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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,
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.
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