Struggling to Study for the FE Exam? Here's How to Get Back on Track

Studying for a long and difficult exam like the FE can quickly zap your motivation, especially if you’ve been out of school for a few years. If you’re finding it hard to sit down and study consistently, try some of these tips to get back on track.

In this Blog,

1. Make a Study Schedule and Stick to It

2. Hold Yourself Accountable

3. Make Studying More Fun

4. Track Your Progress

5. Find the Right Space & Time to Study

6. Break Up Your Routine

7. Make Checklists

8. Take Study Breaks

9. Find Your Motivation

10. Reward Small Milestones

11. Take a Day Off

12. Get More Sleep

13. Eat Brain Foods

14. Envision the Finish Line

Make a Study Schedule and Stick to It

Having a solid study plan is key to passing the FE exam. Outline all the topics you need to cover and break them into manageable chunks. Block off 2-3 hours per day where you will solely focus on studying. Treat this study time as seriously as you would a work commitment. Studying consistently, even in small increments, is far more effective than cramming for 8 hours straight one weekend. Use a calendar to schedule your study sessions and highlight your FE exam date.

Hold Yourself Accountable

It’s easy to blow off a study session if you’re only letting yourself down. Enlist others to hold you accountable to your study schedule. Join an in-person or online FE exam study group and commit to attending the meetings. Tell a friend or family member about your study plan and ask them to check in on your progress. Having an exterior commitment to a study group or an accountability partner can motivate you to follow through.

Make Studying More Fun

There are many ways to add enjoyment to studying for a standardized test. Play upbeat music in the background to make your study environment more lively. Use different-colored highlighters and pens to make note-taking more interesting. Print out inspirational quotes related to perseverance and tape them up around your desk. Schedule study sessions with friends when possible, as group suffering can sometimes be more tolerable.

Track Your Progress

Seeing measurable progress as you study can reignite your motivation. At the start, take a practice exam to benchmark where you are. As you work through your study plan, retake practice tests under timed conditions every few weeks. Seeing your scores steadily improve will validate that your studying is paying off. Celebrate milestones along the way to keep up the momentum.

Find the Right Space & Time to Study

Not everyone can focus at a desk for hours. Figure out when and where you study best. If possible, dedicate a desk or room just for FE exam studying that is free of distractions. Experiment with different settings like a library or coffee shop if you like some ambient noise. Determine when you feel most alert and energetic - morning or night owl schedules are fine as long as you are consistent. Having a reliable study space set-up can make it easier to get started each day.

Break Up Your Routine

Too much routine can also zap motivation over time. Build in some variety to renew your interest and energy levels. Alternate between textbook reading, video lessons, practice tests, flashcards, group study, and self-quizzing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new study methods like mind maps, mnemonic devices, or apps if you feel your routine getting stale. Just be careful not to add so much new stuff that you lose focus.

Make Checklists

Checking off completed tasks triggers a rush of feel-good dopamine in the brain. Make a master FE exam topic checklist and break it down into daily checklists. Cross off chapters, practice tests, problems, equations – whatever measurable tasks you can define. Seeing your checklist dwindle day by day provides tangible proof of your progress.

Take Study Breaks

Rigidly studying for hours on end can lead to burnout. Schedule regular short breaks where you completely step away. Stretch your legs, grab a snack, respond to emails – anything to briefly disrupt your focus. Try setting a timer for 45-50 minutes of concentrated studying, then take a 5-10 minute break. These short breaks will help you recharge.

Find Your Motivation

Connecting to your own personal motivations can sustain you through the extended FE exam study period. Remind yourself why you need to pass this exam and what doors it will open in your career. Revisit what drew you to engineering in the first place. Read inspirational quotes from accomplished engineers. Watch motivational videos on YouTube. Surround yourself with reminders of why you pursued this field to reignite your inner spark.

Reward Small Milestones

Working for months towards one long-term goal can feel daunting. Celebrate your wins along the way. After a week of consistent studying, treat yourself to dinner at your favorite restaurant. Download that new album after conquering a tough chapter. Buy a small gift for yourself when you hit practice exam milestones. Build in frequent small rewards to stay motivated.

Take a Day Off

When you feel completely unmotivated, forcing yourself to study can be unproductive. You may just need a mental health day to recharge. Take a day off from studying, forget about the FE exam, and do something completely unrelated that you enjoy. Reset your mindset with a brief break from thinking about the exam. Just don’t take too many days off, as it can disrupt your momentum.

Get More Sleep

Not getting enough sleep can tank your motivation across all aspects of life. Ensure you are allowing your body adequate rest to function optimally. Your brain consumes a massive amount of energy while you are awake. If you are constantly tired, your motivation and ability to focus will suffer. Stick to consistent sleep hours aligned with your natural circadian rhythm.

Eat Brain Foods

Your diet significantly impacts energy levels and mental performance. Eat foods rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants. Stay hydrated throughout the day. Avoid inflammatory foods that can impair cognition. Take a quality vitamin supplement. Getting proper nutrition provides the building blocks to fuel your motivation and intellect.

Envision the Finish Line

When motivation starts fading, envision the feeling of completing the FE exam. Imagine the weight lifted off your shoulders, the joy of seeing that “Pass” notification, and the flood of relief knowing it’s behind you. Use this vivid visualization of the finish line to pull yourself through when you feel like giving up. The exam will end, and you will miss feeling motivated, so make the most of it now.

