Fifteen Things You Never Knew About Electric Vehicles: Part 2

We've already released a blog about electric vehicles (EVs). Here is part two!

8. Where does the electricity to charge these cars come from?

9. How does outside temperature affect range?

10. Are electric cars environmentally friendly?

11. Will an electric car's battery degrade?

12. How do I prepare my garage for an electric car?

13. What car manufacturers offer electric options?

14. How many chargers are available across the US?

15. What do I do if I run out of charge while on the road?

8. Where does the electricity to charge these cars come from?

The electricity used to charge electric cars will typically come from electricity networks. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most of our electricity in 2020 was generated by "natural gas, nuclear energy, and coal."¹ In contrast, renewable energy sources like wind, hydropower, or solar power generated a mere "20% of the country's electricity in 2020."² Because most of this electricity comes from nonrenewable resources, it brings up the notion that electric cars are only as green or environmentally friendly as their electricity source. To mitigate these concerns, electric car owners could install solar panels or wind turbines to generate their own electricity.

9. How does outside temperature affect range?

Anyone who has ever driven an electric car during a cold snap is likely to have noticed a decrease in range on their dashboard. Why does this happen? It all has to do with the chemical and physical reactions that make batteries work-cold weather slows these reactions, causing both a longer charging time and a temporary reduction in range.³ A lot of battery usage during cold temperature driving is designated to maintaining the battery's optimum temperature for use. Another significant drain on the battery during cold weather is the energy needed to keep the car cabin at a comfortable temperature.⁴

10. Are electric cars environmentally friendly?

There are a lot of myths circulating about whether electric cars are good or bad for the environment. According to the EPA, research indicates that EVs are typically responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gases than gasoline vehicles, even when accounting for the carbon pollution generated to create electricity to charge.⁵ As a part of the green initiative to which EVs prescribe, efforts should be made to generate electricity with renewable energy sources like wind and solar to reduce associated greenhouse gases.

There are also environmental concerns associated with collecting the raw materials needed to build EV batteries. Extracting lithium uses a large amount of groundwater, meaning less water for irrigation and farming as well as groundwater contamination.⁶ Cobalt, often a byproduct of copper and nickel mining, is considered one of the most problematic materials associated with the production of EVs. Mining cobalt creates toxic residues that can leach into groundwater, produces sulfur oxide fumes which pollute the air, and raises labor concerns-workers in the mines are often underpaid with little to no formal training or protective equipment.⁷ If EV manufacturers are wanting to maintain their environmentally savvy label, they will need to seek better battery alternatives as well as develop training programs for individuals to safely collect raw materials.

11. Will an electric car's battery degrade?

Yes, electric car batteries will degrade due to certain factors, but in general, "you can expect new batteries to rival and often exceed the longevity of drivetrain components on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles."⁸

Some of the things that affect battery life include "temperature, cycles, and time."⁹ As mentioned above in point 9, temperature affects EV batteries. In addition to changing the battery range, temperature can also impact battery longevity.¹⁰ Another impact is the charging cycle itself: as the battery is discharged and charged, it loses "maximum potential"¹¹ over time. There is also a concept called calendar degradation, which is degradation not associated with the charge-discharge cycle.¹²

In contrast, think of all the components that go into an ICE: cylinder, piston, crankshaft, valves, etc.-these will all break down and require maintenance throughout the vehicle's lifetime. ¹³

12. How do I prepare my garage for an electric car?

One of the advantages of driving an EV is the ability to charge it at home. Although every EV will come with a standard Level 1 charger, these chargers are really not the best for charging quickly, as they only provide up to 5 miles of range per hour when plugged into a 12-volt wall outlet.¹⁴ Unless you are able to charge for multiple days at a time or are only driving short distances, you will likely want to install a Level 2 charger, which will average 25 miles of range per hour and require a 240-volt dryer plug outlet.¹⁵ If you don't have a 240-volt outlet available, you'll need to enlist the help of a qualified electrician to help with installing the outlet and charger. You may have to run a new service line to your house If you need additional electricity to handle the load.¹⁶

13. What car manufacturers offer electric options?

It seems like every month, there is a new commercial showcasing the latest brand or model of a sleek electric vehicle. According to the International Energy Agency's Global EV Outlook, a publication that investigates EV trends, policies, and prospects annually, "[e]lectric car markets are seeing exponential growth as sales exceeded 10 million in 2022."¹⁷ Many well-known brands such as Ford, GM, and Nissan have started to make EVs as well as luxury brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo.¹⁸ Additionally, some brands have been created that produce nothing but EVs, like Rivian and Tesla.¹⁹

