside of the SE in the CBT FormatHow Does the NCEES Grade the SE Exam?His 3 Recommendations for How the SE Exam Should Actually be AdministeredWhat The NCEES Should've Done Before Rolling out the New Format to the PublicDoes the SE Exam Have Its Own Handbook, Like the PE?Will the NCEES Work Out the Kinks in the (Flawed) CBT Format?How Much It Costs to Take the New CBT SE ExamWhy He Keeps Trying to Pass His Last Portion Even Though the Exam Is FlawedHis Sincere Hope for this New Exam Format Regarding the Entire Industry🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:PARADIGM Structural EngineersUniversity of California, Davis💬 CONNECT WITH BRANDON:[email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Picture this — you spend months working on the design and construction of a project, and next thing you know, another engineer is on the news poking holes in it for everybody to see. How'd you feel? 🤔In this episode, we dive into a situation like this that happened in real life in a state highway project. What started as a difference in technical opinion only became a full-blown ethics investigation…that even resulted in formal disciplinary action! 😮This story is a perfect reminder that being a civil engineer isn’t just about being good at the technical craft only. Instead, it’s also about ethical conduct — professionalism, integrity, and knowing when (and how) to speak up.The problem? Most engineers don’t take the ASCE Code of Ethics seriously. They feel like it’s one of those things that “only matter in theory.”Well, it may be…until it doesn’t. And this real-life situation makes it pretty clear. If you’ve ever questioned the importance of ethics in real-world practice — not just on the FE or PE exams — this one’s a must-listen. All of us deal with it. Project after project.So, tune in to learn from this real case and make sure you never end up on the wrong side of the ethics line. 🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Story Behind This Real-Life Ethical Misconduct in a Nutshell (And How It Ended)Why This Misconduct Violated 2 Canons of the ASCE Code of EthicsIs It a Problem to Have Other Engineers Review Your Work?What Not to Do When Reviewing Another Engineer's WorkWhy It's 100x Easier Today to Make the Same Ethical MistakeThe Canon of the ASCE Code of Ethics That You Need to Live ByWhat's a Letter of Censure?The Biggest Take Away of This Real-Life CaseThe One Time Mark Got "Called Out" for His Design (And What He Did)How to Review the Work of Other Engineers CorrectlyWhat Should You Do When Less Experienced Engineers Call You Out?3 Guardrails to Handle Professional Disagreements Ethically2 Tricks to Deal With Criticism of Your Work Without Hurting Your ReputationThe Ethics Topic on Your Professional Exams🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:ASCE ArticleASCE Code of EthicsTara Hoke🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Ever imagined passing the FE on the first try 7 years after school, doing the same with the PE just 2 years later…and all of this without having started out in engineering in the first place?!That’s exactly what today’s guest did! 😮Sierra Patrick was on a pre-med track before realizing engineering suited her better. Two years ago, she joined our Civil FE Review Course to finally tackle the FE exam after putting it off since college.Fast forward to today, she’s officially a licensed PE after knocking out the PE Exam this year with our Civil PE Review Course as well. (Yep, another double-win with CEA! ✅ 👷)From that bold career pivot to prepping for her exams, Sierra’s journey is packed with hard-earned lessons you’ll want to steal for your own exam prep.Whether you’re gearing up for the FE or the PE, this episode has lots of study and exam-day tips from someone who’s walked the walk…and made it to the end. Just listen. 😉🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:Her Transition Into Civil Engineering from a Pre-Med Track (And Why)Her Experience Skipping the Civil FE Exam While in SchoolWhich One Is Harder: The FE or the PE?Which Civil PE Exam Discipline She Chose And WhyHow She Found Civil Engineering Academy (And Stuck With It)What She Enjoyed the Most About The Ultimate Civil PE Review CourseHer Advice on Taking Practice Exams That You Should Take to HeartWhat Caught Her Off Guard on the Exam (And We Talk About It All the Time!)2 Tips to Prep for Theory Problems the Right Way in Her OpinionHow She Went About Identifying and Improving on the Topics She Wasn't Good atHow the AIT Questions Can Trip You Up Without You Even NoticingHer Experience Waiting to Take the PE After the FE (And Why You Shouldn't!)The Number One Piece of Advice That Can Make of Break Your PE Exam PrepHow Her Work Supported Her Throughout Her PE JourneyHer Advice for Women in EngineeringWhy She Recommends Civil Engineering Academy's PE Course🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:FREE FE ProblemsFREE PE Water Resources Problems💬 CONNECT WITH SEIRRA:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Here’s a fact in the professional civil engineering exams world — most test-takers don’t fail because they're not smart enough. They fail because they study for their exams the wrong way!Over our 10+ years helping 1,000+ civil engineers crush their FE and PE exams (some after multiple failed attempts!), we’ve spotted 4 BIG exam prep mistakes most of them make…and it kills their chances of passing.After seeing those mistakes beat up a lot of civil engineers, we set out to change that.We analyzed them deeply, created a 4-step study strategy that prevents each one, and built it into our courses to help civil engineers finally cross the finish line.We call it The CEA PASS™ Method, and in this episode, we’ll be breaking it down for you to use it, too! 😉If you’ve been grinding for weeks and still feel stuck in your FE or PE prep, not seeing progress, or unsure how to study…use this.That’s how you PASS™! ✅ 👷🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:What’s The CEA PASS™ Method?The 4 Steps of the Method — Preview, Apply, Solidify, SimulateHow to Go About Studying Your Exam Prep Material the Right WayHow to Make Sure You Dedicate Study Sessions to Solving ProblemsHow to Schedule Review Sessions in Your Study Plan (And When)When to Take Practice Exams in Your Prep (And What to Do After Each)🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Practice Testing Study TechniqueThe Forgetting CurveTime Management Strategy to Find Time to Study🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH US!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

