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PASS the FE Exam with THESE 9 Problem-Solving Tips

February 25, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I share 9 essential problem-solving tips that will help you pass the FE exam with confidence. From understanding the exam format to managing your time wisely, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a first-time test-taker or trying again, these tips will give you the edge you need to succeed.

Preparing for the FE exam can be overwhelming. Students face many challenges, from managing a vast amount of material—like mathematics, science, and other various engineering topics,—to navigating the exam’s format and structure. Time management during the test is a common struggle, as is the pressure to perform well, which can lead to anxiety and stress. Additionally, not having access to effective resources and guidance can make it difficult to create a study plan that works.

It’s no surprise that many students struggle to pass on their first attempt. But the good news is that with the right problem-solving tips, you can overcome these challenges and significantly improve your chances of success. Here are 9 tips that can help you navigate this challenging but potentially career game-changing process:

1: Focus on High-Impact Topics

Zero in on the most critical exam topics. Identify the areas that carry the most weight and prioritize your study time there. By focusing on high-impact material, you can maximize your score potential and avoid wasting time on less important sections.

2: Understand Core Concepts, Not Just Formulas

Don’t just memorize formulas—understand the concepts behind them. A solid grasp of the fundamentals will help you approach problems logically and think critically, which is essential for tackling unfamiliar or complex questions.

3: Practice Regularly

Consistent practice is key. Work through a variety of problem types to mimic the actual exam experience. This will build your confidence, improve your speed, and help you pinpoint areas that need extra attention.

4: Learn to Interpret Questions Effectively

Carefully reading and interpreting exam questions can make all the difference. Look for key words and phrases, break problems into smaller parts, and use tools like diagrams and flowcharts to simplify complex scenarios. This structured approach will help you develop clear solutions.

5: Establish a Pre-Exam Routine

Create a routine that helps you stay calm and focused on exam day. Get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat a nutritious meal to ensure you’re physically and mentally prepared to tackle the test.

6: Master Time Management During the Exam

Plan your time wisely during the test. Allocate sufficient time to each question and leave room at the end to review your answers. Learning how to pace yourself will reduce stress and help you perform your best.

7: Stay Positive and Motivated

Celebrate small wins during your preparation. Reward yourself for completing milestones to keep your motivation high and maintain a positive mindset throughout the study process.

8: Seek Support and Resources

Don’t go it alone. Leverage resources like study groups, review courses, tutors, and online communities to help you stay on track. These support systems can provide valuable insights and encouragement when you need it most.

9 – The Most Important Tips: Master the Art of Reading & Interpreting Questions

Of all the tips, mastering the skill of reading and interpreting questions is the most impactful. This skill unlocks the entire problem-solving process and sets apart successful test-takers. By identifying key words, breaking down problems, and using visual aids, you’ll be equipped to handle any challenge the exam throws your way.

By applying these 9 problem-solving tips, you can tackle the FE exam with confidence. Remember, success isn’t just about memorizing formulas—it’s about understanding concepts, approaching problems methodically, and staying positive throughout your preparation. You’ve got this!

About Matthew Douglas

Matthew currently serves as a content creator and host of The Engineering Project Management Podcast. 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 with private consulting firms and public agencies, and has even held a 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, he has taken the role of Public Works Operations Manager. 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.

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.

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… on Pass the FE Exam

Anthony Fasano, P.E., AEC PM, F. ASCE

Your Ultimate Guide to Acing the PE Exam for AVIATION Engineers

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

In this article (and video above), I talk with Devon Baummer, a licensed professional engineer specializing in aviation at Mead & Hunt, about aviation certifications like the AAE and explore strategic ways to select the right PE exam segment tailored to your career in aviation.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Devon :

Since many civil engineers are interested in aviation and licensing, could you explain how one should approach the exam, specifically which segments to choose when aiming to enter aviation?
Is it correct that in the state where one is licensed, a specific aviation designation is not required to practice, provided they ethically understand the field?
Is it accurate that civil engineers interested in aviation can choose any exam segment based on state requirements, but must practice within their knowledge to avoid ethical violations and public safety risks?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

How Becoming an FE Can Instantly Improve Your Portfolio & Career Security

February 11, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I explore the benefits of becoming a licensed professional engineer and how it can open doors to new opportunities, increase your earning potential, and enhance your career security while giving you a competitive edge in the industry. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced engineer, passing the FE exam can take your career to the next level, providing long-term career security in an evolving job market.

I want to focus on six points to inspire you to take and pass the FE exam.

1 – Exam Day – The Ultimate Test of Your Knowledge and Endurance

Let’s start with the challenge itself: Exam Day. This isn’t just any test; it’s a six-hour marathon of 110 multiple-choice questions, covering everything from math and engineering economics to material science and fluid mechanics. That means you’re drawing on knowledge from your entire academic journey.

