FREE HVAC PE EXAM STUDY RESOURCES!

1: MERM 101 – The Basics

The MERM is divided up into topics such as fluids, thermo, electrical, etc.  You can find the sections by looking at the edges of the pages (see pics below).  We’ll tab the MERM so that these are easier to find (more on that later).

Within each section, you’ll find more subtopics within that umbrella as well as example problems and practice problems at the end of each section.

It covers all aspects of each of the three mechanical disciplines on the exam.

The MERM goes into much more detail than is necessary for most of the concepts covered in the NCEES PE exam.  Don’t freak out when you’re eyes glaze over as you read through it.  They do an adequate job explaining the concepts, but the equations are too in-depth for our purposes. The example questions are also more in-depth and involved than what you’ll find on the actual PE exam.  

There are practice problems within the chapters of the MERM as well as a companion book of practice problems.  These problems, like the example problems, are more complex and take much more time to work through than what you’ll find on the exam.  

I don’t recommend spending your time on them unless 1) you have alot of extra time (more than 3-4 months) of study time allotted, and 2) you don’t have access to better, more targeted study questions.  Spend your time working through practice problems geared more closely to the actual exam because they’ll serve as a better gauge of your abilities and level of preparation, as well as help keep your confidence level up.  

When you slog through the complicated, involved MERM questions, you’ll get discouraged. You’ll be worried about how difficult they are for you to do. You’ll worry abut how long it is taking for you to do them.  This is completely unnecessary!

Let me say it again so it’s clear.

The problems in the MERM and companion book are much more difficult than in the actual NCEES PE exam and take much longer to solve.  Don’t use them as your primary source of practice problems!

If you follow this piece of advice, you’ll stay encouraged, motivated and confident that you are properly preparing for the exam.  Not following this advice will affect your confidence, discourage you and will tend to make you want to quit or lessen your drive to push through studying.  Sure, it’s great to have a deeper understanding of the material covered on the test, but that’s not what we’re here for.  The PE exam is a game and we’re here to win.  You win the game by efficiently and effectively spending your precious time studying the right material and doing practice problems at the right level of difficulty.

2: Tabbing the MERM

That being said, the MERM is well suited as a reference guide.  It has equations and tables throughout that are invaluable for the test.  This is the main reason to purchase the MERM.  

To utilize these equations and tables, you’ll need to be able to find them quickly.  This is where tabbing comes in handy.

Go grab a of packs of tabs such as these.  These are good because there are 88 tabs in this pack.  You’ll want them to be this smaller size, colorful, hard plastic, strongly adhesive, and able to be written on.  I like to use a fine point Sharpie to write on them.  The size of the tip allows me to fit what I need to write and the ink will stay and not smear after a couple of minutes of dry time.  

You’ll want to tab the MERM on the side of the pages and on the top.

I recommend tabbing the sections of the MERM on the side so that you can easily reference the correct section. Put the tab on the title page of that section so that you can grab the tab and pull the pages over to quickly reference it.  

I also recommend tabbing the top of the MERM for equations, tables, etc. that you’ll want quick access to.  Do this early on in your studying.  When you come across a practice problem where you use something in the MERM to solve, tab the MERM for that data.  When you come across important equations or concepts, tab the MERM so that you can easily find them again.

The amount of tabbing that you do is up to you.  You can go overboard with it if you’re not careful, but don’t hesitate to tab the hell out of it.  The only thing limiting you is the ability to actually use the tabs. If it’s too crowded, then it won’t be very useful.

Do what works best for you!

3: More MERM Tips

• When you come across something that isn’t in the MERM, such as an additional equation, conversion factors, etc. use the inside front or back cover to make a list of them.  It is extremely useful and handy to have.  Keep a running list of this info and you’ll know where to go.  It will be easy to find.
• Also, when you come across an equation or table, highlight and/or write notes on the page such as additional conversion factors or another form of the equation that you prefer.  It is worth taking the time to write another popular form of an equation in the MERM now than try to convert the formula to that form during the actual test.  It’s all about saving all the time that you can during the exam.
• Borrow or purchase the MERM from a friend who has just recently taken the test if you are trying to save some bucks.  Just make sure that if you borrow it, your friend is ok with you tabbing, highlighting and making notes in it.  It’s nice to have your own copy of the MERM, but I haven’t used mine much since I took the test.  It does look nice on my bookshelf.  I have lent it to a couple of friends since I took it.  

4: The MERM – Bottom Line

The MERM is a must have reference for the exam.  I highly recommend it. You will find it includes almost all of the equations and concepts you’ll need for the exam.  It doesn’t provide the best review of the material though. Tab the MERM properly for fast access to the data during the exam and highlight/make notes throughout. Make it yours!  

The goal is to optimize this tool for your benefit during the exam.  Take the time as you study to transfer all the information you need into the MERM.  Set it up so that you can quickly find what you need during the test.

Note: This post contains affiliate links to products I recommend for you to have for the PE exam.  I make a small commission off the sale of each affiliate item that you purchase through my site.  This does not increase the cost to you, but it helps me with the cost of running this blog.  If you’d rather, you can do a Google search for the items yourself and I won’t receive anything.  But I would appreciate your support!