Videos

PASS the PE Exam in 2025 with These 5 Daily Habits

January 7, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I dive into five simple yet powerful daily habits that can revolutionize your study routine and set you on the path to success. These daily habits aren’t just about studying harder—they’re about studying smarter, staying consistent, and building momentum toward acing the PE Exam in 2025.

The Challenges of Preparing for the PE Exam

Many aspiring engineers struggle with the PE exam due to a lack of effective study strategies and poor time management, leading to anxiety and low confidence. It’s a vicious cycle that’s hard to break, but I believe that with a clear plan and determination, anyone can overcome these obstacles. The problem is that most of us get caught up in the day-to-day grind, and before we know it, weeks or even months have passed without making significant progress. We feel like we’re stuck, and the exam date seems to be getting closer and closer. This sense of uncertainty can be overwhelming, and it’s no wonder that so many aspiring engineers give up on their dreams of becoming a licensed professional engineer.

Managing Time Effectively

In addition to the time management issues, many of us also struggle with the sheer volume of material that needs to be covered. The PE exam is not just about memorizing formulas and equations; it requires a deep understanding of complex concepts and the ability to apply them to real-world scenarios. This can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not familiar with the exam format or the type of questions that will be asked. As a result, many aspiring engineers feel like they’re facing an uphill battle, and the lack of confidence can be crippling.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone on this journey. Today, I’m excited to share the specific daily habits that were instrumental in keeping me on track and making measurable progress toward passing the PE exam in 2025. These habits are designed to be both straightforward and effective, with the flexibility to adapt to your individual learning style and schedule. By integrating them into your routine, you can tackle the challenges that may have hindered your progress and confidently move closer to your ultimate goal of becoming a licensed professional engineer.

5 FE Exam HACKS You Need to Know to Pass in 2025!

December 31, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I share must-know FE Exam hacks to help you manage stress, master time, and tackle the overwhelming prep. Feeling stuck or doubting yourself? These proven tips will help you overcome every challenge and succeed!

Here’s how to set yourself up for real progress:

Hack #1: Set SMART Goals

Setting SMART goals is essential to effective FE exam prep. Let’s break down what that means. A smart goal is one that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Let’s explore how you can be smart with your goals for FE exam prep.

Specific: Focus on the FE exam that’s right for you, like FE Mechanical or FE Civil, and define a clear goal for the score you’re aiming for. Look up the average passing score, and set a target that challenges but doesn’t overwhelm you.

Measurable: Track your progress consistently. For example, try solving 20 practice problems from different sections each week, attend review sessions, and analyze your mistakes on mock exams to get better insight into your weak areas.

Attainable: Be realistic. Consider how much time you have each week to study, and avoid setting goals that feel impossible to reach. Aim to challenge yourself but stay within your limits.

Relevant: Make sure your study goals align with your career aspirations and the expectations of future employers. Knowing that your efforts support your career path can make studying feel even more worthwhile.

Time-bound: Set deadlines to keep yourself on track. For example, set specific dates to complete practice problems for each topic. These small milestones build momentum and keep you moving forward.

Hack #2: Build a Positive Structured Study Routine

Mastering Conic Sections Made EASY for the FE Exam!

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

In this article (and video above), we tackle a conic sections problem step by step, helping you determine the center of the curve and identify its type. By the end of this article, you’ll have the tools and confidence to handle similar questions with ease.

Question:

In this question, we are presented with the general equation of a conic section, and our job can be split up into two objectives: First, we need to determine the center of the conic section and secondly, we must identify the type of conic section it represents. Before diving into the solution, let’s take a moment to review some essential concepts that will help us approach this problem effectively.

Determine the center of the conic section described by the following general equation, and identify the type of conic section it represents:

9𝑥² + 16𝑦² − 54𝑥 + 64𝑦 = 311

Problem Context: Conic Sections

We start off by looking at what ‘conic sections’ refers to. This can be defined as any curve formed by the intersection of a plane with a right circular cone, as illustrated here. The type of curve—whether it’s an ellipse, parabola, circle, or hyperbola—depends on the angle at which the plane intersects the cone. Mathematically, we can distinguish between the different curves created by this intersecting plane using two key angles.

The first angle, denoted as θ (theta) in the FE Handbook, represents the angle between the intersecting plane and the vertical axis of the cone. The second angle, φ (phi), is the vertex angle, measured between the vertical axis of the cone, and its slanted outer surface. If these two angles are known, we can calculate what is referred to as the eccentricity of the conic sections using the formula:

How to Avoid the Perfectionism Trap and Pass Your PE Exam

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

In this article (and video above), I share actionable tips to avoid the perfectionism trap and explain how doing so can improve your chances of passing the PE exam. As engineers, we’re trained to aim for perfection—whether it’s in solving problems, designing structures, or excelling in school exams. However, when it comes to the PE exam, striving for perfection can actually work against you.

Why Perfectionism Can Be a Problem on the PE Exam

When you sit down for the PE exam, it’s natural to want to ace every question. However, this mindset can quickly lead to time mismanagement. Dwelling too long on challenging problems—what I call “time wasters”—can prevent you from addressing questions that you’re better equipped to answer.

Here’s the reality: You don’t need to get every question right to pass. Success on the PE exam is about strategic problem-solving, not perfection. The key is knowing when to move on and come back to challenging questions later.

A Proven Three-Step Process for Exam Success

Master Your FE Exam with Powerful Practice Testing Strategies!