What does it take to become a successful woman civil engineer? 🤔 For multi-award winning Structural Engineer Najwa Jawahar, it all comes down to the “civil engineer” part only.Najwa is a Chartered Structural Engineer in the UK with nearly 13 years of experience. She’s worked on multiple types of projects and become one of the top voices and role models in Structural Engineering for women who want to go down the route.The result of these contributions?She’s been named one of the top 50 rising stars in Science and Engineering and received the Best Young Woman Engineer award at the European Women in Construction and Engineering organization. 😲Now, in this episode, she dives into the details of this success journey in this field packed with men, her tips for other women to succeed as well, and the biggest enemy they’ll need to beat if they want to do so. (Hint: it’s not men. 😉)So, if you’re a woman in civil engineering intimidated by being the only one in the room, tune in to hear Najwa’s story and the hard-learned career lessons she passes on. Her story is proof that you don’t have to blend in to build an extraordinary career. In fact, it’s just the opposite — you have to stand out. (You’ll understand that once you listen. 😂)🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Only Thing Women Need to Succeed in the Engineering Field Packed With MenThe Real Meaning Behind Professional Awards (And Your Career)An Enemy That Keeps Holding Women Engineers Back (+ How to Beat It)How an Internship and Competition Made Her Choose Structural EngineeringHow Do You Become a Professional Engineer in the UK?Everything About the UK's Version of the SE Exam for Structural EngineersAre These Brutal Professional Exams We Sit Through Really Needed?The Role of Structural Engineers in the Sustainability Issue3 Big Sustainable Shifts in Structural Engineering That are Already Picking UpHer Top Piece of Advice for Anyone in Civil EngineeringHow Fast Should You Go into Management Roles?🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)PE ExamSE Exam💬 CONNECT WITH NAJWA:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Ever looked around at your career and thought, “How the heck did I end up here?” Yeah — and you’re not alone. But that’s because your career was happening to you…instead of you making it happen. In this episode, we chat with Bryce Batts, a recruiter specialized in the AEC industry who’s helped over 800 professionals land jobs that actually fit their life and align with their values. After years of coaching and recruiting engineers, she put all her best career tips and advice into The Career Architect — a book that cracks the code of how to build a career you're proud of from the get-to…or get unstuck if you feel miserable where you’re at.The simple secret? 🤔According to her, a fulfilling career doesn’t fall into your lap — it’s something you build!If you’re stuck in a rut, thinking about making a switch, or just tired of “going with the flow,” then this is for you. Why?It will help you rethink how you approach and achieve professional success — and  she gives you the best tips straight out of her book on how to do this as well. 😉🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:3 Key Principles to Building a Career You're Proud ofWhat Should You Do If You've Chosen the Wrong Career Path?4 Big Factors That Companies Need to Consider Offering to Their EngineersIs Job-Hopping the Only Way to Get a Raise?The 2 Worst Aspects of a Company That Cause Engineers to Switch Jobs4 Simple Benefits That Make Engineers Fight Over a Job...and Stay Forever!How the PE License Impacts Your Career Opportunities on the Eyes of a RecruiterThe Story Behind Her Book and What Made Her Want to Write ItHer Biggest Rule That Serves Both Your Career And Life🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Career Architect Book, by Bryce BattsWine After Work Podcast (Spotify)Wine After Work Podcast (Apple Podcasts)North Carolina State University💬 CONNECT WITH BRYCE:LinkedInWebsiteCareer Collective🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

If you’re in your 30s or more and think it’s “too late” to become PE, I’d like you to meet Jimmy Draughty. He passed the most brutal PE exam on the first try…and he did it at 58 years old! 😮Since graduating, Jimmy’s worked on massive projects around the world, collected as many licenses as you can think of, and even worked for himself for about 10 years. At 58, that’d be enough, right?Wrong!Even with all this experience that blows all the newly licensed PEs (combined!) out of the water, he noticed the PE license still mattered big time for his career.In this episode, he dives into his journey passing the Construction PE Exam at this later stage in life. Why the PE still matters even if you’re way past your 20s, how he (re)learned topics he hadn’t used in years…all the way to the tools and resources he used to pull this off.If you’ve ever told yourself “it’s too late for me,” Jimmy’s story proves it’s a lie. Your age or how long you’ve been out of school doesn’t matter. What matters is the weight of having the PE license in the civil engineering world…at any stage of life.🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:Why He Wanted the PE License Even at 58 Years Old!The 2 Biggest Challenges He Faced Prepping for the PE Later in LifeHow Organized (and Tracked) His Exam Prep Like a Real Project ManagerWhat Helped Him Get a Handle of the Topics He Hasn't Used in DecadesShould You Prioritize Experience or Pass Rates When Choosing a PE Exam?What Caught Him Off Guard on the Construction PE That Almost Led to a FailHow to Handle All the Codes & Standards Required for the Construction PE ExamHis Approach to Taking Practice Exams (And Doing It is a Must!)The Reason He Wouldn't Have Passed Without a Course (And It Applies to You, Too)His Advice at 58 Years Old to Those Who Think It's Too Late to Become a PEHow He Found Civil Engineering Academy (And Why He Chose It)🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Certified Cost Professional (CCP)Project Management Professional (PMP)💬 CONNECT WITH JIMMY:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

We’ve interviewed engineers in many different fields that don’t even come to mind for those in civil engineering, and here’s a brand-new one you’ve never heard of — spill prevention plan!Our guest today is Travis Keener, aka the Spill Plan Man. He’s a licensed PE in 42 states who’s built his entire career around what’s called Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans.Today, he runs his own business doing it to keep oil-handling facilities compliant with the EPA, and has personally stamped more than 600 of them. Now, the best part?This is something he contracts out a lot of civil engineers to help, and that licensed civil engineers can do as well!So, this episode is a peek into one of those “hidden corners” of engineering most of us are not told about in school.Tune in to learn how he ended up in this world, what the work entails on a daily basis…plus why it could be a rewarding career path for a civil engineer just like you.🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:What He Does as the "Spill Plan Man"What SPCC Plans are And Why They Require Licensed PEsHow SPCC Plans Grew to Become His Career PathIs Spill Control a Possible Career Path for Civil Engineers?How He Manages PDHs Being Licensed in 42 StatesThe Biggest Misconception About the EPA's Oil Spill RuleWhy the Rule of 110% for Rain is MisleadingDo You Really Need to Change Your Spill Plan Every 5 Years?How He Runs His Spill Plan Business (And Hires Civil Engineers to Help!)His Tip for the PE Exam That Still Works TodayHis Advice for Young Engineers to Find Their Path After School🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Drone Pilot LicenseDJI DronesAshland Tank DisasterEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)Oklahoma State University💬 CONNECT WITH TRAVIS:LinkedInSpill Plan Man WebsitePhone Number: 918 766-9359🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

If you’re in the floodplain management arena and want to build a successful career in it, then this episode with Scott Pelath, CFM, is a must-listen! Here’s why. 👇Scott started his career dealing with public affairs related to Water Resources. Then, he transitioned into one of the highest positions in floodplain management in his area — the Executive Director of the Kankakee River Basin and Yellow River Basin Development Commission.In this episode, he shares his journey to create a successful floodplain management career…plus his experience getting the certification that matters most in this field — the Certified Floodplain Manager!Scott’s story proves that the CFM isn’t just another set of letters after your name. Instead, it’s a tool that can move you up to executive-level jobs.So, whether you’re preparing for the CFM® exam yourself or just curious about where this certification can take you, this episode is packed with insights from a CFM himself who’s been in your shoes.Hit play and let Scott’s journey inspire your own path to becoming a CFM, too! 😉🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:His Career Journey from Legislation to Floodplain ManagementWhy He Felt the Need to Get the CFM® CertificationWhat He Loves the Most About His Job in Floodplain ManagementWhy the CFM® Certification Matters Big Time (Especially Nowadays)Why He Chose CEA's Floodplain Manager Review Course to Help Him PrepWhat Future CFM Examinees Need to Be on the Lookout ForHis Exact Study Routine for You to Copy (+ What He Would've Done Differently)How Difficult is the CFM® Exam?What He Enjoyed the Most About the Floodplain Manager Review Course & MaterialA Test-Taking Tip You Need to Remember on Your Exam DayThe Value of the CFM Beyond Just "Passing an Exam"🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Floodplain Manager Review CourseFloodplain Manager Practice ExamFloodplain Manager Course Launch With Matt Fanghella (CEA #207)Association of State Floodplain ManagersFEMA 480 PublicationQuizlet Flashcards for the ExamKankakee River Basin and Yellow River Basin Development CommissionIndiana University Bloomington💬 CONNECT WITH SCOTT:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup GuideFREE Floodplain Manager Course Module🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review CourseFloodplain Manager Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFloodplain Manager Practice ExamFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]🚨 Disclaimer: 🚨CFM® is a registered certification mark of The Association Of State Floodplain Managers, Inc. (ASFPM), which is not affiliated with and does not endorse or sponsor this course nor any other goods or services offered by CEA. Our course is based solely on publicly available materials and general industry principles. We do not use or distribute any proprietary or exam content from ASFPM. The author of our course took the exam more than four years ago and cannot (and will not), under any circumstances, answer questions related to the exam itself or its content. References to CFM® are for descriptive purposes only.

