FE, PE & PMP Review Courses: School of PE: March 2025

Thursday, 27 March 2025

Exam Review Courses for Professional Certifications: A Path to Advancement

The path to professional advancement is a long one. The main desire within any career field is to maintain a long-term relationship with the field you’re in: to find a fulfilling path toward retirement that can help develop your skills along the way. Over the course of twenty to forty years, you’ll sit in seminars, webinars, classes, and every variation of the learning environment with the hope that it will advance your career, leading to better time distribution, better pay, and more opportunities to showcase your skills. Certification exams are an important step on the path to advancement, and through exam review courses, you’ll be given the knowledge and experience necessary to pass these validation exams. Here, we’ll discuss the benefits of becoming professionally certified within your field, highly desired certifications, and how to choose the right exam review courses for you.

Benefits of Becoming Professionally Certified

Certifications are a worthwhile investment into a person’s present and future career, offering beneficial opportunities for growth and advancement. Here are a few of the benefits that come as a result of becoming professionally certified.

Proof of skill mastery- There are two main paths to certification. The certification itself isn’t supposed to impart more information. Instead, it’s a validation of knowledge and skill for both the certification seeker and any future employer. The paths to certification can come in the form of experience or in the form of book learning at institutions. Usually, it’s a mix of both. Either way, the validation of knowledge is proof to anybody needing to know.

Increases your skill level- While certifications offer proof of skill mastery, exam review courses come with a comprehensive understanding of facts, processes, materials, and everything a person needs to know within their field. As they work through the exam review course, there is an inevitable increase in understanding of information. Some review courses also require a practical assignment that helps grow the student’s experience as well, effectively increasing their skill level along the way.

Competitive advantage over peers- Not only does a professional certification prove something to you as the exam taker, but it also provides proof to an employer that they’re hiring (or maintaining) somebody who knows what they’re doing and can effectively handle the tasks given. This gives the certified professional an advantage over other candidates in the field who may have the knowledge to do the job effectively but don’t have the desired validation of knowledge.

Higher earning potential- The more a person knows, the more valuable they become. Of course, the question in the end is, valuable to who? Regardless, with this validation of skill, there comes a much higher threshold for earning potential. For example, Project Management Professional (PMP) certified workers reported median salaries that were 25% higher than those who were not certified.

Potential tuition and certification reimbursement when you’ve made yourself more valuable to the company- Most companies right now have realized the benefits of having certified professionals and also paying for some further professional development. As a result, they’re willing to either cover some of the money used for certification or reimburse a portion. Other companies have professional certification opportunities built directly into their business model, and becoming certified in your field comes as a result of employment there anyway. Either way, it pays to be certified.

Highly Desired Professional Certifications

Certifications with crossover potential are certifications that prove competency in a variety of fields that can be moved from one industry to another. For example, they’re not specific to any one niche like nursing or engineering certifications. Instead, these are areas in which several industries can benefit from the knowledge of that professional.

Project Management Professional- This is an industry-recognized certification for project managers. It demonstrates that the candidate has the education, skill, and experience necessary to lead and direct projects across various industries. Project managers initiate and design the project at large and delegate the individual tasks to a team of people with diverse skill sets that allow the team to generate ideas and complete the project in a unique way.

Human Resources Certification- Human resources professionals are responsible for recruiting and managing employee interactions, as well as making and executing company policies. They’re also responsible for legal work within the company. Nearly every large company has a human resources department in need of qualified professionals. Certifications in HR prove that a person knows and understands their responsibilities and can execute tasks efficiently.

Leadership and Management Certifications- Leadership is a 21st-century skill that is highly sought after in today’s business market. It takes a lot to be a good leader: humility, intuition, and the ability to motivate a team and drive them towards success individually and collectively. Managing a group of people and their projects takes qualities that many people possess, and everybody can learn. Leadership certifications prove that a person has these desired qualities and can drive success for the company.

Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP)- A CPSP is one of the most recognized transferrable certifications. The focus of the certification is to teach new habits that drive successful outcomes and help organizations reach their goals. A CPSP not only works toward selling company products to customers. They also work towards developing relationships with these customers in a way that creates a bond with the company as well. Having a CPSP as a team member is a valuable resource.

Foreign Language Certifications- Becoming certified in foreign languages allows a company to diversify its target demographic into different cultures. An employee with language fluency is a valuable team member already. However, by taking the extra step to certify them and gain this credential for the employee, the company gains the credential along with them. This allows them to engage with customers in their native language and become an authority in their niche.