14. How many chargers are available across the US? 

The US has used gas-powered vehicles for a long time-and our infrastructure shows it. According to the American Petroleum Institute, there are more than 145,000 gas stations from coast to coast.²⁰This same infrastructure does not currently exist for EVs, but the tides are turning. More charging stations are opening as the demand for these vehicles increases, with over 45,000 public charging stations-including both Level 2 and Level 3-available.²¹ If you are planning a long-distance trip, check out the app Chargehub; their Trip Planner feature will help you find the best route for your trip that includes charging stations along the way!²²

15. What do I do if I run out of charge while on the road?

If you run out of charge while driving an EV, it's similar to when you run out of gas: your vehicle will cease to work. Studies show that not many electric vehicle owners require emergency charges though. Interestingly, the fear of running out of charge, known as range anxiety, appears to significantly reduce the chances of electric car owners becoming stranded. Triple A, after investing in roadside recharging trucks, soon retired them after noting they were not used as often as predicted.²³ Since there are a lot fewer chargers in the US than there are gas stations, individuals with EVs are typically more keyed into their car's range. Electric cars also provide both audible and visual low range warnings to tell drivers it's time to charge.

Conclusion

We hope this two-part blog series has helped answer some of the questions and curiosities generated by electric vehicles! Stay tuned for more interesting and informative blogs from School of PE!

References

¹ "Electric Vehicle Benefits and Considerations." Alternative Fuels Data Center. U.S. Department of Energy.Accessed May3 ,2023.

https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_benefits.html#:~:text=Plug%2Din%20hybrid%20electric%20vehicles,%2C%20hydropower%2C%20and%20solar%20energy.

² "Electric Vehicle Benefits and Considerations."

³ "How Temperature Affects EV Range." How Temperature Affects Your EV Battery Health, December 15, 2022. https://www.recurrentauto.com/research/how-temperature-affects-ev-range.

⁴ "How Temperature Affects EV Range."

⁵ "Electric Vehicle Myths." EPA, March 1, 2023. https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths.

⁶ "Are Electric Car Batteries Bad for the Environment?" EVBox, February 10, 2023. https://blog.evbox.com/ev-battery-environmental-impact.

⁷ "Are Electric Car Batteries Bad for the Environment?"

⁸ "How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?" EV Connect, November 8, 2021. https://www.evconnect.com/blog/how-long-does-an-electric-car-battery-last#:~:text=EV%20batteries%20typically%20degrade%20due,lifespan%20of%20an%20EV%20battery.

⁹ "How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?"

¹⁰ "How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?"

¹¹ "How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?"

¹² Keil, Peter, et al. "Calendar Aging of Lithium-Ion Batteries." IOP Science, July 6, 2016. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/2.0411609jes.

¹³ "Components of Internal Combustion Engine." Student Lesson, March 22, 2020. https://studentlesson.com/components-of-internal-combustion-engine/.

¹⁴ "Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers." Duke Energy. Accessed May 10, 2023. https://www.duke-energy.com/energy-education/electric-vehicles/charging-your-ev/types-of-chargers.

¹⁵ "Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers."

¹⁶ VanderWerp, Dave. "How Do I Prep My Garage for an EV?" Car and Driver, July 7, 2021. https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a36877166/20-questions-about-evs-prepare-garage/.

¹⁷ "Executive Summary - Global EV Outlook 2023 - Analysis." IEA, 2023. https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2023/executive-summary.

¹⁸ "BEV Models Currently Available in the US." EVAdoption, March 3, 2023. https://evadoption.com/ev-models/bev-models-currently-available-in-the-us/.

¹⁹ "BEV Models Currently Available in the US."

²⁰ "Service Station FAQs." API. Accessed May 10, 2023. https://www.api.org/oil-and-natural-gas/consumer-information/consumer-resources/service-station-faqs#:~:text=How%20many%20service%20stations%20are,stations%20across%20the%20United%20States. 

²¹ "Electric Vehicle Myths." EPA, March 1, 2023. https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths.

²² "Chargehub Electric Vehicle Trip Planner." ChargeHub. Accessed May 10, 2023. https://chargehub.com/en/trip-planner-guide.html. 

²³ "Ask the EV Experts: What Happens When I Run out of Charge?" Plug In America, March 7, 2023. https://pluginamerica.org/ask-ev-experts-running-energy/#:~:text=Running%20out%20of%20gas%20or,to%20the%20nearest%20charging%20station.

About the Author: Martha Hunsucker

Martha Hunsucker is a content writer for EduMind. She received her BA in English from Stetson University and has experience marketing, copywriting, editing, and blogging. In her spare time, she enjoys reading books by Jon Krakauer (her current favorite author), hiking with her two dogs, and sleeping in on weekends.

What is Voltage Law?

