All FE Exams Are Now Computer-Based: Here’s What You Need to Know

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a critical milestone on the journey to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the United States. Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), this 6-hour exam assesses competency in subjects like mathematics, statistics, ethics, engineering economics, and discipline-specific engineering principles. Passing the FE exam is usually the first step engineers take after college as they start their careers and build up the professional experience needed for their PE licensure.

Being such a crucial exam, an obvious concern is how should engineers and future engineers prepare for it, especially after NCEES transitioned it from pencil-and-paper to computer-based?

In this Blog,

1. What is CBT and Why Did NCEES Transition to It?

2. The Benefits of CBT

What is CBT and Why Did NCEES Transition to It?

In recent years, the NCEES has done away with the traditional paper-and-pencil FE exam in exchange for a computer-based format to provide more flexibility for exam takers. This transition aimed to enable year-round testing opportunities at approved Pearson VUE test centers, compared to the old pencil-and-paper exams which were only offered twice per year. The computer-based format also allowed the NCEES to utilize updated exam questions and content on a more frequent basis and offered expedient results for examinees through the help of digital answer sheets.

The first exams to become computer-based were the FE Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Computer, Chemical, and Environmental exams in 2014. Shortly after, all other FE exams also moved to the new computer-based testing (CBT) format. These transitions represented a major milestone in the delivery method of the FE exam, now all new discipline exams can be enabled quickly and the test taking experience becomes more standardized in the digital age.

The Benefits of CBT

The transition to CBT for the FE exams confers several notable benefits. The chief advantage is scheduling flexibility since approved Pearson VUE test centers offer hundreds of exam dates year-round. This provides more options for examinees to find a test date that fits their personal schedule and timing needs. The digital format also allows NCEES to update and refresh exam content and questions on a more frequent basis, ensuring the exam stays current.

An underappreciated benefit from this transition is that the reference guide also went digital. During both the practice and the real exam, the ability to use the search function digitally has greatly reduced the time needed to find exactly what you need to answer certain questions.

Conclusion

The NCEES is committed to leveraging computer-based testing to enhance convenience and accessibility for all future FE examinees. Staying up to date on this format change is critical knowledge for aspiring engineers embarking on the journey toward professional licensure.

Prepare for the FE exam with confidence after taking an exam prep course 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.

Why Passing the FE Exam Matters: A Game-Changer for Engineering Students & Graduates

Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a major milestone for engineering students and recent graduates pursuing a career in engineering. Obtaining this certification demonstrates comprehensive engineering knowledge and is the first step to becoming a licensed professional engineer. For many, passing the FE exam is both an exciting accomplishment and a gateway to new career opportunities.

In this Blog,

1. Exam Day: A Test of Knowledge and Stamina

2. Validation for Recent Graduates

3. A Powerful Resume Boost

4. Unlocking Professional Opportunities

5. Gateway to Advanced Certifications and Licensure

6. When Hard Work Comes to Fruition

Exam Day: A Test of Knowledge and Stamina

Preparing for and passing this challenging 6-hour exam requires months of determined studying, review of engineering fundamentals, and practice problems. Examinees must be well-versed in subjects like mathematics, statistics, ethics, engineering economics, material science, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical circuits, and more. The broad nature of the exam material makes thorough preparation essential.

When exam day arrives, candidates must demonstrate their proficiency by solving 110 multiple-choice questions focused on their chosen engineering discipline. The breadth of knowledge required and time constraints make the FE exam mentally exhausting. Successfully completing the exam brings feelings of relief and achievement.

Validation for Recent Graduates

For recent graduates, passing the FE exam validates their engineering education and ability to solve problems. Engineering programs strive to prepare students for professional practice, and the FE exam is a standardized way of assessing this readiness across thousands of examinees. Passing the exam proves graduates have obtained the foundation needed to begin an engineering career. This gives them confidence that their engineering knowledge measures up.

