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5 Tips to Overcoming FE Exam Anxiety

March 27, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

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:

The Power of an Engineering License – Insights from a CEO

March 19, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Joy Lanham, PE, PTOE, President & CEO of Lanham Engineering, LLC, about the significance of attaining your engineering license, her journey of establishing her own company and the pivotal role the engineering license played in her success.

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Having the word “engineering” in the business name often requires the majority owner to hold a PE license.
The PE license adds credibility to an engineer’s profile and assures clients of the individual’s competence. It signifies a commitment to the profession and a thorough understanding of engineering principles.
Larger companies often require a PE license for career progression.
Having a license opens up opportunities for project management roles and ownership positions within firms.
The PE license plays a crucial role in project proposals, client trust, and overall business credibility.
Obtaining a PE license provides flexibility and opens doors to various career paths, including entrepreneurship.

About: Joy Lanham, PE, PTOE

Joy Lanham, PE, PTOE is the President/CEO of Lanham Engineering, a DBE/WBE/EDGE certified traffic engineering firm she started in 2013. Her growing fully remote team produces both traffic studies and traffic design plans. Her current roles include business and people manager, accountant, business development lead, and often mans the IT help desk.

She is actively involved in professional organizations in Columbus including WTS, ACEC, ASHE, and ITE. She currently serves on the National WTS DBE/WBE/Small Business Committee, as the chair for the ACEC Ohio Small Firms Committee, and serves on the ACEC/ODOT Liaison Committee. She is passionate about mentorship, currently part of The Ohio State University Civil Engineering Mentorship program and co-chairs the WTS Columbus Mentorship Program.

Joy also serves as treasurer for non-profits including Yay Bikes, the OSU Women in STEMM Alumni Society, and her golf club’s Ladies Golf Association. Ms. Lanham holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University.

Her likes include golf, Las Vegas, and true crime podcasts. Her dislikes include beets, the Boston Red Sox, and meetings that should be an email.

Sources:

Lanham Engineering, LLC
Connect with Joy Lanham, PE, PTOE, on LinkedIn

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

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.

I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or 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… on Pass the PE Exam

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

Determining Reactions at Supports for Beams and Frames

March 13, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we determine reactions at supports for beams and frames. In this scenario, we analyze a beam supported by a pin at A and a roller at B, carrying various loads.

Question:

Consider the beam shown below. It is supported by a pin at A and a roller at B. It carries a distributed load as shown, spanning a distance of 3 meters from the beam’s left end. Additionally, it carries a concentrated load of 6 kN at its right end. Determine the reactions at A and B.

Explanation:

Draw the free-body diagram of the beam using equivalent forces:

Incorporate support reactions Ay and By. Omit extra x-direction force at A (pin support). Add 6kN concentrated load at the beam’s far-right end. Simplify distributed loads by converting them to equivalent point loads, preserving the original load’s impact on the beam.

Initiate the inspection by focusing on the far-left end of the beam. Examine the uniformly varying load, noting its gradual increase from zero at the left end to a maximum of 2kN/m along the beam.

Compute the equivalent load for the section by finding the area under the triangular curve. Using the formula for a triangle (half base times height) with a 1-meter base and 2 kN/m height, the result is a 1 kN point load. Consider the specific point where this force is applied for a comprehensive understanding.

To find the centroid of a right triangle, connect each vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side with medians. The centroid, acting as the balance point, is consistently located at two-thirds the length of the base from the angle opposite the right angle. This straightforward method simplifies geometric analysis.

The equivalent 1kN point force would act at a distance of 2/3 meters from the left side of the beam.

Proceed to the next step by addressing the rectangular distributed load. Calculate its equivalent point load using the same procedure as previously outlined.

Calculate the area under the rectangular curve to determine the 4kN equivalent load. Due to symmetry, place the equivalent point load at the rectangle’s center, located 2 meters from the left side of the beam.

