School of PE Blog

The FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering Exam) is the first step to becoming a professional engineer in the United States. Passing this 6-hour long exam opens up the opportunity to apply for your PE (Professional Engineer) license after accruing the required years of engineering experience. The FE exam tests your competency in the fundamentals of engineering and is generally taken by students close to completing an undergraduate engineering degree or by practicing engineers soon after graduation.

Preparing adequately for the FE exam is crucial, as you only get one attempt per testing window. You cannot afford to forget any of the required items on exam day, or you risk not being allowed to test or reduce your chances of passing. Here are some tips on what to bring to ensure your FE exam day goes smoothly:

1. Admission Ticket It is paramount that you do not forget your printed admission ticket, as you will not be allowed to take the exam without it. Your ticket comes with a 7-digit identification number, which you will need to sign in to the exam. Make sure to have this ticket ready when you arrive at the exam center, as you will have to present it several times to gain access to the testing room.
2. Valid ID Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the exam center. Only original IDs like driver's licenses, passports, or military IDs are allowed, no photocopies. The first and last name on your ID must match what is on your admission ticket, otherwise you will be rejected from the exam center. Ensure your ID is not expired to prevent any issues.
3. Calculator Most FE exams allow simple 4-function, scientific, or graphing calculators. Your specific calculator model must be approved by NCEES - check their website for the exhaustive list. Make sure the batteries are fresh, and for extra measure, bring spare batteries too. For full redundancy, carry an extra calculator in case your main calculator encounters a malfunction.
4. Light Snacks The FE exam is a grueling 6-hour mental marathon. Take light snacks like energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit to eat quickly during the one scheduled break. This will keep your energy and blood sugar levels up through the exam. Avoid messy or strong-smelling foods for the sake of your peers.
5. Layers of Clothing Exam room temperatures can be unpredictable. Wear layers so you can adjust for comfort as needed. A sweater, jacket, or scarf you can take on and off prevents you from getting chilled or distracted.
6. Eyeglasses If you need vision correction, carry an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. You cannot afford your only pair breaking or lenses getting dislodged during the exam. Also, take prescribed medicines, eye drops, contact lens solution, etc.
7. Hair Tie If you have long hair that could potentially cover your eyes or get in your face, carry a hair tie or headband. You don't want loose hair distracting you and breaking your concentration during the FE exam.

Since 2016, the FE exam has moved to the new computer-based testing (CBT) format in which tests are done digitally instead of using paper. You do not need to bring the FE Reference Handbook in print form because the reference handbook will also be provided as a searchable PDF on the computer screen during the exam. This transition to CBT allows for an improved testing experience with greater scheduling flexibility and faster exam results. Just make sure you are very familiar with using the handbook in its digital form, including performing keyword searches, bookmarking pages, zooming in on figures, etc. Being adept at navigating the electronic reference handbook can save you precious time during the exam.

In summary, being well prepared with all required items on exam day allows you to focus your mental energy on answering the actual engineering questions. Familiarize yourself with the rules of what is allowed at your specific exam center to avoid issues. With some thoughtful planning and these helpful tips, you can walk into your FE exam feeling ready - your first step towards the coveted PE credential. Stay calm, trust your preparation, and good luck!

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