A Powerful Resume Boost

The FE exam result is also a powerful resume builder that shows employers a candidate's competence and preparation. Passing the first time shows mastery of the engineering fundamentals critical for new engineers. Some companies even help cover exam costs or provide raises upon passing to retain talent. Obtaining certification makes candidates more attractive hires.

Unlocking Professional Opportunities

In addition to the personal sense of accomplishment, passing the exam opens up new professional opportunities. Earning the FE certification is the required first step in the process of becoming a Professional Engineer (PE). Licensure bestows the ability to approve engineering plans, offer consulting services, and work autonomously on complex projects. Obtaining this elite status can lead to leadership roles and higher salaries. Passing the FE exam puts engineers on track to gain these rewards.

Gateway to Advanced Certifications and Licensure

The exam result is also a gateway to advanced certifications like becoming a Model Law Engineer, requirements engineer, nuclear engineer, software engineer, and more. Certain states require the FE exam just to gain entry-level engineering work as well. Passing enables mobility between states. The FE certification is thus a versatile way of expanding professional options early in an engineering career.

When Hard Work Comes to Fruition

On exam day, candidates feel anxious knowing how much time and effort they have invested to prepare. Months of late nights, problem sets, and review sessions hang in the balance. Walking out of the exam with a passing score comes as an enormous relief. However, the satisfaction goes deeper than just passing a test. Earning the FE certification means candidates can build confidence, expand opportunities, and progress in their careers. It is a grueling exam but well worth the effort for driven engineering professionals. Candidates feel immense pride knowing the FE license can open doors throughout their careers.

Conclusion

Overall, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam represents a major career milestone. It validates years of study, demonstrates comprehensive engineering knowledge, and sets engineers on a path to professional licensure. While challenging, the exam rewards dedication and preparation. For passionate and driven candidates, earning this elite certification is a definitive early career achievement on the road to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. Candidates should feel proud of acquiring this credential and excited about the career possibilities it unlocks.

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.

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: Demystifying the Building Blocks of a Digital Revolution

Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology represent a major evolution in modern financial systems and digital transactions. In just over a decade, cryptocurrency has elevated its status from an obscure anarcho-capitalist experiment to a disruptive force shaping the future of money and finance. While blockchain has become the buzzword and future of data encryption and communication. This blog aims to do a deep dive into cryptocurrencies and blockchain, explaining their underpinning technology, origins, applications, and potential impacts on the financial landscape.

In this Blog,

1. What are Cryptocurrencies and How Do They Work?

2. Evolution of Blockchain Technology

3. Drivers of Mainstream Adoption

4. Broader Impacts and Challenges

5. Looking Ahead

What are Cryptocurrencies and How Do They Work?

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies secured through encryption, currently operating independently of governments or central banks. Unlike traditional fiat money, cryptocurrencies are decentralized across a distributed public ledger called the blockchain. They enable direct transactions between users without third-party financial institutions through a peer-to-peer network (Federal Trade Commission, 2022).

The first and most infamous cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto. It pioneered the use of cryptography and blockchain to facilitate currency transactions without intermediaries. Here’s a quick look at how it works:

• New Bitcoins are generated through a process called mining, which involves computers solving complex math problems to verify transactions on the blockchain. This verifies legitimacy and adds new blocks to the chain.
• Users store and transact Bitcoin through digital wallets. Wallets have unique addresses composed of letters and numbers to send or receive coins.
• Advanced encryption techniques like public-private key pairs, hashing functions, and digital signatures encode transactions in a secure, permanent way. This ensures anonymity and eliminates double-spending.
• The blockchain contains an incorruptible record of all transactions across a decentralized network of computers. This replaces centralized ledgers maintained by banks.

From the success of Bitcoin, thousands of cryptocurrencies now exist; the most popular are Ethereum, Monero, Cardano, and Stellar. Built upon the same underpinning blockchain technology as Bitcoin, these newer competitors have also introduced innovations in areas like speed, scalability, transaction fees, and energy use to further the technology and create greater accessibility. Still, Bitcoin, being the grandfather of cryptocurrency, maintains the largest market capitalization at over $571 billion, followed by Ethereum at $221 billion (CoinMarketCap, n.d.).