This blog covers:

1. History and Definition

2. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in a Series Circuit

3. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in a Parallel Circuit

4. Other Applications

History and Definition

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL), also referred to as voltage law, is a fundamental principle in electrical circuit analysis. KVL was discovered by Gustav Kirchhoff, a German physicist, and he introduced it in 1845 as a fundamental principle in the analysis of electrical circuits. It is a mathematical expression that describes the behavior of electric circuits by stating that the sum of the voltage drops around a closed loop of a circuit must be equal to the sum of the voltage sources in the same loop (Nilsson & Riedel, 2015, 38). Another way to view this law is to relate it to the law of conservation of mass and energy: total voltage supplied to a circuit is equal to the total voltage used in the circuit.

Electrical circuit analysis is a fundamental aspect of electrical engineering that involves an analytical approach to understanding and evaluating the behavior inside of an electrical circuit. Analyzing electrical circuits involves examining the behavior of electrical signals as they travel through various circuit components: resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers. This analysis will include identifying the voltage and current characteristics, as well as power dissipation and energy transfer within the circuit.

Voltage law is essential to understand the behavior of electrical circuits-this is because it allows us to calculate the voltage at any point in a closed-loop circuit. Suppose we have a simple circuit with a battery, a resistor, and a switch. When the switch is closed, current flows through the resistor and a voltage drop will occur across the now activated resistor. KVL states that the sum of the voltage drop across the resistor and the voltage of the battery must be equal to zero.

Another way to understand KVL is by using the concept of potential difference. Voltage, also known as potential difference, is the difference in electric potential between two points in a circuit. In a closed loop, the potential difference between the starting and ending points must be zero since the voltage at the starting point is equal to the voltage at the ending point. Therefore, the sum of the voltage drops in a closed loop must be equal to the sum of the voltage sources in the same loop.

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in a Series Circuit

To apply KVL in a series circuit, we can follow these steps:

1. Identify the closed loop(s) in the circuit.

2. Establish a direction to the current flowing in the loop.

3. Indicate the voltage drops across each component in the loop based on the current's direction. When the current flows from a positive terminal to a negative terminal, the voltage drop will be positive, but, if it flows from a negative terminal to a positive terminal, the resulting voltage drop will be negative.

4. Calculate the sum of the voltage drops around the loop and equate it to the sum of the voltage sources in the same loop.

Let's take a look at the example series circuit:

We use the steps above to analyze the provided diagram. The circuit shown is a closed loop series circuit, due to it forming a complete, unbroken path for the current to flow. We assign the direction to be clockwise, following the current path of the voltage source. Now based on step 3, we label the voltage drop across each component.

Source	Voltage drop
Power source Vab	-Vab
Resistor R1	+VR1
Resistor R2	+VR2
Resistor R3	+VR3

We can represent the KVL equations of the closed loop circuit as below:

-V_ab + V_R1+ V_R2 + V_R3 = 0

V_R1 + V_R2 + V_R3 = V_ab

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in a Parallel Circuit

To begin with, it is important to grasp the primary concept of parallel circuits, a parallel circuit is identified when the voltage is constant across all the elements present in the circuit. This is because in a parallel circuit, there are solely two groups of electrically connected points, and the voltage difference measured between these sets of points always remains identical at any particular moment.

V_ab = V_R1 = V_R2 = V_R3

From the above circuit, there are two connected points (across R₁ and R₂ ) being connected with the voltage source V_ab . So, the voltage across R₁ is equal to the voltage across R₂ and R₃ , hence equals to the voltage source V_ab .

It is important to note that KVL only applies to closed loops, meaning that there must be a path for the current to flow back to its starting point (Nilsson & Riedel, 2015, 38). If there is an open loop, voltage law cannot be applied. KVL is an essential tool in electrical circuit analysis, as it allows us to calculate the voltage drop across any component in a circuit. KVL has many real-world applications, such as designing and analyzing circuits for electronic devices, power systems, and communication systems. Moreover, it is a crucial concept that everyone who is either working or pursuing a degree in the field of electrical engineering should be familiar with.

Other Applications

Applying KVL in an electrical power system, power engineers are able to maintain a balance between the energy supplied and the energy consumed. If the energy consumed is greater than the energy supplied, there is a significant voltage drop in the system, and this may lead to a system failure. To mitigate a potential system failure, power engineers use KVL to analyze the voltage drops across the apparatus power equipment and ensure that the power system is functioning correctly.

KVL is also applied within electronic device design, including, but not limited to, smartphones, computers, and appliances consisting of numerous circuits that are designed to perform specific functions. Engineers in this field will need to utilize KVL to ensure appropriate power is delivered to all the crucial components in a device; for a smartphone, that could be the screen, the speakers, GPS, communications, etc.

Conclusion

To summarize, Kirchhoff's Voltage Law is a fundamental principle in electrical circuit analysis that states that the sum of the voltage drops around a closed loop circuit must be equal to the sum of the voltage sources supplied in the same loop. By using this law, we can calculate the voltage(s) at any point in a circuit and analyze its behavior. KVL is a crucial concept for anyone working in the field of electrical engineering or pursuing a degree in this field.

