Pursuing a career in engineering can be overwhelming, especially when facing challenges like the FE exam. That’s why we’re sharing inspiring stories from individuals who have overcome obstacles on their path to becoming licensed professionals. We hope these stories remind you that perseverance and the right strategies and materials can lead to success, no matter how difficult the journey.
Today’s story is from Marvin, a determined engineer who persevered through multiple setbacks to finally pass his FE exam and advance in his career. The following blog post has been adapted from a video interview, which you can watch here.
Why Did You Decide to Take the FE Exam?
Free resources to help you pass
What Challenges Did You Face While Preparing for the FE Exam?
“With the School of PE, they had a lot of information on there, but I felt like some of it wasn’t relevant to what was being tested on the exam. For a while, I felt like I just wasn’t. I was never a great test taker, and I always had a fear of standardized tests. And passing this exam empowered me to know, like, I can do this. Like, I’m smarter than I think I am. You just feel a pressure. You just feel like, man, I gotta hurry up and do this. And sometimes, you know, if you’re trying to rush through things, quantity over quality, that can be really bad.”
Marvin’s journey to passing the FE exam was marked by several significant challenges. One of the primary obstacles he faced was finding study materials that were truly relevant and effective. While using resources like the School of PE, Marvin realized that much of the content wasn’t directly applicable to the exam, which left him feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to focus his efforts.
Additionally, Marvin struggled with a longstanding fear of standardized tests, which made the prospect of the FE exam even more daunting. This fear was compounded by the pressure he felt to pass the exam quickly, especially given the expectations from his job. The sense of urgency often led him to rush through his studies, prioritizing quantity over quality, which ultimately hindered his progress. This rushed approach made it difficult for Marvin to grasp the foundational concepts he needed to succeed.
How Did You Handle Failing the FE Exam Multiple Times?
Marvin’s experience of failing the FE exam multiple times was a significant emotional and mental challenge. Each failure came as a shock, especially after he felt confident following his first attempt. Sharing the news with his wife, who was his biggest supporter, was particularly difficult, as he felt the weight of not just his own expectations but also the pressure from his job. The job pressure added another layer of stress, as passing the FE exam was crucial for his career advancement.
Despite the setbacks, Marvin found that each failure was a learning experience. He began to see that there were gaps in his foundational knowledge that needed to be addressed before he could pass the exam. This realization forced him to take a step back and reassess his approach to studying. Instead of rushing through the material, Marvin understood that he needed to spend more time solidifying his understanding of the core concepts.
Each time I failed, it made me want it even more. It was like a carrot being dangled in front of me—I was determined to get it.
Marvin J, Civil Engineer
What Changes Did You Make in Your Study Approach After Your Initial Attempts?
“After failing the exam a couple of times, I realized that I was rushing through the material and not fully understanding the concepts. So, I decided to make some changes. I started focusing on the fundamentals, really taking the time to understand the core principles. I also switched up my study resources. I found your videos on YouTube, and they were concise, to the point, and relevant to what was on the actual test. The focus on the reference manual was huge for me, as it helped me get familiar with it, which is essential for passing the exam.”
After his initial attempts at the FE exam, Marvin knew he had to make significant changes to his study approach. His previous strategy of rushing through the material without fully grasping the underlying concepts was clearly not working. Recognizing this, Marvin shifted his focus to mastering the fundamentals, understanding that a strong grasp of the core principles was essential to passing the exam.
One of the most impactful changes Marvin made was in the study resources he used. After struggling with materials that were either too broad or not directly applicable to the FE exam, Marvin discovered a more effective study tool—concise, relevant videos that specifically targeted the exam content. These videos, which were clear and to the point, resonated with Marvin’s learning style and helped him better retain the information.
Additionally, Marvin placed a stronger emphasis on familiarizing himself with the FE exam reference manual. He realized that understanding how to navigate this manual during the exam was crucial. By integrating this manual into his study sessions, Marvin became more comfortable using it as a resource, which significantly improved his efficiency and confidence during the actual exam.
How Did You Maintain Motivation After Multiple Setbacks?
“Each time I failed, it made me want it even more. It was like a carrot being dangled in front of me—I was determined to get it. My wife was a huge support, always motivating and inspiring me, even when I didn’t feel confident. I also had to remind myself why I started this journey in the first place. I’ve always been determined; I’ve faced a lot of adversity in my life, and this was just another challenge I had to overcome. I knew that if I gave up, I’d never see the end result, and all the work I had put in would be for nothing.”
