“Some people might not need to study for the FE exam and they’re just naturally good at taking tests, but I feel like for the majority of us, we do need to study for the FE exam; we do need to prepare for it.”

The thing is, the FE exam has changed over the years. It’s got more conceptual questions now, and based on feedback from hundreds of students and the NCEES interactive practice exam, it’s clear that the difficulty has gone up.

If I had to take the FE exam in 2025, would I study differently?

Absolutely.

Studying for the FE Exam as a Recent Graduate

If you just graduated and crushed your classes, studying for the FE exam might not be too bad. But don’t just wing it. Here’s what I’d do:

1. Use Your College Notes – These are gold for reviewing the fundamentals.
2. Look at the NCEES Exam Specifications – So you’re studying what actually matters.
3. Watch Some YouTube Videos – I watched Professor Gregory Mickelson’s videos. They’re long, but super helpful.
4. Use a FE Prep Course – Something like PrepFE, which has practice questions designed for the exam.

“College notes are great for understanding concepts, but they’re not always tailored for the FE exam. PrepFE offers questions specifically designed for it.”

The biggest thing? Do a ton of practice problems. And I mean a ton. Back when I took the exam, there weren’t many good practice exams available. But now, there are plenty of options.

What If You’ve Been Out of School for a While?

If it’s been three or more years since you graduated or you didn’t go to school in the U.S., your study plan is going to be different.

Step 1: Consider an FE Prep Course

First thing I’d do? See if my company will cover the cost of an FE prep course. A lot of companies will actually pay for it. If they won’t, I’d pay for it myself, but I’d be picky. Here’s what I’d look for:

• On-demand instead of live courses – Live classes are pricey, and after a long day of work, I wouldn’t want to sit through a three-hour lecture.
• Short, to-the-point lectures – No one wants to sit through hours of unnecessary material.
• Step-by-step video solutions – It’s way easier to learn when someone walks you through the problems.
• At least 6 months of access – So I don’t feel rushed.
• A single instructor or two max – Too many instructors just make it harder to adjust to their teaching style.
• A pass guarantee – But I’d read the fine print before trusting it.
• Good support – I’d email the course providers to see who actually responds quickly.

“One mistake I see students make is repeating the same study methods while expecting different results. If you fail, you need to analyze why and adjust your approach.”

Step 2: Build a Study Routine

If you work full-time, studying before work can be a game changer. I used to wake up early and study for two hours before heading to my construction job. That way, I was fresh and focused.

Best FE Exam Resources

Whether you’re taking FE Civil, FE Mechanical, or Other disciplines, these are some solid resources:

• Genie Prep – Short lectures, lifetime access, and solid video walkthroughs.
• Civil Engineering Academy – Focused on FE Civil.
• Direct Hub – Worth checking out for structured study plans.

Final Thoughts

No matter what route you take – college notes, a FE prep course, or practice exams – the key is doing tons of problems. That’s how you actually learn.

If you want a full roadmap on what to study, how to stay consistent, and how to actually pass this exam in 2025, check out our FE Exam playlist on Youtube.

No matter your background or how long it’s been since you last studied, the right FE exam prep resources are out there for you. Whether it’s a structured course, practice exams, or simply refining your study strategy, the key is consistency and persistence. The FE exam is a challenge, but it’s one you can absolutely overcome with the right approach. Stay focused, keep pushing toward your goals, and trust the process.

You’ve got this—2025 is your year to pass the FE exam!