Evolution of Blockchain Technology

Blockchain, the heart of decentralization in technology, arose to notoriety as the digital framework to support Bitcoin, but now the technology has evolved for a much wider use case. At its core, blockchain is a distributed ledger maintained by a peer-to-peer computer network rather than a single centralized entity. Every transaction is recorded as an immutable “block” with a timestamp and unique cryptographic signature.

The distributed and transparent nature of the blockchain builds trust, accountability, and security into its very structure, eliminating the need for third-party verification and placing control back on the user. Beyond cryptocurrencies, blockchain has spawned innovations such as smart contracts, supply chain tracking, voting systems, real estate processing, and more. Major corporations across finance, logistics, technology, and other sectors are exploring blockchain-based systems.

Advancements such as smart contracts allow pure peer-to-peer transactions. Embedding programs into each block that executes when predetermined conditions are met, automating the execution of agreements, ensuring that both parties are immediately satisfied; in addition, because these contracts are embedded into the blockchain, it eliminates future disputes and possible retroactive changes to the agreements.

Drivers of Mainstream Adoption

Despite volatility and skepticism, cryptocurrency adoption has accelerated rapidly. In 2021, the crypto market surpassed $3 trillion in value, demonstrating tremendous growth in the financial space. Here are some key factors driving mainstream acceptance:

• Increased digitization of finance, especially among younger users becoming increasingly comfortable with digital mediums of exchange and decentralized systems
• Realization of strengths like cheaper fees, faster settlements, and accessibility to anyone with an internet connection, all reducing barriers to entry into digital transactions
• Major institutional investments from banks, hedge funds, companies adding crypto to balance sheets
• High-profile tech industry support from the likes of Jack Dorsey, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg
• The growing ecosystem around cryptocurrencies - exchanges, wallets, dApps, NFTs, metaverse spaces
• Platforms making cryptocurrency easier to purchase, hold, and spend via credit cards and mobile apps.
• Recognition of energy-efficient protocols and transition to proof-of-stake models versus the more taxing proof-of-work model, like Ethereum 2.0
• Advances making blockchains scalable, interoperable, and usable for more practical applications, removing any cryptocurrency stigma and normalizing the technology

There remains much uncertainty and risk around cryptocurrency investing. Prudent regulation can provide oversight without stifling innovation. But the overall momentum and maturation suggest cryptocurrencies are here to stay as a disruptive financial force.

Broader Impacts and Challenges

Crypto advocates argue decentralized digital currencies make financial transactions more free and democratic. Without central control, cryptocurrencies facilitate private, secure, low-cost transactions across borders, and enable the freedom for customers to choose with currency or system they prefer, instead of being forced to use the fiat enforced by their nation. This promotes financial inclusion for the underbanked worldwide. Some currencies also promote a direct democracy, where its users can vote on changes to their policies to reflect the wishes and vision of the people. This transparency and close user base of blockchains also enable new business models, financial services, and anti-corruption capabilities.

However, cryptocurrencies still face many challenges for mainstream viability as a fully competitive monetary system. Pressing concerns include known issues around volatility, potential security flaws, lack of recourse and accountability, environmental impacts, and usage for crime/tax evasion. The vast majority of countries still lack comprehensive regulations to detect abuse while safely fostering innovation and implementation. The major news of financial fraud from FTX raises many concerns about the very real possibility of people losing all their money/investments without any Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) like insurance and protection. Not only against massive fraud, but users also require protection against hacking and predatory investment schemes. Ongoing technological improvements around scalability, privacy, and sustainability may address some criticisms, however, decentralization continues to pose a safety concern.

Looking Ahead

The cryptocurrency landscape keeps evolving at a dizzying pace. Prices, technologies, applications, and regulations remain highly dynamic. Upcoming developments like proof-of-stake consensus, asset-backed stablecoins, decentralized finance (DeFi), and central bank digital currencies could drive greater stability and mainstream adoption. While risks and skepticism persist, cryptocurrency clearly impacts future visions of money, finance, governance, and society.

