FE Exam

What to Do the Night Before the FE Exam (Do’s & Don’ts)

November 18, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I’ll walk you through a simple, effective wind-down routine designed to lower stress, boost clarity, and help you walk into the exam ready to perform at your best.

Why the Night Before the FE Exam Is So Important

So let’s start by talking about why the night before the FE exam is so important. You might be tempted to squeeze in one last review session—but at this point, that’s really not the best move. The night before the FE Exam is all about preserving your energy, keeping your mindset calm, and making sure you’re physically and mentally ready to go. Think of it like the night before a big race or a performance. Your focus should shift from prep to execution readiness. The goal isn’t to learn more—it’s to make sure everything you’ve already learned is accessible when the exam begins.

Your Simple, Stress-Free Night-Before Routine

Here’s a practical wind-down routine that can help you relax, sleep better, and feel in control heading into test day:

Step 1: Shut Down Studying Early

Set a hard stop—around 6 or 7 PM. That’s it. No more review. You’re done.

Step 2: Pack and Prep Everything You’ll Need

Lay out your clothes
Pack your calculator, ID, snacks & water
Be sure you know how to get to the test center, and plan ahead for traffic and travel time.
Check your appointment time again.

This will eliminate last-minute scrambling and will help you fall asleep without racing thoughts.

Step 3: Release Tension Gently

Go for a short walk or do some light stretching. Physical movement helps reduce tension and signal your body that it’s time to wind down.

Step 4: Shift to Relax Mode

Watch a light show, read a non-technical book, or listen to calming music. Avoid stimulating content, social media, or anything stressful before bed.

The key here is intentional relaxation—not zoning out, but actually allowing your body and brain to shift gears.

How to Get Better Sleep—Even If You’re Nervous

Worried you won’t sleep well? That’s normal—and it’s okay. The goal is to rest, not to force perfect sleep. Here are a few ways to help your body settle in:

Avoid caffeine after noon
Stick to your normal bedtime
Write down any worries so they’re not stuck in your head
Try a short breathing or meditation app—just five minutes can make a big difference

Even if you’re tossing and turning a bit, lying down calmly and letting your body rest still helps restore energy for the next day.

Here’s a BONUS TIP: Visualize Your Morning

Before bed, mentally rehearse your morning:

What time you’ll wake up
What you’ll eat for breakfast
How you’ll get to the test center
What you’ll do when you check in

This creates a sense of predictability and lowers anxiety. You’ll start the day feeling ready—not rushed.

In conclusion, the night before the FE Exam, your goal isn’t to cram—it’s to protect your preparation. That means no late-night study marathons. No panicking over what-ifs. Just create a calm, intentional routine that sets you up to be clear-headed and confident when you walk into the test center. With a rested brain, a focused mindset, and a smooth start to your day, you’ll set yourself up for success on the exam. So relax, reset, and trust the work you’ve put in. Step in calm, and walk out proud. You’ve got this.

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.

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

What to Expect at the FE Exam Testing Center on Test Day

October 21, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I’m going to walk you through exactly what to expect at the testing center— including the rules around breaks and how to use the 25-minute break strategically to reset, refocus, and finish strong.

SECTION 1: What to Expect When You Arrive at the Testing Center

Let’s start from the moment you walk in. You’ll likely take your FE Exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Here’s what to expect:

The check-in process includes ID verification, a digital signature, palm vein scan, and a photo.
You’ll be asked to lock up all personal items—that means your phone, watch, keys, and even your own calculator case.
You’ll be able to use a physical calculator (if you bring an approved one), and the test proctor will inspect it.
Once checked in, you’ll be escorted to your station—where everything from security to noise levels can vary.

Here’s a key tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to reduce stress and get comfortable with the environment. The last thing you want is to rush in feeling flustered.

SECTION 2: Breaks, Bathroom Rules, and What You Can’t Bring

Physical vs On-Screen Calculators: Which is Better for Your FE Exam Prep?

September 23, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I will be going beyond features and diving deep into the real user experience difference between physical and on-screen calculators—and why it matters way more than you think.

SECTION 1: Why Your Calculator Choice Matters

You’ve got six hours to solve 110 problems on the FE Exam. That’s barely three minutes per question—including reading, calculating, and double-checking. Every second matters. That’s why your calculator can’t just be “allowed”—it needs to be fast, familiar, and frictionless. NCEES allows two options:

Their on-screen calculator during the exam
Or your own approved physical calculator

While having a backup is helpful, choosing the wrong primary tool could waste minutes you don’t have.