References

Nilsson, J. W., & Riedel, S. A. (2015). Electric Circuits. Pearson.

Interested in pursuing a career as an electrical engineer? Sign up for an FE Electrical or PE Electrical exam review course with School of PE today and join our tens of thousands of students who have passed their engineering exams!

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.

Essentials Steps Before Taking the FE Exam

Preparing to take the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) exam can be a daunting task, especially when you are not sure where to start. As someone who has recently gone through the process, I can attest to the importance of following a routine to ensure that you are adequately prepared. There are several essential steps you must take before attempting the FE exam. However, in this guide, I will share my personal insights on the necessary steps that you could take to ensure your success on the FE exam.

In this blog,

1. Determine the State's Requirements

2. Review the Exam Specifications

3. Choose an Exam Date and Register

4. Prepare a Comprehensive Study Plan

5. Obtain Appropriate Study Materials

6. Do Practice Problems While Utilizing the NCEES Reference Handbook

7. Do A Mock Exam

8. Prioritize Rest and Nutrition

1. Determine the State's Requirements: Each state has distinct prerequisites for taking the FE Exam. To guarantee that you satisfy all the requirements, it is essential to check with your state's licensing board. More information about your state licensing board can be found here.

2. Review the Exam Specifications: The NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) publishes detailed exam specifications for each discipline evaluated in the FE exam. A thorough review of these specifications can help you understand the format of the exam and the topics you need to cover.

3. Choose an Exam Date and Register: Once you have confirmed that you satisfy all the prerequisites, the next step is to register for the FE exam on the NCEES website. If you are a third-year or early fourth-year college student, it is recommended that you select an exam date that is 3 to 5 months away. This allows for ample time to study effectively and efficiently for the exam. With the knowledge and skills still fresh in your mind, your confidence and performance can be improved during the exam.

For those out of school juggling a full schedule, pick a date that you are most comfortable with but do not pick an exam date that is too far away. If you choose a far-off exam date, you may feel less urgency to prepare for the exam, leading to procrastination and loss of motivation. Also, the FE exam covers a broad range of topics, and it is easy to forget what you have learned if you are not actively reviewing the material. For these reasons, it is generally best to choose an exam date that is relatively close to your preparation start date.

4. Prepare a Comprehensive Study Plan: A comprehensive study plan that covers all the topics tested in the FE exam is essential for effective preparation. It is crucial to allocate enough time to prepare adequately, consider your strengths, and weaknesses.

Drawing from personal experience, it may be helpful to start with the topic(s) that you feel most comfortable with, as it may require less time to study. Once you have built confidence, work your way down the topic list category. By organizing your study plan in this manner, you can optimize your study time and focus on the areas where improvement is needed the most.

5. Obtain Appropriate Study Materials: Here are some ways to obtain appropriate study materials for the FE exam:

a. Purchase an FE exam study guide: Many companies sell study guides specifically designed for the FE exam, like School of PE. These guides typically contain practice questions, sample problems, and review materials covering all topics tested on the exam.

b. Attend review courses: Many colleges and universities in additional to companies like School of PE offer review courses for the FE exam. These courses are designed to help students prepare for the exam by providing structured resources, problem sets, and review materials.

c. Seek out a mentor: Find a mentor who has already passed the FE exam and can offer guidance and their own resources on how to prepare effectively-their personal exam prep experience is incredibly valuable. Look for someone who can offer feedback on your study habits and techniques and provide insights on their exam experience.

d. Join study groups: When you join a study group, you can share study materials, discuss difficult concepts, and learn from your peers. You will complement each other's strengths and weaknesses and get a glimpse on how you compare with others on the test.

6. Do Practice Problems While Utilizing the NCEES Reference Handbook:

During the FE exam, the NCEES Reference Handbook will be available for use in a virtual format, providing formulas, tables, and other essential information. It is essential to familiarize yourself with this handbook and its contents before the exam. While practicing problems, utilizing the handbook can help you quickly locate formulas or information that you may need during the exam. By reducing the time spent searching for information, you can allocate more time to answering problems, increasing chances of success.

The NCEES Reference Handbook is a valuable resource and utilizing it efficiently can contribute to your success on the exam.

7. Do A Mock Exam: It is recommended that three to four weeks before the exam date, you conduct a mock exam to simulate the test-taking experience fully. NCEES makes a practice exam book that is perfect for this purpose. Set aside a total of eight hours; four hours allocated for the morning and four hours for the afternoon to replicate the exam's format. This mock exam can help identify areas of strength and weakness and allow you to assess your time management skills under test-taking conditions. By identifying your weaker topics, you can review and strengthen your preparation for the exam. Moreover, practicing under exam-like conditions can help alleviate test anxiety and improve your confidence on the actual exam day.

8. Prioritize Rest and Nutrition: Finally, ensure that you get enough rest and consume a healthy and balanced meal before the exam. Don't neglect your health! And good luck on the exam!