Business Analyst- A business analyst takes a deep look at every facet of organizational structure to identify their needs and define better business solutions for growth. They facilitate interactions between a company, its stakeholders, and a team ready to create solutions. Business analyst certifications acknowledge the person as competent, knowledgeable, and successful within their role.

How to Find the Right Certification Prep Courses for You

Certification is an important step in advancing your career, whether you plan on staying with your current company or transferring to another in the future. Participating in exam review courses is a beneficial step in passing certification exams, and it’s important to choose the right one for you.

Consider your professional goals- Depending on your goals, your exam prep course will look different than others. If you’re trying to take a fast-track approach to career advancement, then finding a self-paced course and treating it like a second job might be a great option. Conversely, if speed isn’t necessary, then using a course that employs the help of field professionals at a slower pace would be better.

Talk to your employer and other industry professionals- Oftentimes, your employer will have solid advice to give towards your advancement opportunities. They may also offer tuition reimbursement for your review course in exchange for company loyalty.

Check with your local schools- If a local school or university has the course you’re looking for, this is an excellent option to choose from. You’ll be able to network in person on occasion and develop relationships with industry professionals within your area.

Understand your time management skills- Do you have the ability to compartmentalize your responsibilities and relegate them to specific time slots? No? Perhaps a guided exam review course is a better option. The benefit of these is that the responsibility of deciding when to work on a given day is taken off your shoulders, and you only have to follow along with the instructor and complete assignments as they come.

Find one that fits your lifestyle- Are you active with small pockets of time in your day? Or do you have lots of familial responsibilities that can’t be negotiated? Do you have a loud family and an inability to focus with any amount of noise? An in-person review may be what you need to complete your course successfully and pass the certification exam.

Whether your plans are to stay with your current company or transfer to another field altogether, the path to career advancement is not linear. There is no one right answer nor one direct path you can take. Determining what’s best for your lifestyle and your career goals is the first step in gaining professional certifications. Finding the right exam review course is then next. Find one that works for you and your lifestyle and one that enables you to reach your goals, whatever they are.

Increase your value to your employer and open doors to new opportunities with a professional certification. School of PE's comprehensive review courses are designed to help you succeed. Gain the knowledge and credentials that employers seek by enrolling in a course today!

About the Author: Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor is a freelance writer and avid researcher- a jack of all trades, but a master of none. She graduated from the University of Hawai'i with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts because she had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up. She has since found her love of Extended Reality and the possibilities it brings to the world, as well as gardening, cooking, and writing. Anna lives in Interior Alaska with her family.

Thursday, 20 March 2025

Women in Engineering: Inspiring Stories and Pathways to Success

Engineering is the driving force behind the advancements that shape our world. Increasingly, women are at the forefront of this innovation, bringing invaluable perspectives and innovations to the table. With March being Women’s History Month, we wanted this blog post to celebrate the achievements of women in engineering, highlight their inspiring stories, and explore the pathways to success for aspiring female engineers.

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Women engineers have been pioneers, pushing boundaries and defying stereotypes. From the pioneering work of Emily Roebling, who played a crucial role in the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge, to the modern-day achievements of women leading groundbreaking research in fields like biomedical engineering and sustainable technologies, their contributions are undeniable.

One inspiring example is Dr. Ayanna Howard, a renowned roboticist and educator. Her work in developing assistive robots for children with disabilities showcases the power of engineering to create a positive social impact. Dr. Howard's journey highlights the importance of mentorship and perseverance in overcoming challenges (Howard, n.d.).

Another remarkable figure is Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. Her organization is dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology by providing coding education and mentorship to young women. Saujani's advocacy emphasizes the need to empower girls early on and create a supportive ecosystem for women in STEM (Saujani, 2016).

These stories are not exceptions but rather part of a growing narrative. Women are excelling in diverse engineering disciplines, from civil and mechanical to electrical and software. Their presence is not only enriching the field but also driving innovation and fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Pathways to Success: Navigating the Engineering Landscape

For aspiring female engineers, the journey may present unique challenges. However, there are clear pathways to success, supported by a growing network of resources and initiatives.

1. Early Exposure and Education:

Early exposure to STEM subjects is crucial. Programs like Girls Who Code (Saujani, 2016) and FIRST Robotics provide hands-on experiences and foster a passion for engineering in young girls.
Strong foundations in math and science are essential. Encourage girls to pursue advanced coursework and participate in science fairs and competitions.