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

In this article (and video above), I dive into a topic that can seriously help you out: mastering the FE exam with powerful practice testing strategies. Trust me, if you’re an engineering student, you don’t want to miss this. Getting this right can make all the difference in your exam success!

Preparing for the FE Exam can feel overwhelming – from finding the right resources to managing time effectively and overcoming exam anxiety. Many students experience a surge of stress as the exam date nears, and it’s easy to get lost in a maze of resources that may not even align with your goals. Ineffective study habits can add to the frustration, leaving you feeling less confident and even more stressed. Sound familiar? If you’ve felt this way, know that you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: with the right practice testing strategies, you can tackle these challenges head-on and transform your study sessions into highly productive experiences. Let’s break down a few methods that can sharpen your preparation and boost your confidence on test day.

Timed Quizzes

Traffic Engineering License vs. PE License: Here’s the Difference!

November 26, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Andrew Lee, PE, TE, about the unique Traffic Engineering (TE) license: why he pursued it, how to earn it, and how it differs from the PE license.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Andrew:

Can you explain what a traffic engineering license is and why you decided to pursue it?
How has having the TE license helped you as a traffic engineer in California?
Just to clarify, this exam is separate from the PE exam’s traffic-focused section, right?
Is the TE exam entirely focused on state-specific traffic engineering and results in a unique designation?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Are You Truly READY for the FE Exam? Find out Here!

November 19, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I take a deep dive into tips to pass your PE exam while also assessing your FE exam prep to make sure you’re ready to crush it on your first try. For those who might not be familiar, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a big deal for engineering students—it’s the stepping stone towards becoming a licensed engineer. If you’re planning to take the FE exam, it’s super important to assess your readiness.

Now, let’s break down some of the common challenges that candidates face when prepping for the FE exam. First off, many students struggle with time management. Between classes, internships, and maybe even a social life, finding time to study can feel impossible. Not to mention, understanding the exam format can be tricky too! You’ve got multiple-choice questions, and they can cover a wide range of topics. It can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. So, what do you do when you hit these roadblocks, and how do you know when you are ready to take the exam?

Here are some key things to consider:

1. Understanding the FE Exam

Conquer the Civil PE Exam with These Strategies!

November 13, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Zachary Lenz, PE, a transportation engineer at Burns & McDonnell, who recently conquered the revamped, tougher Civil PE exam and shares how the right approach can make all the difference.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Zachary:

Can you start by sharing your overall approach to studying for the civil PE exam?
What was the most challenging part of the new civil PE exam, and how did you overcome it?
How did Burns and McDonald support you in preparing for the PE exam?
How did your practical experience as a transportation engineer help you prepare for the PE exam?
Can you explain the CBT format and how it affects exam preparation?
What study materials or resources were most helpful during your preparation?
What final piece of advice would you give to engineers preparing for the PE exam?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Getting Your P.E. License Made EASY!

November 12, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Madison Anderson, PE, a transportation engineer at Stanley Consultants, about her inspiring journey to earning her P.E. license, the motivations that fueled her, how it shaped her career, and her top exam success tips.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Madison

What are the most important steps engineers should follow when getting ready for the PE exam, based on your experience?
What challenges did you face while preparing for the PE exam, and how did you overcome them?
How did your company, Stanley Consultants, support you during your journey to getting your P.E. license?
What specific strategies or study materials were most helpful for you when preparing for the PE exam?
What are some common mistakes engineers make while studying for the PE exam, and how can they avoid them?
Has earning your P.E. license improved your engineering skills, or has it mainly boosted your confidence?
Have you thought about getting licensed in other states, and what do you know about that process and any challenges it brings?
What final piece of advice can you give to engineers just starting their journey toward earning their P.E. license?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Why the Combined Stress Formula is the BEST Way to Ace Your FE Exam!

November 5, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we guide you through the Combined Stress Formula for a cantilevered beam, a valuable skill that will enhance your FE Exam prep and strengthen your understanding of essential engineering concepts.

Question:

In this scenario, we have a 300 mm cantilevered beam with a 20 mm x 20 mm square cross-section. One end of the beam is securely fixed, while the other end carries two applied loads: an axial force F_x = 200 N and a perpendicular force F_y = 150 N. Our goal is to determine the maximum combined stress produced by these forces at the base of the beam, focusing specifically on point A.

Problem Context: Combined Stresses

Before we jump into the question, let’s set the stage by exploring the concept of combined stress. This combined stress state occurs when an object experiences different kinds of loads at the same time. For instance, a beam subject to both axial and bending forces will develop a combination of these induced stresses throughout its structure. In general, there are five key stress types you should be familiar with to be able to solve these kinds of problems, and they are listed here as:

Axial stress
Bending stress
Shear stress
Torsional stress
Thermal stress

We’ll start off with a quick explanation of each stress case, starting off with axial stress.

Videos

The Challenges of Preparing for the PE Exam

Managing Time Effectively

Here’s how to set yourself up for real progress:

Hack #1: Set SMART Goals

Hack #2: Build a Positive Structured Study Routine

Question:

Problem Context: Conic Sections

Why Perfectionism Can Be a Problem on the PE Exam

A Proven Three-Step Process for Exam Success

Timed Quizzes

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Andrew:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Here are some key things to consider:

1. Understanding the FE Exam

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Zachary:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Madison

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Question:

Problem Context: Combined Stresses

Axial Stress