The FE exam requires diligence, persistence, and sustained effort over months of studying. Motivation will ebb and flow throughout the process. By troubleshooting areas where your motivation is weak and being strategic about renewing inspiration, you can power through the inevitable down periods. Keep the end goal firmly planted and tackle each study session intentionally. With the right strategies, you can pass this challenging exam even when motivation feels out of reach. Consistency and perseverance will win the race. Now, get to studying!

Looking for a comprehensive exam review course to help you stay on track? School of PE offers FE exam prep to help you pass your exam with confidence. Explore our course options today!

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.

FE Exam Tips: Answering Difficult Engineering Questions Pt. 2

Welcome back to the second part of our two-part blog series on tackling difficult questions on the FE exam! In our previous blog, we explored strategies for flagging questions, breaking down multi-step problems, and leveraging your strengths. We'll discuss the importance of practicing multi-step problems, reviewing all knowledge domains, mastering appropriate calculator skills, and applying time management strategies. By following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to tackle difficult questions on the FE exam with confidence.

In this Blog,

1. Practice Multi-Step Problems

2. Review All Knowledge Domains

3. Master Appropriate Calculator Skills

4. Apply Time Management Strategies

Practice Multi-Step Problems

A primary source of challenging questions on the FE exam are multi-step quantitative problems that combine several engineering principles across topics. These problems begin with a descriptive scenario and require logical progression through multiple calculation steps to arrive at the desired solution. Students often struggle to piece together the steps required and lose precious time attempting to solve these problems.

Practicing multi-step problems in your FE exam prep is a great way to hone this skill. Get exposure working through quantitative problems with multiple phases of analysis. For example, calculate deflection in a beam by first solving shear and moment diagrams from loading before using singularity functions. Or determine the output voltage of a series RLC circuit by individually addressing the voltage drops across all resistive, inductive, and capacitive elements.

When practicing multi-part problems, do not jump straight into the calculations. First, assess the scenario presented and think critically about the engineering fundamentals at play. Determine the key principles that will drive each analysis step. Sketch concepts visually to clarify understanding before quantifying relationships. Outline the progression of your work so you can methodically connect the phases.

Checking your work frequently via hand calculations, diagrams, unit analysis, etc., is also vital. For multi-step problems, small mistakes compound quickly if not caught. After solving main components like finding currents or material properties, pause and confirm if the values make sense before continuing on. Develop strong habits of intermediate checks as you work on practice problems.

With improved experience dissecting and logically solving multi-part problems, geometric thinking skills in assessing complex scenarios will sharpen. Practice enough sample FE exam problems and multi-step questions, which will seem routine on test day. Break problems down into fundamental steps and validate your work along the way to master multi-step problem-solving.

Review All Knowledge Domains

Since the FE exam is so broad in scope, it is important to review all the core knowledge domains and avoid a narrow focus on a few favorite subjects. Many students gravitate to topics they find easier and have gotten more exposure to in their engineering coursework. However, questions on the exam are balanced across disciplines, so weaker areas cannot be neglected.

Set your study schedule to ensure you refresh yourself at least briefly on all the topics covered. Use the official NCEES exam specifications as your blueprint for the knowledge areas tested. Ensure you understand the core principles for each domain. The FE Reference Handbook and other concise review manuals are great resources for relearning fundamental concepts. Flash cards can also help ingrain must-know equations and definitions.

Solving practice problems in unfamiliar subject areas is also key. Search for sets of questions specifically targeting your weaker disciplines. Mastering Engineering, NCEES practice exams, and review manuals tailor problem sets across all exam domains. Hands-on exposure will vastly improve comfort level applying fundamental concepts.

Don’t let pride steer you away from revisiting beginner topics you may not have mastered initially. It takes courage to confront weaknesses, but addressing all knowledge domains is necessary for FE exam success. Refresh fundamentals in your challenging areas, solve focused practice problems, and test your competency to avoid difficult surprises on exam day.

Master Appropriate Calculator Skills

Calculators are a crucial tool for solving quantitative FE exam problems quickly and efficiently. However, a lack of familiarity with calculator functions can lead to fumbling and wasted time during the exam. Make sure to master any permitted calculator model you plan to use. For the FE Civil exam, this includes the Casio FX-115 and FX-991 MS models.

Learn to quickly access the key buttons and menu options needed for exam calculations. Useful functions include trigonometric, exponents and roots, matrices, solving equations, unit conversions, general math, etc. Configure your calculator settings to operate in degree mode rather than radian for most engineering calculations. Create shortcut buttons for common constants like π, g, conversion factors, etc. to save keystrokes.

Also, practice executing multi-step calculations on your calculator to avoid rounding errors. Learn to store intermediate values in variables for easy recall later in a problem’s progression. Utilizing built-in math functionality tailors your calculator to tackle FE exam questions with speed and precision.

When solving practice problems during FE exam prep, strictly adhere to only using approved calculators. This simulates exam conditions and exposes any capability gaps to work on. Master your calculator skills through drills and repetitive use so it becomes second nature on test day. Fluent, nimble calculation ability can greatly ease solving difficult quantitative problems under time pressure.

Apply Time Management Strategies

With 110 questions to solve in just 5 hours and 20 minutes, the FE exam keeps up a demanding pace, requiring strict time budgeting. Failing to manage your time across questions and knowledge domains can leave you scrambling as the clock counts down. Have a game plan for efficiently allocating time and recognizing when you must move on from difficult problems.

