How to study for the FE Exam
For anyone trying to prepare for the FE exam, the presentation slides shown below gives you the most important general steps you will need to follow to pass the FE exam. In summary,
Why should you take the FE exam?Â
- Passing the FE exam is the first for the PE certification process.
- Passing the FE exam is usually required for any “entry-level engineering position”.
- Passing the FE exam will allow you to register as an engineer-in-training (EIT).
- You can register for the FE exam by creating an account here: https://account.ncees. orq/reqister
How long should you study for the FE exam?Â
- If you are a recent graduate, take the FE exam as soon as possible. You will probably only need to study 1 month since most of the material is fresh to you.
- If you are taking the FE exam a few years after graduating, we recommend that you set up a study plan for 3 months.
- If you are taking the FE exam a few years after graduating AND you are needing to balance our personal/family responsibilities, make sure to study for at least 6 months.
How to study for the FE exam?
- Download the latest FE Handbook as a PDF version from the NCEES website. Make sure you only use the PDF version and not the hard copy!
- Prepare and familiarize yourself with the topics listed for your discipline. Make sure to cover only these topics as listed under “exam specifications” as listed on this page: https://ncees.org/engineering/fe/
- Buy an approved NCEES calculator and know how to use it effectively.
- Study updated material for the 2021 FE exam.
- Join or create a study group to keep yourself motivated and to bounce off ideas regarding FE exam-type questions. You can also join discussion groups such as reddit forums: https://www.reddit.com/r/FE_Exam/
- If you need the extra ONE on ONE support, you can always find a tutor.
- Make sure to create a study plan adapted to your lifestyle. It is crucial that you stick to the study plan but always remember you will have off days. What really matters, is forming the habit of study for the exam.
- Make sure to take breaks and enjoy activities you find relaxing. This is a necessary step for absorbing information and gaining a so-called “fresh perspective”.
- Don’t compare yourself to others, because this is your journey, and always remember you are doing this for yourself. So take slow and stick to a study you created for yourself.
