What Experience Do You Need to Take the PE Exam?

Getting an engineering license is an important milestone for many engineers. Successfully completing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams are the first steps in becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). But before you can take the PE exam, you need to have the right kind of engineering experience. So, what kind of qualifying engineering experience do you need for the PE exam? In this blog post, we’ll break it down and explain the basic required experience needed for the PE exam.

In this Blog,

1. What is the PE Exam?

2. Why Take the PE Exam?

3. PE Exam Experience Requirements

4. What Counts as Qualifying Engineering Experience?
a. Supervision by a Licensed PE
b. Gained After Earning an Engineering Degree
c. Meaningful Application of Engineering Principles
d. Progression of Engineering Competencies

5. Examples of Qualifying Engineering Experience

6. How Much Qualifying Experience is Needed?

7. How to Document Your Experience

8. Next Steps After Gaining Qualifying Experience

What is the PE Exam?

The PE exam is a computer-based test administered year-round by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). It covers subjects like mathematics, statistics, chemistry, physics, and engineering economics, but the exact topics on the exam will depend on the specific discipline you decide to take.

The PE exam is the second exam you need to pass before earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license. It shows that you have mastered the fundamentals of your engineering discipline as well as the more minute details.

Why Take the PE Exam?

Although you don’t NEED to pass the PE exam to work as an engineer, earning your PE has several career advantages:

• Increased job opportunities and ability to work independently as a consultant
• Higher earning potential
• Ability to check engineering documents and offer services directly to the public
• Professional prestige and recognition

But you can’t just sign up and take the test – you need to have the right engineering experience first.

PE Exam Experience Requirements

To take the PE exam, you must have:

• A degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited engineering program
• Passed the FE exam
• At least 4 years of qualifying engineering experience

The engineering degree requirement is straightforward. But what counts as “qualifying engineering experience”? And how do you know if you have enough?

What Counts as Qualifying Engineering Experience?

According to the NCEES, qualifying engineering experience has to meet the following criteria:

• Experience must be under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
• Experience has to be gained after earning an engineering degree
• Experience must involve the meaningful application of engineering principles
• Experience must show a progression of engineering competencies and responsibilities

Let’s break these requirements down:

Supervision by a Licensed PE

For experience to qualify for the PE exam, it must be completed under the direction of a licensed PE supervisor. They don’t have to directly oversee every single task, but they need to be responsible for your work. Having a PE sign off on your experience documentation is important.

Gained After Earning an Engineering Degree

The experience also must be gained after receiving at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program. Any experience before you earn your degree does not count.

Meaningful Application of Engineering Principles

This is where the rubber meets the road – your experience needs to involve putting your engineering knowledge into practice. For example, design work, analysis, fieldwork, lab work, or manufacturing and construction tasks. Just regular office work would not count.

Progression of Engineering Competencies

As you gain more experience, you should take on higher-level engineering work and responsibilities. This demonstrates that you are acquiring more skills and competencies. Progression could involve things like managing projects, supervising team members, and making high-level technical decisions.

Examples of Qualifying Engineering Experience

To better understand what constitutes qualifying experience, let’s look at a few examples:

• Designing mechanical components and systems for a product development company. You apply engineering principles to design gear trains, electronics enclosures, and hydraulic systems under the supervision of a licensed PE.
• Writing embedded software code for avionics systems for an aerospace company. You develop code to DO-178C standards that is then integrated and tested by a team led by a licensed PE.
• Performing geotechnical engineering tasks like subsurface investigations and analysis for a civil engineering consulting firm. You are mentored by senior geotechnical PEs, and your work undergoes quality assurance reviews.
• Working in a metals manufacturing plant doing failure analysis and process improvements on the production lines. Your team troubleshoots issues and implements solutions to reduce defects and downtime. Your supervisor, a licensed manufacturing PE, approves the changes.
• Conducting research on electronic properties of new semiconductor compounds in a PhD program under your advisor, who is a licensed electrical engineering PE. Your experiments involve substantial application of physics and chemistry principles.

These examples show engineering work where principles were applied meaningfully under the direction of licensed PEs. On the other hand, just basic IT support, drafting, or technician roles likely do not qualify, even if done at an engineering firm. The work must actually leverage engineering knowledge.

How Much Qualifying Experience is Needed?

In most cases, you need a minimum of 4 years of post-degree engineering experience to be approved for the PE exam. However, in some cases, just 1 or 2 years may be sufficient if it is focused experience demonstrating progression of competencies. On the other hand, more than 4 years may be necessary if the experience is basic or disjointed. Be sure to check your experiences with NCEES if you have concerns or doubts.

States and licensing boards have some leeway in interpreting experience requirements for PE exam applicants. However, in general, the 4-year rule is a good guideline to ensure you will have enough qualifying experience. Having 4 or more years under your belt also allows you to show a steady progression in responsibilities over time.

How to Document Your Experience

To apply for approval to take the PE exam, you will need to carefully document your engineering experience. This usually involves listing your work history along with references who can verify your qualifications. Specific application forms and requirements vary by state.