Outdated education with low pay, but worn out infrastructure and sustainability needs? 🤔These are the two sides of civil engineering today — and nobody has lived and breathed the field as much as Dennis D. Truax to know the right way to look at it. 👇Dennis is a civil engineer who has spent decades shaping the profession in leadership positions. From leading Mississippi State University’s civil department to serving as ASCE President in 2022! In this episode, he shares the harsh truths and the hidden opportunities he sees today for civil engineers. And if that’s not enough, he also gives us a sneak peek into a new platform that challenges the old work model of one company, 40-hour workweeks.(Yep. You read that right. 😨)If you want to hear wisdom from someone who’s been in the trenches, led at the highest levels, and is still working to shape the future of civil engineering even after “retirement,”  you’ll love this conversation. 😉🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The High-Level Professional Roles He's Held Over His CareerHas Today's Civil Engineering Education Fallen Behind?Broad But Difficult: The Positive and Negative Side of Civil EngineeringThe Hesitation of Young People to Go into CivilA Groundbreaking Concept in Water Resources and Environmental for the FutureThe Biggest Challenge (And Opportunity) in Civil Engineering TodayThe Role of ASCE in the Political Battles for Investments in InfrastructureIs US Infrastructure Improving?Why the Wastewater Field Scores a D (And What Can Be Done About It)What Changed in the Past That Makes Today a Great Time to Be a Civil EngineerA New Civil Engineering Work Model (And the Platform to Leverage It)🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:ASCE 2022 President Dennis Truax VideoEngineer Match GroupThe Infrastructure Report CardInfrastructure Investment and Jobs (IJA) ActUrban Sequoia ConceptMississippi State University💬 CONNECT WITH DENNIS:LinkedInBidcurement, Inc.🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Most people kick the PE exam down the road when life gets busy, but Mudasir Gulzar?! He did the opposite! He pulled his exam date forward, leaving him with only one month left to study with…wait for it…a baby on the way! 😮Crazy? Maybe. But it worked! In this episode, he dives into his “rushed” journey to pass the tough, code-heavy Geotechnical PE Exam…while sharing the hard-earned lessons he learned on the way that can save you months of trial and error in your own prep (and get you to pass sooner!)From two study tips he lived by to the game-changer for those taking the Geotech exam to how he used practice exams to maximize his learning…all the way to the one thing you should keep in mind when studying for the PE.If you’re staring down the PE (especially the Geotech PE Exam), his story hits home. It’s not about having endless time — it’s about having the right approach and the right tools to get it done.Tune in now to learn how he pulled this off — and how you can, too. 👍🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:How He First Found Out About the Existence of the FE and PE ExamsHow He Prepped for and Passed the FE Exam on His OwnWhy He Picked Geotechnical Engineering for His CareerA Game-Changing Piece of Advice If You Want to Pass the Geotech PE ExamHow He Prepped in 1 Month After Pulling His Exam Date Forward2 Study Tips He Lived By to PassWhat He Would Do After Finishing Practice Exams That You Must Do as Well3 Reasons Why He Chose (& Stuck With) CEA's PE Review CourseHard-Earned Lessons for Those Taking the Geotech PE ExamThe ONE Thing You Should Keep in Mind When PreppingThe Single Feature of The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course He Enjoyed the MostWhat He Thought of CEA's PE CBT Exam Simulator🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:CEA's Civil PE Review CourseCEA's PE CBT Exam SimulatorNCEES Official Geotech PE Practice ExamGFT CompanyNIT SrinagarUniversity of Tennessee, Knoxville💬 CONNECT WITH MUDASIR:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Course📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Envirnmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

After passing the FE after 5 tries, Ryan Turley circled back to CEA for the PE exam…and knocked that one out too! 🥊 In this episode, Ryan shares his tips and experience to pull this off. 👇If you’re taking the FE or have just got it done, he shares what happens in between the two exams. He organized himself to start studying for the PE. Why (and how) he chose the Water Resources PE over Transportation. And a lot more.For those taking the PE, Ryan drops some gold nuggets on everything he learned by going through this twice himself. The biggest exam surprise that caught him off guard. The test-taking strategy he used. A simple hack to make studying feel way less like pulling teeth. And more.Whether you’re stuck on the FE or staring at the PE as your next milestone, this one’s packed with tips you can swipe and use right away. 😉Hit play and let Ryan show you how he went from five FE fails to a PE pass on the second try — and how you can, too! ✅ 👷🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:How He Organized His Study Schedule for the PE ExamIs the PE Easier Than the FE?Why He Picked the Water Resources Over the Transportation PE ExamHis Biggest Surprise on the Exam You Need to Be Aware of!The 2 Water Resources Topics Examinees Fear (and How to Prep for Them)How Deep Do You Need to Go on the Codes & Standards for the Water Exam?How Our PE Water Resources Review Course Helped Him Study for the PEThe Biggest Thing About Passing the PE That We Bake into Our CourseHow He Prepped for Theory Questions on the PEWhat Score Should You Be Getting on Practice Exams to Be Ready for the Real Deal?His Test-Taking Strategy to Finish Each Session 20 Minutes Early and Review ItHis Simple Trick to Boost How Much You Retain of What You StudyThe Real Commitment Needed to Pass the PE (And It's Easier Than You Think!)The Secret to Make Studying for the PE a Habit You Actually EnjoyWhy He Recommends Civil Engineering Academy's PE CoursesWhat to Do If You've Been Failing the PE Multiple Times🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:First Interview With Ryan (CEA # 239)The Ultimate Civil PE Water Resources Review CoursePE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE CBT Exam Simulator💬 CONNECT WITH RYAN:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