SECTION 2: On-Screen Calculators – What Slows You Down

FE Exam Timing Secrets That Help You Pass with Less Stress

August 26, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Chris Miller, General Manager at School of PE, a division of EduMind, about FE Exam timing. He shares expert advice on when to take the exam, how to build a study plan that fits your lifestyle, and how to avoid common mistakes that could hurt your chances of passing. We also cover how to stay consistent, strengthen weak areas, and stay focused when test day arrives.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Chris:

When is the ideal FE Exam timing for students or recent graduates, and what are the risks of delaying their path to engineering licensure?
How can someone structure their FE Exam prep timeline while balancing school, work, and family commitments?
What are the most common mistakes people make during FE Exam preparation, and how can they avoid them with a better study plan?
What strategies can help manage test day anxiety and maintain focus during the FE Exam, especially for first-time test takers?
How does your organization support students in preparing for the FE Exam, and what prep resources are available to guide them?
Where can people learn more about your FE Exam prep offerings, and do you have any final advice for those navigating licensure and FE Exam timing decisions?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

The best FE Exam timing is within a year of graduation, when concepts are still fresh and pass rates are highest. Even for those years out of school, it’s never too late to begin FE Exam prep and pursue engineering licensure.
Building a consistent study routine is essential—ideally a couple of hours daily over several months, with longer sessions on weekends. Scheduling the exam early and involving family or friends for support can help maintain momentum.
Many candidates assume that enrolling in a prep course guarantees success. In reality, strong results come from what happens outside the classroom—reviewing materials, practicing questions, and taking a practice exam early to identify weak areas and guide focused study.
Managing test-day anxiety requires preparation and pacing. Simulate full-length study sessions to build stamina and familiarity with the exam format. Prioritize easy questions, flag the difficult ones, and always submit an answer to avoid blanks.
A quality exam prep provider offers flexible formats like on-demand courses, live classes, and question banks tailored to different learning styles. Personalized study plans and one-on-one support help students stay accountable and target their weaker areas.
A reliable provider makes it easy to choose the right course format and stay updated on exam changes. Success depends on committing to the process, using available tools, and showing up consistently with a clear goal and smart FE Exam timing strategy.

About Chris Miller:

Chris Miller is the General Manager at School of PE, one of the leading providers of professional engineering exam preparation in the United States. With over a decade of experience in education management, Chris oversees operations, product development, and student support services that help thousands of engineers successfully prepare for the FE and PE Exams each year.

Under his leadership, School of PE has expanded its offerings to include flexible learning formats—like on-demand, live online, and in-person review courses—designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s engineering students and professionals.

Chris is passionate about making licensure more accessible and less overwhelming. His work bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world exam readiness, helping early-career engineers gain the confidence and tools they need to succeed.

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Chop Wood Carry Water

Sources:

EduMind
NCEES
Lafayette College
Connect with Chris Miller on LinkedIn

This Episode Is Brought to You by School of PE:

School of PE has been a leading provider of exam prep courses since 2004, helping thousands of professionals achieve licensure and certification in engineering, surveying, and project management. Taught by industry experts, their courses align with the NCEES CBT format and consistently deliver pass rates above the national average. School of PE is recognized as a top-rated provider, and they are committed to student success through expert instruction and high-quality materials. Visit http://www.schoolofpe.com/ for more details and to see how they can best help you achieve your professional goals. Specialties: FE Exam Review, PE Exam Review, Surveying, and PMP.

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

How I’d Pass the FE Exam in 2025 – If I Had to Start From Scratch

July 29, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about how I would approach the FE Exam in 2025 — with no recent coursework, no study momentum, just a goal to pass and a plan to make it happen.

Whether you’re just graduated, or it’s been a few years and you’re dusting off the cobwebs, this episode is packed with practical, tested strategies that real engineers — just like you — have used to pass.

I am going to walk you through two common scenarios and share practical, targeted strategies for each — so you can move forward confidently with the FE Exam in 2025, no matter where you’re starting from.

Scenario 1: If You’ve Been Out of School for a While (Or Didn’t Pass the Exam Before)

Now, if it’s been a few years since graduation—or if you’ve taken the FE before and it didn’t go your way—first of all, that’s not failure. It just means it’s time to switch up the strategy.

Here’s how I’d approach it:

Start with a self-audit.

Is the FE Exam HARDER than the PE Exam?

July 1, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I discuss a hot topic in the engineering world: Is the Civil FE exam actually HARDER than the PE?

From exam formats and technical content to unique challenges and prep strategies, I’ll share everything you need to know to help you figure out where the real difficulty lies. Whether you’re a student preparing for the FE or a seasoned pro gearing up for the PE, this episode is packed with insights for you.

The FE exam—also known as the Fundamentals of Engineering—is often viewed as the first big step in your professional journey. It’s broad, highly theoretical, and covers a massive range—calculus, statics, ethics, fluid mechanics—you name it. It’s like compressing all your undergrad engineering courses into a single test. No wonder it feels overwhelming.

But here’s the twist—some engineers say it’s easier because it’s more about memorization than real-world application.

Now enter the PE exam, the Principles and Practice of Engineering. It’s focused, in-depth, and hands-on. This one demands you apply what you’ve learned on the job to real engineering problems. Think: complex calculations, design scenarios, and discipline-specific questions.