Here are some tips for effectively documenting your experience:

• Keep thorough records of all your projects and responsibilities at each job. Save files, reports, drawings, code samples, etc.
• Get experience verification from current and prior supervisors, especially those who are licensed PEs. Ask them to write letters.
• List specific technical skills you utilized or developed at each position. Quadruple check for accuracy.
• Quantify your experience details whenever possible - provide numbers for things like hours, dollars, people managed, etc.
• Highlight any promotions or increased responsibilities over time. This demonstrates progression.
• If any experience is borderline, get a second PE to also review and sign off.

Thoroughly documenting your work history and engineering competencies is key to getting approved to take the PE exam. Be detailed, be accurate, and spotlight your progression over time.

Next Steps After Gaining Qualifying Experience

Once you have accumulated at least three years of acceptable engineering experience, here are the typical next steps:

1. Review the PE exam requirements for your engineering branch in your state.
2. Start collecting past work samples and references to document your experience credentials.
3. Fill out and submit the application to take the PE exam. Each state has its own form.
4. Wait for approval from your state licensing board. This may take a few weeks.
5. Once approved, register and pay a fee to NCEES to take the computer-based PE exam.
6. Schedule a date, time, and testing center to take the official PE exam.

With diligent preparation and persistence, proper qualifying engineering experience can set you up for success on the PE exam. Use this as an opportunity to take your career to the next level and pursue professional engineering licensure.

Conclusion

Earning the title and license of a Professional Engineer is a momentous accomplishment for any engineering career. In order to do so, you must first pass the FE and have 4 years of industry experience.

This experience must meet certain requirements - it must be under a licensed PE, gained post-degree, show progression, and involve meaningful application of engineering principles. In most cases, 4 years of experience is recommended, but 1-2 years may sometimes suffice. Document your experience diligently and get verifications from licensed PEs.

Once you’ve accumulated sufficient qualifying engineering experience, you can submit your application to take your PE exam. The effort put into gaining qualifying experience will pay dividends for your career.

Ready to take the first step in earning your PE license? Consider taking a course from School of PE, the leader in engineering exam prep. You can see our full course library here!

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.

Understanding Personality Types to Maximize Team Collaboration

The earth just hit a really exciting milestone in the last year; we passed 8 billion people in our global population. There are so many of us that it makes sense that sometimes we don’t get along. It makes sense that there are areas that can cause distress in work settings and team dynamics. That’s because we all have different personalities that clash with each other. For every early bird, there’s a night owl. For every creative person, there’s a logician. People are sensitive, bold, ruthless, and a million other things, and it’s hard to see how we can work together.

A lot of these traits can be seen as weaknesses in a team setting, but that’s not a beneficial way to look at them. When brought together with a leader who understands personality dynamics and collaboration, they can take those perceived weaknesses and turn them into strengths. This post will discuss the key to effective teamwork, understanding different personality types, and using personality tests to create a productive team.

In this Blog,

1. The Key to Effective Teamwork is Collaboration; So Why Don’t They Collaborate?

2. How Does Knowing the Personality Types of Your Team Foster Collaboration

3. Myers-Briggs – Utilizing the Most Popular Personality Test

4. Collaboration Tips

The Key to Effective Teamwork is Collaboration; So Why Don’t They Collaborate?

Collaboration is a difficult concept to grasp, and that’s not to say that we don’t know what it means. However, the road to effective collaboration can be riddled with bumps and potholes to an undefined destination. It’s a concept that, when you see it, you know it, but it’s hard to get there without actually knowing what you’re looking for.

Collaboration doesn’t look like a well-oiled machine. Instead, it looks like clashing personalities and brutal conversations, backtracking and sidestepping, before ultimately reaching a final result. A major factor in fractured teams is not knowing how you and your teammates work solo and as part of a team dynamic. It’s the reason that most school groups fall apart in presentations and most corporate teams separate: the unwillingness to learn about themselves and others and delegation based on strengths.

How Does Knowing the Personality Types of Your Team Foster Collaboration

Understanding different personality types at work facilitates effective teamwork by:

• Creating sell-awareness at a personal level
• Building empathy for others
• Fostering communication and reducing conflict
• Empowering managers to understand their team as a whole, allowing them to distribute responsibilities for optimal results.

Myers-Briggs – Utilizing the Most Popular Personality Test 

There are plenty of ideas and opinions surrounding personality dynamics and tests. There are also dozens of tests that you can use to help your team work better together. For the sake of ease, we’ll look at the most popular personality test and figure out how to use it to your advantage.

The Myers-Briggs personality test has been used by many people, not only in the corporate world, to learn more about themselves and how they work in order to better understand their individual traits. If you want to take this test yourself, here’s a link to the test that will give your results for free.

This official MBTI website states that “By developing a clearer sense of self-awareness and awareness of others, you’re able to better frame decisions, reduce miscommunication, and understand personal needs more effectively.”

Understanding the test and how to balance personality traits in order to determine a person’s strengths and weaknesses begins with personality preferences.