We know. Failing the PE Exam stings. 😬 Especially after hours of studying and no-fun weekends. When this happened, you wanted to jump ship and switch to another discipline, right? 🤔That’s everybody’s knee-jerk reaction, but here’s the kicker — that move might actually set you back instead of moving you forward! 😨In this episode, I dive into my hot take on one of the most common questions we get here at CEA from PE test-takers like you: Should I switch exams after failing? My answer will not surprise you. Instead, it goes against everything you used to believe about this…but it comes straight from my own experience as a repeat taker who’s been exactly where you are right now.If you’ve failed once, twice, or even a few times already and feel like running to another Civil PE Exam discipline, this one’s for you. 🎧Give it a listen before you make a decision that could delay your license even longer!🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:My Hot Take on Switching PE Exams After a Fail (and Why)4 Advantages You Earned Prepping for Your Failed Attempts7 Advantages You Now Have for Having Taken the Exam BeforeMy Personal Story as a Repeater Taker at This Crossroads Myself5 Downsides of Switching Exams You Don't Even Consider3 Things to Fix That Works Better Than Switching Exams🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Tucker Stafford Interview (CEA #255)Makenzie Allen Interview (CEA #192)ASCE 37-14TSS 2018🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Here’s one of the biggest decisions in a civil engineer’s career — do you keep the hard hat on and stay technical…or swap it for a suit jacket and go full-on manager? 💼👷‍♂️In this episode, we’re diving deep into the details of the “Engineer vs. Manager” post we did on LinkedIn that racked up almost half a million views and hundreds of shares. 😲The main point of the post? Most engineers think they want to be managers...until they become managers and realize they actually didn’t. 😨So, today, Mark jumps back on the show so we can both share our own journeys going into management. We break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of the manager role so you can figure out whether it truly is for you. 👍If you’ve been wondering whether to climb the management ladder or double down on your engineering craft, this is the conversation you need before making the leap. 😉Hit play and get the inside scoop before you make a move you’ll regret. 🎧🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:How Most Engineers End Up in Management (And Why Some Don't)The Type of Engineers Most Suited to Become ManagersThe First Problem You Face Going into ManagementThe Real Functions (and Challenges) of the Manager in an OrganizationPeople Problems Managers Face DailyThe Battle the Manager Has to Fight for His EmployeesWhy Most Engineers Feel Pressured to Get into ManagementWhat Makes Engineers Switch Back to Technical RolesWhat You Need to Be Effective as a ManagerThe Best Way to Prepare Yourself to Take the Manager RoleResources and Trainings You Should Get Before Becoming a ManagerThe Positive Side of Management (And Who Thrives in It)The ONE Skill You Need No Matter If You're an Engineer or Manager🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Engineer vs. Manager LinkedIn PostAtomic Habits, by Jamer ClearRadical Candor, by Kim ScottThe Manager's Path, by Camille Fournier🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

No engineering project is a success without one crucial aspect. What is it? 🤔 According to our guest, a powerful leadership tool most people neglect. 👇Today, we chat with W. Jeff Williams, a civil engineer turned mayor of Arlington, Texas. If you think of some of the biggest projects in the state, he’s the guy behind them. Either working on them as a civil engineer or bringing them to the state as the Mayor! 😯Jeff’s done it all and seen it all. After decades of in-the-trenches engineering and leadership work (and wins!), he learned the real secret sauce that makes or breaks engineering projects: unity — aligning people and purpose to transform outcomes.In his book coming out in September, he dives deep into this concept. But today, he gives us a sneak peek into it (plus a lot of other hard-earned lessons for civil engineers in the same shoes). 😉If you’re managing a team at your company, leading a government agency, or in charge of a community organization, this one’s packed with wisdom from a guy who's worn all those hats. 💡Hit play and learn how unity isn’t just a “nice-to-have” — it’s your competitive edge. 🎧🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Most Crucial Aspect of Any Successful Engineering ProjectWhat the “Unity” Principle Really Is2 Tips to Create Unity as a LeaderA Sneak Peek at One of the Book’s Important Lessons for EngineersWhy He Moved Into the Public Sector2 Skills You Need to Work in the Public SectorHis Tips for the Future Generation of Engineers with the Tech Revolution3 Pieces of Advice for Young Civil Engineers to Succeed🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Unity Blueprint BookThe Unity Blueprint Book (Pre-Order on Amazon)Texas Tech UniversityAT&T StadiumSouthlake Town SquareNational Medal of Honor MuseumPrestonwood Baptist ChurchForbes Publishing💬 CONNECT WITH JEFF:WebsiteNewsletterLinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Double-digit, billion-dollar investments into infrastructure projects going down the drain with them? 