Sounds tougher, right? Well, not always.

Many engineers actually find the PE more manageable because of their experience. Years of working in the field help you approach the exam with real-world context.

So, which is harder? It depends—on you.

LETS DO A FORMAT & STRUCTURE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TWO:

How to Solve PW Problems with Uneven Cash Flows

June 3, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we tackle a key concept from the Engineering Economics section of the FE Exam: PW Problems analysis. We’re given an investment with an initial cost and varying cash inflows over six years, and we calculate its value using an 8% interest rate. To do this, we apply the Single Payment Present Worth formula, which is ideal for handling non-uniform cash flows. Mastering this method is essential, as it’s a common topic you can expect to encounter on the FE Exam.

Question:

An investment generates the following cash flows over a 6-year period. Determine the Present Worth (PW) of the investment using an annual interest rate of 8%.

In today’s question, we are presented with a series of cash flows occurring over the span of 6 years. The investment has an initial cost of $30,000 in year zero, followed by a series of positive cash flows. Here, the goal is to calculate the Present Worth (PW) of these cash flows at an 8% interest rate. However, since these cash flows occur at different points in time, we’ll also need to account for the time value of money. Let’s start with a basic review of the concepts behind this problem:

The Present Worth Method:

The Present Worth method is a tool in engineering economics used to evaluate the total value of a series of future cash flows as if they occurred at the present time.

Time Value of Money:

Mastering the FE Exam Amidst School and Work Chaos!

May 20, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Brea Jarrell, EIT, an Engineer I at Parametrix, about the transition from student life to full-time engineering work, the pivotal role mentorship has played in her career, and how mastering the FE Exam—and the skills and mindset gained from that preparation—continue to impact her daily responsibilities.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Brea:

How did you land your opportunity with Parametrix as a freshman, and what was that experience like?
When did it become a priority for you, and can you walk us through the emotional and practical journey of not passing it the first time? What changed the second time around?
How did you find the time and focus to study for the FE exam? Were there any specific strategies or habits that helped you stay on track, especially the second time?
Were there any tough or unexpected FE topics that really challenged you? How did you work through those moments, and did any mentors help guide you through the more difficult parts?
How did you go about finding them, and what impact have they had on your transition from student life into the professional world?
How do you see the concepts or mindset from your FE preparation showing up in your day-to-day work?
What final piece of advice would you offer to students or early-career engineers, especially those who may be struggling with the FE or navigating the shift from college into the professional world?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

How to Perform a Bending Moment Calculation for the FE Exam

May 6, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we tackle a key structural engineering topic from the FE Exam: bending moment calculation for a loaded 20-foot beam. Using mathematical models and real-world examples, we walk through the bending moment calculations and discuss their significance in structural design. Whether you’re a student or a professional engineer, this article and video will help you strengthen your understanding of fundamental structural principles for the FE Exam.

Question:

A simply supported beam with a span of 20 feet is subjected to two loadings. A concentrated point load of 10 kips is applied 5 feet from the left support (point A), and a uniformly distributed load of 2 kips/ft acts continuously along the entire length of the beam. Determine the maximum bending moment in the beam using a bending moment calculation.

In today’s problem, we are tasked with analyzing a $20\,\text{ft}$ long simply supported beam subjected to both a point load and a uniformly distributed load. The point load is applied at a distance of $5\,\text{ft}$ from support $A$, while the uniformly distributed load of $2\,\text{kips/ft}$ is applied across the entire span of the beam. Our goal is to determine the maximum bending moment in the beam and its location.

Explanation:

In today’s problem, we are tasked with analysing a 20 ft long simply supported beam subjected to both a point load and a uniformly distributed load. The point load is applied at a distance of 5 ft from support A, while the uniformly distributed load of 2 kips/ft is applied across the entire span of the beam. Our goal is to perform a bending moment calculation to determine the maximum bending moment in the beam and its location.

To find the maximum moment in the beam due to the applied loads, we first need to determine the beam’s reactions at its supports. We label these loads R_A and R_B respectively. For convenience, we can also label our applied point load as F and the distributed loading as W.

With all the forces accounted for, we can move on to applying the equations of static equilibrium. These equations are based on the fundamental principle that the sum of the vertical forces in a system must equal zero, and the sum of the moments about any point in the system must also equal zero.

$\sum F_y = 0$

$\sum M_{A,B} = 0$

Let’s find an equivalent load for the distributed force so we can apply this first equation. The total load intensity from the distributed load is calculated as the intensity of the load, $2\,\text{kips/ft}$, multiplied by the beam’s length $20\,\text{ft}$. This gives us an equivalent load of $40\,\text{kips}$.

$F_w = R_A \cdot L$

$F_w = 40\,\text{kips}$

This represents the total load if the distributed loading were concentrated at the center of the beam as a single point load.

Busy Parents Can Pass the FE Exam in JUST 3 Months

April 22, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

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.