What to Know Before You Take the FE Exam
Dec 13, 2024
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a daunting task for any engineering student or recent engineering graduate. The test day will bring about additional levels of stress and intimidation, especially if you don't know what to expect. This blog post will walk you through what to expect and how to fully prepare for FE exam day.
Arriving at the Testing Center
Make sure you know exactly where your designated testing center is located and how to get there. Ensure that before you head off to the test site, you give yourself ample time to account for traffic, parking, finding the test room, etc. It's always better to arrive much earlier than risk being late and missing your scheduled exam time.
It is crucial that you bring a valid photo ID to show the test proctors when you arrive. This can be a driver's license, passport, or student ID as long as it has your name, photo, and signature. The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your FE exam registration.
Security at the testing center will be similar to airport TSA screening. You will need to empty your pockets and walk through a metal detector. The proctors may search your belongings as well. Prohibited items include phones, food/drink, notes, watches, and anything that could provide an unfair advantage. Lockers are typically provided to store personal items while taking the exam.
Starting the Exam
When it is time to begin, proctors will check you in, verify your ID, give instructions, and escort you to a testing station. Stations will include a cubicle with a computer, a writing surface, and an erasable markerboard. Noise-canceling headphones may be provided or allowed.
You'll have an online calculator and searchable digital FE reference handbook available in the exam software. Scratch paper and pencils are not permitted. Anything written will be collected by proctors at the end.
The FE exam duration is 6 hours total. This includes:
- 2 minutes of nondisclosure agreement
- 5 hours and 20 minutes for actual exam completion
- 25-minute scheduled break
Pacing Yourself
With only 5 hours and 20 minutes to answer 110 questions, you will need to keep up a steady pace. Don't spend too much time stuck on any single problem. Mark it for review and come back later if needed. Keep moving forward through the exam efficiently. Take breaks during sections if needed, but be aware of the clock.
Some people prefer to answer all the questions they know first. Others like to go in order, skipping unknowns. Find the strategy that works best for you. Just be careful not to fall behind. The computer will warn you when 10 minutes remain.
Exam Sections
The exact topics on the FE vary slightly depending on the engineering discipline. However, all exams cover the same general knowledge areas:
- Mathematics - approx. 11-15 questions
- Ethics and Business Practices - 5 questions
- Engineering Economics - 5-10 questions
- Statics - 5-10 questions
- Dynamics - 5-10 questions
- Mechanics of Materials - 5-10 questions
- Materials - 5-10 questions
- Fluid Mechanics - 5-10 questions
- Electricity and Magnetism - 5-10 questions
- Thermodynamics - 5-10 questions
- Engineering Sciences - 10-15 questions
- Have a strategic plan for how much time to allocate to each section based on your strengths/weaknesses. Stick to your plan.
- The ethics, engineering economics, and business practice questions tend to be shorter and more straightforward. Make sure to take advantage of these quicker points.
- Use the searchable reference handbook efficiently when needed. Don't waste time trying to memorize equations.
Discipline-Specific Knowledge - Remaining questions
Use your scratch paper liberally when working through more complex quantitative problems. Don't try doing everything in your head. Write out the given data, your steps, sketches, etc., to avoid simple mistakes.
Review and Submit
About 10-15 minutes before exam end time, the software will prevent you from moving forward. Use this time to review skipped questions, check previous work, and fill in any blank answers. Make sure you have answered every question before ending the exam. There is no penalty for guessing on the FE exam.
When you are ready, the software will prompt you to submit your test. Once submitted, you cannot go back and change answers. You will be escorted from the testing center, and your exam will be scored electronically. Results are provided within 7-10 business days.
What to Bring on Exam Day- Valid Photo ID
- Registration ticket
- Approved calculator - Check NCEES site for specific models
- Eyeglasses - no smart glasses allowed
- Light jacket/sweater - testing rooms can be cold
- Earplugs - if distracted by noise
- Tissues/cough drops - if you have allergies or a cough
- Bottled water & snack - for the break
- Phones, smartwatches, electronics
- Bags, purses, wallets, pens, hats
- Books, notes, scratch paper
- Rulers, pencils, erasers
- Food/drink (except label-free water)
Conclusion
The FE exam can be challenging, but being well-prepared will help you pass on your first try. Know what to expect on test day and get plenty of rest the night before. Stay calm, make good use of your reference materials, and trust your preparation. You've got this!
Ready to take the next step and pass your FE exam on your first try? Check out School of PE’s FE exam review courses today!
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