First, using your permitted scribble sheets or notebook, map out target times to reach for each portion of the exam based on the number of questions in that section. This helps guide the pace needed question-by-question to stay on track. Second, when starting a question, set a mental timer for 1-3 minutes, depending on its point value. If no clear path to the solution presents itself at that time, flag the question and move on. Later in the exam period, you can revisit these flagged questions with a fresh perspective.

Be alert to the sinking feeling that comes from getting stuck in a rut on a hard question. Pushing yourself too long on a single problem that is not progressing eats away valuable time that could be spent on other questions. Have the discipline to skip ahead and come back. Lastly, with about 10-15 minutes left, stop beginning any new questions. Use this time to review your work, finish up questions you’re close on, and make educated guesses on those still unanswered.

Proper time management ensures you maximize your score potential by attempting every question possible. Have a game plan, know when to temporarily skip ones wasting your time, and budget appropriately across all exam sections. Efficient use of your time helps relieve the pressure of solving difficult questions.

Conclusion

Navigating difficult questions that present roadblocks on the FE exam can rattle examinees’ confidence if not prepared. Have a plan to break down apparently difficult problems into manageable fundamentals and to skip past those wasting mental cycles. Leverage your strengths and problem-solving creativity to uncover alternate solution paths. Maintain positivity, never doubt your knowledge, and trust your abilities developed through diligent study. With the right problem-solving mindset and strategies, challenging questions can be overcome for FE exam success.

Ready to conquer those tricky FE questions and pass your exam? Register now for one of School of PE's comprehensive exam review courses and don't let difficult questions hold you back! Take the first step towards your engineering career goals today!

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.

FE Exam Tips: Answering Difficult Engineering Questions Pt. 1

Taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam can be a daunting task for many engineering students and graduates. The breadth of knowledge required to pass this 6-hour-long exam covering a variety of engineering disciplines is vast, leading many examinees to spend months in preparation through reviewing engineering concepts, solving practice problems, and taking practice exams. However, even with thorough preparation, the FE exam can present unexpected challenges on test day. Difficult exam questions can catch students off guard, which can cause anxiety and stress during the testing period.

Having a structured game plan in approaching difficult questions can help ease nerves and optimize performance when encountering unclear or tricky concepts on the FE. This is the first in a two-part series of blogs providing tips and techniques for students to use when answering difficult questions during the FE exam. We will cover strategies such as flagging questions for later, logically working through multi-step problems, leveraging your strengths across knowledge domains, and maintaining a positive mindset. Read on to learn how to conquer tough exam questions on test day.

In this Blog,

1. Assess the Question

2. Work Through the Fundamentals

3. Skip and Flag Questions

4. Leverage Your Strengths

5. Stay Positive

Assess the Question

When presented with a difficult question on the FE exam, before delving in too quickly, take a step back to fully assess what is being asked. Read the question prompt carefully and identify exactly what needs to be determined or calculated. Underline or highlight key parts of the question or any data that is provided. Then, take a few seconds to think - what engineering concept or formula will help me solve this? Trying to isolate the fundamental theory or relationship at hand is crucial, rather than jumping right into calculations. This aligns your thought process in the right direction from the start.

For multi-step quantitative problems, visualizing the scenario can assist with this assessment phase. Quickly sketch or draw the components involved, labeling any information given. This puts the abstract problem into a concrete perspective, clarifying the goal and known factors. Once the question is fully parsed apart, determining the proper formula or method will be more apparent. Rushing into solving before understanding all aspects of a difficult question often leads to mistakes or wasted time from improper approaches. So, take a breath, analyze what’s being asked, and set yourself up for success.

Work Through the Fundamentals

Encountering difficult questions in subject areas that you are less confident about, lean on the fundamentals to push through to the solution. Break down complex problems into simpler, more familiar components that you can grasp. For example, electromagnetism problems can be simplified using basic electromagnetic principles of oppositely charged particles, conductors, electric fields, etc. Reduce the problem to the basics within these core concepts. Identify any simplifying assumptions you can make to remove unnecessary complexity. Isolating these to walk through methodically will often help unlock the proper problem-solving path.

It can also help you think back to the most basic conceptual questions or example problems covered in your study resources for the topic. Difficult exam problems usually test the same principles but in more complex scenarios. If you are completely unsure of how to proceed, go back to the simple case and expand from there. The way core engineering principles interact and build upon each other will guide you through even nasty, difficult questions. Stick to the fundamentals and avoid getting overwhelmed by complexities.

Skip and Flag Questions

Be alert for any difficult questions that you are completely unsure of how to approach after a quick assessment. These types of questions are time sinks, distracting mental energy and motivating a random guessing approach. For these, it is often best to immediately skip them and flag for later return. Quickly flag it in your exam software, write a physical mark on your note board, or even note it on a written list of flagged questions you want to revisit. This will allow you to stay focused on questions you can solve confidently.

Getting mired down on a few difficult questions can derail your progress and timing for the exam. Make sure to budget your time across all knowledge areas accordingly, flagging questions that are too difficult to come back to later. Doing this allows you to maximize your score potential across the board. After returning to other questions, with more time and cleared thoughts, flagged questions may even seem less daunting. Just be sure to keep a close track of flags to circle back before the end of your allotted exam time.

