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Your spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, whatever can be your biggest asset during this process or one of your biggest liabilities.  It’s crucial to get buy in from them in this process.  You will need their full support and understanding because you will be less available to them and the rest of your family on a consistent basis for a significant amount of time (3-4 months).  

It’s crucial for you to have daily study time after work and on the weekends.  

They will have to deal with spending more time alone, possibly being less connected to you than they are used to. They will likely be picking up slack with housework and chores, etc.  You will stress out and less than pleasant at times (so I’ve heard).  

It’s very important to get them on board for this process by understanding what it’s going to entail.  Approach them and let them know before this process starts that it will be a sacrifice for both them and you.  Let them know that you want and need their support and understanding.

Ways of getting them on board for your success could be as simple as a conversation where you tell them how important this endeavor is for you and that you understand that it will be a sacrifice for both of you.  Tell them that you want and need their support during this process.  Consider scheduling regular date nights or weekend activities that you both can look forward to which can help with the grind of study and preparation.  You may decide to plan a trip together somewhere after the test as a reward to both of you for your sacrifices.  Do what works for you both.

When I was studying, I would read and work in the same room as my wife.  Being together helped, even though I was preoccupied with the material.  Little things like being in the same room together as you study can help alleviate some of the relationship pressures that can result from this process.

If you have kids, a necessary consequence of this process will be that you’ll be spending time away from them.  There’s no avoiding it.  You have to consistently and daily spend the time studying and doing your practice problems.  Your kids won’t fully understand why you are spending so much time away.  It’s important to keep their needs in mind and to explain the best way you can to them why you are doing this.  Communicate with them in a very direct manner and tell them how much you want their cooperation.  Consider a fun activity with them over the weekend where they can have your undivided attention.  Also a family trip after the test is over can be a great motivator for everyone in the family.  

Your friends will likely feel the effects of your absence as well.  As with your family, communication is the key.  Let them know about the process. Explain to them why you are doing it, how much it means to you and how long it takes.  They will almost certainly understand. You don’t want to leave them feeling like you dropped off the face of the earth.

The point is to recognize how studying for the PE exam will affect your family.  Your loved ones and friends will also feel the effects of your time away from them as you study and prepare, as well as dealing with your added stress and anxiety about the upcoming test.  

Be aware of how studying for the PE exam will affect your family and other loved ones in your life.  This will help you manage those relationships, keep everyone happy and set you up for success.