Customer Reviews

Civil Engineering Reference Manual for the Pe Exam

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This IS a good book, in many ways, but I found two seperate instances (cases) when specific and necessary equations were NOT anywhere in the book, and I hadn't brought a reference to the test which contained what I needed. These two cases were in geotech and in hydrology. I like the book, on the whole, and I studied from it almost exclusively (MISTAKE!). Yes, the choice to study from it mostly exclusively, using only a few other references was *my* choice, but I really do suggest that users of this book consider carefully before doing the same.

The problem is that it's so large a book that you really do need to use it for a LOT of time before really knowing where to find all the references you might need within it, but by the time you've done this, you discover that you are still going to have to get equally familiar with several other very large references. Basically, just get all your references NOW, and use them all together so you have time to make them a composite study/reference tool.

For environmental, I recommend the Civil Handbook, or the water and solid waste books by Tchobanoglous, et al. Also, if you're doing the environmental depth, find a good chemistry reference to review, because Lindburg DOESN'T CUT IT! Neither for Transportation, tho he sort of says that up front, and we all know you need the HCM and green book.

I haven't received my test results back but I can say that I was disappointed with the preparation this book provided. I diligently following the study methods outlined in the book giving myself over 12 weeks to work all the problems and prepare for the test. The test was two or three degrees more difficult than this book and the practice exam seemed to indicate.

As you can read from other reviews, this book is the one reference that is used most during the PE exam (very true). The subjects are well organized with many example problems; however, I did catch some errors. The book is very much geared towards the test and I found even the most obscure items somehow referenced in the text. If you plan on doing extensive study I recommend buying the solutions manual to the sample problems as a study guide to help work through the civil engineering disciplines that you do not practice.

I used the sixth edition of this book to study for the PE exam. It was my main study guide, and I was pleased with the scope of the material in the book. At least with the topics I did attempt on the exam (traffic/survey, hydrology, open channels), most if not all the material was covered in the book. Using this book as a resource will help you pass the exam. You will definitely also need to purchase the solutions book as well.

I just received my civil PE license, after taking the exam once, thanks in large part to Michael Lindeburg and this book. Not only did CERM have just about everything I needed to study for and then take the exam, but Mr. Lindeburg also provides personal help with questions about how problems are solved, possible errata, etc. It's rare to find this kind of commitment from an author. I highly recommend CERM and the sample exam to all civil PE candidates. (I'm going to keep it as a desk reference now that I've passed--it's that useful.)

A helpful tip would be to describe the variables directly below each equation and not mixed in with the text. As a reference you have to hunt for the descriptions which takes extra time. Sometimes the example problems do not follow the step by step directions suggested.

I just took the civil PE exam, and although I had many references with me during the test, I can honestly say that CERM was all I needed. I was very impressed. The index and the appendices are really invaluable. Don't shortchange yourself--get this book for the exam.

I used CERM7 as the exclusive text for my studies, along with 2 companion problem workbooks (practice problems, 101 solved), and these were the only materials I brought in for the test itself (passed 1st attempt). I was able to finish the exam early because I wasted no time going from textbook to textbook. I found that the materials adequately prepared me for the exam, and that the problems in the review books were tougher than those on the exam. The most effective preparation for the exam is to do as many problems as possible.

Out of all the study guides, this one is the best. The first time I took the test this manual was very accurate, but now that the exam has been changed to the breadth-and-depth exam this manual falls way short. The new exam is nothing like the old one, there are no more ten part questions, no more essay problems with four page solutions, and no more problems that the devil himself created. If you are taking this test for the first time it will be your last time. I can honestly say it is ten times easier then what it use to be. And for all you losers that are in States that allow you to bring in this manual to the test, it won't hand you a PE license on a silver platter anymore. Michael Lindeburg, you've got your work cut out for you.

Do yourself a favor and DO NOT use this book. I thought this book was a great reference untill I visited the publisher's web site and found out that the 7th edition has almost 400 errors. No wonder I had problems understanding examples, problems, and charts. You can visit the publisher site yourself at... under the heading "Do you really need to pay attention to whether you're buying the latest edition of that Reference Manual? Yes! Michael Lindeburg explains why."

Best thing anybody can do is to find an alternative to this manual...do not use it as a reference to take the PE exam, in particular the tables (for example the stoping sight distances on Table 79-2 are not the same as AASHTO's Table III-1). It is a shame that the publisher, as well as the author, publish this type of work. It is a shame that civil engineering professionals have to deal with this type of issues and to buy a book that might harm people's chances to pass the PE exam. If you have it...send it back to the publisher and request your money back. And I suggest not to bother with the new editon since the 6th edition had erros also. In any case. I personally will not buy another book form this author and/or the publisher.