With a comprehensive study plan, appropriate study materials, and ample practice, you can feel confident and well-prepared on taking the FE exam. I highly recommend using study resources, like School of PE and the NCEES Reference Handbook, as they can help you develop a solid study plan and improve your chances of passing the exam.

The path to success on the FE exam is not set in stone and requires an individualized approach. While there is no universal equation that guarantees success, you have the power to identify and cultivate your own success habits. These eight steps can serve as a valuable guide to steer you in the right direction. Remember to stay motivated and stay informed by checking School of PE's blog for additional resources. With hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, you can achieve success on the FE exam and beyond.

Get a head start on your FE exam with School of PE! Our comprehensive courses and expert instructors are just what you need to 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.

6 Major Opportunities After Passing the FE Exam

Passing the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) exam is a significant achievement that can lead to exciting and fulfilling career opportunities. Here are 6 ways you can elevate your career after passing the FE exam:

This blog covers:

1. Pursue a Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) License

2. Look for Internships and/or Job Opportunities

3. Specialize in a Field

4. Access Higher Salary and Promotions

5. Become an Entrepreneur

6. Obtain Advanced Degrees

1. Pursue a Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) License: Passing the FE exam is the first step towards obtaining a PE license. A PE license opens up opportunities to take on more challenging projects, sign off on engineering designs, and become a leader in your field. In order to obtain a PE license, you must pass the corresponding PE exam and have the necessary work experience for your field.

After passing the FE exam, you are then qualified to take the PE exam; however, different states have different requirements and restrictions regarding if a certain amount of work experience under a PE license engineer is needed before taking the PE. For further information regarding the PE exam, please visit the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) PE Exam website, and for further information regarding state requirements, visit the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) website.

School of PE offers comprehensive PE exam review courses. Be sure to check them out for additional review material by others with PE experience.

2. Look for Internships and/or Job Opportunities: Possessing an EIT (Engineer in Training) certificate-earned after passing the FE exam-can give you a competitive edge and help you stand out amongst your peers. Engineering firms dealing with utilities and consultation often consider hiring recent graduates more if they possess an EIT certification. Acquiring the certification establishes your knowledge and credibility to future employers.

3. Specialize in a Field: After passing the FE exam, you may want to consider specializing in a particular field of engineering. For example, you can focus on structural engineering, machine design and materials engineering, or nuclear engineering depending on your degree. Specializing in a field will help you develop expertise, making you a valuable asset to future employers. To explore available specializations, you can check Exam Specifications from the NCEES website.

4. Access Higher Salary and Promotions: You will increase your chance of attracting employers as well as your earning potential after passing the FE exam. Negotiate with management and leverage your accredited certification to make sure you receive the proper compensation for your extra effort.

After passing the FE exam, new opportunities for promotions, such as going from engineer I to engineer II or becoming a project lead, as well as respective salary bumps, will become more accessible and justifiable.

5. Become an Entrepreneur: Starting your own engineer consulting or contracting firm or other affiliated business is another way to elevate your career. This will give you the opportunity to become a leader, choose and work on exciting projects, control your own schedule, and build a reputation off of your engineering skills and expertise.

6. Obtain Advanced Degrees: Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master's or a doctoral degree, will help you develop specialized knowledge and skills within your field. With an advanced degree, new opportunities will arise, such as a career in research and development or a career in education as a university professor.

If you are looking to pursue obtaining a professional engineering license, consider partnering with School of PE! Our comprehensive exam review courses have what you need to pass your PE exam with confidence. Contact us today to learn more!

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.

How to Get the Latest FE Reference Handbook

The NCEES Reference Handbook is a document published by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) that serves as a reference for engineers taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professing Engineering (PE) exams.

The NCEES Reference Handbook is updated every few years to ensure that it reflects current industry standards and practices. However, getting the latest version of the FE Reference Handbook can be difficult for some individuals. This blog will show you how you can find the latest NCEES Reference Handbook:

How to Get the Latest FE Reference Handbook:

1. Purchase a Hard Copy

2. Download the Digital Copy

3. Check With Your College or University

4. Join an FE Exam Preparation Course

1. Purchase a Hard Copy: One of the most straightforward ways to obtain the latest version of the FE Reference Handbook is to purchase a hard copy. You can find this book on the NCEES website or other online retailers. A hard copy of the handbook won't break the bank account, it is an easily accessible reference, and you can receive it within a few days of placing the order. One thing to be aware of is that the physical handbook will have outdated information after a few years.