How do you get your energy? Are you introverted or extroverted? Do you feel more yourself in large crowds or in solitude? Do you feel energized by connecting with other people? Or do you find that your battery is recharged when you’re able to sit with yourself and readjust to what you need that way?

How do you take in information? Are you sensitive or intuitive? Sensers like to know facts and statistics, while intuitive learners prefer to understand the possibilities and causal relationships. Do you like to know everything before beginning a project, or do you prefer to go with the flow and see where it takes you?

How do you make your decisions? Do you focus more on how you feel? Or do you have to think through everything thoroughly? Do you struggle to finalize decisions but stick to the decision once it’s made? Or do you decide quickly, test it out, and adjust as you need to?

How do you organize your time and environment? Do you like things to be level and constant? Or are you spontaneous and adaptable? Judgers, according to MBTI, are those who make a plan and stick to it, while perceivers are comfortable with ambiguity and adapt to change easily.

These four questions have two answers each and make up a combination of 16 different personality types. Of course, there are even more variables that go into a team than just their personality. Things like their background, culture, and lifestyle all play a part in creating who they are and how they perceive the world. It’s what makes teamwork such a valuable part of the corporate environment.

For a long time, the world was of the opinion that different traits were weaknesses. However, thinking of the traits as an advantage instead of a weakness enables the team leader to divide responsibilities in a way that each person is able to fulfill their responsibilities to the best of their ability. By playing to a person’s traits, rather than thinking of them as either strengths or weaknesses, you’ll enable more effective collaboration across the team.

Collaboration Tips

Personality types play a huge role in how effectively a team can collaborate. With that in mind, here are some collaboration tips.

• Figure out what motivates individuals. No two individuals are motivated by the same thing. One gets a rush at checking off little boxes at each milestone, while the other is only satisfied at seeing the whole picture come together. To the same effect, one is motivated by being able to earn little rewards along the way, while the other only wants results from their specific work. It’s important to understand which one you’re dealing with to be able to cater slightly to the individual. Motivation is not the only factor in collaboration. The traits that a person possesses make them particularly more suited than others to work within a team dynamic. See the OCEAN model below.
• Use the Five Factor model, also called the OCEAN model, to understand each team member. The OCEAN acronym refers to a person’s Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
• Communication is king in teamwork and collaboration. It’s not just being okay with vocalizing thoughts and opinions. It’s also being aware of how others communicate. It’s about understanding how receptive others are to criticism. Do they absorb it well and move forward with thoughts on how to do better? Do they shut down if it’s not phrased properly?
• Build trust between team members; Forbes compiled data into a study that brought the expertise of a hundred thousand corporate leaders. In the report, they detailed four skills that build better collaboration: building positive relationships, powerful communication skills, inspiration and motivation, and trustworthiness. What they found when testing whether one has a more positive effect than others was that if a leader (or team member) was above average at every level but wasn’t trusted by the rest of the team, their ability to collaborate went down from the 79th percentile, all the way to the 10th.
• Know yourself. You’re never going to know everything about your team. There’s way too much to unpack for one individual, and even more, people change drastically in the pursuit of their own understanding. However, understanding yourself, how you work, what motivates you, etc., will help you keep in line with the goals you’ve set up and the purpose behind building the team in the first place. It also helps you build a team that you know you can work with, and that aligns with your purpose.
• Overall, awareness of each other’s needs is the final aspect of collaboration. You might scoff and say that it’s unfair to expect each person to be individually aware of the other team members and that there’s no more room for themselves. It’s not about removing yourself from the conversation or even putting others' needs above your own. Instead, it’s about understanding how you work in conjunction with them. Teamwork only works if everybody knows and understands each other and can trust each individual to get the job done.

It’s not hard to learn more about the different personalities that people have, nor is it difficult to cater to people’s strengths rather than their weaknesses. It takes time and intention to build a team that works well together. Learning the strengths of diverging personalities takes a lot of research and a lot of trial and error. However, taking your team and learning how to play to their strengths or building a team right out the gate that was created for a specific purpose with their individual personalities in mind can help build a high-achieving team that collaborates well to reach the overall goals.

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 Associate 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.

Team Building Activities: Fun and Effective Approaches

Having an effective team as soon as it’s created would be great. But that’s not always the case. It’s difficult to bring people together who have no background information on each other. However, getting people to work as a team is one of the most crucial steps in making them efficient and productive. In fact, a team that doesn’t work well together can be counterproductive and ultimately a waste of time for all involved. 

But let’s say that you’ve curated this team from the ground up, taking in each of their strengths and weaknesses, personality types, and every bit of available information into consideration. At this point, you know that all you need is to break the ice and help them learn how their individuality can balance each other to create a healthy, productive team. Team building activities are a fun and effective approach to bringing a team together.

In that case, we can discuss the qualities of a productive team and the different types of team-building activities and follow up with a list of team-building activities that will bring your team closer together.

In this Blog,

1. Qualities of an Effective Team

2. Types of Team Building Activities

3. Team Building Activities the Bring your Team Together

Qualities of an Effective Team

Teams are brought together for a reason. They have tasks to complete and goals to reach. Good teams that work together have these qualities that enable them to reach those goals quickly and efficiently.