Incorporate the final equivalent force into the free-body diagram and proceed to calculate reaction forces at supports A and B. A correct diagram ensures a straightforward calculation process.

Initiate the analysis with a force balance in the y-direction for the static beam, setting the sum of forces to zero. Formulate the equation: Force Ay + By – 1 – 4 – 6 = 0, simplified to Force Ay + By – 11 = 0. To resolve the two unknowns, introduce a moment balance about point A.

Designate anti-clockwise as the positive moment direction. Factor in the 1kN force at one-third of a meter from A (add 1/3), and the 4kN force at 1 meter causing a CLOCKWISE moment (subtract 4). Incorporate force By(2) positively and subtract 6(3). Confirm the resultant sum equals zero for equilibrium.

Equation 2 has been successfully solved, revealing that the value of reaction By is 10.833 kN.

Finally, the reaction By can be substituted into equation 1, revealing that Ay is equal to 0.167 kN.

Answer:

The correct answer is A.

Final Remarks:

Draw a clear and accurate free-body diagram
Identify the type of supports (pin, roller, fixed).
Apply the equations of equilibrium carefully.
Consider different loading conditions and beam configurations for practice.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week… on Pass the FE Exam

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

PE 095: The PE Advantage: A CEO’s Blueprint to Professional Growth

March 5, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Doug Shatto, PE, PTOE, the president and CEO of Lochmueller Group, about how the PE license can help someone in their career and how a consulting firm can promote and support professional growth in achieving the PE license.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Doug:

How has the professional engineering license benefited your professional growth throughout your career?
How do you at Lochmueller Group promote and support your professionals in pursuing the PE License?
How do incentives for getting a PE license motivate young professionals and impact their long-term career opportunities?
Do you think promoting technical career paths and tying licensure to them is crucial in challenging the misconception that success is tied to managerial roles in our industry?
Considering the long-term, how does having a license impact future opportunities, like consulting or career changes?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

5 Essential Tips for Passing the FE Exam

February 28, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I share 5 key tips for passing the FE exam. From setting a clear exam date to overcoming exam challenges, these tips will streamline your FE Exam preparation. Whether you’re starting or refining your strategy, these tips are your pathway to success.

1. Establish a Robust Schedule

Kickstart your preparation by setting a clear exam date. Utilize calendars, notepads, and reminders for organizational clarity. Given life’s complexities, developing a personalized system is pivotal for sustained focus.

2. Prioritize Rest and Breaks

Bid farewell to cramming. Embrace the significance of intervals and ample rest during your study sessions. Optimal retention stems from spaced-out learning. Avoid last-minute cramming sessions as they seldom yield positive outcomes.

3. Cultivate Accountability Partnerships

Tap into the strength of collective motivation by forming study partnerships. Creating study groups with disciplined peers sharing common goals enhances the quality of learning. The adage “two heads are better than one” holds true in this context.

4. Develop a Tailored Study System

Identify your preferred learning method. Whether dedicating a week to a single topic or utilizing various study materials like practice tests, flashcards, or videos, customize your study system to align with your learning style.

5. Extend Grace to Yourself

Acknowledge the formidable nature of the FE exam. Set pragmatic limits and grant yourself grace throughout the preparation process. Recognize that each journey is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach is impractical. Learn from others but craft a study plan that harmonizes with your capabilities.

About Matthew Douglas

Matthew currently serves as the operations leader for the Engineering Management Institute. As a leader, Matthew’s goal is to ensure the efficacy and efficiency of the Learning and Development group. As a civil engineer by trade, Matthew has developed a passion for construction and stormwater management by way of maintenance and rehabilitation services. Matthew has also had experience working for private consulting firms and public agencies and has even held the role of an educator. As such, he loves to lead, build, mentor, and help those in need.

