FE-eling Flustered? Top 6 Blunders to Avoid on the FE Exam

Achieving your Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification is the crucial first step towards achieving your Professional Engineering (PE) license. As such, the FE exam can seem incredibly daunting. Proper test-taking preparations and a strong understanding of the material can significantly reduce the chances of you making some of the common mistakes others have made. This blog will attempt to explore some of the most common pitfalls that examinees encounter and provide valuable insights on how to avoid and overcome them. By implementing these strategies, you will be better equipped to conquer the FE exam and pave the way for a successful engineering career.

Top 6 Blunders to Avoid on the FE Exam

1. Underestimating the Importance of Exam Specifications

2. Insufficient Familiarity with Reference Materials

3. Inadequate Time Management

4. Neglecting Hands-On Problem Solving

5. Overlooking Exam Strategies and Techniques

6. Neglecting Physical and Mental Well-Being

Identifying Mistakes

Let’s go over the six most common mistakes that many test takers make during their first go at the FE: underestimating the exam, unfamiliarity with the exam materials, poor time management, neglecting hands-on practice, overlooking review materials, and forgoing health. While not a complete list of every pitfall you may face when preparing for the FE, this guide is here to identify and manage the ones you are most likely going to encounter.

1. Underestimating the Importance of Exam Specifications

Whether it is due to overconfidence or inexperience with the FE, a significant mistake many examinees make is disregarding the exam specifications. An exam outline is available at the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) website; looking at it, it clearly defines the content areas and their respective weights. To avoid wasting any of your time and effort on irrelevant and low-impact material, thoroughly review the respective exam specifications.

By understanding which topics carry greater weight, you can prioritize your study plan accordingly. Devote more time to mastering the areas that have a higher percentage of questions on the exam, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the content that matters most.

2. Insufficient Familiarity with Reference Materials

While obvious, an incredibly common mistake many make is failing to familiarize themselves with the reference materials allowed during the exam. The NCEES will provide you with a comprehensive list of approved usable resources, including equations, tables, and other information needed for immediate lookup.

Neglecting to study and practice using the available reference handbook can hinder your performance during the exam; not familiarizing yourself with the handbook will take away more of your precious time to find the relevant information for certain questions. This is why it is highly advised that you take the time to review and understand the contents of the approved reference materials. In doing so, you efficiently navigate the necessary information to solve problems accurately.

3. Inadequate Time Management

Effective time management is vital to the success of your exam attempt. Many examinees struggle with allocating enough time for every question, resulting in unfinished sections or rushed answers. To avoid this, you should develop a realistic study schedule that incorporates regular practice tests under timed test-taking conditions. Attempting to simulate the exam environment, you are able to gauge your speed and accuracy when answering the many questions.

Identify the topics and questions that require more of your time and become accustomed to working through them as efficiently as possible within the allocated time frame. Additionally, during the actual exam, consider specifying a set amount of time for each section and question, allowing you to stay on track and complete the exam without wasting seconds.

4. Neglecting Hands-On Problem Solving

Merely memorizing concepts and formulas without applying them to practical problems is a recipe for failure. The FE exam is designed to assess your ability to solve real-world engineering problems, so while the questions may be similar to those you may see on your practice test, the questions will be varied enough that you cannot simply just remember what the answer may be. 

Dedicate ample time to practicing actual practice problems, solving multiple workbooks, and redoing each problem several times. This hands-on approach can improve your understanding of each concept, strengthen your critical thinking skills, and familiarize yourself with the exam format. Actively solving problems will enhance your ability to identify the correct approach, apply relevant formulas, and arrive at accurate solutions efficiently.

5. Overlooking Exam Strategies and Techniques

While technical knowledge is essential, understanding effective exam strategies and techniques is equally crucial. Ignoring these strategies can hinder your ability to answer questions efficiently and accurately. To maximize your performance, familiarize yourself with common exam strategies. For instance, carefully read each question to fully grasp what is being asked before jumping into the solution. By eliminating obviously incorrect choices, you can narrow down the options and improve your chances of selecting the correct answer. Additionally, employing the process of elimination when unsure increases the probability of selecting the right answer. Practice these strategies during your exam preparation to develop a systematic approach to problem-solving that will save time and reduce errors.

6. Neglecting Physical and Mental Well-Being

Preparing for the FE exam can be mentally and physically demanding. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased performance. It is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout your exam preparation. Ensure that you are getting enough sleep to rest and recharge your mind. Regular exercise, even a short walk or stretching, can help improve blood circulation and enhance cognitive function. Fuel your body with nutritious meals to support optimal brain function. Take breaks during your study sessions to engage in activities you enjoy, such as hobbies or spending time with friends and family. These breaks will help alleviate stress, increase focus, and prevent burnout. Prioritizing your well-being will contribute to a clear mind, heightened concentration, and overall better exam performance. 

Conclusion

Passing the FE exam is a significant milestone for aspiring engineers. By avoiding the common mistakes discussed in this blog and implementing the suggested strategies, you can enhance your chances of success and approach the exam with confidence. Thoroughly reviewing exam specifications, familiarizing yourself with reference materials, managing your time effectively, practicing hands-on problem-solving, employing effective exam strategies, and prioritizing your physical and mental well-being are key elements to excel in the FE exam. With a strategic approach and diligent preparation, you can conquer the FE exam and set yourself on the path towards a rewarding engineering career.

Looking for a comprehensive FE exam prep solution? Check out School of PE’s FE exam prep courses to access our top-rated tools and resources designed to help you pass! 

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.