😨In this episode, Mark Oakeson joins us again to dive into the wave of mega infrastructure projects built by China across the globe that are already cracking, leaking, and flat-out shutting down. These are massive, government-funded projects that were supposed to last 50+ years…but instead, they’re turning into billion-dollar blunders. Why?Why are they failing so fast? What went wrong during design and construction (and politics)? And most importantly, what can we civil engineers learn from it? Especially now with the U.S. pouring billions into infrastructure upgrades after the 2021 bill? 🤔🎧 Hit play and let’s break down what happens when quality takes a backseat in civil engineering and what we can learn from it to avoid making the same mistake in the US. 😉🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:China’s Global Infrastructure Boom5 Chinese-Built Projects That are Falling Apart…in Less Than 10 Years of Service2 Reasons Why These Projects Are Already FailingWhat the Experts Say Is the Root Cause of These FailuresWhy a Contract-Based Model to Pick the Winner Firm Doesn't Work as Well as BidsIs There a Hidden Chinese Agenda Behind Those Projects Across the World?Can China Improve Their Construction Approach and Quality?Why the Cost of Projects is Not the Only Thing That MattersLessons for U.S. Infrastructure Spending That are Worth Their Weight in Gold!🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Wall Street Journal ArticleCoca Codo Sinclair DamNeelum–Jhelum Hydropower PlantIsimba Hydro Power PlantKaruma Hydro Power Plant🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

We said it before — prepping for the PE usually takes 3-6 months. But today’s guest? He missed that memo and managed to pass this thing with less than 2 months of studying! 🤯Kenneth (Kenny) Winston is a drainage engineer at Consor Engineers who joined us to share his unbelievable 1.5-month journey to pass the Civil PE Water Resources Exam. (Yes, you read that right!)How, you ask? 🤔Here’s the secret — he knew exactly how he learns best, and that self-awareness made all the difference.In this episode, he talks about how he found The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course, why it was the perfect match for his learning style, and what strategies helped him go from overwhelmed to confident in record time.If you feel like your prep just isn’t clicking, this episode shows you that passing fast isn’t about shortcuts. It’s just a matter of knowing yourself…and finding the right-fit resources to help you. 😉🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Unbelievable Timeline He Gave Himself to Prep for the PEHow He Found Study Time With a Job, Marriage, and BusinessHis Approach to All Practice Problems That You'll Want to Use TooHis Crazy Strategy to Learn Almost It All...Five Days Before Exam Day!How He Found Civil Engineering Academy (And Why He Went With It)Why Knowing Your Learning Style Is the Real Cheat CodeAre the Exam Questions Tricky...Purposefully?The Only Thing You Can Do to Prep for Theory ProblemThe Test-Taking Strategy He Used on Exam Day to Pass It2 Tips for Everybody Taking the PE Exam to Get it Done FastWhat He Loved the Most About the The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Ultimate Civil PE Review CourseConsor EngineersChatGPT💬 CONNECT WITH KENNY:[email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

No matter how hard you study, on exam day, nerves kick in, you worry about time, and one tough question can throw you off. But what if you had a test-taking plan to avoid all of that? 🤔In this episode, I break down our CEA Test Strategy™, a 3-phase test-taking hack that allows you to do what really matters to pass your FE, PE, or CFM® exam — get as many questions right as possible. ✅How? By tackling the right questions, at the right time during the exam. 😉I used this approach when I took my exams myself. I taught it to every CEA team member who was once a student. And I teach it to every single student of our review courses. Now, I’m sharing this test-taking hack with you as well. 😉If you're gearing up for any of these exams, you need to practice this strategy with practice exams to stop feeling overwhelmed the moment the clock starts ticking.So, just hit play, and let's get you “exam-day ready”…step-by-step. 🏆🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:What's the CEA Test Strategy™Step 1: “Quick Wins” to Build MomentumStep 2: The “Brain Burners” You’ll Want to Pace Yourself ThroughStep 3: The “Smart Guesses” That Could Make or Break Your ScoreWhy This Strategy Works to Get You Passed (And Has for Years)Why You Should Use it…100%!How to Practice This Strategy in Your Prep🎁 CEA FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide📚 CEA PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Practice ExamsPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam🖥️ CEA REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

🚨 Here’s by far the most asked question inside our FE and PE courses: “Should I use the Ultimate or Net Bearing Capacity to find the Allowable Bearing Capacity?” 🤔That question comes up in our student-only community every single year, multiple times, and rightfully so.Reference manuals tell you to find the Net value and then use it to find the Allowable Bearing Capacity. But then, in the solutions to the problems, it uses the Ultimate value directly.Like, “What the heck?!” 😨But don’t worry….we’ve got your back. 😉Over the years, we’ve shared a little-known trick with our students so they know which one to use on exam day. And in this episode, we’re sharing it with you as well. 😉Tune in to learn about this trick…and you’ll never get this wrong anymore in your exam prep. That’s a promise. 👍🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:What's the Bearing Capacity of Soil?What Ultimate Bearing Capacity is All AboutHow to Calculate Ultimate Bearing CapacityWhat Net Bearing Capacity is...And How It Differs from the Ultimate ValueThe Allowable Bearing CapacityThe Big FE/PE Dilemma: Two Ways to Find the Allowable Bearing CapacityThe Little-Known Trick We Share With Our Students That Solves This Dilemma🎁 CEA FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ CEA REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 CEA PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Practice ExamsPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

