Greg graduated in 2008 with a degree in environmental engineering but didn’t prioritize passing the FE exam early in his career. Working in a job that didn’t require certification made it easy for him to delay taking the exam. However, after moving into a role at an engineering firm where a PE license was expected, Greg was motivated to get back on track.
What’s Your Background, and Why Did You Decide to Take the FE Exam?
“I had taken the FE exam as a junior in college and didn’t pass, but I didn’t fully appreciate what it meant for my career. After graduating, I got a job that didn’t require a PE or FE, so it was easy to let it slip by. Recently, I moved into a role at a firm where having a PE was expected. That’s how I found myself back on the path to taking the FE.”
What Challenges Did You Face in Getting Back Into Studying After So Long?
“It was overwhelming at first, but after watching some of your YouTube videos, I started to form a plan. I’m a perfectionist, so I tried to plan everything perfectly, but I realized that just starting with problems was more important than having everything perfect.”
How Did You Gather Your Study Resources?
“I used three main resources: your environmental course, a full 110-question practice exam from NCEES, and the new 50-question interactive practice exam they released.”
Greg put together a combination of resources to prepare for the FE exam, focusing on targeted tools like Genie Prep environmental Module and official practice exams. These materials gave him the foundation and confidence he needed to tackle the exam content more effectively.
Free resources to help you pass
How Did You Balance Studying with Your Job and Prevent Burnout?
“I studied from 6 to 8:30 AM before work, three times a week, plus longer sessions on the weekends. It was tiring, but I treated it like training—pushing my mind to focus for long periods.”
Balancing work and study was a challenge, but Greg committed to early morning study sessions before work and additional weekend time. He treated it like training for an event, focusing on building mental stamina. Despite the fatigue, this disciplined approach allowed him to maintain a steady study schedule.
How Did You Manage Stress and Prepare for Exam Day?
“I was definitely nervous, but I set my exam for 8 AM, which is when I’d been studying. I tried to keep the same routine, did a light review the night before, and got some rest, though I only slept for a couple of hours. By the time I got to the exam, adrenaline kicked in, and I felt prepared.”
I would have spent less time on difficult questions in the afternoon section and focused on answering the easier ones quickly. I also wish I had taken a timed practice exam.
Greg, Civil Engineer E.I.T.
What Was Your Strategy During the Exam?
“I flagged questions I wasn’t sure about and focused on solving the ones I knew. For subjects I was weak in, like probability, I didn’t spend too much time studying. Instead, I focused on my strengths, like hydrology.”
Looking Back, Is There Anything You Would Do Differently?
“I would have spent less time on difficult questions in the afternoon section and focused on answering the easier ones quickly. I also wish I had taken a timed practice exam.”
Looking back, Greg realized that time management was crucial. He spent too long on difficult questions, especially in the afternoon section, which impacted his ability to answer easier ones quickly.
How Did It Feel to Pass the FE Exam and Become an EIT?
“I found out I passed while waiting for an eye doctor’s appointment, and I started tearing up. It was such a relief after all the work I put in.”
What’s Next? Which PE Exam Do You Plan to Take?
“I’m planning to take the PE Civil with a focus on Water Resources and Environmental. It aligns with the work I’m doing now.”
What Advice Would You Give to Others Preparing for the FE Exam?
“First, having a review course like yours was essential. Second, having a strong ‘why’ to push you through tough times. And third, there’s no shortcut—you have to put in the time and effort.”
