Civil Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam

I am currently studying for the PE (structural depth) (might update after I take the exam), and am also taking a dedicated PE course (EET webinar, in case anyone was interested).Before I get super critical of this book, its worth mentioning that there does not exist a better alternative that I know of (maybe I should write one). The book is expensive, but given the relatively low demand for such material, I can understand the cost. Also, I will probably keep it after I finish the exam, rather than resell it, but I haven't decided yet.With that being said, I do not like the book as a whole and I think it can be done better. The book is not a sufficient reference for the PE exam. I think it gives enough information for 75% of the breadth, but it misses a lot of finer details. It is doesn't even get close to being a reference for the depth, and neither does the "SE reference manual" that Lindbergh sells (for the structural depth).Lindbergh gets on a soapbox at the beginning of this book about how this book has MORE information than you need to pass the exam, and how he doesn't think the PE doesn't sufficiently cover all the information an engineer should know to be a practicing engineer. I whole-heartily agree with him on that point, but his book fails to deliver. This book, while it covers all the topics that will appear on the exam, often fails to provide necessary equations or logical steps needed to solve such problems. Some necessary information is just plain missing. Lindbergh provides too much information where its not needed, and not enough information where it is needed.For example, in the hydrology section (I'm using hydrology as an example because I'm currently re-reviewing that material), you tell us about the different methods for estimating average rainfall, but don't give the equations or logical steps to solve using these methods. Also in hydrology,In soils, you don't adequately describe the soil testing procedures (i.e. how they are performed or equations that give the various parameters they provide). Your soil phase relationship equations (i.e. the nomenclature) doesn't match those that are industry standard.For a ~$300 book that is supposed to be a complete reference for the PE exam, I would like to see the following:1.) Summary of equations at the beginning of each section. Quit milking us for money by selling a separate (and poorly reviewed) equation book. Just include this at the beginning of every section.2.) Format the book to better fit the format of the exam. This is readily available on the NCEES website and hasn't been changed in a few years. If you truly want this book to be a PE reference manual, then you should follow the format NCEES provides. Environment Engineering isn't even part of the NCEES breadth, so why would the reference manual cover it and all related topics (such as chemistry)?The chapters don't follow the format of the NCEES exam either - they should.3.) Again, certain topics need to be expanded upon while others need to be cut or or at least made more brief.You could cut out ~1/3 of this book for the stuff that doesn't even appear on the exam, let alone the excessive background information that you don't need (nor will have time to browse during the exam).So for those reading, you will definitely need a course to pass the PE. You should not rely on Lindbergh's book as your sole PE reference for the breadth.As for the depth, a course is 100% necessary in my opinion.

Stop wasting time and get this book before you study. It is what you will use on the PE test. You need to be familiar with it and tab the important sections. It is very well organized and the index is priceless. I'd recommend getting the index in a separate 3-ring binder.As a water-resources depth taker, I probably did NOT need the latest version. The math is the same and there are no real "codes" to update for that section. I used this book exclusively, with additional review course notes, and one wastewater book from college.

Well I passed.Don’t read the book. Take a bunch of practice tests and then tab out the book from those questions. Also tab the book from the PE outline for whatever test you’re taking.I put the book on my shelf in my office. I think it makes me look smart.

Bought it. Flipped through a few pages. Didn’t need it during the exam. Didn’t even have to open this book. I thought I might use the appendix but didn’t need it for the exam. My notes were good enough to ace the test

I didn't study with the CERM but I used it as a back-up reference. In fact I didn't even tab it since it was just a back-up just in case I couldn't find something in my main reference document. I highly recommend it because it saved me on some questions.

I bought this when I was taking PE in Civil Engineering with Structural Emphasis. The book was too big and have too much information for my liking. I wish the Author didn't spend a lot of pages beating around the bush. I preferred the notes from the School of PE as they were more summarized. Overall its a good book to have in your shelf

The content is good. I have not been able to finish it yet and I'm in progress reviewing for PE Exam. Why not 5 stars? When I received it and started on the first few pages, it feels like the pages can easily be removed as it is just like stitched at "4 points" I hope it will not come loose as I needed this book even after I pass the exam. Its a good reference for practice. Another, minor stuff is that it has some bubbles on its cover. See the photos attached on the day I received it.Overall, I don't mind these minor issues as what I needed is the content of the book to able to pass the exam. kudos to Lindeburg!

The book has misprints. Some pages were only printed halfway or not legible because it was so faded. It seemed like the printer ran out of ink and the pages were folded when it was printed. Horrible purchase!

It's great that it has a million formulas but they could have organized it better.Also, the MAIN reason I'm knocking two stars off is that they only identify a symbol once per chapter. For example, if you're on 10th page of that chapter, and they already defined a symbol on 3rd page of that chapter, they don't tell you what it is again. You have to go back trough the chapter to figure out where they identified it in millions of sentences of text!!! That is what I hate about this book with a passion!!! I'm not asking them to redefine it, but at least state what it is. Something as simple as this:v*, settling velocity,But they don't even tell you what it is. Anyone would say, you're supposed to know or you should have read those pages first to get where you're at, but NO that's wrong!!! I've been out of school for many years and just now decided to take my PE and I don't remember all this stuff! But what am I to do?! A lot of places reference this sorry manual. It's just turned into a business and not actually wanting to help people. Oh well. At least I got it off my chest.

This book was listed as used "very good". The entire spine is disconnected from the cover (see photo). This is no where near acceptable!

The book was labeled as new, but it clearly was bound together. And it didn't take long for at to start falling apart

Absolutely indispensable for PE prep. I use this more than any other reference. This is the first book I look to for any references. with a little tabbing and a lot of time digging through it, nearly all the information you need is in there.

Needed for pe exam, older than the most current edition but has all necessary information (I passed with it), but you still have to study to pass ;)

Book was slightly damaged but I am using it on the PE so far it has been working I am able to tab pages and flip pages w/o any trouble.

Exactly what I was looking for. Good quality book. Also a critical resource for anyone taking the PE exam. The help was an essential aid that help me pass the exam on the first go.