"The CSI of Civil Engineering." That’s the best way to describe the little-known career path of Forensic Engineering for civil engineers — and in this episode, we’re diving headfirst into it. 🕵️‍♂️💥Our guest for this one is Peter Marxhausen, a civil engineer with over 25 years of experience and 10,000+ building investigations under his belt. Peter has now seen it all — cracks, collapses, fire…and the courtroom drama that follows.If you’ve never heard of this field before, or just assumed it was something only "experts" do at the end of their careers, Peter’s here to break it all down. How to get into it. What the work of a Forensic Engineer entails. The credentials you need. And a lot more!Whether you’re trying to figure out what career route to take or considering a career shift, this episode’s got all you need to know about a career that most civil engineers don’t even know they can have. 😎🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:How What Every Civil Engineer Avoids Got Him Into Forensic EngineeringThe Engineering Type of Work a Forensic Engineer Does the MostThe Non-Engineering Type of Work Forensic Engineers Have to do RegardlessA Third Task That Also Makes up a Forensic Engineer's Workload3 Requirements to Pursue a Career in Forensic EngineeringWhat You Need to Know Before Getting into Forensic EngineeringDo You Need Any Credentials in Forensic Engineering?Do Old Buildings Have More Problems Than New Ones?Design or Construction: Who's to Blame When a Structure Fails?🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:dux Forensics, LLCThe Memoirs of Herbert HooverUniversity Colorado, Denver📧 CONNECT WITH PETER:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Every one of us is  guilty of procrastinating on our exam prep. Whether it’s just “a little bit” or “a lot” is not the problem — the cost of it to our career is. But the good news? It’s beatable! 💪 👇In this episode, Mark Oakeson jumps back on the show to help us unpack the real reasons we drag our feet when it comes to studying for our exam.We’re not here to beat you up about it – we’ve been there. 😅 Instead, we’re here to dig into what’s actually happening behind the scenes, and why it shows up the most when you’re chasing a big goal like the FE or PE.From the science behind procrastination to the sneaky habits that make it worse all the way to the practical strategies to help you move past it and finally build momentum, we break it all down. So, whether you’re putting off taking your exam, dreading those study sessions, or just stuck in neutral after a failed attempt, this one’s going to feel like a much-needed kick in the pants (in the best way possible 😉).Hit play to stop waiting and start passing. 👍🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:The Science-Based Reason Why You Procrastinate (And It's Not 'Laziness')Is Your Fear of Failure Causing You to Procrastinate?Why Your Long To-Do List is Another Form of ProcrastinationWhy Perfectionism = Procrastination in DisguiseA Simple Way to Reduce Procrastination in Your Exam Prep on Your OwnHow Accountability From Others Makes You Not ProcrastinateThe (Big) Role of Active Studying in Your Exam PrepThe 5-Minute Rule to Beat Procrastination Bit by BitFinding Your Own Anti-Procrastination SystemWhy You Procrastinate More After a Fail…And How to Reframe FailureThe Single Best Method to Overcome Procrastination in Your Prep🎁 CEA FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ CEA REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 CEA PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Practice ExamsPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Three years and six attempts. That’s how long it took Raymond Muñoz-Tabares to pass the Civil FE — but he did it! ✅ If you’ve ever felt like giving up after a few failures, this is the pep talk you need. 👇Raymond is a civil engineer in Rhode Island who came to the US at the age of 10. He took (and failed) the Civil FE while still in school, and that’s when his 3-year, 6-attempt struggle began. ☹️In this episode, Raymond shares this whole unfiltered FE journey with you.This is a super relatable episode for any international civil engineer in the US, but also a super practical episode with tons of exam prep tips for all repeat takers who simply want to get this over with.So, tune in now and hear how Raymond turned three years of struggle into a huge career milestone, and everything he learned along the journey so you can do the same...faster. 😉🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:His 3-Year, 6-Attempt Journey to Conquer the Civil FEHis Different Approach to Practice Exams That You Should Steal!The Test-Taking Strategy He Used in His Last Try That You Should Use Too3 Things You Need to Know in Your Exam Prep to Be Ready on Exam DayHow He Found Civil Engineering Academy...and Went With ItThe Other FREE FE Resources He Used to StudyHis Top Piece of Advice for Repeat-Takers Like HimA Tip to Decode the NCEES Diagnostic Report to Improve for Your Next tryWhy He Chose Civil Engineering Over His Other Career OptionsWhy He Recommends Civil Engineering Academy🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:CEA’s Suggested FE Resources PageFundamentals of Engineering Review Book (11th Edition)FREE FE Review Basics on CourseraUniversity of Rhode Island📧 CONNECT WITH RAYMOND:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmunoz675🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