2. Download the Digital Copy: Another option for obtaining the latest version of the FE Reference Handbook is to download a digital copy. This is likely to be the preferable method, since using a digital copy will be more akin to how you will use the handbook during the actual exam. Having the digital copy can help you familiarize yourself with where each subject is located as well as how to effectively navigate without wasting too much time. In addition, the entire process is free. Please find illustrated steps on how to download the digital copy below:

a. Create an NCEES Account: An NCEES account is required to access the reference handbook. Go to the NCEES website and click on "Create an account" to make your account.

b. Log In: Once you've made your account, enter your username and password to log in.

c. Locate the "Common Tasks" section: After successfully logging in, you will be directed to the "Dashboard". Locate the "Common Tasks" section on the right-hand side, then click on "View reference handbooks" under the USEFUL DOCUMENTS. You will be directed to the site with all the reference handbooks.

d. Download the Reference Handbook: Find the correct reference handbook that you want to download and click on its hyperlink.

e. Save Your Handbook: Make sure you save your handbook in a place where you can easily reference it in the future!

3. Check With Your College or University: If you are a student, your college or university may have a copy of the FE Reference Handbook, but the version year may vary. Many engineering programs require their students to take the FE exam, and they may have a copy of the handbook available in their library or as part of their course materials.

4. Join an FE Exam Preparation Course: Finally, joining an FE exam preparation course is another way to obtain the latest version of the reference handbook. Many test preparation companies like School of PE offer courses that include a copy of the handbook as part of the course materials. These courses are a great way to prepare for the exam and ensure that you have the most up-to-date information available.

Conclusion

Obtaining the latest version of the FE Reference Handbook is essential for anyone preparing for the FE exam. By taking the time to obtain the latest version of the handbook, you will be better equipped to pass the exam.

Sign up for an FE exam review course with School of PE today and join our tens of thousands of students who have passed their engineering exams!

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.

Developing Incentive Programs to Improve Employee Engagement and Retention

Creating a work culture of productive, happy employees is integral to maintaining growth in any industry. Incentive programs help to create high-performing employees and boost employee retention and loyalty. Even something as small as employee recognition for jobs completed and goals met goes a long way in motivating employees to do better. Some ideas for incentives can include education benefits, extra time off, company-sponsored vacations, and even something as simple as a barbeque on a nice summer day when the sales team meets their target. It all depends on the company, the team, and the goals behind the incentives.

In this Blog,

I. The Purpose and Benefits of an Incentive Program

II. Factors to Consider When Developing an Incentive Program

I. The Purpose and Benefits of an Incentive Program

Incentive programs come with many benefits if done well. With the right program aimed at the right people, you can expect:

Better team engagement- Incentive programs, when done right, help team members interact on a more positive scale. In order to create a positive work culture, it's important that one person's success doesn't diminish another's. Having a good incentive program will help workers develop a positive rapport with each other as well as with management.

Increased employee retention and loyalty- Employees who get recognized for the excellent work they've done are more likely to stay with the company that did the recognition in the first place. The trick is to create an incentive program that helps retain the type of worker you need in your business. This may take some trial and error, but it is worth it in the end.

Improved collaboration and teamwork- Team members who work towards a common goal find common ground in each other's success. In order to create a team that works well together, you need to create reward systems that help them work together to reach that goal. Incentive programs can be the factor that helps them reach their mutual goals, while the tasks of their day-to-day job can seem disconnected.

Boosted company morale by means of friendly competition- The right kind of incentive programs can boost company morale by developing a culture of friendly competition. Most people learn to be good sports in the early years of life, so creating a program that has workers racing to reach a certain threshold can help create a fun, competitive culture while also boosting sales, reaching marketing goals, and improving other standard business operations within the workplace.

Improved employee accountability- One issue in the workplace is that some employees fail to track their progress towards the company goal. Having an incentive program that encourages them to find a tracking method to reach the more personal goal helps improve accountability in the workplace as well.

II. Factors to Consider When Developing an Incentive Program

The benefits of an incentive program are only fully realized when the program itself is created the right way. None of it will come to any positive outcome if done wrong. Here are several factors to consider when developing an incentive program:

1. Involve the right people. To create a good solid program, involve the right people. Before you even begin planning, meet with those that can help strategize and implement the program. This can include anybody from HR, management, and finance. This collaboration not only helps to develop a good program but also sets the tone for team collaboration among the employees. Having a group of people to bounce ideas off of, you can consider all risk factors and benefits to certain incentives and goals. It also helps to know what level of financial input you can expect.

2. Set goals for the program. In order to get approval for incentive programs, you need to have a well-laid-out plan and purpose for it. Is there a specific target sales number you're trying to reach? Are you trying to find new customers via different marketing strategies? Ask yourself more questions about what the internal purpose of the program is, and it will help create one that benefits both the company and the employees.

3. Identify the incentive audience. Having a sales incentive is only effective on a sales team. Marketing would have their own incentives that are based on their work. So would HR and so on. You can choose to create cross-department incentives that are applicable to everybody, department-specific programs, or a combination of the two. Knowing who you're trying to incentivize will help you determine the kind of incentives you need and what your goals for that department are.