Most recently, during his time working for the public sector, Matthew took on the role of a public works operations manager. There he led quite a few public infrastructure rehabilitation projects and implemented new asset management technologies at a very young age. It is here that the passion for “fixing what’s broken” developed. He now uses his talents to lead EMI’s Learning and Development – Operational procedures, train engineers, and co-host podcasts.

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

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

Last-Minute Checklist for the PE Exam

February 20, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I discuss something significant for those who are gearing up to take the PE Exam soon by walking through a last-minute checklist for the PE Exam to ensure you’re completely prepared for exam day.

1 – Essential Documents

First up, let’s talk about the non-negotiables: your documents. You absolutely need to have your NCEES Examinee Letter. Make sure it’s printed out and that your examinee ID number is correct. Equally important is your photo ID. Remember, it has to be government-issued, like a driver’s license or a passport. Student IDs won’t make the cut here.

2 – Calculator and Writing Tools

Moving on to the tools of the trade – your calculator and writing instruments. It’s vital to have an NCEES-approved calculator. Whether it’s from Hewlett Packard, Casio, or Texas Instruments, make sure it’s a model that’s allowed. We have another video focusing on just that – the allowed calculators. And don’t forget to pack a spare battery. For writing, a couple of sharpened mechanical pencils should be in your arsenal. Choose ones with 0.7mm lead for the best writing clarity.

3 – Personal Comfort Items

Let’s talk about personal items. While there are strict rules about what you can bring, there are a few things you’re allowed for your comfort and convenience. This includes your eyeglasses – but leave the case at home. You can also bring a sweater or jacket, and yes, even earplugs are permitted. These small comforts can make a big difference in your exam experience.

4 – Some Optional But Helpful Items

Now, onto some optional but helpful items. A highlighter can be a lifesaver for marking important information quickly. A clear plastic ruler can come in handy for diagrams and figures. And if you have a formula booklet or specific reference books that are permitted, definitely bring them along.

5 – Day Before Preparation

As for the day before the exam, it’s all about planning and organization. Check your route to the exam center and plan your travel with extra time for any unexpected delays. Pack your bag with snacks, water, and all your exam essentials. And, of course, double-check the exam date and time to avoid any last-minute panic.

And that’s it! Your critical item checklist for the PE Exam. With these tips, you’ll walk into the exam room feeling prepared and confident.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam

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

Cracking Truss Forces: Mastering Method of Joints

February 14, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we calculate the internal forces of trusses using the method of joints. This is a classic example that you might encounter in the static section of the FE Exam. This problem was created and solved by Mechatronical engineer, Chanté van der Spuy.

Question:

Consider the truss shown below. It is subjected to a horizontal load of 5 kN at joint D and a vertical load of 5 kN at joint C. The horizontal and vertical reaction forces at joint A are given as 2 kN and 4 kN, respectively. Determine the force in member BD.

Achieving Career Heights with a PE License

February 6, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Kerryn Fulton, P.E., the esteemed President and CEO of C.S. Davidson, Inc. about the critical importance of obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license and the myriad benefits that licensure can unlock for you.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Kerryn:

How has obtaining your Professional Engineer (PE) license contributed to your professional growth as an engineer and your development as a leader?
When you invest time in getting and keeping your Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, how does it pay off, especially when evaluating team members and young leaders?
Why do you believe obtaining a professional engineering license is a significant career differentiator, considering the rigorous process involved, potential legal limitations, and the importance of future flexibility in one’s career?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Obtaining a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is a major career achievement, bringing authority, respect, and legitimacy to your role. It signifies expertise and completion of essential steps in becoming a licensed professional, establishing a strong foundation for professional growth and recognition.
Getting your PE isn’t just about credibility; it boosts your pay, opens doors for better compensation, and enhances your marketability for diverse career paths in the field.
For younger individuals, it makes sense to keep all avenues open for the future, as you never know where life may lead. Setting oneself up for long-term success is crucial, and maintaining flexibility in career choices is a wise approach.

