The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying® (NCEES®) administers the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE). The exam covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to most engineering fields. The best exam preparation tips for the FE exam are similar to those for most major tests: study thoroughly and with others, have a variety of resources, and be well-rested. Unlike most tests, however, preparing for the FE for several months is usually recommended to ensure a good result. There are even private training courses available to help with the learning process.
In the United States, the FE exam is used to obtain certification as an engineer-in-training (EIT). As of 2011, the exam is closed-book and consists of 180 multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of engineering subjects. Physics, chemistry, statistics, soil mechanics, and electrical engineering are among them. The exam is eight hours long and is graded pass/fail. Two or three months after taking the test, the results are usually available.
Most engineering undergraduates have the opportunity to take the FE while still enrolled in college. For two reasons, studying while pursuing an engineering degree is one of the best ways to prepare for the FE exam. First, the information is likely to have been studied recently and is still fresh in your mind. Second, if there are any questions about the study material, classmates, instructors, coursework, or books are likely to be readily available to answer those questions.
When studying for the FE, it is best to use many small efforts over a long period of time, as it is with most major undertakings. FE exam preparation should begin at least three months before the test date, regardless of whether the student is still in college or has graduated. Some people find that doing only one or two subjects per week for the first month helps them maintain a consistent focus on the subjects at hand. As the test date approaches, sample problems from all engineering-related fields should be examined to ensure that the material is not forgotten.
Obtaining the appropriate study materials is a very useful tip for FE exam preparation. College exams that are either owned or obtained from friends are bound to contain a variety of relevant issues that can aid in study. NCEES® sells a variety of study materials, including books with FE sample questions and answers. The NCEES® study book is beneficial because it outlines the exact format of the FE questions.
Another useful tool for FE exam preparation is a study group; however, caution is advised. It is true that studying for the FE with others can be mutually beneficial because it provides each person with an additional source of information and answers to questions. The disadvantage is that, compared to studying alone, the other person can be a distraction, resulting in less material being covered — or the overall quality of study declining. This decision should be carefully considered the FE exam candidate.