4. Increase participation engagement. Consider asking the individual departments what would motivate them the most. If you have a group of people who would appreciate additional days off, then having that as an incentive would help motivate them. If they would prefer gift cards, company merchandise, vacations, or bonuses instead, then knowing that will help you figure out what to put into your program. This will also heavily depend on the budget you have in place.

5. Decide on a structure and budget. There are several different structures you can use when creating a program; the two most common being an open-ended structure and a close-ended structure. An open-ended structure has less of a limit on who can "win" a certain incentive because of its budget size. A close-ended structure has a certain amount of people who can "win," which generally works better for a tighter budget. Determining what kind of structure you go with depends heavily on the type of budget you're working with.

6. Determine the rewards beforehand. You have to work within the confines of a budget to make the incentive program beneficial. If, say company sponsored vacations are out of budget, then offering them doesn't do anybody any good. On the other hand, if having a few extra days is within your budget, it would be the right incentive to fit your needs. You can also consider changing trends in personal choices where your incentive meets. For instance, post-pandemic, travelers have shown a preference for US destinations like Hawaii, or places just a little closer to home. Take these into consideration if you're offering larger incentive packages like company vacations.

7. Decide on a tracking method. How are you going to track employee involvement? You can have one person in a team track for the entire team, or individuals track for themselves. You can track each person's progress on a board, or in an online company connection website, like Slack or Notion. There are a myriad of ways you could track each person's progress, and it all depends on the purpose of the program and preference of the participants.

8. Decide who should deliver the reward. While private feedback is important on a regular basis, making a public show of appreciation goes a long way in motivating other employees to do better. Reception can also change depending on who specifically is delivering the message, so choose wisely who offers the rewards. For instance, in some cases, management is an acceptable choice. In other cases, key stakeholders are likely to get a more positive reception. (Source)

9. Implement methods and fulfil rewards quickly. Once a goal is reached, don't make employees wait for the incentives to be fulfilled. If they earned a gift card, have it on hand to give to the awarded individual. If they earned a bonus or vacation days, have it on their next pay stub. The faster an employee is rewarded for their hard work, the more willing they and others are to improve production to potentially get the next reward for themselves.

10. Evaluate the incentive program's success. If you want to get the most out of your program, you need to do regular evaluations that maintain the integrity and usefulness of the program itself. If you see an issue with a certain part of the structure, make quick changes, if necessary, in order to eliminate future frustration. Common issues to consider are whether the incentive is too high for the goal threshold. Over-delivering or under-delivering can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction with future reward incentives. If this type of issue arises, it's crucial to adjust quickly.

11. Celebrate employee success. Celebrate the employees and the hard work that they did. It's fun to be working towards a specific outcome together- or against each other, if that's the structure you choose- and it's even more fun to celebrate the success of the individual, or as a whole. Especially if quarterly or yearly company goals are met. Include everybody you can in that success so that even if they didn't earn the individual incentive, they still feel connected to the company goals- a crucial factor in aligning employees with their organization.

At the end of the day, having a work culture that thrives off of employee success will go a long way in maintaining positive momentum in the business. Developing an incentive program that helps motivate employees to collaborate with and congratulate each other on their mutual success builds a team of highly effective and satisfied workers. Creating a company of satisfied individuals helps retain top performers that help boost business growth with healthy, goal-oriented progress.

Interested in offering PMP^® or CAPM^® exam review courses as a part of your employee incentive program? Reach out to School of PE today to learn more!

About the Author: Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor is a freelance writer and avid researcher- a jack of all trades, but a master of none. She graduated from the University of Hawai'i with an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts because she had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up. She has since found her love of Extended Reality and the possibilities it brings to the world, as well as gardening, cooking, and writing. Anna lives in Interior Alaska with her family.

Creating and Aligning Company Goals as an Organization, Team, and Individual

 It's a very well-known fact that a large number of businesses fail within their first year. There are plenty of reasons that this happens, like poor planning, economic downturns, and not hiring the right people, but possibly the most crucial is that the goals of the individual did not align properly with the goals of the organization. That's not to say that the individual's personal goals did not match the company's. They don't need to be similar in any way. Rather, the individual was not entirely aware of the overall micro and macro goals of the company, and the company did not accurately describe the details of the tasks at hand. In order to succeed in business, it's necessary to align the company goals with that of the individual. To do this, certain steps must be taken to ensure that everybody knows and understands the steps to reach every milestone.

In this blog,

1. Benefits of Having an Aligned Organization

2. How Mutual Goals Help Everybody

3. How to Align Company Goals to Benefit the Whole

1. Benefits of Having an Aligned Organization

1. Increased speed in decision-making. The inability to make quick decisions, in fact, to make any decision at all, can cripple productivity and the company at large. Having employees who know the goals and how they align with the organization helps in the decision-making process and helps improve speed.