About: Kerryn Fulton, P.E.

Kerryn started her career path after graduating from Juniata High School and earning her engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996. Married to Wade, a talented teacher and writer, they have two sons, Thomas and Theo.

In 2001, Kerryn joined C.S. Davidson, an employee-owned engineering firm established in 1923. The company has offices in York, Gettysburg, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over the years, she climbed the ladder, becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2013 and ultimately reaching the top spot as CEO in 2016.

Sources:

C.S. Davidson, Inc.
Connect with Kerryn Fulton, P.E., on LinkedIn

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam

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

Mastering the FE Exam: A Guide to the Computer-Based Testing Environment

January 31, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I discuss a crucial question that a listener recently posed about the FE exam: “Is there a way to see a video of the actual computer-based testing environment, especially focusing on how it looks on the screen, and how to navigate between the test and the reference manual?”

Great question! If you’re gearing up for the Fundamentals of Engineering (or FE) exam and wondering about the computer-based testing environment, you’re in luck. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has you covered with a detailed video tutorial. The tutorial is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to get a real feel of the test interface.

This article will cover:

An overview of the FE Exam Testing Centers and Registration
Exam Format and Question Types
How to use the Keyboard hotkeys and the on-screen calculator during your exam
How to flag items for review
How to use the onscreen line tool
How to save and submit your work

FE Exam Overview

The FE exam is a critical milestone for aspiring engineers. It’s designed for recent graduates or students near the completion of their undergraduate engineering degree. The exam includes 110 questions, with a total duration of 6 hours, including various segments like a nondisclosure agreement, a tutorial phase, the main exam, and a scheduled break.

Testing Centers and Registration

The exam is administered at Pearson Professional Centers, known for their high-security standards and professional setting. Registration for the exam is online, with several testing windows available throughout the year.

Exam Format and Question Types

CBT or computer-based testing include traditional multiple-choice questions as well as alternative item types (or AITs). AITs provide opportunities to assess the technical knowledge of examinees using methods not available through pencil-and-paper testing.

All questions, including AITs, are scored as either correct or incorrect. There is no partial credit. AITs include but are not limited to the following:

Multiple correct – allow examinees to select multiple answers
Point and click – require examinees to click on part of a graphic to answer
Drag and drop – require examinees to click on and drag items to match, sort, rank, or label
Fill in the blank – provide a space for examinees to enter a response to the question

Examinees taking a computer-based, NCEES exam may see up to five types of questions on their exam. The question types include traditional multiple choice questions that feature four answer options from which to choose one correct answer. Multiple choice questions with multiple correct options feature more than four answer options from which to choose and allow for multiple answer options to be selected. Point and click questions require you to select one or more predetermined clickable areas that become visible when you move your over the graphic. Drag and drop questions require you to click and drag answer options to sort, rank, match or label a provided graphic. Fill in the blank questions require you to enter your response instead of choosing it from a list of answer options.

How to Use the Keyboard Hotkeys During Your Exam

Keyboard hotkeys give you shortcuts to common exam functions. For example, Alt N will go to the next question. Alt P will go to the previous question. Alt F will flag the question for review. The underlying letter and the on-screen function can identify exam hotkeys.

An on-screen calculator is also provided for your use. Digital version calculator of the ti-30xs is located in the top left corner of your exam if you need it.

If you wish to review questions later, simply click the flag in the top right corner or use the Alt F hotkey. At the end of each section you have the review screen section that shows all flags and incomplete questions. Each question in the review screen has a link back to the original question in the exam. You must complete the review before time expires

How to Flag Items for Review

Reference materials for the NCEES exam include a line tool to aid in reading charts and graphs. To use it, select the line tool icon at the top left of the reference window. Click and hold the mouse button to drag a line across the screen when you release the mouse button, the line will become solid and remain at that location and the reference material until you delete it. You can create multiple lines on the same chart. To remove lines you don’t need, press ctrl Z on your keyboard. You can remove up to ten previous created lines.