Leverage Your Strengths

On the FE exam, answers to difficult questions in one topic area are sometimes obscured in the relationships to other topics. For example, a challenging dynamics problem may require understanding electrical circuit analysis to unlock the solution. When stuck on a question, think broadly across engineering disciplines and leverage your strengths. What other knowledge domains might offer clues to help solve this? The FE tests a breadth of interrelated engineering concepts, so find the connections.

Also, consider strengths in problem-solving approaches that could be applied. For challenging quantitative questions, is there an easier method you have experience with? Could a scalar-based shortcut help rather than brute-force vector calculations? Your strengths in certain simplification techniques or approaches to specific problem archetypes can enable breakthroughs.

Finally, is there another way to frame the question or check your work? Trying to come at the problem from a different perspective can provide surprisingly simple solutions to seemingly difficult questions. Play to your advantages in mental modeling ability, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving creativity.

Stay Positive

Maintaining a positive mindset when encountering difficult questions is critical for FE exam performance. Getting derailed mentally by tricky concepts can quickly snowball into a downward spiral of self-doubt and rushed guessing. Be ready to take a few deep breaths when prompted with confusing questions to clear your head. Remember that you studied and prepared for this and have the engineering knowledge to reason through it. Trust your mental process, isolate the fundamentals, and be open to creative approaches.

Also, be sure to pat yourself on the back for small successes throughout the day. Give yourself credit for everything you know you answered correctly so far, rather than dwelling on uncertainties. Have confidence in all the knowledge you possess. Motivate yourself to push through the final stages of the mentally taxing FE exam. Keep spirits high, knowing this is a milestone accomplishment in your engineering journey.

With the right problem-solving mindset and strategies, difficult questions on the FE exam can be overcome for success. Assess the core of the question, stick to the engineering fundamentals, strategically skip confusing questions, leverage your strengths, and stay positive. Put these tips into practice during your FE exam preparation and on test day. Trust yourself, your knowledge, and your abilities. You’ve got this!

Did you know School of PE offers tutoring if you need help mastering certain concepts on your FE exam? Our tutors are subject-matter and industry experts who teach only in their respective fields of expertise. They are experienced educators dedicated to helping our students succeed. Check out our tutoring options today and gain the confidence you need to pass on your first try!

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.

FE Exam Week Survival Guide

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a pivotal milestone for any engineer or engineering student's career. Passing this exam is the first step to earning the Professional Engineer (PE) license, and it opens doors to enhanced career opportunities and higher earning potential. With so much riding on this one test, it's crucial to go into it fully prepared through diligent studying and review.

The week leading up to the FE exam is an anxious but exciting time. Ideally, you will have already put in months of hard work studying, and you can consider these final days as your last chance to brush up on concepts, work on your test-taking strategies, and get yourself into the right mindset. Structuring this critical week properly can give you the edge you need to pass. In this blog post, I'll share my tips on how to make the most of the week before the FE exam.

FE Exam Week Survival Guide

1. Get Organized

2. Review Key Topics

3. Practice Memorizing Formulas

4. Take Practice Exams

5. Simulate Test Conditions

6. Brush Up on Mathematics

7. Review Weak Topics

8. Learn Testing Strategies

9. Maintain Physical and Mental Health

Get Organized

In the week before the FE exam, your study habits don’t need to kick into overdrive. In most cases, cramming everything in at the last-minute leads to stress and confusion. That's why staying organized is so important.

Make a study calendar that maps out which topics you'll review each day. Block out specific chunks of time for studying, breaks, meals, exercise, etc. Having a plan prevents you from wasting time figuring out what to do next. It also holds you accountable to ensure you don’t procrastinate.

Stock up on snacks, frozen meals, and anything else that will minimize chores and errands in your final week. Get all your FE exam supplies together in one place - calculator, pencils, passport, snacks, etc. Gather up all your FE study materials and notes and organize them by topic. The more structured you are, the easier it'll be to maximize your remaining prep time.

Review Key Topics

In your first pass through the FE exam content, you likely focused on understanding the main concepts and formulas. Now is the time to consolidate that knowledge. Go through each topic again with an eye for the types of problems and situations that are most likely to show up on the actual exam.

Make flashcards of must-know equations and definitions that you have struggled with. Work through practice problems without references to simulate exam conditions. Identify the topics you're shakiest on and spend extra time rehearsing those. The goal is to reinforce the key principles and relationships, so they become second nature.

Practice Memorizing Formulas

You won't get every formula memorized, but there are certain foundational ones you absolutely should know by heart. These include equations for dynamics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and mathematics. Committing them to memory will save you precious minutes flipping through your reference manual on test day.

Make flashcards for the essential formulas and drill yourself on them throughout the week. Come up with mnemonic devices and other tricks to aid recall. Recite the formulas aloud regularly to strengthen the pathways in your brain. By exam day, you want these critical equations to roll off your tongue on command.

Take Practice Exams

Full-length practice exams are your best gauge of FE exam readiness. Try to take at least two to three practice tests under simulated conditions during your final week of preparation. Grade yourself honestly to reveal lingering weak areas. Review the problems you got wrong in-depth to understand where your knowledge is lacking.

Taking practice exams also familiarizes you with the exam format, timing, and question styles. Build your test-taking endurance so you're prepared to power through the grueling 5-hour and 30-minute exam. Having exposure to the real thing boosts confidence on exam day when those first questions pop up on the screen.

