FE Exam

FE Exam Prep: Probability & Statistics – Normal Distribution

April 5, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article, (and video above), we’re going to use a normal distribution to determine the probability of a curve. This question forms part of the probability & statistics section of the FE Exam and will give you a better understanding of what you can expect during the exam.

Question:

Given a normal distribution of quantity x, where n(x) represents the unit normal distribution function, what is the probability that a given sample quantity, x1, will lie between x = x0 and x = x2?

Solution:

I Failed the FE Exam 2 Times Until I Did This: Secrets to Passing the FE Exam

March 23, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this video, I talk with Chris Siwczak, a project engineer at Colliers Engineering & Design who failed the FE exam 2 times but then passed it the third time. He talks about what he did differently the third time around and how he built accountability into his study schedule.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Chris:

How many times did you take it, and what made the difference in finally passing the FE exam?
Did your company support you when taking the exam and if so, how did they support you?
What did your study schedule look like?
What tips can you share with the listeners that helped you in passing the exam?

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

Environmental Engineering Exam: FE Exam Prep

March 9, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we solve the value of an interior angle that forms part of the Civil and Environmental Engineering section of the FE Exam to give you a better understanding of what you can expect during the exam.

Question:

The interior angles of triangular traverse were measured as: angle A 63 +- .01 degrees. angle B 41 +- .03 degrees, and angle C 77 +- .03 degrees. The most probable value for angle B is:

Solution:

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | FE Exam Review

February 22, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we calculate the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) of wastewater that forms part of the Civil and Environmental Engineering section of the FE exam to give you a better understanding of what you can expect during the exam. This problem was solved by Enrique Ivers, an Engineer in Training.

Question:

A sample of wastewater is incubated for 7 d at a temperature of 20°C. After this incubation period, the BOD is found to be 211 mg/L. The reaction rate constant is 0.14 d-1 (base e) The ultimate BOD of this sample is most nearly:

A: 225mg/L
B: 310 mg/L
C: 340 mg/L
D: 560 mg/L

Solution:

Steps to Take When You Pass the FE Exam

February 8, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article, (and video above), I explain all the steps you need to take right after you pass your NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam to make the most of your achievement.

Here Is What You Will Need to do After Passing the FE Exam:

You will need to send your transcript to the state board where you want certification, and then wait to receive your EIT certificate in the mail. Here are some things we recommend you do once you receive your EIT certificate.
Place these credentials after your name wherever you can. For example, add EIT after your name on your LinkedIn profile. This is important because it shows potential employers that you are on track to receive your engineering license.
While it may be too early to start studying for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, it’s not too early to create an experience log and keep it up to date between now and when you take the PE exam, logging all of your experience. This is critically important, because when you go to apply for the PE exam, they will ask for a list of all of your experience which will include the projects and tasks that you worked on and which professional engineers you worked under. These professional engineers will need to sign the application for you. Too many engineers wait to try to prepare this list when they are applying for the exam and they forget all of the details of what projects they worked on.
Last but now least, you must gain engineering work experience as soon as possible. Get out there in the field and start working as soon as you can to build up your experience which will help you to be able to sit for the PE exam sooner in most states.

How Soon Can You Take the PE Exam After Passing the FE Exam?

FE Exam Prep: Ethics

January 11, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I solve an ethics question similar to one you might encounter during the FE Exam in the FE and Professional Practice category.

Question:

Why may it be difficult to apply codes of ethics to real-world situations?

(A) The codes are too idealized for real-world situations.
(B) Since few people follow such codes, doing so would put one at a great disadvantage.
(C) Corporations are profit oriented, and frown upon anything that may affect their bottom line.
(D) Sections of the code are vague or conflict with other sections.

Solution:

[Read more…] about FE Exam Prep: Ethics

FE Mathematics Exam Prep Question

December 28, 2021 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I solve a FE mathematics exam prep question similar to one you might encounter during the FE Exam, to give you a better understanding of what you can expect during the exam. These types of questions and answers will help you prepare for your FE Exam and help you get a better understanding of what to expect during the exam.

I also provide tips for how to visualize questions like this and how to to find the right equations in the reference handbook, which is critical to exam success.

Question:

Which of the following expressions is equal to the angle between two planes whose normals are given by V1 and V2?

Solution:

FE Exam Mechanical Practice Question: Continuity Equation

December 14, 2021 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article, (and video above), I solve a continuity equation question similar to one you might encounter on the mechanical section of the FE Exam.

Question:

Which of the statements is true concerning the following continuity equation?

FE Civil Exam Practice Problem (Spring Constant)

November 30, 2021 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this video (and article above), I solve a spring constant question similar to one you might encounter on the civil section of the FE Exam.

Question:

A long metal rod can be used as a very stiff spring. The deformation of a rod is given by the following expression:

Engineering Ethics Problem Question

November 17, 2021 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article, (and video above), I solve an engineering ethics problem that you may encounter as part of the Ethics and Professional Practice section of the FE Exam.

Question:

An Engineer-In-Training (EIT), is asked to review and stamp a set of civil engineering drawings by his or her supervisor. The EIT is working under a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and has met the state requirements to obtain licensure. The EIT may seal the contract documents if :

(A) He or She has been given permission by their supervisor who is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

(B) He or She has a PhD in the area of Civil Engineering.

(D) He or She is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and is competent in the area of Civil Engineering.