Busy Parents Can Pass the FE Exam in JUST 3 Months

In this article (and video above), I share real, actionable strategies to show that busy professionals, students, and busy parents can pass the FE exam, and still be present for the people who matter most.

Whether you’re a working parent, a stay-at-home parent, or a professional with a packed schedule, I’ll help you develop a study plan that fits your lifestyle, keeps you motivated, and ensures you’re setting yourself up for success.

Don’t let a busy schedule hold you back from achieving your engineering dreams.

Studying for the FE Exam is a challenge, but when you add family, work, and life responsibilities into the mix, it can feel overwhelming. You might worry about:

• Missing family moments because of study time
• Feeling guilty about taking time for yourself
• Doubting whether you can juggle it all

First things first—these feelings are completely normal. Many aspiring engineers have faced these same struggles and still passed the exam, INCLUDING ME, we had our first child at the time and weren’t even getting a good night’s sleep during my months of preparation

The key is to shift your mindset—this is a temporary challenge for a long-term reward. The sacrifices you make now will pay off for you and your family in the future. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Create a Realistic, Flexible Study Schedule

The foundation of successful FE Exam prep is time management. Instead of trying to study whenever you “find time,” schedule dedicated study sessions that fit into your routine.

✅ Start by mapping out your commitments: Work hours, family time, meals, and even self-care.
✅ Identify study windows: Early mornings, late evenings, or lunch breaks—whatever works for you.
✅ Keep it flexible: Life happens—kids get sick, meetings run late. Build buffer time so you can catch up if needed.

Even 30-60 minutes a day adds up over time!

2. Focus on the Most Important Topics First

Your time is limited, so study smarter, not harder. Instead of trying to master every topic, prioritize the areas that will have the biggest impact on your score.

📌 Use the NCEES Exam Specifications as a guide—it tells you exactly what to focus on.
📌 Practice problems daily to reinforce concepts.
📌 Summarize notes in your own words to boost retention.
📌 Use flashcards for quick reviews when you have a few minutes to spare.
📌 Take full-length practice exams to simulate test day.

By focusing on high-yield topics and active learning, you’ll retain more in less time.

3. Build a Support System

Preparing for the FE Exam can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be! Surround yourself with support and accountability:

👥 Join a study group—whether in person or online, having peers to study with helps keep you on track.
🏠 Ask family members for help—delegate household tasks or ask for uninterrupted study time.
🌍 Find an online community—forums and social media groups can provide motivation and encouragement.

For example, I know someone—let’s call her Sarah—who had a full-time engineering job and two young kids. She joined an online study group where she found not only resources but also accountability. That support helped her stay consistent, and she passed the exam on her first try!

4. Communicate with Your Family

Speaking of support, your family plays a huge role in your success. Let them in on your journey!

✔ Explain why passing the FE Exam is important—show them how it benefits everyone in the long run.
✔ Share your study schedule so they know when you need uninterrupted time.
✔ Plan quality family moments (like a weekend outing) so they don’t feel left out.
✔ Involve your kids in small ways—for example, let them “quiz” you with flashcards.

Studying doesn’t have to mean sacrificing family time!

5. Use Technology to Your Advantage

When you’re on a tight schedule, technology can be your best friend.

📱 Study Apps – Use Quizlet, Anki, or NCEES resources for quick review sessions.
📅 Task Managers – Tools like Google Calendar or Notion can keep your study schedule organized.
⏳ Timers – Use the Pomodoro Technique (25-minute study sprints) to stay focused.

By using the right tools, you can maximize your study time—even on the go.

6. Don’t Forget About Self-Care

Burnout is real, and you can’t perform at your best if you’re running on empty.

🌟 Prioritize sleep – Your brain needs rest to retain information.
🌟 Make time for exercise – Even a short walk can help with focus.
🌟 Take breaks when needed – Overstudying can be counterproductive.

A healthy mind and body lead to better performance on exam day!

Balancing family life, a full-time job, and FE Exam prep isn’t easy, but with the right mindset, plan, and support system, it’s absolutely possible.

This is just a short-term challenge that will lead to long-term career benefits for you and your family.

💡 Start small. Stay consistent. Trust yourself.
💡 And remember….You’re capable of passing the FE Exam—no matter how busy your schedule is!

I hope you found this week’s FE Exam article helpful. 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 your 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… on Pass the FE Exam

Anthony Fasano, P.E., AEC PM, F. ASCE