Simulate Test Conditions

To get the most accurate results from practice tests, you need to recreate exam conditions as closely as possible. Take the practice test in a quiet room free of distractions. Time yourself rigorously, and don't go over the allotted time limit. Avoid referencing notes or textbooks except for the reference manual. Program your calculator fully before starting. Sitting at a desk or table for the length of the exam gets you used to the physical demands.

Mimicking the real testing environment prevents nasty surprises about the pace, pressure, or computer interface. It also engrains the mindset and stamina required on exam day. Think of each practice test as a dress rehearsal to get your mental game sharper.

Brush Up on Mathematics

Rusty math skills are one of the biggest pitfalls for FE exam takers. Math topics like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus form the bedrock principles for solving engineering problems. Don't let careless mathematical mistakes trip you up.

Use your practice exams to identify where your math foundations need strengthening. Target those areas for extra review. Work through math problems without relying on calculators to sharpen your skills. Brush up on techniques for rearranging equations, handling exponents and radicals, graphing functions, and solving integrals. The faster you can handle the math portion, the more time you'll have for the complex engineering questions.

Review Weak Topics

After taking practice exams, analyze your wrong answers to reveal weak spots in your knowledge. Were there particular subjects or problem types that you consistently struggled with? Go back and thoroughly review those shaky topics.

Study the theory and work out plenty of practice problems to build mastery. Check textbook examples and YouTube videos to clarify concepts you're foggy on. Strengthening your weak areas can earn you more points on test day. Don't ignore identified deficiencies and hope they won't be on the exam. Shore up those gaps now before it's too late.

Learn Testing Strategies

Cracking the FE exam takes more than just content knowledge. You also need test-taking strategies tailored to this exam's unique format and constraints.

For multiple-choice questions, learn techniques like elimination and educated guessing. Brush up on strategies for solving word problems efficiently. Master time management strategies to pace yourself properly over the 5-hour and 30-minute endurance test.

On test day, you'll also need to navigate the computer interface confidently while managing anxiety. Getting familiar with the exam's logistics and psychological demands ensures they don't trip you up.

Maintain Physical and Mental Health

Don't neglect your physical and mental well-being amidst the exam stress. Lack of sleep, exercise, healthy food, and relaxation can nuke your focus, retention, and stamina. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself that crucial week:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule, turning in early if needed. Being well-rested boosts productivity.
• Eat healthy brain foods like berries, nuts, whole grains, and fatty fish. Stay hydrated and limit caffeine.
• Exercise daily to reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and boost thinking. Aim for 30-60 minutes a day.
• Give your brain breaks by listening to music, going outside, or talking to friends. Don't burn yourself out.
• Reduce social media and TV to limit distractions and mental clutter.
• Turn to relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing to calm nerves.
• Get pep talks from loved ones to stay motivated.
• Trust your preparation. Having confidence in yourself will help you succeed.

Staying balanced physically and emotionally keeps you firing on all cylinders for the final exam push. Don't neglect self-care in pursuit of perfection.

Conclusion

Preparing for the FE exam is a months-long endeavor. However, how you spend the final week before the test can make or break your chances of success. Follow these tips to make sure you cross the finish line strongly:

Get hyper-organized to maximize study time. Drill essential formulas until they're second nature. Take mock exams under real conditions. Review deficient areas. Maintain fitness and reduce stress. With smart, focused preparation, you'll walk into that test center ready to conquer the FE exam.

One of the best ways to gain confidence for your FE exam is to take an exam review course. School of PE’s comprehensive courses combine structured lectures with exclusive study materials to bring you the best chance of success on your exam. Register for a course today!

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.

How to Pass the FE Exam on Your First Try

A crucial first step to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the United States is to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and receive your Engineer in Training (EIT) certification. As someone who has successfully accomplished the first milestone, allow me to provide my personal strategies on how to adequately prepare and set yourself up for success.

In this Blog,

1. Understanding the FE Exam Structure

2. Creating a Winning Study Strategy

3. Your First Month

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

5. Stress Management

Understanding the FE Exam Structure

First things first, let us familiarize ourselves with the structure of the FE; the exam is a 6-hour long computer-based test, organized into 5 major knowledge areas - mathematics, engineering economics, ethics, probability & statistics, engineering sciences, and the specific engineering discipline of your choice. Composed of 110 multiple-choice questions in total, with the exact breakdown of topics varying slightly for each specific engineering discipline. For example, the Chemical FE exam places more emphasis on material science and thermodynamics, while the Civil FE exam focuses more on structural analysis and construction. Keep this in mind when creating your study plan.

Creating a Winning Study Strategy

Now we know how the exam will be structured, step one is to start preparing early - at least 2-3 months in advance if possible. Don't wait until the last minute to start studying. For example, if you plan on taking the FE exam in mid-April, you should begin studying in early January. Obtain the official FE Reference Handbook from the NCEES website and spend time familiarizing yourself with the equations, tables, and graphs provided. This reference handbook is the single approved material you are allowed to use during the actual exam, so it is vital to know the contents well. You should also purchase an FE exam prep book that contains sample questions and practice exams. I recommend an NCEES practice exam and prep books from proven exam prep providers like School of PE.

