Blog Posts

FE Exam Ethics: What It Is & How to Pass

March 8, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about what the FE exam ethics cover, and discuss the three major sections in the Model Rules, that you might get tested on.

The FE Exam Ethics is a test that is designed to assess the ethical understanding of candidates who are seeking to become licensed engineers. This exam is typically taken by individuals who have completed their engineering education and are looking to enter the professional engineering field. The FE Exam Ethics is an important step in the process of becoming a licensed engineer and is intended to ensure that engineers have the knowledge and understanding necessary to act ethically in the professional engineering field.

The vision of NCEES is to provide leadership in the professional licensure of engineers and surveyors through excellence in uniform laws, licensing standards, and professional ethics in order to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public and to shape the future of professional licensure.

Just like how there are ethical guidelines used by practitioners of medicine, science, finance, real estate, and law, an engineering professional is expected to obey these “ethical codes” in their respective practices.

Modern codes for the practice of engineering place paramount priority on obligations to the public. There are several codes of ethics for engineers. I will briefly summarize the code of ethics provided by the NCEES – Model Rules, Section 240.15 Rules of Professional Conduct. The code is provided on pages. 4-5 in FE Handbook 10.1. You can also access the code by using the following link:

https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/Model_Rules_2021_web-1.pdf#page=16

Summary of the NCEES Code of Ethics

Do I need the EIT License and Certification to get my PE?

February 28, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I answer a question from one of our listeners that asked:

Do I need to get the EIT license in order to be able to get my PE? I already passed the FE exam but I just wonder if I can just skip this process of actually obtaining the EIT certification?

The EIT License and Certification is a professional designation you receive after passing the NCEES FE exam (Fundamentals of Engineering exam) and completing a degree from an ABET-accredited school. It’s kind of like the trophy you get for finishing the race, if you will. “EIT” is an acronym that stands for Engineer-in-Training. This designation is often referred to as “EIT certification,” but it can be used interchangeably with “EIT license” or “EIT FE certification.”

The EIT certification authority is each individual state’s engineering board. While an EIT certification doesn’t give you a license to practice as a PE (professional engineer), holding this certificate signifies that you have successfully completed the FE exam, the first of two exams you’ll need to pass in order to become a PE.

Becoming an EIT is worth it for most engineers, but it’s essential for those planning to take the NCEES PE exam and become fully licensed professional engineers.

You are not eligible to take the PE Exam without first passing the FE exam and thereby earning EIT status. Furthermore, having an EIT certification can be required for even some entry-level engineering positions. The EIT license can also help set you apart from other candidates in a competitive job market. So yes, you need to pick up your trophy after you win the race!

Benefits of Earning Your EIT Certification:

An EIT certification showcases your industry knowledge. Passing the FE exam and earning an EIT certificate are huge milestones in your career and demonstrate your competence with fundamental engineering concepts that every graduate should know.
An EIT certification improves your job prospects. Having the EIT certification on your resume can set you apart from other candidates when you apply for jobs. It shows employers that you are committed to learning and are working toward professional licensure.
An EIT certification advances your career. Getting an EIT certificate is one of the most important things you can do for your career in engineering. It demonstrates that you have mastered the fundamentals and are on the road to earning your PE license and a higher salary.

Will Getting an EIT Certification Increase Your Salary?

Earning an EIT certification may increase your salary, depending on your employer and industry. Most civil engineers view passing the FE exam at the beginning of their careers as a requirement, because it is so important in their field. Most employers will not promote civil engineers until they have passed the FE exam and earned an EIT certificate, so if you’re eyeing a promotion with a higher salary, earning EIT status is crucial.

For other engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical, passing the FE exam is not required prior to employment. In fact, some employers may value an EIT certificate more than others. However, earning an EIT certificate demonstrates your mastery of engineering fundamentals and your motivation to advance in your career, which may help you earn a promotion or higher salary.

Ultimately, passing the FE exam and earning EIT certification is necessary to become a licensed professional engineer. Once you’ve completed those steps and passed the PE exam, you will likely earn a higher salary as a fully licensed professional engineer. An increase in annual salary can be anywhere from $2,000 to more than $10,000 once you’ve achieved PE status.