• There is clear leadership, guiding the team and connecting personal goals to the bigger picture goals.
• Assigned roles play a huge part in the effectiveness of a team, allowing each person to play to their strengths and strengthen their weaknesses.
• Open communication without fear of shame or reprimand allows team members to communicate effectively and get the job done.
• The team is able to collaborate while working through their differences.
• Not only does a good team have clear leadership, but they also have quality leadership. A team is only as efficient as the leader that guides them.
• Skilled team members drive their individual responsibilities forward with exactness and confidence.
• Positivity plays a huge role in team building. Teams that can work through negativity within the team can come out the other end with a tighter system of engagement.

Types of Team Building Activities

There are several different types of team-building activities that really correspond to the specific skill outcome you’re looking for. This can include getting to know activities that help break the ice, communication and collaboration activities that help the team learn how each member communicates. Problem-solving activities can also play a part in teaching the team to work together under pressure. There are even activities that can help align the team’s goals with the organization. So, with that in mind, here are some activities that you can use within your team to help bring them together.

Team Building Activities the Bring your Team Together

Below, you’ll find a short but diverse list of activities you can do with your team that will help you get to know each other on a deeper level. These activities can take a few minutes to a few hours and help you learn how to work as a team.

Solve a puzzle- Puzzles are simple things that can be done over time and with a larger group of people or as a solitary task, so they might not seem like a tool for team building. However, they can still offer insights into an individual and how they tackle a problem. Some people work from the outside in, completing the edges before ever touching the inside. Some people go for background pieces, and others go for focal points. Some like to sit down for extended periods of time and get it done fast, while others like to pick out a piece here and there and take longer to finish the project in general.

Host a brainstorming session- Brainstorming as one person can certainly get a job done, but brainstorming with a team can give a larger variety of ideas for a project, no matter what it is. Brainstorming sessions don’t necessarily have to do with a singular project. Instead, it can be something as simple as rearranging a room or coming up with ideas for a future potluck. Not only can it help start off a project, but it can also help you learn about a person’s background and how it fits into their work. By bringing together a variety of people with diverse backgrounds, you can also help create a more well-rounded final product.

Have a show and tell- Take time to have each team member boast of their accomplishments. It gives the group the opportunity to root for each other and learn what matters to others by what they’ve done and what they’re proud of. While simple, it gives the group an opportunity to engage in a positive way, and the more you can encourage that form of positivity, the better.

Complete a personality test- Personality tests offer valuable insights into individuals. Not only will it help the team understand the group they’re working with, but it will also help the person understand how they work and put logic behind certain personality traits. For instance, is one person a slow but consistent and steady worker? They complete tasks on time, sometimes ahead of schedule, with quality and efficiency. On the other hand, you may be working with a very fast worker that works well on a deadline. They’ll put the task off, but it will always get done, still with quality work. They just work differently than each other. Personality tests can put a reason behind this, and many other traits that can be a benefit to the team.

Play board games in the break room- Monopoly is known for tearing families apart for fun. Other board games, however, can be ongoing and bring groups together. Like the puzzle, you can place board games in the break room that can help the group learn how to work together and separately towards a common goal.

Untangle a human knot- The human knot is an engaging way to teach the group how to solve a problem together. Stand in a circle and have random team members connect hands. From there, twist and turn and go around, over, and under to untie the knot. Sometimes, it’s impossible due to the way that the hands are connected, but even when it doesn’t work out, and the group is still tangled together, it’s a fun bonding experience when the group realizes there’s no escape.

Do a silent line up- This task must be completed silently. Have the group line up by various indicators: height, weight, eye color, hair length, clothing color, etc. This activity can help the group learn new facts about each other, add a new challenge to the task, and have fun doing it.

Have a surprise task- Take the group out of their normal task set and have them complete an impromptu project, something that can be completed quickly but offers the same thrill of a game or activity in the sense of accomplishment they’ll get. Bonus points for added pressure like time constraints, and even bigger bonus points for making it a work-centric task.

Take classes together- Taking classes together is a fun way to get to know each other outside of the work environment. Cooking classes, exercise classes, pottery, etc. can all be fun learning experiences that add to both their overall development, as well as learn more about each other outside of work.

Create an office mix tape- Everybody likes music. Well, almost everybody does. Creating a mix tape has several benefits. First is that you can learn a lot about a person from their taste in music. The second is that you can have a list of music that works for everybody, like a soundtrack to the workplace.

Rotate desks- Rotate desks like musical chairs. Don’t arrange anything, and don’t take anything with you. Changing desks can be a fun way to learn about each other personally and professionally. A person’s desk can often be an outward expression of who they are individually, and trading places for a day can add valuable personal knowledge to the group dynamic.

