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The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a rite of passage for many aspiring engineers, but it certainly lives up to its name. With over 110 complex technical questions spanning nearly every engineering discipline, this 6-hour exam tests an examinee’s knowledge of fundamentals and abilities in their field of focus.
While notoriously difficult, with meticulous preparation and an organized study plan, passing the FE exam is absolutely within reach. By carefully scheduling your study time, leveraging the best prep resources, and maintaining motivation, you can develop a strategic roadmap to success on one of the toughest licensing tests for engineers.
Choose Your Exam Date Wisely
The first step in creating your FE study schedule is choosing when you plan to take the exam. The FE exam is offered year-round at testing locations across the country. You will need to register for your exam date well in advance, so be sure to give yourself enough preparation time based on your schedule and learning needs. It is generally recommended that you plan to study for the FE exam for a minimum of two months. Three to six months is ideal for most people balancing work and other responsibilities while preparing. Give careful thought when picking your exam date to ensure you can dedicate sufficient study time in the months leading up to the big day.
Understand the Exam Format
In order to build an effective, strategic study plan, you need to understand the format and content coverage of the FE exam. The computer-based test is 6 hours long and contains 110 multiple-choice questions. The exam appointment lasts 6 hours to allow for tutorials, breaks, and a brief survey. The test covers a broad range of engineering principles and concepts divided into the following major sections:
- Mathematics
- Probability & Statistics
- Ethics & Professional Practice
- Engineering Economics
- Statics
- Dynamics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Fluid Mechanics
- Materials
- Chemistry
- Electricity & Magnetism
- Thermodynamics
- Electronics
- Strength of Materials
- Environmental Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
Knowing the test format and the topics covered will allow you to wisely budget your study time.
Self-Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Take some time at the start of your prep to realistically self-assess your current knowledge of each FE exam topic. Identify both your strongest and weakest subject areas. In doing so, you are able to heavily emphasize topics that you are less familiar with while lightening up on time spent studying your existing strengths.
If you are far removed from college, consider reviewing some foundational textbooks or taking a refresher course on engineering basics. This can quickly bring you up to speed on important concepts you may have forgotten over the years.
Gather Your Study Materials
With a solid handle on the FE exam coverage, you can begin collecting study materials that align with the content areas you plan to focus on. Here are some key resources worth considering:
- Practice exams – FE practice tests allow you to gauge your current performance and identify knowledge gaps to address. School of PE offers a wide variety of practice exams—check them out here.
- Flashcards – For memorizing formulas, vocab terms, constants, etc.
- Instructional videos – Online video lessons bring concepts to life and provide variety.
- Reference handbook – Get a hard copy of the FE Reference Handbook you will have access to on exam day so you can familiarize yourself with it.
- Previous textbooks – Refresh knowledge by reviewing old textbooks on engineering topics you need to relearn. Don't rely on them exclusively, though.
Leverage these prep resources strategically based on your needs and create a reasonable budget if needed. Having the right tools can optimize your study time and experience.
Map Out Your Study Schedule
Now it is time to map out a weekly study plan leading up to exam day. Outline how you will partition your time over the coming weeks or months to cover all the material sufficiently. Here are some tips:
- Schedule consistent study blocks – Designate standard FE exam study sessions in your calendar for the same time(s) each week. Consistency helps form a habit.
- Schedule around other priorities – Factor in work, family time, and other constraints when calendarizing study blocks. Be realistic about what you can fit in.
- Break it down weekly/monthly – Assign topics and tasks to tackle during each week or month leading up to the exam. Think about progress milestones.
- Mix it up – Alternate your activities during study sessions. Outline when you will do practice problems, read, watch videos, review flashcards, take practice exams, etc.
- Schedule buffer time – Sprinkle in extra time to deal with the unexpected and avoid falling behind.
- Prioritize weaknesses – Spend more time early on learning new material in your weakest knowledge areas.
- Taper studying as needed – Reduce study time in the last week to avoid burnout. Focus on reinforcing vs learning new material.