2. Higher Education and Mentorship:

Choosing a reputable engineering program is vital. Look for universities with strong female faculty and active women in engineering societies.
Mentorship plays a significant role in career development. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities. Organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE, n.d.) offer valuable mentorship programs.

3. Building a Strong Network:

Networking is crucial for career advancement. Attend conferences, workshops, and industry events to connect with other professionals.
Join professional organizations like SWE to build a supportive community and access resources.

4. Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience:

Women in engineering may encounter biases and stereotypes. Develop strategies to address these challenges and build resilience.
Seek out support from peers, mentors, and allies.

5. Embracing Innovation and Leadership:

Engineering is a field of constant innovation. Embrace new technologies and seek opportunities to develop leadership skills.
Contribute to research, publications, and patents to establish expertise and visibility.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

The presence of women in engineering is not just a matter of equity; it's also a matter of innovation. Diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives and problem-solving approaches, leading to more creative and effective solutions.

Studies have shown that companies with diverse leadership teams perform better financially and are more innovative (Hunt et al., 2015). By fostering a culture of inclusion and supporting women in engineering, organizations can unlock their full potential and drive progress.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Possibilities

The future of engineering is bright, with women playing a pivotal role in shaping it. As more women enter the field, they are challenging traditional norms, driving innovation, and creating a more inclusive and equitable profession.

By sharing inspiring stories, providing mentorship, and creating supportive environments, we can empower the next generation of female engineers to achieve their full potential.

At School of PE, we recognize the immense value women bring to the engineering profession. We're committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where every aspiring engineer feels empowered to succeed.

References

Howard, A. (n.d.). Ayanna Howard. Retrieved from https://www.ayannahoward.com/

Hunt, V., Layton, D., & Prince, S. (2015). Why diversity matters. McKinsey & Company.

Saujani, R. (2016). Girls who code: Learn to code and change the world. Viking.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE). (n.d.). Society of Women Engineers. Retrieved from https://swe.org/

Thursday, 13 March 2025

ARE Practice Management: Business Operations and Assessing Resources

The Practice Management portion of the ARE tests candidates on their knowledge of topics related to the running of an architectural practice. Among the topics related to business operations with which the architect should be familiar is the assessment of resources within the practice. Architects, particularly those at the management level, are often responsible for staffing decisions and recommendations and, more generally, are involved with the analysis, evaluation, and implementation of staff management, resource allocation, and professional development of staff. In addition, the architect may be involved with firm decisions related to the selection of appropriate computer hardware, software, and training materials. All of this must be done with an eye to the larger business goals of the firm, whether it be for expansion of the company, the calibration of the firm towards a particular area of specialization, or some other goal.

Staffing Strategies and Project Workload

Recommendations for changes in staffing are closely related to the amount of work in the pipeline, as well as the skills and experience levels that are anticipated to be needed for that anticipated work. Fluctuations in market conditions and other factors can make it difficult to anticipate how many projects a firm will be successful in being rewarded. It can also be difficult to know precisely when such projects will begin, as project start times are sometimes delayed. Staffing strategies should acknowledge such uncertainties and fluctuations. It is likely there will be times when multiple projects are awarded in close succession, and the influx of work puts a strain on staff as workloads increase. At other times, anticipated projects may fail to materialize, and the office is consequently overstaffed with employees having overly light workloads. The key to staffing decisions is to find the appropriate balance, maintain flexibility, and aim for adaptability. Obviously, there is a need to avoid having too few employees, which can decrease capacity and/or work quality and having too many, which can reduce profitability. However, firms must have a developed strategic plan which can guide them through the inevitable ups and downs which are common in the industry. Aside from overall workloads based on the number and size of projects currently being worked on and anticipated, it is necessary to evaluate the needs of the individual projects, and whether the skill, experience, and areas of specialization of the employees is adequate to the goals of these projects.

Project Team Composition and Consultant Collaboration

On a typical project, in terms of the architectural staff, there may be a Project Architect and one or more Architectural Designers contributing to the architectural design and documentation of the work. This is only part of the design team, however. There may be a Project Manager who acts as the primary client contact and team leader, and it is likely that there will be numerous disciplines involved in the design work as well. This will vary depending on the type and complexity of the project, but is likely to include Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineers, along with other specialists. Those involved with staff selection and management will need to be aware of staff availability and workload levels for each discipline. If consultants are utilized for any of these roles, then the availability and suitability of the consultant firm should be considered for a given project. Architectural firms will often have consulting firms that they return to time and again for their projects. Developing good working relationships with these partners is key to long-term success.

