Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual

Available in Print or eTextbook

Content maps for the October 2025 exam (and after) now included as a PDF download.

This Michael R. Lindeburg, PE classic has undergone an intensive transformation to ensure focused study for success on the NCEES PE Mechanical exam. Whether you’re focusing on HVAC and Refrigeration, Machine Design and Materials, or Thermal and Fluid Systems, the Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual (MERM) is a time-tested resource to help you pass your exam.

To succeed on exam day, and pass your exam, you need to know how to solve problems using the only resource examinees will be allowed to use during the test: the NCEES PE Mechanical Reference Handbook. PPI’s MERM makes that connection for you by using only NCEES equations in the review and problem solving.

Features Include:

  • Improved design to focus study on most important exam material
  • Explanations and demonstration of how to use NCEES handbook equations
  • NCEES handbook equations are highlighted in blue for quick access
  • In chapter callouts map to specific exam to streamline review process

Topics Covered:

  • Fluids
  • Thermodynamics
  • Power Cycles
  • Heat Transfer
  • HVAC
  • Statics
  • Materials
  • Machine Design
  • Dynamics and Vibrations
  • Control Systems
  • Plant Engineering
  • Economics
  • Law and Ethics
eTexbook access benefits include:

  • One year of access
  • Ability to download the entire eTextbook to multiple devices, so you can study even without internet access
  • An auto sync feature across all your devices for a seamless experience on or offline
  • Unique study tools such as highlighting in six different colors to tailor your study experience
  • Features like read aloud for complete hands-free review

Jump-start your path to exam-day success by brushing up on key exam topics, learning what equations to use, and reviewing detailed step-by-step solutions in the Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual.

Sample PDFs

PE Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual
$289.00$260.10
PUB YEAR
2019
FORMAT
Hardcover or eTextbook
PRINT ISBN
9781591266631
PID# 579417

FAQs

Due to copyright, PPI VitalSource etextbooks cannot be printed. Most PPI books are also available in printed format as an add-on option on our website. 

Some states require a BS degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program to sit for the PE exam. Other states allow you to take the PE exam with a degree in engineering technology, physics, math, or chemistry—or without any degree—as long as you’ve met the required work experience. Check your state requirements to see if you can take the PE exam without an engineering degree.

You should prioritize your engineering interests and professional background when determining which PE exam to take. The difficulty level of each discipline is also important to consider. Reach out to licensed engineers in your network for additional perspectives, too.
You can take most PE exams once per three-month testing window and no more than three times per year. Certain PE exams are only offered once per year in October. Some licensing boards are more restrictive, so check your state licensing board to confirm how often you can retake the exam.

Most states allow you to take the PE exam after passing your FE exam and gaining at least four years of post-college work experience. However, some states now allow examinees to sit for the PE exam before completing their work experience. Check your state requirements to see when you’re qualified to sit for the exam.

Our exam practice questions are exam-like, which means they reference the appropriate NCEES Handbook, they are a similar length to the real exam, and they use multiple-choice questions like the exam. Some questions may be a little easier or a little harder than the actual exam, but they are all designed to bring you success on exam day.
We recommend 200 to 300 hours of study time in order to prepare for the PE exam. If you have a full time job, that would be five to seven months spending 10 to 15 hours per week studying. Six months is a good starting point.

The PE exams are not considered easy to pass, but the exam will become easier if the content reflects topics that you're familiar with from your current line of work. Think about your career goals when considering the PE exam. Are you seeking a promotion in your current role? You should select the exam that best supports your current career. Are you trying to switch industries? Choose the exam that will set you up for success in your new field. Rather than seek out the easiest PE exam, select the one that will support your goals. 

It is an 8-hour exam. It contains 80 total questions: 40 multiple-choice questions in the 4-hour AM session, and 40 multiple-choice questions in the 4-hour PM session.
The PE structural exam is the only open-book exam remaining. All other PE exams are now closed-book computer-based exams, commonly referred to as CBT.
The PE exam can be difficult. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of engineering and should not be taken lightly. You should plan on taking several weeks to prepare and study before sitting for the exam. Here are the most recently updated PE exam pass rates.
The PE exam tests for a minimum level of competency in engineering. You need a minimum of four years of post-college work experience to be able to sit for the exam.

What Our Customers Say

Kristian C.

"In my opinion, PE licensure allows you to "write your own story" when it comes to making career moves. This course has set me up well to pass my upcoming exam. The recorded lectures were fantastic. Some lectures I needed to watch at 0.75x speed, while I was able to conduct a comprehensive review of all topics by re-watching the lectures at 2.00x speed. Without this functionality, I would not have been able to conduct a thorough re-review of all materials."