🚨 Attention! 🚨 The NCEES dropped their latest annual reports earlier this year — and these ones reveal some trends for both the profession and the licensure exam world we’re in. 📈 👇In this episode, we walk you through their annual report on all the things they did in the past year for the profession. This one comes with awesome news for both US and international engineers wanting to work abroad without worrying about license “validity” in other countries.Then, we dive into the Squared report — their dedicated report with the latest FE and PE stats. We’ve been tracking these since 2016, and they tell you a lot of things you need to know if you’re gearing up for any of these. 😉So, whether you're weeks out from your test or just starting to dip your toes into “prep mode,” this episode gives you the real numbers you need to make smarter moves. Go check it out! 🎧🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:Increasing Options to Take the FE and PE Exams InternationallyThe Increase in International Mobility Agreements for EngineersThe Rise of the FE as a Requirement to GraduatePolitical Threats to Professional LicensureAre More Engineers Taking the NCEES Exams?The Latest Civil FE Exam Pass RatesThe New Interactive FE Practice Exams by the NCEESThe Moment of the Year Most People Prefer to Take the Civil FEHow to Get a Digital Badge After Passing the FEIs the Number of PE Examinees on the Decline?The Easiest PE Exam to Pass on the First Try (According to the Data!)The Latest Repeat Taker Pass Rates on the Civil PE ExamsThe Switch of the SE Exam to CBT🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:2024 NCEES Squared Report2024 NCEES Annual ReportInterview With NCEES’s Officer of Exams, Tim MillerFE CBT Exam Simulator🎁 CEA FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ CEA REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 CEA PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Practice ExamsPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Pulling your hair deciding between the Water Resources or Transportation PE exam? 😵‍💫 This week, we sit down with Josiah Ferguson, a civil engineer who was in the same boat…and made a call that worked really well. 😄Josiah works for the City of Shakopee on both water resources and transportation projects. But when it came time to take the Civil PE Exam, he had to pick one. The question is…which one?Which one do you choose when your job covers more than one of the five main Civil PE disciplines, or none of them? 🤔In this episode, Josiah walks you through how he made the call in favor of the Water Resources PE Exam…and what he did in his prep to crush it on the first try with not even three years of experience under his belt. 💪If you’re facing the civil PE exam soon, then this episode has the golden tips you need to not only pick which exam to prep for, but also what he learned and what caught him by surprise while he was doing so himself.🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:Why He Picked the Water Resources PE Exam While Also Working on TransportationHow to Choose Which Civil PE Exam to Take When None Applies to YouMinnesota’s Rules to Taking the PE Before 4 Years of ExperienceHis Original PE Study Plan...and the Moment He Realized it Wouldn’t Cut itWhy He Choose Civil Engineering Academy to Help HimHis Strategy to Taking Practice Exams in Your Prep (+ the Score to Aim for)What Caught Him by Surprise on Exam Day That You Should Know AboutAre the Morning Questions Still Easier Than the Afternoon Questions?The Overlooked Aspect All Test-Takers Need to Pass the PE ExamHis Top Tip for Those Facing the PE Exam Soon That Worked Really Well for HimWhat He Loved Most About Civil Engineering Academy's CourseThe Overlooked Aspect All Test-Takers Need to Pass the PE Exam🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:What PE Depth Exam Should I Take?PE CBT Exam SimulatorNCEES Water Resources Practice ExamMinnesota Society of Professional Engineers📧 CONNECT WITH JOSIAH:LinkedIn🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]

Passing the PE Exam is one thing, but doing it as an immigrant, with language barriers, and after hitting a wall multiple times before already?! That’s a whole nother story — and it’s real! 😲In this episode, Hadi Al Azzawi jumps on the show to share his journey climbing a crazy steep hill to pass the Civil PE Water Resources Exam as an immigrant civil engineer in the US.From understanding the English used in the problems to juggling study time with family life, Hadi’s journey is full of hard-earned lessons for any international civil engineer out there in the same shoes right now.Also, if you’re taking the Civil PE Water Resources Exam, he has some top-notch resources and tips he learned after going through this thing himself…five times!If you’re an international civil engineer going through the hoops of getting your PE and feel like the odds are stacked against you, this episode gives you the tips to beat them. 😉🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN:A Tip for Immigrants to Overcome the Language Barrier on the PEDid He Have to Take the Civil FE as an Immigrant?What You Really Need to Pass the FE That He Learned the Hard WayThe One Thing All Test-Takers Have in Common Regardless of Life DifferencesHow to Prep for the FE/PE With a Spouse and FamilyHis Tip to Fellow Repeat Takers to Stay in the GameHow He Used AI To Get Back on the Saddle After a FailWhat He Did to Pass as Repeat Taker After 5 TriesA Sneaky Exam Question That Caught Him Off GuardHis Go-To Method for Learning the Water Resources CodesHis Tip to Prep for the Most Feared Topic in the Water Resources ExamThe PE Resources That Helped Him the Most Among All the Ones He UsedA Tech Tool That Helped Him Learn All the Exam Prep Material🤝 OUR PARTNER:Built Bar🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:All-in-One Civil Engineering PE Exam Guide, by Dr. GoswamiAll-In-One Civil Engineering PE Practice Exams, by Dr. GoswamiSix-Minute Solutions (Water Resources Problems), by PPIKindle ScribeIsaac Wait Youtube ChannelASCE PE CoursesSchool of PEWashington State University📧 CONNECT WITH HADI:[email protected]🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU:The Civil FE Startup GuideThe Civil PE Startup Guide🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES:Civil FE Review CourseCivil PE Review Courses📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS:FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Bonus Theory QuestionsPE Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam SimulatorFE Environmental Practice ExamPE Environmental Practice Exam📱 CONNECT WITH CEA!WebsiteNewsletterFree CEA CommunityLinkedInYouTube [email protected]