Nobody can do everything alone. A team is one way that companies reach their overall goals. They use an individual’s strengths combined with another’s to develop long-lasting companywide success. However, teams don’t just learn how to work together in a day. It takes time and intention to learn how to work effectively together. The truth is team building exercises are often an overlooked method of building relationships within a team and can play a continual role in the professional development of a team’s ability to work together. You can use these fun and engaging activities to help your team create lasting professional relationships, develop critical skills, and teach your team how to work together to reach a unified goal. 

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 Associate 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.

The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback: Enhancing Team Dynamics

Giving and receiving feedback is an important part of working in any environment, from manufacturing to a corporate setting. Giving and receiving feedback is vital for the productivity and continued improvement of a team. Giving feedback takes effort to maintain a balance of constructive criticism while not hurting the feelings of the worker, and receiving feedback with grace and understanding with a mindset of improvement is a critical skill in the workplace.

Giving and receiving feedback is truly an art form. When done well, those involved can offer and accept it without causing negativity in the workplace. It's a very anxiety-inducing process, as this study shows, and we, as living organisms, require constant feedback from our surroundings and other humans to survive.

It's difficult to know where that balance is in your individual circumstance, but with the right understanding and continued practice, you'll learn the art of giving and receiving feedback with the intention of enhancing team dynamics in the workplace.

In this Blog,

1. The Purpose of Feedback in the Workplace

2. Feedback Versus Criticism

3. How do You Give Feedback in the Workplace?

4. How do You Receive Feedback in the Workplace?

5. Examples of Productive Feedback

The Purpose of Feedback in the Workplace

Feedback is a critical step in growing healthy and productive teams. Receiving feedback is a skill that's highly sought after in the workplace. Here are some ways that giving and receiving feedback helps the workplace environment.

Inspiring Growth- Feedback on both ends helps inspire personal growth. By explaining shortcomings in a positive way with a mindset of internalization and improvement, employees are able to understand areas of their work or personality that will be of better use to themselves and the team.

Giving Purpose to Processes- Feedback helps keep team members aligned with their goals and those of the team as a whole. By regularly evaluating a person's process and what could be improved, they can continuously track advancements toward team goals by using team metrics.

Improving Employee Engagement- In an environment where everybody understands how valuable feedback is and how to give and receive it without taking offense, the way the team works together is vastly changed from a team that does not. The team members are able to engage more effectively and comfortably with each other and do not fear stepping on toes.

Nurturing Workplace Relationships- Similarly, feedback helps improve workplace relationships by creating an environment where team members can freely be themselves without the fear of negative criticism. This allows the team to really get to know each other and learn to work well together.

Raise confidence levels- A team that knows that making mistakes is part of the job and that they'll receive corrective advice on any ill-completed task enables the team to make mistakes more freely and confidently. This type of positive engagement helps build a person's internal confidence with external validation.

Feedback Versus Criticism

It's important here to understand the difference between feedback and criticism. Criticism is observation based on personal expectation of another's shortcomings without the intention of improvement. Most people don't even realize that their criticism lacks the necessary parts that would change the conversation into a progressive one. With a small change, criticism can become constructive feedback. Offering ways to improve the way a worker completes a certain task enables the worker to understand ways that they could improve their production in the workplace. Without the key factor of improvement, well-meaning comments can come off as unjustified criticism.

How do You Give Feedback in the Workplace?

• Focus on the positive behaviors you see. Most of the time, feedback is based on what a person sees as wrong and wants to transform it into something that's right. However, that's not always the most effective approach. Wouldn't always hearing about your shortcomings start to get a little discouraging? For that reason, focusing on positive behaviors you see to foster improvement can be a much better tactic for providing feedback.

• Know why you're giving feedback. Have a specific purpose for the feedback, rather than just seeing something you don't like and stating it. We'll discuss this more in-depth when we get to the feedback methods, but for now, suffice it to say that having a clear goal for the feedback itself will make it more effective.

• Ask questions, be specific, and be timely. In order to make the most of an interaction, make sure you have all the details you need to make the conversation better. Perhaps the team member is going through a rough patch in their personal life, or perhaps they were simply unclear of specific instructions given. Knowing all of the facts of the scenario will help you understand the specific feedback required from you personally.

• Read the room. Offering feedback when emotions are high is a tricky thing to navigate. If you can wait to provide feedback, wait. If it would be better to provide feedback privately, do it. If it's necessary, make sure your wording is done in such a way as to keep from needlessly emotionally damaging somebody.

How do You Receive Feedback in the Workplace?

Receiving feedback with a level head is actually a highly sought-after skill in the workplace. Showing that you can internalize and use that feedback to improve the situation gives you an edge as early as the interview process. Here are a few ways to be on the receiving end of constructive criticism.

• Be receptive to constructive feedback and be willing to grow from it. Enough said.

• Request feedback when you know you need it. Don't just wait for your superiors to come to you with feedback. If there's a project you're working on that needs a little direction, or if you're trying to improve your workplace processes, ask. It shows initiative and that you're willing to accept feedback when given.

• Process the feedback for as long as it takes. Criticism can be hard to take. Even when given from a place of growth and positivity, negative feedback is a difficult thing to accept. We tend to shy away from trying to improve our faults, so when others talk about them directly, it can be difficult to handle. When possible, take time to process the comments before reacting negatively to them.

