I'll be taking the PTP exam this fall. I looked on ITE's test website for resources, but it's mostly TCRP reports. Has anyone taken the exam? Any advice/tips would be appreciated.
I'll be taking the PTP exam this fall. I looked on ITE's test website for resources, but it's mostly TCRP reports. Has anyone taken the exam? Any advice/tips would be appreciated.
Beats me, maybe look through the archives of the ITE mailing lists/"communities" if you're a member, although I can't recall seeing many discussions about it. I am pondering switching to PTP and letting my PTOE lapse.
The ITE all-member community list just had a humorous discussion about the PTOE. One side for it, to show off their specialties, and the other side saying the PE is all that matters and the PTOE just a rank money grab. I'm with the latter group, especially seeing the 97% pass rate on the exam... I decided to keep my mouth shut about my theory that even the PE shouldn't be required, that it should all work on an apprentice and reputational system. That's probably too much heresy for the union to take.
I do like the theory of the PTP or other certifications for people who aren't on the PE track but want to show some specialization, and not be in the APA orbit.
There used to be a bunch of links out there that had the 5 part study guide available online. I downloaded, printed them all, read, and eventually threw away. Maybe if you dig you can find them somewhere online.
Thanks guys. I've been reviewing ITE's suggested TCRP materials - the amount of research and facts/figures is substantial and I hear the test is very engineering oriented. Being a planner, this has me concerned. If anyone has experience taking the test, I'd be interested in hearing your story.
Southern Yank, The Random Traffic Guy is correct the PTP is a moneymaking venture for ITE. True its issued by a independent board, but that board was set up and funded by a loan from ITE. The pass rate is over 90% and folks in the industry recognize that. If you are AICP, then consider get the CTP credential. It is rigorous (if anything pass rate was too low and it is being revised and the pass rate reset to deal with that), and if you are AICP it ends up costing less than PTP. The reason, it is while the initial cost is high ($100 application fee and $600 test fee), you don't need any additional CM (just 10 out your 32 CM every two years needs to be in transportation, but you self certify) and there's no cost beyond the AICP dues after the initial exam.
In contrast, PTP requires a fee every three years at renewal and the continuing education requirements are PDH which are much harder to get for free vs CM.
Dharmster - thanks for the tip. Since my employer already paid for me to take the test, I'll go ahead and take it for fun and look into the CTP next.
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