Your First Month

In your first month of studying, focus on thoroughly reviewing the reference handbook, refreshing yourself on mathematical concepts like calculus and linear algebra, and taking an initial practice exam to benchmark your skills. This will identify weak areas for you to focus on. For example, I struggled with the engineering economics questions, so I spent extra time re-learning topics like the time value of money, depreciation, and inflation. In the second month, work through your prep book methodically, reading chapters and completing the practice problems related to each knowledge area. Really focus on practice problems similar to actual exam questions. In the final weeks before the exam, your prep should increase to solving 4-5 hours of practice problems per night. Take multiple timed, simulated exams to improve your pacing and stamina. I recommend taking at least two full-length practice exams.

Practice, Practice, Practice

In addition to individual subject review, practicing full-length exams is essential preparation. Simulated exams help build the mental endurance required for the 6-hour test. On exam day, you will receive an online agreement form and have 8 minutes of tutorial time to get accustomed to the format before the clock starts. The exam allows for one scheduled 50-minute break, which I recommend taking to refresh your brain before diving into the next section. In addition to the scheduled 50-minute break, you will have the flexibility to take unscheduled breaks as needed for restroom usage or grabbing a snack/water. However, it is prudent to be judicious when taking excessive unscheduled breaks, as the exam clock continues counting down during any time away from your computer. While essential personal needs should always be met, aim to limit unscheduled breaks to just 5-10 minutes so as not to squander valuable exam time. Make use of the restroom just before beginning a new section. With thoughtful time budgeting, you can satisfy necessary breaks without compromising your ability to complete this time-sensitive exam. Keep this timed exam structure in mind as you work practice tests at home so you are prepared for the pacing required on the actual test day.

Stress Management

Managing anxiety and stress is also hugely important when preparing for and taking the FE exam. Have confidence in your diligent preparation and utilize relaxation techniques leading up to exam day. Get adequate sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and do breathing exercises on the morning of the test. Arrive early at the testing center so you do not feel rushed. I brought a bottle of water, a snack, and earplugs to aid my comfort and focus during the exam. When you begin taking the test, quickly skim through the whole thing first to allocate your time appropriately before diving into the details. Flag questions you do not know immediately and come back to them later so you don't get bogged down. With thorough preparation and remaining calm on exam day, you will be primed for success.

Conclusion

While the FE exam is certainly difficult, passing it simply requires diligent preparation over 2-3 months, learning from practice problems and simulated exams, and not losing hope. If you don't pass on your first try, thoroughly review areas needing improvement per your diagnostic report. Then, sign up and study again using what you learned. Many examinees pass their second or third attempts with improved knowledge of their weak points. With smart preparation strategies tailored to your needs and perseverance, you will be an FE exam success story before you know it.

Are you ready to pass your FE exam on your first try? Enroll in one of our comprehensive FE exam prep courses today.

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.

From Pyramids to Skyscrapers: The History of Engineering

Engineering has been a fundamental driver of human progress for thousands of years. From ancient civilizations to the technological marvels of today, engineers have pushed boundaries to imagine, design, and create remarkable structures, machines, systems, and processes that have shaped the modern world.

In this Blog,

1. Early Engineering
i. Egypt and Mesopotamia
ii. Ancient Rome
iii. Europe and the Renaissance

2. Pivot Point: Industrial Revolution

3. Engineering’s Effects on Industry
i. Automobile
ii. Air Travel
iii. Electronics
iv. Nuclear

4. Pivot Point: Information Age

5. What Does the Future Hold?

Early Engineering

Egypt and Mesopotamia

The foundations of engineering can be traced back to the great public works and military achievements of antiquity. The construction of the pyramids of ancient Egypt, spanning almost a century, represented a tremendous engineering feat. The massive blocks, precisely cut and positioned to astronomical alignments, still leave archaeologists perplexed as to the methods used. In Mesopotamia, irrigation systems (Figure 1) enabled large-scale agriculture through the controlled distribution of water (Crabben, 2023). This knowledge spread to early civilizations around the world.

Figure 1: Mesopotamia Irrigation Canals

Ancient Rome

The ancient Romans developed civil engineering on an epic scale. They built over 50,000 miles of roads (International Museum of the Horse, n.d.) and aqueducts like the Pont du Gard (Figure 2) that transported water hundreds of miles (Desbordes & Lescure, n.d.). The iconic Colosseum and Pantheon employed arches and concrete to allow huge enclosed public spaces. Fortifications and siege weapons showcased Roman military engineering prowess.

Figure 2: Pont Du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)

Europe and the Renaissance

Medieval engineering advanced with the construction of elaborate cathedrals and fortresses in Europe. Building ever-higher and larger cathedrals required innovations in columns, arched entries, flying buttresses, and intricate stonework. Technologies like water wheels and windmills were adopted for early industry. Late Medieval polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci embodied the guild artisans of the time period, displaying engineering creativity through detailed drawings and models.

The Renaissance accelerated engineering progress through the application of science and mathematical principles. Artists and architects carefully studied proportions and perspective, creating some of the great masterpieces of the era. Movable type printing using metal blocks revolutionized mass communication. Highly varied technical treatises were widely published. Exquisite mechanical devices and automatons were built to demonstrate principles of physics and mechanics.

Pivot Point: Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution marked the transformation into modern engineering. Steam power opened entirely new possibilities for manufacturing, transportation, and large-scale machinery. Civil engineers designed roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, ports, and other infrastructure to support travel and commerce. The telegraph and telephone connected distant parts of the world with communication networks. Electrical engineering soon emerged to capitalize on electricity for lighting, motors, and appliances.