• Learn from your mistakes. Feedback is most often given because of a mistake made. Mistakes are always learning opportunities, and having another person there to offer their perspective on the situation further enables you to initiate and facilitate the feedback process.

• Be thankful for feedback. There is purpose behind the feedback given, and it's important to see it for what it is, even if it's not immediately clear. Oftentimes, even with tactless givers of feedback, the giver is not trying to step on your toes or cause hurt. Show your appreciation for the feedback by saying so.

• Don't feel obligated to implement feedback in its entirety. Sometimes, though given from a perspective of authority, the feedback isn't entirely necessary. Learn how to graciously accept and then forget the feedback if necessary. There are some scenarios in which the giver isn't entirely correct and sometimes doesn't have the entirety of the context necessary to give effective criticism. So, use what you can, show thanks for the feedback, and forget what's not necessary.

Examples of Productive Feedback

Here are two methods of offering feedback that eliminate unnecessary negativity in the feedback process.

The Compliment Sandwich- this one is pretty simple. Offer a compliment- "You're doing well here." Provide feedback, "I'd like to see improvement here." Offer another compliment-

"- but I see you working really hard on this."

The compliment sandwich works really well against people who don't take negative feedback easily.

Rosenberg Nonviolent Communication Method- This method focuses on stating your observation- "I see this working/not working,"- feelings- "This is how I feel based on those observations,"- needs- "This is what I need from you to improve,"- and requests. The request for improvement should be clear and concise, with concrete steps to take without being demanding.

When giving feedback, both of these methods are there to help express feelings and intention using non-escalating conversation methods to show both sides of the conversation their perspective.

Feedback is such a tricky area of a workplace dynamic because it can come from anybody at any time. It doesn't have to come from a boss or team leader. In fact, it could be a person lower on the totem pole than you. However, with the right mindset, you can take the feedback in a positive way and use it to benefit yourself and the team as a whole. Most times, those giving feedback do it from a positive place, and when done right, giving and receiving feedback can drastically improve team dynamics and workplace productivity.

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 Associate 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.

Prep Like a Pro for the FE Exam with Practice Problems

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a challenging yet rewarding exam that requires diligent preparation. An important part of that preparation is repeatedly simulating the actual exam day experience through practice tests. A simulation of the test-taking environment helps you become comfortable with the format, pacing, and pressure before tackling the real thing. Here in this blog are some tips to make your FE exam practice feel like the real deal.

In this Blog,

1. Choose Practice Problems Strategically

2. Strict Time Sections

3. Limit Resources

4. Take Strategic Breaks

5. Create Test Day Conditions

6. Use Proper Test Tools

7. Practice Stamina

8. Arrive Prepared

9. Keep Track of Errors

Choose Practice Problems Strategically

When selecting practice problems, target those similar in format and difficulty level to actual exam questions. To do so, utilize prep books, sample tests, and the multitude of online resources specifically tailored for the FE exam. Avoid practice questions that are overly simplistic or diverge too far from what you will encounter on test day. Stick to material representative of the rigor and style you will face.

Strict Time Sections

With 110 questions over a 6-hour time period, it may seem you have ample time to ponder each problem. However, this confidence can be deceiving; you must balance speed and accuracy strategically.

In an ideal world, every question would receive equal, methodical attention. Yet some problems will click immediately, while others necessitate more thought; rather than sticking doggedly to one pace, embrace the ebb and flow. Move briskly through questions you comprehend readily, banking time for those requiring careful analysis.

To maximize efficiency, first skim through the entire exam to identify low-hanging fruit. Answer these simpler questions first to build momentum and take advantage of peak mental freshness to tackle the remaining problems. Mark unfamiliar problems to revisit later with full concentration. This triage technique prevents getting bogged down early on unnecessarily.

With preparation, you will learn your strengths and weaknesses. Drill frequently on weak areas until your proficiency improves, develop an instinct through practice for when to pause on a problem versus power through it, and preserve time for review at the end to catch any careless errors.

The FE exam rewards both speed and discernment. Don’t treat every question equally, but rather allocate time proportional to difficulty. Adaptability and time management are essential complements to engineering know-how. With the right balanced strategy, you will demonstrate your technical competence efficiently.

Limit Resources

On exam day, you’ll only have access to limited supplies like a calculator, scratch paper, and the reference handbook. When practicing, only allow yourself these same resources. Don't rely on more outside aids than the test environment provides. This builds skills in quickly locating needed formulas and data.

Take Strategic Breaks

The FE exam has scheduled breaks between segments when you can stand up, have a snack, or use the restroom. Build similar brief pauses into practice tests to mimic the rhythm you'll experience on exam day. The short rests will help you stay focused without getting burned out.

Create Test Day Conditions

Finding or creating a quiet, distraction-free area to study and take your practice tests is important. This could be a desk in your bedroom, a study room at the library, or even just a clear table in your kitchen. The space should allow you to focus without disruptions from noises, other people, TVs/music, etc. Mimicking test day conditions where you'll be in a controlled environment focused on the exam.