How to Use the Onscreen Line Tool

There is a split screen that features the exam questions on one side and reference handbook on the other. The handbook is a searchable PDF that allows examinees to quickly find terms and sections. Make sure you use the apostrophes and hyphens. The word also has to be spelled correctly to see the result. The handbook also has convenient links to jump to each section easily.

Saving your work:

Auto-save: Some CBT systems autosave your progress as you answer questions. This ensures that your work is not lost if you have to interrupt your test.
Manual save: If autosave is not enabled, you may have a “Save Progress” button or option. Click on this button to save your work periodically.
Resume testing option: If you need to stop the test and come back later, use the “Resume Test” or “Continue Test” button to access your saved progress.

Submitting your exam:

Once you have completed all the questions in the exam, carefully review your answers to make any necessary changes.
Locate the “Submit Exam” or “Finish Exam” button. This button will typically appear at the end of the exam or when you have completed all the required questions.
Click on the “Submit Exam” or “Finish Exam” button. Once you submit your exam, your answers will be recorded and your performance will be evaluated.
You may receive immediate feedback on your performance or be notified when the results are available.

For more information on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) computer-based Exam, you can watch the video tutorials at the link shown on the screen.

NCEES FE EXAM VIDEO TUTORIALS.

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

I’ll see you next week.

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

A 3-Month Study Plan to Ace the PE Exam

January 23, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about a detailed 3-month study schedule that we’ve crafted for those preparing for the PE Exam. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your approach, this guide is your roadmap to success.

This is not just a study plan; it’s a blueprint for success, designed to boost your confidence and readiness for the PE Exam.

Aim to invest between 80 to 100 hours over 12 weeks. The plan predominantly focuses on weekend studies, which allows you to maintain a steady pace without burning out. Throughout the week, engage in smaller, manageable tasks to keep your momentum going and your mind actively engaged with the material. Let’s break down this journey week by week.

Weeks 1-4: Breadth Exam Focus

The first month is all about getting a broad overview. Kick things off with an initial NCEES practice exam. This step is crucial as it helps you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses right out of the gate, and create a baseline. Allocate 4 hours on a Saturday for taking the exam, and then dedicate another 4 hours on Sunday to meticulously assess your performance and plan ahead. Categorize the breadth subjects into tiers based on your proficiency, allowing you to tailor your study focus more effectively. Then over the next 4 weeks prepare for the breadth section based on your needs.

Weeks 5-10: Depth Exam Focus

Now, we shift gears to concentrate on the depth portion of the exam. This phase mirrors the first month’s approach: start with a depth practice exam to assess your understanding of more specialized topics. The weekends during this period should be dedicated to intensive study sessions, targeting specific depth subjects. Again, categorize these topics into tiers to methodically improve upon each area.

Weeks 11-12: Practice Exam Focus and Ramp Down

As you approach the final stretch, it’s time to put your knowledge and skills to the test. Take full-length practice exams under conditions that mimic the actual test environment. This not only builds up your test-taking stamina but also solidifies your accumulated knowledge. In the final weekend leading up to the exam, prioritize rest and relaxation, and ensure all your test day materials are prepared. This phase is as much about mental preparation as it is about academic readiness.

General Strategy and Tips

A consistent theme in this journey is the philosophy that practice makes perfect. Focus on solving as many timed problems as possible. Equally important is the balance between reinforcing areas where you’re strong and improving upon the weaker ones. Don’t hesitate to use all available resources at your disposal, including tutorial videos and practice problem sets. These tools are designed to enhance your learning experience and prepare you thoroughly for the exam.

So, there you have it – a comprehensive 3-month study plan to ace the PE Exam. Remember, the key to success is not just in following the plan but also in adapting it to fit your personal learning style and life schedule. Stay disciplined, stay motivated, and let’s conquer this exam together.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam

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