FE Exam

Ultimate TI-36X Pro Guide: Crush the FE Exam with These Hacks

May 8, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about a tool that can make a significant difference in your exam performance – the TI-36X Pro calculator. Often overlooked, this calculator is a powerhouse of functionality and can be your best ally during the FE Exam.

From solving complex equations to effortlessly managing matrices and vectors, this calculator is more than a tool – it’s your ally in the rigorous test of knowledge and time management that is the FE Exam. Let’s look at some of its features that will help you during the FE Exam:

Equation Solver:

Quitting Your Job to Study for the FE Exam: Is It the Right Move?

April 24, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about a significant topic: whether or not to quit your job to study for the FE exam. This is a dilemma many of our listeners face, and today, we’re diving deep into the advantages, disadvantages, and alternative options to help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of Leaving Your Job

Increased Focus: Without the daily grind of work, you can dedicate more time and energy to studying for the FE exam. This focused approach could lead to faster and more effective preparation.
Reduced Stress: Balancing work and study can be overwhelming. Quitting your job might significantly lessen this stress, potentially improving your focus and learning ability.
Flexible Study Schedule: Free from a rigid work schedule, you can tailor your study plan to fit your personal learning style, offering the freedom to study at your most productive times.
Potential for Faster Progress: More study time often translates to quicker learning and progress towards your target score.
Boosted Confidence: Fully committing to the exam preparation can increase your confidence, fostering a positive and focused mindset towards your studies.

Disadvantages of Quitting

Now, let’s consider the potential drawbacks:

Financial Strain: Giving up a regular income can lead to financial challenges, affecting you and your dependents.
Resume Gap Concerns: A significant break in employment might raise red flags for future employers.
Loss of Professional Experience: Stepping away from the workforce means missing out on valuable job experience and growth opportunities.
Missed Career Opportunities: You might lose out on promotions or other advancements at your current job.
Reduced Social Interaction: Leaving your job could lead to less social engagement, potentially impacting your emotional well-being.
Renewed Exam Pressure: The pressure to succeed in the exam after quitting your job can be immense, potentially leading to heightened anxiety and stress.

Factors to Consider

So before making a decision, reflect on these critical considerations:

Financial Situation: Assess if you can manage without an income and if you have savings or other financial means to support this period.
Exam Difficulty: Consider your confidence level in your engineering knowledge and the amount of study time you might need.
Career Goals: Evaluate the importance of the FE exam and a Professional Engineering (PE) license for your career path.
Study Habits: Understand your learning preferences – do you thrive studying independently, or do you need the structure of a work environment?
Alternative Options: Have you thought about other methods like part-time study, a leave of absence, or finding a study partner?

Alternatives to Quitting

Lastly, if quitting seems too drastic, here are some alternatives:

Study Part-Time: This allows you to keep working while preparing for the exam, though it requires excellent time management.
Take a Leave of Absence: Some employers may allow a temporary break for exam preparation.
Find a Study Partner: Partnering with someone can boost your motivation and deepen your understanding of the material.
Negotiate Reduced Work Hours: Talk to your employer about cutting back your hours to free up more study time.

Deciding whether to quit your job to study for the FE exam is complex and deeply personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your financial situation, career goals, and study habits. Remember, the FE exam is an important step, but it’s not the sole determinant of your professional success. Choose a path that aligns with your needs and goals, and stay focused on the bigger picture of your career.

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

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.

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

Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies: Statics

April 10, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we break down the equilibrium of rigid bodies, zooming in on how to figure out support reactions at a roller. We take you through each step to make it easy to understand and apply in solving support forces in complicated structures.

Question:

Consider the loaded system shown below with supports at A, B, C and D. What is the reaction force at D due to the applied 6kN load?

Explanation:

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:

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 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 FE Exam

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

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:

I’ll see you next week.

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.

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

How to Minimize Distractions While Studying for the FE Exam

January 17, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I discuss 10 actions you can take to decrease distractions while studying for the FE Exam.

Let’s start with a scenario many of us know too well. You sit down to study, but within minutes, digital distractions pull you away. Your phone starts beeping or buzzing, and before you know it, precious study time is lost. So, how do we avoid this? Let’s delve into some effective strategies.