2. Better employee engagement. Employees are more likely to engage with company productivity if they know where they fit in the whole scheme. Engaged employees mean better goal maintenance.

3. More beneficial use of resources. An aligned company can clearly define what is a waste of resources and what is a benefit. This delineation ensures that the company is making the most use of the limited resources they have.

4. Improved self-governance. When everybody in the company knows what their goals are and what they're trying to achieve, they have a greater ability to govern their own productivity and reach goals and deadlines without their employer having to hover.

5. Less confusion between members. Similarly, there is less confusion (which would ultimately take away from team productivity) between employees.

6. More credibility. An aligned company is confident and sure of itself, creating an outward image that reflects its inward process. This gives more open credibility to the organization as a whole.

7. Optimized talents and skills. When the company works together, they know the talents of the individual and those talents can be developed into professional or company certifications.

8. Safer risk taking. In an aligned organization, employers and employees can take more risks, knowing more specifically the potential outcomes of each decision. It is not without potential downturns, but the decision is made with more confidence.

9. A dynamic culture of achievers. The culture of a company feeds directly off of its efficiency and success. It becomes cyclical, and those who are part of the organization's success help build and contribute to its dynamic culture.

2. How Mutual Goals Help Everybody

Clear goals and expectations don't only help the business succeed. They also help teams and employees succeed in their part of the company structure. Here are a few ways that mutual goals help everybody thrive.

1. Goals set the tone for organizational strategy. This strategy helps employees break down overall goals into manageable tasks and helps them prioritize one task over another based on which goal needs to be met first.

2. Employees understand how their contributions help maintain both team and organization-wide goals. When employees don't see how their position fits into the overall strategy, they feel lost and unsure. Helping them understand how their specific job contributes to the company's goals helps with feelings of validation and success.

3. Priorities are clarified. In line with knowing where the employee fits in with the organization and how their tasks benefit the whole, knowing this helps them clarify their priorities and eliminates the frustration that comes from not having a clear list of responsibilities.

4. Aligned goals help connect employees to teams. Knowing what your overall company goals are, and how the individual employee fits into helping achieve those goals, they can be grouped into teams based on their own tasks to help each other reach daily, weekly, and yearly milestones.

5. Reaching goals together gives individual employees a sense of fulfillment. High employee turnover is something that absolutely kills businesses. Keeping employees satisfied is key to maintaining high employee retention rates. Knowing how their contributions help the business thrive helps them understand their value within the structure and keeps them satisfied in their position.

3. How to Align Company Goals to Benefit the Whole

1. Set clear organizational goals. People who set goals are 10% more likely to succeed, and when it comes to setting goals, you need to be specific. The more specific, the better. Have specific numbers in mind and write down and develop a specific process. It helps to be retrospective. Look at what has worked for the business before and what has not, and develop goals and strategies based on that.

2. Develop a plan to achieve your goals. The difference between goals and dreams is that dreams are something you can't control. On the other hand, goals are things that you can set actionable steps to achieve. Developing a strategy puts you one step closer to reaching micro and macro goals.

3. Get buy-in from leadership. Once a goal is set, share it with the team to get approval and make sure that everybody is on board. Meet with managers on every level to communicate ideas and outline the specifics of the plan.

4. Communicate goals on every level. Make sure that expectations for each individual are clear and that they can be accountable for each step they take toward that goal. When goals are understood, employees are 2.8 times more likely to engage in the work. Simple open communication methods are an efficient way of helping maintain an upward goal achievement strategy.

5. Help employees achieve their goals. After expectations have been clarified, ensure that employees are maintaining progress toward their individual goals. This helps the company keep on track for the overall growth goals.

6. Build teams whose goals intersect. Aligning goals is necessary on every level and from every standpoint. In building teams, ensure that their goals are compatible and that those whose goals are to connect can still work independently while building off of each other.

7. Create standards of completion. Goals can still be met with sub-par work. Develop a strategy that helps individuals maintain a minimum standard of excellence so that goals are reached to their fullest potential.

Creating and aligning company goals on various levels can ensure the daily and long-term success of the organization. There are many benefits to developing a company culture that works off each other to create more success, and the time and effort that it takes to learn where certain talents lie and how to use everyone to their maximum productivity will pay off as time goes on. It is true that a large number of companies fail before ever really starting, but that doesn't have to be yours. Properly aligning your employee's goals with that of their team and the organization will help build longevity in every facet of your business.

Partner with School of PE today and reach your company's goals of providing professional development opportunities!

About the Author: Anna Taylor

Anna Taylor is a freelance writer and avid researcher- a jack of all trades, but a master of none. She graduated from the University of Hawai'i with an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts because she had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up. She has since found her love of Extended Reality and the possibilities it brings to the world, as well as gardening, cooking, and writing. Anna lives in Interior Alaska with her family.