References

CoinMarketCap. (n.d.). CoinMarketCap: Cryptocurrency Prices, Charts And Market Capitalizations. Retrieved August 11, 2023, from https://coinmarketcap.com/

Federal Trade Commission. (2022, May). What To Know About Cryptocurrency and Scams. Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved August 11, 2023, from https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency-and-scams

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 Essentials: The Ultimate Checklist for What to Bring on Test Day

The FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering Exam) is the first step to becoming a professional engineer in the United States. Passing this 6-hour long exam opens up the opportunity to apply for your PE (Professional Engineer) license after accruing the required years of engineering experience. The FE exam tests your competency in the fundamentals of engineering and is generally taken by students close to completing an undergraduate engineering degree or by practicing engineers soon after graduation.

FE Exam Essentials: The Ultimate Checklist for What to Bring on Test Day

1. Admission Ticket

2. Valid ID

3. Calculator

4. Light Snacks

5. Layers of Clothing

6. Eyeglasses

7. Hair Tie

What To Bring?

Preparing adequately for the FE exam is crucial, as you only get one attempt per testing window. You cannot afford to forget any of the required items on exam day, or you risk not being allowed to test or reduce your chances of passing. Here are some tips on what to bring to ensure your FE exam day goes smoothly:

1. Admission Ticket - It is paramount that you do not forget your printed admission ticket, as you will not be allowed to take the exam without it. Your ticket comes with a 7-digit identification number, which you will need to sign in to the exam. Make sure to have this ticket ready when you arrive at the exam center, as you will have to present it several times to gain access to the testing room.
2. Valid ID - Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the exam center. Only original IDs like driver's licenses, passports, or military IDs are allowed, no photocopies. The first and last name on your ID must match what is on your admission ticket, otherwise you will be rejected from the exam center. Ensure your ID is not expired to prevent any issues.
3. Calculator - Most FE exams allow simple 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculators. Your specific calculator model must be approved by NCEES - check their website for the exhaustive list. Make sure the batteries are fresh, and for extra measure, bring spare batteries too. For full redundancy, carry an extra calculator in case your main calculator encounters a malfunction.
4. Light Snacks - The FE exam is a grueling 6-hour mental marathon. Take light snacks like energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit to eat quickly during the one scheduled break. This will keep your energy and blood sugar levels up through the exam. Avoid messy or strong-smelling foods for the sake of your peers.
5. Layers of Clothing - Exam room temperatures can be unpredictable. Wear layers so you can adjust for comfort as needed. A sweater, jacket, or scarf you can take on and off prevents you from getting chilled or distracted.
6. Eyeglasses - If you need vision correction, carry an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. You cannot afford your only pair breaking or lenses getting dislodged during the exam. Also, take prescribed medicines, eye drops, contact lens solution, etc.
7. Hair Tie - If you have long hair that could potentially cover your eyes or get in your face, carry a hair tie or headband. You don't want loose hair distracting you and breaking your concentration during the FE exam.

Since 2016, the FE exam has moved to the new computer-based testing (CBT) format in which tests are done digitally instead of using paper. You do not need to bring the FE Reference Handbook in print form because the reference handbook will also be provided as a searchable PDF on the computer screen during the exam. This transition to CBT allows for an improved testing experience with greater scheduling flexibility and faster exam results. Just make sure you are very familiar with using the handbook in its digital form, including performing keyword searches, bookmarking pages, zooming in on figures, etc. Being adept at navigating the electronic reference handbook can save you precious time during the exam.

Conclusion

In summary, being well prepared with all required items on exam day allows you to focus your mental energy on answering the actual engineering questions. Familiarize yourself with the rules of what is allowed at your specific exam center to avoid issues. With some thoughtful planning and these helpful tips, you can walk into your FE exam feeling ready - your first step towards the coveted PE credential. Stay calm, trust your preparation, and good luck!

School of PE’s top-rated engineering exam prep courses will help you prepare with confidence for your NCEES exams. 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.