Professional Development and Mentorship

In addition to the necessity of making informed allocations of staff and recommendations for hiring new employees when it is beneficial, staff management also includes the need for the implementation of professional development plans. It is in the interest of the architectural firm to engage, educate, and cultivate members of its design teams. Junior staff should be encouraged and supported in pursuing licensure. Additionally, a conscientious effort should be made to allow junior staff to gain the work experience needed for their knowledge and development. Some firms have mentorship programs in which younger designers are paired with more experienced practitioners who are available to discuss professional development goals and issues with them. Whether a formalized mentorship program is present in a firm or not, it is beneficial to make junior staff aware of any experienced staff members who may be available to them as a resource for the development of their knowledge and experience.

Continuing education events are another way of engaging staff to maintain their professional credentials and improve their knowledge of industry practice or new building products. Such events could take the form of “lunch and learn” with sales representatives from the building products industries or internal office presentations by staff on researched topics. Design “pin-ups” or presentations on projects either completed or in development can also be a means of engaging staff and improving design quality through peer feedback.

Performance Reviews and Individual Meetings

It is advisable for a firm to have a standardized process for conducting regular meetings at an individual level between staff and their managers. In this way, professional development goals can be created and progress toward those goals evaluated at regular intervals of time. Such recurring meetings can also be useful for discussing workplace issues, company or department goals, and areas for performance improvement. Everyone who contributes towards the success of a firm is part of a team, and opportunities for engaging team members in discussions on professional development are likely to increase the success of both the individual and the team over the long term.

In addition to decisions related to staffing and the development of that staff, an architect should also be able to assess and evaluate the use of material resources, such as computer hardware, software, and training materials. In terms of design software, in addition to Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and other 3d modeling and design documentation tools, consideration should be given to other more specialized software, such as photorealistic rendering or energy modeling. The more computationally intensive such programs can have system requirements that impact computer hardware purchasing decisions. Architectural firms must make other decisions as to which software to use for tasks related to project management, scheduling, and construction administration, among other types of software. As architects are intimately familiar with the design and documentation needs of a firm, they are well-positioned to make recommendations on computer software and hardware. As firm and client needs change and technologies constantly evolve, there is a continued need for the reevaluation of such material resources. Similarly, architects are often involved in recommendations for training opportunities for more junior staff. There is often a need to train staff in the use of new software, firm standards, or best practices.

Holistic Resource Management and Firm Goals

In summary, architects must be able to support the business operations of their firm by assessing and evaluating firm resources. This includes making decisions concerning staffing, as well as the management, performance evaluation, and professional development of staff. Architects must also be able to evaluate and make recommendations for material resources such as computer hardware, software, and training resources. Such decisions should always be made with not only current needs but also firm goals in mind. It is first necessary therefore to have a firm grasp on the firm’s goals, whether they be based on efficiency, profit, growth, sustainability, quality, or penetration into new market sectors. As market conditions, as well as the particular needs and goals of the design firm, are continually changing, such assessments are likely to be needed at regular intervals. The architect, with broad involvement in the firm’s design and management activities, is well situated to help guide the firm’s decisions towards meeting these needs and goals.

Effective resource assessment is crucial for architectural practice success. To elevate your skills in staffing, technology, and strategic planning and to advance your career, consider investing in professional development. Explore School of PE's comprehensive courses designed to provide you with the expertise needed to excel in the ARE® 5.0 and beyond. Click here to learn more about School of PE’s ARE exam prep courses.

About the Author: Adam Castelli

Adam Castelli is a licensed architect and engineer currently practicing in the Pittsburgh area. He holds a master's degree in architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Villanova University.

Thursday, 6 March 2025

Collaborative Learning in Exam Review Courses: Harnessing the Power of Teams

In his 1992 article “Team Learning: A Comprehensive Approach for Harnessing the Power of Small Groups in Higher Education,” Larry K. Michaelsen describes an approach to group learning in a class setting based on a decade of evidence stating the superiority of group learning opposed to class instructional time. In a corporate setting, it’s often expected that teams work together to collaborate on projects and study for certification exams together, the reasoning being that the collaboration leads to better subject matter retention. Review courses themselves are difficult to do alone while working full time, and working as a team enables the group to retain more information with a deeper understanding than they would have otherwise. In this post, we will get a brief overview of the benefits of collaborative learning and how to harness the power of teams within the exam review course experience, with methods to try in your own exam review study group.

