Pencils Down: Transitioning from Pencil-and-Paper to CBT Exams

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exams have traditionally been conducted as pencil-and-paper-based exams, but there has been a significant shift occurring in the world of professional engineering certification exams. A migration to modernity: the change from pencil-and-paper-based testing to computer-based testing (CBT) impacts aspiring engineers, professionals, and the engineering industry as a whole. This blog aims to cover the multiple reasons behind this transition and provide a comprehensive exploration of how it affects you as a test taker and potential engineer.

In this Blog,

1. The Advantages of CBT

2. Enhanced Test Experience

3. Adapting to Digital Age

4. Preparation for the Exam

5. Conclusion

The Advantages of CBT

A key advantage of CBT over traditional pencil-and-paper testing is in its speed and efficiency. Gone are the days of waiting for exams to be printed, distributed, and collected; instead, with CBT, the grading and feedback process is instantaneous, allowing you to receive your results much faster. This not only helps to eliminate prolonged result anxiety but also accelerates the licensure process, enabling you to begin your professional career sooner.

Flexibility is another significant benefit of CBT. In the past, FE exams were only available to a limited selection of dates and testing facilities. Transitioning away from the pencil-and-paper exam format means that more facilities are able to offer the FE exam, allowing greater control over scheduling your exam. Multiple testing windows are available throughout the year, and you can choose a date and location that aligns with your convenience. This newfound flexibility empowers you to plan your preparation and exam day in a way that suits your personal circumstances, ultimately reducing unnecessary stress.

 

Enhanced Test Experience

Another benefit of CBT is an enhanced interactive test-taking experience. You can expect to see various question types, such as multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and drag-and-drop, as opposed to just multiple-choice, as seen on the pencil-and-paper exam. Additionally, the exam interface features highlighting capabilities, the option to mark questions for review, and a calculator, enabling greater freedom and less stress in terms of going back to questions that you may have missed or needed more time on.

 

Adapting to the Digital Age

As engineers have innovated further into the digital age, it comes to reason that the test-taking experience for prospective professional engineers should also imbue modernity. Modern engineers rely heavily on computer applications, simulations, and modeling software, and by conducting exams in a digital environment, the testing process more accurately mirrors real-world engineering practices.

 

Preparation for the Exam

Your exam preparation strategy needs to adjust accordingly to match the test-taking environment. While the content and topics covered in the FE exams remain unchanged, it's the format and delivery of questions that will differ. To properly adapt, simulate a computer-based test environment by utilizing available practice exams and online resources. Become comfortable with the digital interface, learn how to quickly navigate the available reference sheet using the search function, and ensure that you are able to complete the practice problems within the allotted time frame with the new tools.

Conclusion

The transition of FE exams from a pencil-and-paper-based system to a computer-based one is a positive shift that benefits not only the test takers but also the test administrators. The advantage of increased availability, flexibility, and timeliness enhances the overall test-taking experience and decreases unnecessary stress. Adapting to the digital age and adjusting your exam preparation strategies accordingly, you can increase your chances of passing the FE exam. It's time to embrace the change and equip yourself with the skills needed to thrive in the modern engineering landscape.

School of PE's courses feature a Question Bank that emulates the CBT exam experience-it is a great study tool to build your confidence for the exam. You can purchase access to our Question Bank individually or gain access by registering for a course.

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.