Having a solid roadmap with measurable goals will help hold you accountable. But do not be afraid to adapt your schedule as needed!
Optimize Your Study Techniques
In addition to allocating study time wisely, you also need to study smart. Brute force grinding problems for hours on end is not necessarily effective. Utilize these techniques to make the most of your schedule:
- Customize flashcards for formulas, terms, and concepts you need to commit to memory. Review them often.
- Work through practice problems without looking at solutions first. Then, review step-by-step solutions to improve.
- Explain concepts aloud to yourself or others to evaluate your understanding.
- Take timed practice exams periodically to simulate the real testing experience.
- Review incorrect quiz/test answers until you grasp why they were wrong. Do not just memorize the right answers, but understand the answers to the questions.
- Connect and apply concepts together rather than studying them in isolation.
- Take effective study breaks to recharge when needed. Do not just grind nonstop.
- Ask peers or mentors to explain difficult concepts you are struggling with.
- Over-study your weakest disciplines until they become strengths.
Experiment to find what study methods work best for your learning preferences. Consistently practice retrieving and applying information from memory.
Set Up a Productive Study Space
Your physical study environment can have a big impact on your productivity and mental focus. Set yourself up for FE exam success by:
- Studying in a quiet, distraction-free zone.
- Ensuring proper lighting to avoid eye strain.
- Using a large desk or table with space to spread out materials.
- Keeping reference materials organized in labeled binders/folders.
- Minimizing clutter around your workspace.
- Using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs if needed.
- Keeping snacks and water on hand to maintain energy.
- Using a whiteboard for solving problems and visualizing concepts.
Look for opportunities to make your study area more conducive to productive, prolonged periods of concentration. Getting into a good headspace matters.
Leverage Support Systems
Do not be afraid to seek out social support during your FE exam prep. Many find it helpful to:
- Enroll in a prep course to learn from an instructor and peers.
- Join online FE exam discussion forums to get advice from fellow examinees.
- Form a local study group to stay motivated and talk through challenging concepts.
- Confide with your family about this big goal to get their encouragement.
- Connect with a friend who has already passed the FE for tips.
- Hire a tutor who can provide personalized instruction on your weakest subjects.
- Reach out to your college professors if you need a knowledge refresher.
Staying disciplined for months of solo studying can be a challenge. Leverage any and all connections with people who can provide advice, accountability, or moral support during this demanding prep period.
Maintain Proper Work-Life Balance
Finally, do not let FE exam prep consume your entire life! You will need breaks, time to decompress, and space from studying to operate at your best. Be sure to still:
- Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy outside of studying.
- Spend quality time with important people in your life.
- Get adequate sleep each night to allow your brain to recharge.
- Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated. Fuel your mind properly.
- Exercise regularly to reduce stress and boost mental acuity.
- Set aside one day per week for a breather without studying if needed.
Preparing for the FE exam takes immense dedication. But do not overdo it to the point of burnout. Schedule time for self-care and fun to maintain positive energy.
Stay Organized and Motivated
With a strategic prep schedule set, it’s go time! Here are some final tips for staying laser-focused leading up to the big test:
- Display your schedule visibly and check off tasks as completed.
- Set alarms reminding you when it is time to start study sessions.
- Celebrate milestones along the way to stay motivated.
- Study at the same time daily to build a routine.
- Join an online study accountability group.
- Take simulated exams under strict timed conditions.
- Keep your materials neatly organized in your study space.
- Memorize the FE exam day policies and procedures.
- Visualize success vividly and remind yourself why this matters to you.
- Get excited as exam day approaches! Confidence is key.
Conclusion
With the right preparation strategy, you can pass the FE exam with flying colors! Optimizing how you spend your time studying and maintaining motivation will help you reach new heights. Stick to your schedule, leverage helpful resources, and be consistent each day. You’ve got this! All your hard work is about to pay off with an incredible accomplishment.
Another great way to stay on track with your FE exam prep is with a comprehensive exam review course. Get on the path to success today with School of PE—discover our FE courses today!
