5 Tips to Overcoming FE Exam Anxiety

In this article (and video above), I talk about a common yet often unspoken challenge many face while preparing for the FE Exam – exam anxiety.

Anxiety before a big test like the FE is natural. Often, this stems from feeling underprepared. You might worry that you haven’t studied enough or that your preparation methods aren’t effective. This feeling can be compounded by a fear of failure, especially when you’ve invested so much time and effort into your studies.

Past negative experiences with tests can also play a significant role. If you’ve struggled with exams before, it’s easy to worry that history might repeat itself. And then there’s the fear of the consequences – the thought that your entire future career hinges on this one exam can be daunting.

Interestingly, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting around 18 percent of the population. These disorders can develop from a mix of factors like genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Recognizing that you’re not alone in this can be a source of comfort.

Now, let’s identify the symptoms. Anxiety isn’t just a mental or emotional state; it manifests physically and behaviorally too. You might experience a racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, or stomach issues. Emotionally, there’s fear, worry, and a sense of impending doom. Behaviorally, you might find it hard to concentrate or become fidgety. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step in managing them. How can we overcome this anxiety when related to the FE exam?

Here Are 5 Tips to Overcoming FE Exam Anxiety:

1. Tailor Your FE Study Plan to Your Learning Style. Are you a visual learner, or do you prefer listening to lectures? Maybe you learn best by doing? Identifying your style helps you create a study plan that’s more effective and less overwhelming.
2. Lean on Your Community. Don’t underestimate the power of support. Talk to peers or mentors who have gone through the FE exam. Join study groups or find a mentor. This can reduce the feeling of isolation and boost your confidence.
3. Maintain a Positive Mindset. It’s easier said than done, but try to focus on your progress and small victories. Build momentum. Reframe negative thoughts into positive affirmations. Instead of thinking, “I’m going to fail,” tell yourself, “I am prepared, and I will do my best.”
4. Simulate the FE Exam Environment. Use practice tests to get comfortable with the format and time constraints. Familiarize yourself with the NCEES Reference Handbook, which you’ll use during the actual exam.
5. Monitor Your Caffeine Intake. While many of us rely on caffeine, it can exacerbate anxiety. Be mindful of your consumption, especially as the exam approaches.

Beyond these tips, remember the importance of relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness. Positive self-talk and visualization can also shift your mindset to a more confident place.

Remember, everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique. What works for someone else might not work for you. The key is to find strategies that suit you and practice them regularly. With the right preparation and mindset, you can manage your test anxiety effectively and perform your best on the FE Exam.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI, A Kaplan Company:

PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.

In upcoming articles, I will answer more FE Exam questions and run through more practice problems. We publish videos bi-weekly on our Pass the FE Exam YouTube Channel. Be sure to visit our page here and click the subscribe button as you’ll get expert tips and tricks – to ensure the best success – that you can’t get anywhere else. Believe me, you won’t want to miss a single video.

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of the videos or here on this page, and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.

I’ll see you next week.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success