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Create a Study Calendar
The first step is to make a realistic calendar that maps out the weeks and months leading up to your exam date. Outline how many hours you can devote to studying each day and week. The general rule of thumb is to study 200-300 hours total over several months. Calculate what pace you need to maintain to reach your target hours.
I recommend studying 10-15 hours per week if you have 3-4 months until test day. Break that down into 3-4 study sessions per week. Studying every day for short bursts of time is more effective than cramming on weekends. Your brain does better at absorbing and retaining information through consistent repetition than through an impulse of learning.
Once you've created your FE exam study calendar, do your best to stick to it! Treat study sessions like important appointments that can't be rescheduled. However, build in some wiggle room for inevitable busy weeks or emergency interruptions. Life happens; adjust your schedule accordingly, but don’t forget to get right back on track the following week.
Take Practice Exams
Taking timed practice exams is one of the most valuable ways to prepare for the FE exam. Full-length practice tests closely simulate the actual testing environment, giving you a realistic assessment of your knowledge. Here are some tips for using practice tests effectively:
- Take your first practice test 2-3 months before the exam to identify weak areas to focus on. Take another one 1-2 months out, and your final test just before exam day.
- Strictly follow the 5-hour 20-minute time limit to build your test-taking endurance.
- Grade each test thoroughly and note the concepts/types of problems you missed. Emphasize reviewing trouble topics in your following study sessions.
- Pay attention to how you felt physically and mentally while taking the practice exam. Adjust your schedule to prevent any onset of burnout.
- Purchase at least 2 different practice exams. Repeating the same test won't help as much. Varying your practice gives a well-rounded experience.
Follow the NCEES Practice Exam Format
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) designs the FE exam and regularly updates the exam specs. It is best to follow their test specifications closely when you prepare for your exam. Look for a practice exam in the format of the real exam, like the ones School of PE offers.
The exam covers 110 questions and is 5 hours and 20 minutes long. All the questions will be either multiple choice or alternative item types such as:
- Multiple correct options (allows multiple choices to be correct)
- Point and click (requires examinees to click on part of a graphic to answer)
- Drag and drop (requires examinees to click on and drag items to match, sort, rank, or label
- Fill in the blank (provides a space for examinees to enter a numerical response to the question)
Study with the NCEES breakdown in mind.
Use Memory Techniques
With so many equations, constants, conversions, and formulas to remember, using memory techniques is crucial for recall on test day. Here are two effective strategies I use:
Chunking - Group concepts or steps that go together into "chunks". Then, memorize the chunks as a whole. This prevents your brain from getting overloaded.
Mnemonics - Create acronyms, rhymes, songs, or mental images to represent concepts. Associating information with visuals or music makes it stick better.
Study in Groups
Studying with other FE exam takers has many benefits beyond moral support. Group members can quiz each other, explain tricky concepts, and share study resources. Having to verbalize your knowledge out loud helps strengthen your understanding. Just be sure to stay on task and take breaks to avoid mental fatigue.
If your college doesn't have an FE review group, check social media for local study partners. There are also online FE exam preparation groups where you can connect virtually. Studying together keeps you accountable and motivated!
Try Timers for Focused Sessions
With so much material to cover, maintaining focus is a challenge. Timers and productivity apps are useful for keeping study sessions targeted. Here are some you can try:
- Pomodoro Technique - Study intensely for 25 mins, take a 5 min break. After 4 rounds, take a 30-minute break.
- Forest - This app lets you set a time limit and grow a virtual tree while you stay off your phone. If you switch apps before the timer ends, the tree dies.
- Be Focused - Customize sessions with timed intervals of working, short breaks, and long breaks.
- Focus Keeper - Alternate between focused study and rest periods. Track your daily progress.
I like to switch up my timer style every few sessions to keep my brain engaged. The forced breaks help processing and retention.
Review Key Concepts Before Bed
In the last hour before bedtime, review your highlighted notes or flashcards on foundational concepts. Repetition right before sleep helps strengthen and consolidate memory. This practice really works - I can often recall entire equations the next morning!
Make your "before bed review" quick, about 10 minutes. Don't do any intense problem-solving that will keep your mind too active. The key is falling asleep promptly so memory integration can occur overnight.
Eat Brain Foods
You'll retain so much more studying while properly nourished. Complex carbs provide steady energy, protein aids concentration, and antioxidants boost brain function. Some of my go-to study snacks include:
- Oatmeal with berries
- Greek yogurt with mixed nuts
- Apple with peanut butter
- Carrots with hummus
- Trail mix
- Green tea
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated as well. Proper nutrition gives both your body and mind the resources to perform at your peak.
Review, Don't Cram
If the exam is just a week or two away, resist the urge to panic cram! Review key concepts methodically instead. Re-work any practice problems that you have struggled with. Skim through flashcards. But don't try digesting new material. Stick to strengthening your existing knowledge.
Cramming overload causes mental fatigue faster. To simulate the endurance needed on exam day, treat the last week as a practice run. Maintain your regular study hours and methods. Get plenty of rest the night before the test. You'll feel confident and prepared walking in.
While studying for a big exam like the FE can feel overwhelming at times, staying organized and managing your time effectively makes reaching your goal totally doable. Implementing just a few of these tips can optimize your study plan. Maintain self-care, stick to your schedule, and keep chipping away consistently. I hope these strategies for balancing FE exam prep with daily life can help maximize your study time. With determination and commitment, you've got this!
If you’re interested in a comprehensive course designed to help you pass your FE exam on your first try, check out School of PE! School of PE's #1-rated engineering exam review courses have provided tens of thousands of professionals with the tools to pass their exams.
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