You don’t know where your career will take you, so why not obtain your EIT certificate now? It becomes very difficult to go back and pass the FE Exam, the further removed from school you get.

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

Civil Engineering Disciplines: Civil Transportation

February 22, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), which is the fourth video in a five-part series about the five different civil engineering disciplines you can choose from, we will discuss the roles, responsibilities, and credentials needed to become a civil transportation engineer, typically referred to as transportation engineer, to give you a better idea of what to expect both in your studies, and FE exams.

Before we get started, I just want to mention, especially for those of you who already took your FE exam, or are getting close to taking the exam, and are thinking of taking the Civil PE Exam next, that we did a complete series on our Pass the PE Exam YouTube channel about each of the five different PE Civil depth exams in detail, explaining the topics covered on each of the exams and what the pass rates are for each topic to help you in your decision. You can check it out on our Pass the PE exam YouTube Playlist here called Civil Engineering Disciplines – How They Show Up in the PE Exams.

What is Transportation Engineering?

Transportation engineering is the application of modern technology and scientific principles to the design, development and maintenance of transportation systems. The field of transportation engineering utilizes the latest developments in transportation and uses them to create the most efficient and effective systems possible for various locales. Transportation engineering applies to major terminals as well as the networks that connect them. Any product or system that moves people and goods from one place to another falls under the scope of transportation engineering.

Those working in the field of transportation engineering research, assess, design and develop new solutions for projects that include:

Highways and roads
Traffic control systems
Public transit systems
Railroads and depots
Seaports
Waterways
Airports
Bridges, and
Pavements

How can one Become a Civil Transportation Engineer?

Qualifications to become a civil transportation engineer include a bachelor’s degree in engineering for an entry-level position. Master’s degrees and Ph.D. programs are also available, which may provide an opportunity for deeper technical knowledge and career advancement. These programs offer specialty classes including urban development, municipal infrastructure, and pavement design. Most states and all public transportation positions require licensing which entails completion of a two-part test which you are eligible to take after graduating from an accredited program. Some employers also provide additional entry-level training. You are not eligible to obtain full professional licensure until you acquire several years of industry experience. Environmental certifications may also be required as well as advanced skills using AutoCAD and other computer design programs.

What does the work environment for transportation engineers look like?

Transportation engineers typically spend a significant portion of their days in an office environment. They might work on a computer evaluating data, preparing reports and generating diagrams. These engineers also work closely with other engineers as well as management and stakeholders to ensure the project’s progress aligns with established goals. They may attend meetings and give presentations. In some cases, transportation engineers travel outside the office to assess traffic conditions or observe the progress on construction sites.

Abilities

Here are some of the abilities that might be helpful to have when considering a career in transportation engineering:

People in this career often have talent in:

Deductive Reasoning – Using rules to solve problems.
Inductive Reasoning – Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Mathematical Reasoning – Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
Written Expression – Communicating by writing.
Problem Sensitivity – Noticing when problems happen.
Written Comprehension – Reading and understanding what is written.
Oral Expression – Communicating by speaking.
Information Ordering – Ordering or arranging things.
Oral Comprehension – Listening and understanding what people say.
Visualization – Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
Category Flexibility – Grouping things in different ways.
Fluency of Ideas – Coming up with lots of ideas.
Near Vision – Seeing details up close.
Speech Clarity – Speaking clearly.
Speech Recognition – Recognizing spoken words.
Number Facility – Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

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.

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

Civil PE Exam Day | Do You Get Extra Time if You Finish Early?

February 14, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

If you finish early on the morning exam, does the remaining time get added to the afternoon session? Things have changed in 2023 and we’re here to guide you to pass the Civil PE Exam.

The PE exam has a morning session and afternoon session, 4 hours each and in between you get a 50-minute break.

Let’s say you finish your morning portion of the PE exam in 3 hours. Do you get 5 hours for the afternoon session or is 4 hours the maximum time you get for each half session?

Although there is no official rule to whether or not you can use extra time in the afternoon, I have interviewed engineers who took the PE exam recently, and they all confirmed that they were allowed to use that extra time in the afternoon session.