Twentieth-century engineering produced an astounding array of technologies that changed everyday life in the automobile/air travel, electronic, and nuclear industries.

Engineering’s Effects on Industry

Automobile

Automobiles and air travel became ubiquitous. In the early 20th century, cars and planes were novelties accessible only to the wealthy. However, mass production techniques pioneered by Henry Ford's Model T made automobiles affordable for the average American. By 1930, 23 million cars were registered in the U.S., with one car for every five Americans (National Museum of American History Behring Center, n.d.). The growing roadway infrastructure allowed driving to become a part of everyday life.

Figure 3: Ford with his early Model T

Air Travel

Similarly, air travel transformed from daredevil barnstormers to comfortable and common public transportation. The Douglas DC-3, introduced in 1936, could carry 21 passengers on a transcontinental flight across the U.S. within 15 hours (The Geography of Transport Systems, n.d.). By 1958, over 60 million Americans had traveled by air. Cars and planes had evolved from playthings of the rich to ubiquitous technologies relied upon by the masses for business and pleasure.

Figure 4: Douglas DC-3

Electronics

Radio, television, and later computers provided entertainment and information globally. Huge dams and power grids delivered electricity across nations. Electronics amplified communications, computing, and control systems. The invention of the vacuum tube in the early 20th century enabled a breakthrough in electronics (Smil, 2019). Radios using vacuum tubes became extremely popular, allowing live broadcasting of speech, music, and news into homes across the nation. Later, the development of television brought both sound and dynamic visuals delivered over airwaves. Telephone networks also transitioned from operator-assisted switchboards to automated systems, enabling more conversations simultaneously through electronic amplification and switching. In World War II, advanced electronics like radar and analog computers provided tactical advantages. After the war, electronics research produced the transistor, allowing computing power to advance from room-sized mainframes to minicomputers and, eventually, microprocessors (Computer History Museum, n.d.). The space race drove further miniaturization of electronics. By the end of the 20th century, digital communications networks, computers, and consumer devices had electronics integrated into nearly every aspect of life.

Nuclear

Nuclear engineering emerged from physics into a practicable option for power generation as well as destructive weapons. In the 1930s, physicists discovered that the fission of uranium could yield tremendous amounts of energy. This was demonstrated practically in 1942 with the creation of the first nuclear reactor at the University of Chicago (U.S. Department of Energy, n.d.). Only a few years later, this principle was applied to develop the atomic bombs (Manhattan Project) dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, demonstrating the immense destructive potential of nuclear physics.

Figure 5: Manhattan Project during testing

After the war, nuclear technology was applied to peaceful purposes. In 1951, the first nuclear power plant was opened in Idaho, and it was able to provide electricity to the local region. Over the next decades, nuclear power expanded to become a major source of energy worldwide. Nuclear naval propulsion also emerged from physics research, with the USS Nautilus launching in 1954 as the first nuclear-powered submarine (Department of Energy, n.d.). So, within just two decades, nuclear engineering had branched from physics theories into both powerful weapons and practical generators of electricity and propulsion. The principles of physics were turned into real-world applications that would change energy and warfare.

Pivot Point: Information Age

The Information Age has accelerated the integration of all engineering disciplines. Software engineering made computers flexible and accessible to the masses. The internet networked the world like never before. Biomedical engineering harnessed technology to improve human health and enhance lives. Environmental engineering works to sustainably manage the planet’s resources. Nanotechnology manipulates matter at molecular scales with vast potential.

What Does the Future Hold?

Looking forward, the possibilities seem endless. But even with infinite computing power, engineering innovation requires human creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance. The grand challenges of the future, whether climate change, accessible healthcare, cybersecurity, or space exploration, will rely on engineers pushing boundaries to make the seemingly impossible - possible. The enduring legacy of engineering history lies in working to uplift humanity through technology.

References

Computer History Museum. (n.d.). 1947: Invention of the Point-Contact Transistor | The Silicon Engine. Computer History Museum. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://www.computerhistory.org/siliconengine/invention-of-the-point-contact-transistor/

Crabben, J. v. d. (2023, March 22). Agriculture in the Fertile Crescent & Mesopotamia. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://www.worldhistory.org/article/9/agriculture-in-the-fertile-crescent--mesopotamia/

Department of Energy. (n.d.). Timeline of Events: 1951 to 1970. Department of Energy. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://www.energy.gov/lm/timeline-events-1951-1970

Desbordes, M., & Lescure, M. (n.d.). 40 centuries of history. Le Pont du Gard. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://pontdugard.fr/en/discover/history

The Geography of Transport Systems. (n.d.). Selected Transcontinental DC-3 Routes, Late 1930s. The Geography of Transport Systems. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://transportgeography.org/contents/chapter5/air-transport/continental-dc3-routes-1930s/

International Museum of the Horse. (n.d.). Roman Roads. International Museum of the Horse. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://imh.org/exhibits/past/legacy-of-the-horse/roman-roads/

National Museum of American History Behring Center. (n.d.). Americans Adopt the Auto | National Museum of American History. National Museum of American History. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://americanhistory.si.edu/visitor-guides/america-move/americans-adopt-auto

Smil, V. (2019, January 24). During the 20th Century, Vacuum Tubes Improved in a Moore's Law-Like Way. IEEE Spectrum. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://spectrum.ieee.org/during-the-20th-century-vacuum-tubes-improved-in-a-moores-lawlike-way

U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.). Manhattan Project: Fission Comes to America, 1939. OSTI.GOV. Retrieved September 14, 2023, from https://www.osti.gov/opennet/manhattan-project-history/Events/1890s-1939/fission_america.htm

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.