1. Eliminate Digital Distractions

It’s essential to switch your phone into airplane mode and turn off ALL notifications. Using website blockers or productivity apps can also block distractions on your computer. Remember, a disconnected smartphone means a connected mind.

2. Set Realistic Study Goals and Break Down Tasks

This is another vital step. Use a timer to limit your study sessions and focus intensely for shorter periods. This method helps in reducing the urge to procrastinate and keeps distractions at bay.

3. Employing Effective Study Techniques

Techniques like practice problems, flashcards, and teaching concepts to others not only aid in better retention but also keep your study sessions engaging and dynamic. Also, if you are doing practice problems or a practice exam, do them in a timed atmosphere similar to the one you will experience on exam day. You must recreate exam-like conditions as often as possible.

4. Seek Support From Peers or Study Groups

This action can be incredibly beneficial. Discussing concepts, sharing resources, and holding each other accountable makes the study process more collaborative and less isolating.

5. Incorporate Short Breaks and Physical Activity Into Your Study Time

Short breaks rejuvenate your mind and enhance memory retention. Incorporate activities like walking, stretching, or even a quick social media check during these breaks.

6. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle During Your Exam Preparation Months

Of course, this one is important to do throughout life, but eating brain-boosting foods and staying hydrated can significantly improve your focus and cognitive abilities during studying.

7. Find an Ideal Study Spot That Suits Your Learning Style

Whether it’s a quiet corner or a lively café, the right environment can make a significant difference.

8. Wear Noise-Canceling Headphones

For those who find external noises distracting, this can be a game-changer.

9. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Taking this step can greatly enhance your concentration and overall well-being. Techniques like mindful breathing, body scan meditation, or yoga can help center your focus and reduce stress. I like the Waking Up App by Sam Harriss for guided meditations but there are also many free apps out there.

10. Reward Yourself for Achievements

Celebrating small milestones keeps you motivated and acknowledges the hard work you’ve put in.

To wrap up, these strategies are not just about reducing distractions; they’re about optimizing your study sessions to achieve the best possible results in your FE Exam. Implement these tips, and you’ll find yourself studying more efficiently and effectively.

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

Understanding the FE Exam Scoring Process

January 3, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I explain the mysteries behind the FE exam scoring process and share some invaluable tips to help you pass the FE exam.

1. A Scaled Scoring System

Let me begin by shedding some light on the distinctive FE exam scoring process. What sets this exam apart is its a scaled scoring system, which only considers correct answers. This scaling accounts for varying difficulty levels across different exam versions, ensuring a fair assessment for all candidates. This also means that you should NEVER LEAVE A QUESTION BLANK. Only correct answers help you, but wrong answers don’t hurt you, so at a minimum, just guess the ones you didn’t answer before the end of the exam.

2. The Essence of Psychometric Methods

The FE exam encompasses various question types, each aimed at assessing different skills. These include aptitude, quantitative reasoning, mechanical and logical reasoning, and inductive reasoning questions. Understanding these different types of questions can significantly aid in your preparation.

3. Understanding the Fluctuating Pass Rates

Exam pass rates are a crucial aspect to understand. In 2023, for example, rates varied from 51% to 69% across different engineering disciplines. It’s important to recognize that these rates are dynamic and do not necessarily indicate the difficulty level of each discipline.

4. Your FE Exam Results

Post-exam, candidates receive a straightforward pass or fail outcome. For those who don’t pass, a diagnostic report is provided, which is a valuable tool for identifying areas of improvement for future attempts.

5. The Diagnostic Report

The diagnostic report is an essential resource for re-takers. It details your performance in each subject, allowing you to pinpoint where you need to focus your study efforts.

6. The Passing Score

Aiming for the passing score, typically around 70%, requires an understanding that this figure is subject to change. The focus should be on comprehensive preparation rather than on the fluctuating passing score. In other words, focus on preparing and doing lots of practice problems NOT trying to get a 70.

In closing, don’t be intimidated by the statistical aspects of the FE exam. Whether it’s your first attempt or a subsequent one, the key lies in diligent practice and thorough understanding of the NCEES® reference guidebook.

Remember, while the exam is challenging, it’s far from impossible. Use the resources provided by NCEES® effectively, and focus on your weak areas for a better chance at success.

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