Should I Buy The PPE Textbooks?

When it comes to whether you should buy the NPPE textbooks, the decision can be quite challenging. These books are certainly not cheap, with a price tag of around $250 CAD. Additionally, they require a significant amount of reading, totalling approximately 800 pages.

Yet, your association lists them as required resources to prepare for the NPPE exam. It's easy to see why one might find themselves in a dilemma.

The alternative option is to purchase training materials offered at PPE Headquarters. Students manage to pass the exam without buying the materials, and it's a great way to save money.

However, if one fails without these resources, they might feel frustrated and regret their decision.

To make a solid recommendation, here are the certain criteria that should be considered.

First, let's examine the texts involved, as they vary across different associations.

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NPPE textbooks

For the National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE), the following associations utilize the two textbooks shown below:

• Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC)
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA)
• Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM)
• Engineers and Geoscientists New Brunswick
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS)
• Engineers Nova Scotia
• Engineers PEI
• Association of Professional Engineers of Yukon (APEY)
• Northwest Territories and Nunavut Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (NAPEG)
• Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL)
• Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO)

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The main textbooks that are recommended include:

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PEO NPPE textbooks

Important: The information is this part of the article is for the old PEO PPE exam. All associations recommend the same textbooks now.

Please follow this link to the new PEO NPPE Exam.  

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The only association with different texts is the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO), which uses a distinct text for the law portion:

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Self-evaluation of English skills

One crucial criterion to consider when deciding, is your English proficiency. Strong English skills are essential for passing this exam.

If a student lacks English skills, they must put in extra effort. Reading the textbooks can be an effective way to improve their language abilities for a professional environment.

Here are some free tools that are backed by science to help you assess your English skills:

• Duolingo English Test: This tool allows you to assess your English skills at no cost.
• Government of Canada Language Portal: This website provides a collection of resources, including a free assessment tool.
• CLB-OSA Self-Assessment Tool: This collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario offers a free self-assessment tool.

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Here are a few examples that can help the self-assessment process.

Good English skills: No need to buy the textbooks

In these cases, the students' writing and English comprehension seem satisfactory, so we suggested that purchasing the texts was not necessary.

Example 1

Hi,
From your webpage, I understood that I only need to read the Study Guide of 62 pages to pass the exam.
Is that correct?
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Best regards.

Example 2


Hi Mike,
I would like to buy the Study Guide and Practice Exams. I am planning to write the NPPE exam in Saskatchewan. Do you think that I need to buy the Law and Ethics textbooks if I've already read the Study Guide?

Thanks

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English skills need improvement: Buy the textbooks

For these students, we recommend purchasing the textbooks. We also usually advise them to delay the exam, and focus on strengthening their English language skills.

Example 3

Hi NPPE HQ,
I buy the E-book guide and pass? Only read 50 pages and appear for practice exam questions.
Please advise me.

Example 4

Best regards. How you send me the materials after I pay the necessary fee? Please include text Apega? and how long it takes?
thanks.

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Where to buy the textbooks

When it comes to purchasing the textbooks, there are several options to consider. The association is often the best choice, offering a slight price reduction.

As for PEO students, PEO does not keep texts in stock, so Amazon is the recommended avenue. However, it's always a good idea to check out platforms like Kijiji for used copies of both PEO and NPPE textbooks.

Be cautious of outdated copies and ensure that you purchase the correct version. Every so typically, there are questionable products being sold on Kijiji. Another option worth exploring is CourseSmart, a program that sells eTextbooks. They offer the opportunity to rent digital textbooks for six months, usually at a 60% discount.