Use Proper Test Tools

Invest in the approved calculator you’ll use on the FE to start practicing with it. Utilize scratch paper so you can simulate testing conditions where everything must fit within the space provided. Using the right tools regularly will ensure they feel natural on exam day.

Practice Stamina

It is a long, mentally draining exam day. Don't just drill practice problems for short intervals. Do full-length practice tests lasting 6 hours or more to simulate the required stamina and focus needed to persist through the FE marathon. Mimic exam day conditions down to the hour.

Arrive Prepared

Before practice tests, get plenty of rest, eat a healthy, filling meal, gather snacks, and hydrate thoroughly. Arrive early to your practice space so you can be seated, organized, calculator-ready, and mind-focused when you simulate the start time. This will help you be ready to hit the ground running on the actual test day.

Keep Track of Errors

Keeping diligent track of errors made during practice exams is arguably the most vital test prep technique. By logging each mistake and cross-referencing the topic, you can extract data-driven insights to guide efficient strengthening of weaknesses.

After every practice test, catalog wrong answers in a notebook or spreadsheet. Note the conceptual framework and skills required, not just the surface question. Seeing you missed questions about centrifugal pumps indicates a fluid dynamics knowledge gap. Miss multiple integral calculus problems? That points to a broader pre-calc deficiency.

Patterns will emerge, illuminating needs for review. Perhaps you consistently make algebra mistakes under time pressure. Or you struggle with interpreting geological maps. Use the quantified trouble areas to direct further practice. Revisit textbooks, notes, videos, and other resources to shore up those vulnerabilities.

This focused remediation helps boost competency efficiently. Additional practice questions on identified weak spots will sharpen skills through repetition. By fixating practice only on known flaws instead of reinforcing existing strengths, you maximize improvement per study hour.

As the exam nears, your error log highlights priorities for final review. In the last week, rework missed problem types intensely. Verify these former pitfalls have been conquered. This ensures critical knowledge gaps are sealed before test day.

Approaching prep as an iterative process of identifying and correcting errors builds exam readiness methodically. You are empowered by data, not guessing randomly where more work is required. Measure, analyze, and conquer deficiencies - this scientific method will best calibrate your preparation to ace the real test.

Conclusion

By repeatedly utilizing these tips to mimic real FE exam conditions during practice, you'll build comfort, endurance, and confidence for the big day. On test day, the experience will feel familiar, and you’ll be thoroughly prepared to demonstrate your engineering competence successfully. With strategic practice, you’ll be ready to pass this significant professional milestone.

Working through practice problems allows a student to prepare for the different types of questions on their exam, determine strengths and weaknesses, and develop their general test-taking skills. School of PE’s Question Bank is a great resource if you are looking to simulate your FE exam. We even offer monthly packages!

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 Create an FE Exam Schedule—and Stick to It!

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.

How to Create an FE Exam Schedule—and Stick to It!

1. Choose Your Exam Date Wisely

2. Understand the Exam Format

3. Self-Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses

4. Gather Your Study Materials

5. Map Out Your Study Schedule

6. Optimize Your Study Techniques

7. Set Up a Productive Study Space

8. Leverage Support Systems

9. Maintain Proper Work-Life Balance

10. Stay Organized and Motivated

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!

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.

What Are the Best Calculators for the FE Exam?

Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is required for engineering students and graduates to attempt the Professional Engineering (PE) exam and ultimately earn their PE license. Something crucial that all examinees need to keep in mind when preparing for the FE exam is what types of calculators they are allowed to use during the test. Knowing the FE exam calculator policy and bringing an approved model to the testing center is critical for solving exam problems efficiently and accurately. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the types of calculators permitted on the FE exam and the specific features and functionalities test takers can leverage to their benefit during the exam.

In this Blog,

1. FE Exam Calculator Policy Overview

2. NCEES-Approved Calculator Models

3. Key Calculator Functions for the FE Exam

4. Becoming Familiar with Your Calculator

5. What to Do If Your Calculator Isn’t Approved

6. Tips for Using Your Calculator Effectively

FE Exam Calculator Policy Overview

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which administers the FE exam, has strict policies regarding calculator use during the test; according to their rules, it is explicitly stated that examinees are only able to use NCEES-approved calculators during the exam. These permitted calculators have met specific guidelines and have features disabled that could provide an unfair advantage during testing. The NCEES calculator policy applies for both the pencil-and-paper and computer-based FE exams.

Attempting to use a non-approved calculator or one with features prohibited by the NCEES can result in your exam being voided. So, it is paramount to know which types of calculators you can and cannot use on exam day. The approved calculator list is updated periodically by NCEES, so make sure to check for the current list before your exam date. You also cannot share a calculator with another examinee during the actual test session.

The good news is that you can bring more than one approved calculator to the FE exam. Having an approved backup can help in case your primary calculator stops working or runs out of batteries during the exam. Just make sure both calculators meet NCEES requirements. Now, let’s explore the specific makes and models permitted by NCEES.