The Benefits of Collaborative Learning

In a corporate setting, you’ll often find yourself working as a team to reach a specific outcome. While group assignments are the bane of most student’s existence, the benefits far outweigh the negatives in terms of what you’ll actually get out of the experience. As you learn to work together in a group the way it’s intended- with each individual pulling their weight and contributing to the overall outcome- you’ll also find that the group has changed the way you operate personally. Here are a few benefits of collaborative learning.

Learning together is active learning- We have all been there: the cart with the really old TV gets wheeled into the classroom, and we all collectively check out of our brains for sixty minutes. We loved these days, but it also didn’t do much for the actual learning experience. Taking the group approach, even in this situation where most of the study material will come in the form of a video, requires the worker to be more actively engaged in their learning experience. It forces them to learn in a way that actively puts information in their head.

Naturally enhances presentation skills- Presentations are an important part of corporate life, and they actually play a huge role in collaborative learning as well. As students read and gain a deeper understanding of the material and subsequently share what they’ve learned, they build those presentation skills without really knowing they are. Sharing helps them quickly organize their thoughts and forces them to share their newfound knowledge as if they’re teaching it to somebody who has never heard it before.

Teaches new study strategies- Study strategies are important in collaborative learning. Simply putting a few people into a group and then telling them to work together doesn’t work so well, as any high school graduate can surely tell you. It can actually prove to be a detriment to the experience as a whole. However, learning new strategies for collaborative study (see next section) can teach the group how to operate together to find new ways to share information in an engaging way.

Creates better study habits from accountability- Working alone, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of, “I can do that later.” Without the constant dependence upon and from others in the group, it’s easy to save things for later or prioritize life or entertainment over the exam review. A study group helps alleviate the stress of decision-making when considering taking a different route. Instead, you almost automatically create a daily commitment to the course because of the group that depends on the information you’re learning. Collaborative learning helps build better study habits due to the accountability factor from others in the group.

Pulling from a wider knowledge and experience base- Diversity in collaborative learning isn’t just a nice perk; it’s essential to the group’s ability to fully thrive in this setting. If one person excels in one subject, and another excels in the opposite subject, you’re not only learning another set of information. You’re also able to debate points, change opinions (sometimes your own), and develop a better system of information gathering than simply reading/watching and internalizing.

Collaborative Learning Methods

There is a learning curve to learning together. Bringing people into a group to share their experiences (even if it is just in regard to the review course) can be difficult, especially when you consider all of the different personalities and backgrounds in the learning pool. To get you started, here are a few ways that it can work for your team.

Jigsaw Method- The Jigsaw method of group learning is, in essence, taking the subject into sections and assigning each person one. This person would study that subject, and after some time, each individual would come together to share what they learned and piece together the information to form a cohesive whole puzzle.

Go Fish- Another game-like study technique, this involves a bag and strips of paper with questions on them. One person pulls out a paper and answers the question on the paper, proving their proficiency on the subject. Go around until all the questions are answered.

Study Card Swap- In this instance, the idea behind this practice is to make the job of learning easier. As a working person with a life who’s also trying to advance their career via certification exams and exam review courses, there’s not much time to create your own study material for an entire course. By taking sections of text, writing up the most important points, and sharing them with peers, your ability to retain the information is heightened (because repetition is king), and each person in the group took the opportunity to aid in the knowledge pool of the whole.

Peer Training- Peer training is for those who are specifically gaining certification in their current career and goes back to the diversity aspect of group learning. Choosing one person to teach the group about a specific facet of the job in which they’re proficient not only helps them understand the job better but also creates a whole new group of people just as proficient as them.

Collaborative learning for exam review courses is one of the most beneficial ways to participate in the course. It creates a shared experience for workers to bond together, helps with subject matter retention, and naturally enhances presentation skills, among many other benefits. While certification and career advancement exams are difficult due to the large amount of information and stress built into a person’s life, they don’t have to be lonely. In fact, according to the research done by Michaelsen, collaborative learning is the most beneficial way to learn. By harnessing the power of your built-in team, you’ll be able to learn everything there is to know about the subject material and create a clearer path to your dream career.

Ready to boost your career with professional development? Check out School of PE’s exam review courses today.