Does a Master's Degree Give You an Advantage in Your FE Exam Preparation?

Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and gaining an Engineering in Training (EIT) certification is the first step in the journey of becoming a licensed professional engineer in the United States. The exam is designed to test an individual's knowledge of fundamental engineering principles and their ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways. Passing the FE exam is required before an engineer can take the Professional Engineering (PE) exam and obtain their engineering license. This begs the question, would having a master's degree give you an advantage when taking the FE exam? There are a few key factors to consider when considering this question.

Does a Master's Degree Give You an Advantage in Your FE Exam Preparation?

1. Academic Knowledge

2. Problem-Solving Abilities

3. Studying and Test-Taking Strategies

4. Self-Motivation

Academic Knowledge

A master's degree will provide you with advanced technical knowledge and a deeper understanding of engineering concepts, which can certainly help when taking the FE exam. The FE will test your knowledge of subjects like mathematics, statistics, chemistry, physics, engineering economics, ethics, and more. All of these general topics will be covered in greater depth and technical detail at the graduate level compared to an undergraduate engineering degree. The advanced coursework and research conducted for a master's program expand your base of engineering knowledge, which you can leverage for the FE exam.

However, it's important to note that the FE exam is focused on only testing fundamentals rather than highly advanced concepts. Much of the exam covers engineering principles and skills that would be introduced and developed in an undergraduate program. So, while additional technical knowledge from a master's can be useful, it's not necessary nor required to pass the FE if you already have a solid grasp of the core fundamentals from an accredited undergraduate engineering program. The FE aims to set a minimum level of competency for all engineers at the early stages of their careers.

Problem-Solving Abilities

More so than just technical knowledge, the FE exam emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You have to be able to analyze engineering situations and apply foundational concepts to solve quantitative problems. A master's degree may provide an advantage in that sense, considering several of their courses are aimed at developing strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Graduate-level coursework and research require a student to investigate open-ended problems, evaluate alternatives, and think through solutions rigorously. Master's programs also emphasize higher-order skills like critical thinking, data analysis, and logical reasoning. Dealing with complex technical concepts and assignments hones your ability to parse information, extract key insights, and make calculations—abilities all very relevant to the FE exam. While undergraduate studies certainly teach problem-solving as well, the more advanced skills developed in a master's program can further boost your proficiency.

Studying and Test-Taking Strategies

Pursuing a master's degree also helps develop general studying and test-taking abilities that could easily be applied to your FE exam preparation. A master's coursework requires managing a heavy workload, synthesizing large amounts of information, and applying knowledge across multiple domains. Conducting research develops skills like information gathering, statistical analysis, and technical writing. Master's students have to stick to deadlines, manage stress, and get comfortable taking exams in advanced subjects. These skills earned through graduate school prepare examinees for detailed studying, time management, and test-taking, which are invaluable when preparing for and taking the rigorous 6-hour FE exam.

There have been many who have excellent study habits and many who have certainly prepared well for the FE with just an undergraduate background. The experience of pursuing a master's degree provides an additional level of preparation for those who may need it. The demands of graduate-level academics serve as good training for both the content and process of taking the FE exam.

Self-Motivation

Finally, the drive and self-motivation required to pursue a master's degree beyond your undergraduate education also translate into a greater focus on FE exam preparation. Succeeding in a master's program requires disciplined studying, passion for your field, and the ability to self-motivate over an extended period of time. These soft skills around dedication and focus are important when taking on the challenge of the FE exam. If you have the motivation to consistently study and improve over the 1-2 years of a master's program, you will likely also have the right mindset to stay committed to your FE exam preparation.

While someone without a master's can certainly be highly motivated as well, and there have been many who have done so, the determination demonstrated by pursuing (and completing) a graduate degree shows you have the kind of work ethic and persistence needed to pass the FE. If you have conquered the rigors of a master's program, you have also likely developed the self-motivation needed to fully dedicate yourself and put in the hours required to study and be ready for the FE.

In summary, a master's degree can provide some advantages when preparing for the FE exam, such as:

• Deeper academic knowledge, especially in advanced math/science topics
• Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Improved study and test-taking strategies
• Higher levels of self-motivation and dedication

However, a master's degree is not required to pass the FE exam; plenty of individuals without a master's degree succeed in passing the exam each year. With proper preparation using undergraduate education and FE exam-specific study materials, you can develop the fundamental engineering knowledge and skills needed to do well. The FE aims to test basic competency and is fully feasible without a master's degree. However, the advanced engineering proficiency and academic maturity gained in graduate studies can provide an incremental benefit.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the FE exam tests your comprehension of core engineering principles and your ability to solve problems efficiently. The pursuit or completion of a master's degree would only strengthen both comprehension and problem-solving through advanced technical knowledge and overall academic development. But, for many, it is not mandatory. With diligent preparation, both master's graduates and undergraduates can perform well on the FE exam and take the first step to professional engineering licensure. The degree to which a master's degree helps mostly depends on the quality of the program and your effort to leverage the experience for your FE exam preparation.

Whether you have a master’s degree or not, we can help you pass your FE exam on your first try! Join the tens of thousands of engineers who’ve passed their FE exam with School of PE. Register now!

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.