Now remember that time management is extremely important during the PE exam.

EIT and FE Exam – What’s the Difference?

February 8, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I explain the difference between the EIT and FE exam, and give you the steps to register both for the EIT and FE Exam.

The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam and EIT (Engineer in Training) certification are steps towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Passing the FE exam makes an individual an EIT, which is a mark of distinction for engineers. The EIT is more of an apprenticeship than an exam, as there is no formal training program and experience must be accumulated under a PE in a company of choice. The EIT is followed by the Principles and Practices (PP) exam and then the PE exam to become a fully qualified PE. The FE exam and EIT certification can be used interchangeably, although the EIT title represents passing the FE exam.

Eligibility Criteria for the PE Exam: What Engineering Experience Qualifies?

January 31, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

Are you an engineer looking to take the Professional Engineer (PE) exam? Not sure if your engineering experience qualifies you to sit for the exam? This video is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the eligibility criteria for the PE exam. We’ll take a deep dive into the qualifications required to apply for the exam and provide tips to help ensure your application is approved.

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

When you submit your PE application, you must catalogue all your work experience and list the supervisor that oversaw you during that process.
One very important thing to understand about the PE exam is that while the exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), whether or not you can sit for the exam and get your license is depended upon the state that you want to work in. Typically the state education in each state has an engineering board that reviews the application and decides if you are worthy taking the PE exam. I recommend reaching out to somebody on that board to determine the eligibility criteria for the PE exam. This will help you to better understand what is expectable and what is not exactable.
When submitting your application, you have to be very specific about the work that YOU did and list all of the things that you specifically did.
It can be very beneficial to find someone, either in your company or someone that you know, that had an application accepted by your state board and took the PE exam. Go through their application and use it as an example to look at the terms and language they used and the type of work they submitted that was approved.
If possible, you can also meet someone from the state board in person and explain your situation to them to determine the eligibility criteria for the PE exam.
People who are located outside of the US, looking to get their PE licenses will need to contact their state education to understand their process of evaluating people from outside the US.

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

5 Reasons Why You Should Take the FE Exam Early in Your Career

January 25, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I discuss 5 reasons why taking and passing the FE Exam early in your career is the most important thing you can do as an engineer.

Here Are 5 Reasons Why You Should Take the FE Exam Early in Your Career:

1. Your Odds of Passing the FE Exam Increase Greatly

The FE exam is highly technical and it makes more sense to take the exam while you are an undergraduate because all of the concepts on the FE exam are still fresh in your mind. The longer you take to sign up for the FE exam, the lower the odds that you will pass because you will no longer have these technical concepts fresh in your mind and you will gain many more responsibilities (work, family, etc.) the longer you are out of school.

2. Build Credibility

Engineering is an industry where credentials matter. Being able to call yourself an EIT is highly valuable because of what it says to your employer or prospective employers. It tells everyone that you are motivated and that you want to be a professional engineer.

3. Create Career Advancement Opportunities

You may get many more career advancement opportunities when you have the FE or PE license. Having the PE license unlocks many new pathways for you in your career development and your financial earnings.

4. Not Knowing Where You Are Heading in Your Career

You may start your career on a path that does not require a PE license, but you do not know where you will be in the future. Get the FE now while you are young and you can do it.

5. There Is No Downside to Taking the FE Exam

There is zero downside to taking the exam early in your career. If you do not pass the FE exam, then take it again until you pass.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

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.

I’ll see you next week.

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

Studying for the PE Exam While Working Full Time

January 17, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk to Joanna (Jo) Johnson, P.E., a transportation engineer from Parametrix, about her experience studying for the PE exam while working full-time. She breaks down the PE exam tips, tricks and strategies she used to prep, study and pass her CBT Professional Engineering Exam.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jo:

