FE-eling Flustered? Top 6 Blunders to Avoid on the FE Exam
May 03, 2024Achieving your Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification is the
crucial first step towards achieving your Professional Engineering (PE)
license. As such, the FE exam can seem incredibly daunting. Proper test-taking
preparations and a strong understanding of the material can significantly
reduce the chances of you making some of the common mistakes
others have made. This blog will attempt to explore some of the most common
pitfalls that examinees encounter and provide valuable insights on how to avoid
and overcome them. By implementing these strategies, you will be better
equipped to conquer the FE exam and pave the way for a successful engineering
career.
Top 6 Blunders to Avoid on the FE Exam
Identifying Mistakes
Let’s go over the six most
common mistakes that many test takers make during their first go at the FE:
underestimating the exam, unfamiliarity with the exam materials, poor time
management, neglecting hands-on practice, overlooking review materials, and
forgoing health. While not a complete list of every pitfall you may face when
preparing for the FE, this guide is here to identify and manage the ones you
are most likely going to encounter.
1. Underestimating the Importance of Exam
SpecificationsWhether it is
due to overconfidence or inexperience with the FE, a significant mistake many
examinees make is disregarding the exam specifications. An exam outline is
available at the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
(NCEES) website; looking at it, it clearly defines the content areas and their
respective weights. To avoid wasting any of your time and effort on irrelevant
and low-impact material, thoroughly review the respective exam specifications.
By understanding which topics carry
greater weight, you can prioritize your study plan accordingly. Devote more
time to mastering the areas that have a higher percentage of questions on the
exam, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the content that matters most.
2. Insufficient Familiarity with Reference
Materials
While obvious,
an incredibly common mistake many make is failing to familiarize themselves
with the reference materials allowed during the exam. The NCEES will provide
you with a comprehensive list of approved usable resources, including
equations, tables, and other information needed for immediate lookup.
Neglecting to study and practice using
the available reference handbook can hinder your performance during the exam;
not familiarizing yourself with the handbook will take away more of your
precious time to find the relevant information for certain questions. This is
why it is highly advised that you take the time to review and understand the
contents of the approved reference materials. In doing so, you efficiently
navigate the necessary information to solve problems accurately.
3. Inadequate Time Management
Identify the
topics and questions that require more of your time and become accustomed to
working through them as efficiently as possible within the allocated time
frame. Additionally, during the actual exam, consider specifying a set amount
of time for each section and question, allowing you to stay on track and
complete the exam without wasting seconds.
4. Neglecting Hands-On Problem Solving
Merely
memorizing concepts and formulas without applying them to practical problems is
a recipe for failure. The FE exam is designed to assess your ability to solve
real-world engineering problems, so while the questions may be similar to those
you may see on your practice test, the questions will be varied enough that you
cannot simply just remember what the answer may be.
Dedicate ample
time to practicing actual practice problems, solving multiple workbooks, and
redoing each problem several times. This hands-on approach can improve your
understanding of each concept, strengthen your critical thinking skills, and
familiarize yourself with the exam format. Actively solving problems will
enhance your ability to identify the correct approach, apply relevant formulas,
and arrive at accurate solutions efficiently.
5. Overlooking Exam Strategies and
Techniques
While technical knowledge is essential,
understanding effective exam strategies and techniques is equally crucial.
Ignoring these strategies can hinder your ability to answer questions
efficiently and accurately. To maximize your performance, familiarize yourself
with common exam strategies. For instance, carefully read each question to
fully grasp what is being asked before jumping into the solution. By
eliminating obviously incorrect choices, you can narrow down the options and
improve your chances of selecting the correct answer. Additionally, employing the
process of elimination when unsure increases the probability of selecting the
right answer. Practice these strategies during your exam preparation to develop
a systematic approach to problem-solving that will save time and reduce errors.
6. Neglecting Physical and Mental Well-Being
Preparing for
the FE exam can be mentally and physically demanding. Neglecting self-care can
lead to burnout, stress, and decreased performance. It is crucial to maintain a
healthy lifestyle throughout your exam preparation. Ensure that you are getting
enough sleep to rest and recharge your mind. Regular exercise, even a short
walk or stretching, can help improve blood circulation and enhance cognitive
function. Fuel your body with nutritious meals to support optimal brain
function. Take breaks during your study sessions to engage in activities you
enjoy, such as hobbies or spending time with friends and family. These breaks
will help alleviate stress, increase focus, and prevent burnout. Prioritizing
your well-being will contribute to a clear mind, heightened concentration, and
overall better exam performance.
Conclusion
Passing the FE exam is a significant
milestone for aspiring engineers. By avoiding the common mistakes discussed in
this blog and implementing the suggested strategies, you can enhance your
chances of success and approach the exam with confidence. Thoroughly reviewing
exam specifications, familiarizing yourself with reference materials, managing
your time effectively, practicing hands-on problem-solving, employing effective
exam strategies, and prioritizing your physical and mental well-being are key
elements to excel in the FE exam. With a strategic approach and diligent
preparation, you can conquer the FE exam and set yourself on the path towards a
rewarding engineering career.
Looking for a
comprehensive FE exam prep solution? Check out School of PE’s FE exam prep courses to access our top-rated tools and resources
designed to help you pass!
About the Author: Khoa Tran
Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.