Maintaining motivation after multiple setbacks was no easy task for Marvin, but it was his determination and support system that kept him going. Each failure, rather than discouraging him, fueled his resolve to succeed. Marvin likened the experience to chasing after a goal that was always just out of reach, but this only made him more determined to finally achieve it.
A significant source of his motivation came from his wife, who was his constant source of encouragement and inspiration. Even when Marvin’s confidence wavered, she believed in him and provided the emotional support he needed to keep pushing forward.
Marvin also drew motivation from his own life experiences. Having faced various forms of adversity before, he saw the FE exam as another challenge that, while difficult, could be overcome with perseverance. His determination was deeply rooted in a desire to prove to himself that he could achieve this goal. He knew that giving up was not an option—doing so would mean that all his previous efforts would have been in vain.
What Study Resources and Strategies Were Most Effective for You?
After several unsuccessful attempts, Marvin revamped his study approach by incorporating more effective resources and strategies. One of the most impactful changes he made was shifting to concise, targeted study materials, particularly YouTube videos that were directly relevant to the FE exam content. These resources provided clear explanations and were specifically designed to help him grasp the concepts that would appear on the exam.
A key strategy that Marvin adopted was mastering the use of the FE reference manual. He realized that familiarity with this manual was crucial for efficiently navigating the exam, saving valuable time, and increasing his accuracy. By integrating the reference manual into his study sessions, Marvin became more adept at using it during the test, which contributed significantly to his eventual success.
Marvin also changed his focus from merely solving problems quickly to truly understanding the underlying concepts and processes. He recognized that memorizing formulas or rushing to get answers wasn’t enough. Instead, he concentrated on understanding each step of the process, with particular attention to the units involved. Marvin identified that his mistakes with units were a major source of lost points in previous attempts, so he made them a central focus of his study sessions.
How Did Passing the FE Exam Impact Your Career and Confidence?
“Passing this exam empowered me to know, like, I can do this. I’m smarter than I think I am. It gave me more confidence within my career and more leverage in the job market. Now, I feel like I can be taken more seriously at work. They see that I’ve put in the work, and it shows my dedication. It also gives me a better outlook on pursuing my PE license in the future. Passing the FE has made me believe that the sky’s the limit.”
Passing the FE exam had a profound impact on both Marvin’s career and his self-confidence. After struggling with the exam multiple times, finally achieving success was a powerful affirmation of his abilities. Marvin realized that he was capable of more than he had previously believed, and this newfound confidence extended into his professional life.
With the FE exam behind him, Marvin felt that he had more leverage in the job market. No longer burdened by the anxiety of not having passed the exam, he knew that he could now pursue better opportunities and be taken more seriously by employers. This accomplishment not only demonstrated his technical skills but also showcased his dedication and perseverance—qualities that are highly valued in any workplace.
At his current job, passing the FE exam helped Marvin gain greater respect from his colleagues and superiors. They recognized the effort he had put into earning his EIT certification, which reflected his commitment to his role and his potential for future growth. This achievement also opened up new career possibilities, as Marvin began to seriously consider pursuing his PE license.
What Advice Would you Give to Others who are Struggling with the FE exam?
“Focus on the concepts. Focus on the units. Don’t get so caught up in just trying to find the answer because you want to be done with the problem. Really understand the process. Quality over quantity is key. Spend time on the subjects you struggle with, even if it takes you weeks to get through one topic—it’s worth it. Learn the reference handbook inside out because it’ll save you time during the exam. And most importantly, don’t rush. This isn’t a process you can speed through. Take your time, be thorough, and keep pushing forward.”
Marvin’s journey to passing the FE exam was anything but easy, and the lessons he learned along the way have shaped the advice he offers to others who are struggling. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on understanding the core concepts rather than simply trying to get through the material quickly. For Marvin, the shift from a “quantity over quality” mindset to a more thorough, concept-driven approach was crucial. He advises that even if it takes weeks to master a particular topic, the deep understanding gained is invaluable.
Another key piece of advice Marvin offers is to pay close attention to units. Throughout his study journey, he found that many of his mistakes were due to incorrect unit conversions or misinterpretations, which cost him points on the exam. By making units a central focus of his practice, he was able to significantly improve his accuracy.
Marvin also stresses the importance of familiarizing yourself with the FE reference handbook. Knowing where to find information quickly and efficiently during the exam can save valuable time and reduce stress. He suggests that this familiarity can be a game-changer, particularly under the pressure of the exam environment.