Kevin L.

“Dr. Alzioud was an incredible resource in terms of things to focus on and memorize. His lectures made it very easy to digest the material. He has a great way of breaking topics down so that they don’t seem overwhelming. He provided great advice regarding the mental aspects of studying for and taking the exam, as well. The diagnostic exams, homework, and practice exams on PPI were extremely helpful, as well as the additional question bank. I used the question bank to create mini-exams and full practice exams for myself prior to taking the real thing. Couldn’t be happier about how it all went!”

Guillermo R.

“The PPI course provided a well-structured study plan that covered all the topics for the PE Environmental Exam. The live course helped me be consistent with my studies and stick to a schedule. Kunal Patel was our professor, and he took the time to answer all our questions and would clarify the challenging questions and topics. There were topics that I did not understand during self-study, but the professor would walk through many examples to reinforce material. The Learning Hub quiz generators were helpful for the simulated timed problem solving. The course was fast paced at the beginning, but it helps to make sure we cover all the material and have time to review at the end. This was my second time attempting the exam after self-studying the first time. I am happy to share that I passed the PE exam. I am glad I invested in the PPI PE Exam live course.”

Kevin A.

“PPI helped by selecting knowledgeable instructors [Mo] to lecture and answer questions in a way that is easy to understand. The quizzes and practice problems from the practice exams helped [me] prepare for the actual exam.”

Tathagata R.

“PPI quizzes and practice exams prepared me for time management, content learning, and sifting through various codes to find the answers quickly.”

Seth O.

“Ray was an outstanding instructor, absolutely second to none. I cannot say enough about how impressed I was with him as an instructor. He did a great job at focusing on what was relevant to the exam and brought up topics that might be challenging. The Qbank was also beneficial as you can create as many quizzes as you want in areas that you may not be as strong in.” 

Tito S.

“Paul is an awesome instructor, and I followed his regimen for success. Practice problems - pencil to paper - rest - repeat. The morning of the test I felt confident and ready thanks to him and the work put in. I wouldn't have passed the PE exam without PPI.”

Matthew
“Just wanted to let you know, I received results for PE Exam today…PASS!! Thank you to PPI…Specifically Josh Ogle and Richard Austin, my instructors for the April 2021 review courses."
Calvin
"The PPI surveying course was a good overview and provided many useful study materials. This course is particularly useful when paired with the PPI Civil PE Review Course since it amplifies some lessons you will have in the overall review session."
Keivan
"The study materials are very useful. The key to passing the exam is to practice as much as you can."
Nicholas
"All you need to do to pass this exam is work all of the homework problems assigned, work both of the practice exams, and go to class. Also, ask questions! The instructors are more than happy to answer them for you. That's about it!"
Jesse
"The course was great. Really helped with knowing just what kind of questions would be expected on the exam, and the review material was a great reference to bring to the exam!"
Tamara
"There is no better way to get to know the contents of MERM than the PPI Review Course. Highly recommended as a foundation for PE preparation."
PE Mechanical Customer
"This course is a must for everyone. It is much more difficult than the actual test, but it will leave no stone unturned. You WILL be prepared for the exam if you attend the lectures and do the homework."
Kevin
"The structure provided by the course is what I needed to force myself to sit down and study. The knowledge and test-taking tips from the instructor were very helpful. Course notes were a great reference on the exam. Quite often, class examples were very representative of actual exam problems."
Brad
"This was a good class overall. The best part was receiving a good study structure, being held accountable for doing it, and having a place to ask questions and review the concepts. I know this review course was the reason I passed. You also have to put in the effort, but it is worth it in the end."
Thomas
"This test is definitely not one to attempt without some help or guidance. PPI does a solid job of keeping attendees on a schedule and giving them an overall review of the required materials."
Ion
"This course is a good review prior to taking the PE exam. The instructor offered valuable advice that only experience could bring. Thank you for your guidance and thank you PPI. I highly recommend this course to everybody who wants to pursue a technical career."
PE Mechanical Customer
“The instructor was very knowledgeable in the exam topic areas and answered all questions. The course materials were very helpful in learning what will be on the exam. It was often more difficult than the actual exam questions, but they will prepare you for the test."
Justin
"This review course is very rigorous, but the amount of problems and difficulty of subjects cover what you need to be prepared for the exam. The course also allows you to interact with other PE exam takers to be able to ask them questions and learn from other students.”