Crush Your FE Exam in 2025: A Goal-Setting Guide

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a major milestone on your path to becoming a licensed professional engineer. Preparing for and passing this exam requires focus, dedication, and an effective strategy. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to a goal-setting approach that can help you stay on track and achieve success in 2025.

The WOOP Method: Your Key to Success

The WOOP method: Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan. This is a research-backed strategy that helps you turn aspirations into actionable goals. It goes beyond mere motivation by encouraging “mental contrasting,” where you envision both the success you want to achieve and the challenges you might face. This approach boosts your motivation and equips you with a clear roadmap.

Let’s explore the four key steps of the WOOP method:

1. Wish: Define Your Goal

Start by setting a specific, realistic goal for passing the FE exam. Your goal should challenge you but also be achievable within your timeframe. For example, your wish might be:

“I want to pass the FE exam within the next six months and earn my Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.”

Having a clear goal gives you direction and purpose.

2. Outcome: Visualize Success

Imagine what achieving your goal will look and feel like. Think about how passing the FE exam will positively impact your career, boost your confidence, and provide new opportunities. Picture yourself celebrating your success and the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with it.

3. Obstacle: Identify Challenges

Recognizing potential roadblocks ahead of time helps you stay prepared. Consider both internal and external obstacles that could disrupt your study routine.

Internal challenges:

• Feeling too tired after work to study consistently
• Losing motivation when progress seems slow

External challenges:

• Balancing study time with family responsibilities
• Unexpected work deadlines or other commitments

4. Plan: Develop Strategies to Overcome Challenges

Once you’ve identified potential obstacles, create strategies to tackle them head-on. Use an “if-then” approach to anticipate and address challenges.

Proactive Strategies:

• If the house is quiet early in the morning, then I will use that time for focused study sessions.
• If I feel overwhelmed with family responsibilities, then I will discuss a support plan with my family, like sharing household duties or setting dedicated study hours.
• If I struggle to stay motivated, then I will set weekly goals and celebrate small milestones to keep myself on track.

Reactive Strategies:

• If an unexpected work deadline cuts into my study time, then I will adjust my schedule and focus on high-priority topics in shorter sessions.
• If family responsibilities become too demanding, then I will communicate with my family to ask for temporary support or uninterrupted study periods.

Take Action and Stay Committed

Success requires more than motivation. It takes realistic planning and consistent effort. By using the WOOP method and adapting it to your own situation, you can set yourself up for success in 2025. Stay focused, stay flexible, and make this year the one where you conquer the FE exam!