ASME Codes to bring to Mechanical PE Exam 3

[bradpa77]

I already searched the forums for this and couldn't find an answer. I'm taking the PE in about 2 weeks. I know that the test typically asks questions regarding ASME code. I know that it is recommended to bring ASME code to the test as a reference. I went to my work place library and found tons of volumes of ASME code (mostly the Boilers and Pressure Vessel codes). Obviously I'm not going to show up with 50 binders full of ASME BPVC code. Anyone know what I should bring for these types of questions? Is there a single reference that may be good to bring in regards to ASME codes on the exam? Thanks!

 

[ShaggyPE]

First off, don't bring any reference that you are not familiar with. That being said, I only brought MERM when it came to ASME code type questions. I took the Machine Design afternoon. I believe there may have been one question on pressure vessel design in the morning. And I don't recall the question being a problem (i.e. MERM had the answer). I passed first time through last April.

The test is a speed test, don't get bogged down sifting through references, or you will miss some low hanging fruit in later questions.

For some good info check out the forums on

http://www.engineerboards.com

Good Luck.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional

 

[mechmama]

I second Shaggy. If you don't know them, they would be useless anyway. I recall one question (or maybe a set of a couple questions) that referred to BPVC, and there was an excerpt of the code that you needed in the exam book.

From what I recalled it was recommended to NOT bring any codes as you would be provided what was necessary with the exam. But, that was Oct 2005 . . .

MERM will get you there for 95% of the test. Really.

 

[bradpa77]

Thanks guys. That makes sense. My instructor for my PE review class was the one who told me to bring some ASME codes. I didn't quite agree with the idea from the get go, but you 2 just helped me to confirm my thought process. Thanks. I'll just make sure I have my MERM for the codes.

 

[jpankask]

The Code questions on my exam could have been answered if I had a very, very basic familiarity with the Codes or if I had taken just a photocopy of the table of contents pages to tell me in what section was the answer to the question. I remember one, maybe two questions dealing with code interpretation and the applicable section of the Code was given in the question. Your instructor must not have taken the updated breadth and depth exam that was introduced 6 or so years ago. Good luck on the exam.

 

[JamesBarlow]

The Civil people had carts full of code books because they needed them for the exam.

Some of the HVAC Mechanicals also had code books with them.

As was previously stated any problem that requires use of a code section will reprint the section for the exam. It may not be needed to solve the problem but it was there if the problem referenced it.

I took a number of books but as it turned out I used the same ones everyone had recomended. MERM, Machinery Handbook and Shigley/Mishkey Machine Design.