NCEES-Approved Calculator Models

The FE exam allows certain calculator models from recognized, reputable manufacturers like Texas Instruments, Casio, and Hewlett-Packard. Here are some of the most common NCEES-approved calculators used on the FE exam (NCEES, n.d.):

• Texas Instruments TI-30X and TI-30XS MultiView series
• Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro
• Casio FX-115 and FX-991EX series
• Hewlett-Packard HP 33s and HP 35s
• Casio FX-115ES Plus

These calculator models meet NCEES standards in terms of functionality and features. They provide common mathematical and scientific operations: basic arithmetic, exponents and roots, logarithms, trigonometry, and unit conversions. However, they do not have advanced capabilities like symbolic algebra, connectivity to other devices, data storage, or programs that could give exam-takers an advantage.

You’ll notice that graphing calculators and most programmable calculators are NOT permitted. Examples of calculators not allowed include the TI-89, TI-Nspire series, HP Prime, and Casio ClassPad. Most mobile devices and smart watches are also prohibited from the testing center. Make sure your calculator is on the NCEES pre-approved list, or you risk not being able to use it or having your exam invalidated.

Key Calculator Functions for the FE Exam

Using an NCEES-approved calculator enables you to perform key functions and calculations required on the FE exam. Here are some of the most helpful calculator features and functions for the FE test subjects:

• Basic arithmetic for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Fractions capabilities
• Squaring and square roots
• Cubing and cube roots
• Exponents and powers
• Logarithms and natural logarithms
• Trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent)
• Inverse trigonometric functions
• Hyperbolic trigonometric functions
• Degree and radian modes for working with angles
• Polar to rectangular coordinate conversion
• Base conversions between decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal
• Unit conversions

Engineering students and graduates spend years doing these types of mathematical calculations by hand. So, having a calculator that can perform them quickly and accurately is essential for efficiently solving FE exam problems.

Becoming Familiar with Your Calculator

Since using an approved calculator is such a vital part of the FE exam, it’s critical to become familiar with the permitted model you plan to use. You want the calculator operations and keystrokes to feel second nature on exam day rather than fumbling through the owner's manuals trying to find the right buttons during the test.

Here are some tips for getting acquainted with your calculator before your FE exam date:

• Work through calculator tutorials and operating manuals
• Practice inputting sample calculations and identifying result types
• Memorize the locations of often-used buttons and keys
• Go through batteries to ensure yours will last through the full exam session
• Reset your calculator to clear any stored data or variables
• Practice operating the calculator without looking at the keys to build muscle memory
• Make sure your calculator is the same model and has the same exam-legal settings as any backup you bring

The more familiar you become with utilizing your calculator before exam day, you’ll be able to spend all your time-solving problems instead of trying to figure out what you need to press to solve any equation.

What to Do If Your Calculator Isn’t Approved

If you already own a calculator but it’s not on the NCEES approved list, all hope isn’t lost. Here are some options:

• Exchange it for an approved model – Return or sell it and use the funds to buy a permitted calculator.
• Borrow an approved calculator – Ask classmates or professors if you can borrow a suitable calculator for your exam date.
• Rent an approved calculator – Some retailers offer calculator rentals for a small fee. Just remember to reset it before returning.
• Purchase an approved model – Buying a calculator on the NCEES list ensures you’ll have an exam-compliant option.

No matter which route you take, be sure to get an approved calculator in hand with enough time to get fully familiarized before your scheduled FE exam date. Using a calculator you’re not completely comfortable with can easily hinder your performance on a fast-paced exam like the FE.

Tips for Using Your Calculator Effectively

Here are some additional pointers to help you leverage your approved FE exam calculator as efficiently as possible:

• Keep it close at hand but out of your line of sight when working on problems. Glancing between the exam booklet and the calculator wastes precious time.
• Clear variables or memory between problems so values don’t carry over and create errors.
• Write down given data from problems to input into your calculator. Don’t rely on memorization.
• Use scratch paper to record button sequences instead of trying to remember long keystroke patterns.
• Use parentheses on your calculator when in doubt to properly group operations and avoid order of operations mistakes.
• Double-check your work and calculations before moving on to prevent careless errors.
• If stuck on a problem, try working it backward or breaking it into smaller pieces you can solve.

Getting fully comfortable with your FE exam calculator takes practice, so be sure to spend plenty of time leading up to your test date inputting sample calculations and familiarizing yourself with its operation. Doing so can give you a valuable advantage on exam day.

The Takeaway

Having a permitted NCEES-approved calculator to use on exam day is an absolute must for completing the FE exam successfully. Only designated models that don’t provide unfair advantages are allowed in the testing center. Be sure to purchase a compliant calculator with enough time to become completely familiar with it prior to your scheduled test date. Master its key functions and features through ample practice so the calculator feels like an extension of your own hand on exam day. With an approved calculator and the confidence to use it expertly, you’ll have one of the critical tools needed to demonstrate your engineering knowledge and pass the FE exam.

Master essential calculator techniques and problem-solving strategies for engineering success when you take a 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.