You took the CBT PE exam while working full-time. What did your study schedule look like, seeing that you were working during the day?
What was the most challenging part of studying for the exam while working full-time?
While studying for the PE exam, did you set goals for yourself, and if so, how did the goals help you along the way?
Did you have a support system, either at work or at home, that helped you in your preparations?
What part of the exam did you find more challenging, the morning session or the afternoon session?
Did you enroll in any prep courses while studying for the PE Exam?
Do you have advice for engineers who are thinking of taking the PE exam while working full-time?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Studying for the CBT while you are working during the day can be difficult to get a grasp on. Try to be consistent in your studies and stick to your schedule. Use the CBT reference book to plan out how much time you should allocate to each section. Try to study at the same times each day to help you get into a routine.
Tackling concepts you have not seen before can be very challenging because they take extra time and impact your schedule.
Having a milestones approach for your studies is great if you battle with allocating set times for specific sections. Set goals for yourself to ensure you are staying on track with what you have planned to achieve in your studies.
If you have a support system at work, they will give you advice on what is in the PE exam. They will give you mentorship support and provide tips and tricks on how to get through and pass the PE exam.
Keeping up your stamina and ensuring your body is nourished throughout the exam can be challenging. The first part of the exam is similar to the FE exam, whereas the second part deals more with the things you work on daily, but can include other things that you do not deal with at work. Going back and forth between your different skill sets in the morning session can be difficult. Being able to dial into all the different concepts of the exam in the afternoon session can also be challenging.
Knowing how the references are presented in the CBT is very important. You must understand what you are given and be able to work with it.
Look at what the contents of the exam will be and look for the areas that you will be comfortable with self-studying. For the areas you are not sure about, consider taking a prep course for those sections. It can help you by keeping you accountable and on track with your schedule and studies.
If you want to take the PE exam while you are working full-time, you must decide when you are going to start preparing for it and set goals for yourself. Life will happen and you will feel like you will not have time to prepare for the exam, but you will have to make it a commitment and responsibility. Do not feel ashamed if you are in a situation where you must take the exam at a later date. Continue working toward your goal until you make it.

About Joanna (Jo) Johnson, P.E.

Jo is a professional engineer consultant working on transportation, site development, general civil, and stormwater projects for local agencies across Washington State’s Puget Sound area.

Sources:

Parametrix
Exam Prep Materials
Connect with Joanna (Jo) Johnson, 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

Civil Engineering Disciplines: Civil Structural

January 11, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), which is the third video in a 5 part series about the 5 different civil engineering disciplines you can choose from, we discuss the roles, responsibilities, and credentials needed to become a civil structural engineer to give you a better idea what to expect both in your studies, and FE exams. In the previous videos we discussed the Geotechnical, as well as Civil Engineering Disciplines, which you can find on our YouTube playlist called Civil Engineering Disciplines.

For those of you who already took their FE exams, or are getting close to taking the exam, and are thinking of taking the Civil PE Exam next, we did a complete series on our Pass the PE Exam YouTube about each of the 5 different PE Civil depth exams in detail, explaining the topics covered on each of the exams and what the pass rates are for each topic to help you in your decision. You can check it out on our Pass the PE exam YouTube Playlist called Civil Engineering Disciplines – How They Show Up in the PE Exams.

What is Civil Structural Engineering?

Pass the Civil PE Exam EASILY (NEW Secret Tip)

January 3, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk to Nabeal (Newton) W. Khatib, M.S., E.I., CEO of Legendfortutoring, about a framework that you can utilize to help prepare and pass the Civil PE exam, as well as a widely unknown tip about how you might be able to get more time in the afternoon session when you take your PE exam.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Nabeal:

When did you take the PE Exam and what format did you take the exam in? Pen and paper, or computer-based?
One of the things that changed between the CBT and PBT exams, is that the CBT is no longer an open-book exam. How has this changed the way you studied for the exam?
Are any of the resources available to prep for the exam?
Does the NCEES tell you which codes to prepare for the depth exam?
The “old” PE PBT exam had a 50-minute break that would take place halfway through the exam, separating the breadth (AM) portion from the depth (PM) portion. However, there’s no such thing as separate breadth and depth portions anymore. What was that like for you?
How long did it take for you to get your results after completing the CBT exam?
What tips can you give our listeners out there that are in the process of studying for their PE exams, or planning on starting to study for them soon?
For our viewers that are still up in that air about the entire process of obtaining their PE license, what would you tell them based on your career as to whether or not to take the time to pursue their PE license?