6 Misconceptions about the FE Exam that will Surprise You!
What are some of the things you’ve been told about the FE? Maybe that it’s easy? Advice on which discipline to take because it’s easier? Or which resources guarantee that you pass?
Today, we will unlock the 6 biggest misconceptions about the FE exam. Understand these and you’ll be on your way to passing faster.
Misconception #1: The FE exam is easy, and you just need one week to study for it.
FALSE!
It’s not accurate to say that the FE is easy based on other people’s experiences. Everyone has different study habits and test-taking skills, and what works for someone else may not work for you.
To put it in perspective, the FE Civil Exam only has a 62% pass rate and continues to go down year after year.
The FE is a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge of all the fundamentals of engineering. You have to put in the hard work and dedication to pass.
It’s important to find the time to study, practice healthy habits, and understand concepts to pass your FE faster!
Misconception #2: FE Other Disciplines is easiest
That’s not necessarily true!
Look at specifications, pass rate, and your educational background when deciding which FE exam you want to take. For example, if you have a civil engineering degree, FE civil will probably be easier. On the other hand, if your background is in Mechanical engineering, FE Mechanical is the way to go.
Check out this article where I go more in-depth into which FE to take.
Misconception #3: You can bring your cheat sheet with you to the FE exam.
This is not true.
Although we recommend creating a cheat sheet, it is just to help you remember the essential equations and concepts not provided to you in the reference manual.
We also have created a cheat sheet that has all the equations and concepts that you should know for your exam, if you’re interested, you can download it here.
Misconception #4: The Lindeburg book is the best.
Not necessarily true. But that’s also not to say that the review manual isn’t a great resource.
Your resources can be what is stopping you from passing the exam and excelling in your career faster. So you have to find what works for you.
After talking to hundreds of students, many of them who started with the Lindeburg book, they say that there are other resources that they found more helpful.
Don’t stay on a path that’s not leading you to your ultimate goal. Ask yourself, are you overwhelmed, lost, confused, or not progressing? If so – that’s okay!
Now it’s time to change your resources and get on the right journey that leads you to passing the FE in less than 4 months, not 4 years! Our students did and so can you!
If you want to challenge your resources and make sure that they are the best ones for you, I made a quiz to help you determine; click here to take it.
Misconception #5: You cannot take your PE right away.
It’s not always true! You might be unaware of this, but some states are allowing engineers to take the PE exam before they complete the 4 years of experience.
I recommend preparing for the PE soon after you pass your FE, so everything is fresh in your mind. It’s a little out of order, but I really suggest doing it this way. Maybe take a week or two so that you don’t feel burned out, then start working towards your PE.
Contact the NCEES for more information.
We have a student, Malik, who went from failing his FE 7 times to passing his FE and his PE in less than 6 months. He found it easier to go straight into preparing for the PE since some of the subjects overlap.
Misconception #6: You have to have an engineering degree to take the FE.
Not exactly, but also depends on your state. You are allowed to take the FE exam without an engineering degree, as long as you have graduated. Some states even allow you to take it without a college degree at all if you have a certain amount of experience. Similarly to the PE.
We have a student, Emily, that got a business degree and decided to take her FE to become an engineer. She bought our courses, studied for 5 months, and passed her FE exam on her first attempt.
Just make sure to research the requirements for your state on the NCEES website.
The FE exam may not be easy, but knowing what to look out for will help you build a simpler, faster, and smarter journey. If you’re looking for tips, tricks, and free study material, be sure to sign up for our newsletter below.
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