You might be asking, “Why does the FE exam need to be so intense?” Well, it’s designed to see if you’ve got the full scope of engineering fundamentals down, no matter your discipline. Preparing for this exam demands months of focused study, and when you’re finally sitting there on exam day, it’s as much a mental endurance test as it is a knowledge test. When you pass, you know you’ve truly earned it! And that achievement contributes to your long-term career security, proving your readiness for the challenges ahead.

2 – Validation for New Graduates: Proof You’re Ready for the Field

Mastering PE Exam Time Management for a Passing Score!

February 4, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I share expert tips and strategies to help you optimize your test-taking skills and make the most of your exam time. From understanding the exam format to creating a personalized study plan, we’ll cover it all. Learn how to prioritize questions, PE Exam time management , and avoid common pitfalls that can cost you valuable points. With our proven techniques, you’ll be able to tackle even the toughest questions with confidence and achieve a passing score.

Effective time management is crucial for acing the PE exam. In fact, it’s one of the most critical skills to develop if you want to walk out of that exam room with a passing score. Think about it – you can be super knowledgeable on the content, but if you can’t manage your time wisely, you’ll likely end up running out of time or getting stuck on a challenging question, and that’s a recipe for disaster.

The Most Common PE Exam Time Management Challenges:

1. Pacing Yourself

A major hurdle is spending too much time on a single difficult problem, losing precious minutes.

2. Dealing with Anxiety

Stress can lead to panic, making it harder to focus and manage your time effectively.

3. Balancing Question Difficulties

Tough questions can trap you, leaving insufficient time for easier ones.

4. Maintaining Focus

Distractions, exhaustion, or feeling overwhelmed can break your concentration, further derailing time management.

Four Effective Time Management Strategies That Will Help You Pass the Exam:

What’s the SECRET to Mastering MOMENT of INERTIA on the FE Exam?

January 28, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we reveal the SECRET to overcoming the challenging topic of moment of inertia and help you achieve success on your engineering licensing exam.

We’ll start by revisiting the basics of inertia and then dive deeper into essential topics like centroidal area and the parallel axis theorem. These concepts are critical for understanding how the moment of inertia works and will prepare you to handle the different scenarios you’re likely to encounter on the exam.

Question:

In this question, we are presented with an I-beam, and we’re asked to calculate its moment of inertia about its centroidal x-axis. We’re also given a list of possible answers, all presented in mm – so straight off the bat, we know that we’ll be sticking to this unit in our calculations to keep things simple and prevent possible conversion mistakes. Now – before we jump into the solution to this problem, let’s review some key concepts so you have a better understanding of the theory behind this question.

Problem Context: Area Moment of Inertia

The area moment of inertia is a parameter that defines how much resistance a shape – like that of the cross-section of a beam – has to bending due to its geometry. For example – when we apply a concentrated load to the center of three simply supported beams like we have here – we get an intuitive feel for how the beams would react under this stress. In this case, the beams are bending about their own central axis referred to as their centroidal axis. The beam to the left would deform easily under this stress due to its cross section having a small inertia or ‘resistance to bending’ about its central axis. But when you look at the second or third beam, they have larger inertias making them more resistant to bending in this plane. This resistance to bending is influenced by the distribution of area about the bending axis, meaning when a shape has more of its area distributed further away from the bending line, like with our I-beam, it’s also less likely to bend.

Ace the PE Exam in 2025 WITHOUT Breaking the Bank

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

In this article (and video above), I share some top tips and strategies on how to ace the PE exam in 2025 without breaking the bank. From budget-friendly study materials to effective time management techniques, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional, this video is perfect for anyone looking to pass the PE exam on a budget.

When it comes to the PE exam, many aspiring engineers face the challenge of expensive study materials and courses, which can be a significant barrier to success. However, it’s a common misconception that passing the PE Exam requires spending a fortune on prep courses and materials. The truth? There are plenty of affordable resources that can help you prepare effectively without breaking the bank. In fact, many people have successfully passed the exam using free or low-cost resources—they just knew where to look and how to use them.

The financial burden of preparing for the PE Exam can be overwhelming, leading to stress and anxiety, especially for those already managing tight budgets. Many feel stuck, unable to afford costly resources.

The good news is, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to pass the exam. The key is to be strategic in utilizing the resources available to you. By focusing on affordable or free options, you can reduce financial strain, minimize stress, and channel your energy into what truly matters—successfully passing the exam.

Four Affordable Resources to Consider for the PE Exam in 2025

1 – Free Online Courses

Strategies to Overcome Procrastination and PASS THE FE EXAM

January 14, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I share some simple yet powerful strategies to help you overcome procrastination, build productivity, and get on track with your exam prep. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional, these tips will help you stay on track and pass your FE exam with confidence.

1: Understanding Why We Procrastinate

Before we get into strategies, let’s talk about why we procrastinate in the first place. Procrastination often stems from feeling overwhelmed – maybe it’s the sheer amount of material to cover, or maybe you’re worried about not doing well. If you’re feeling like this, know it’s totally normal. The FE Exam is a big deal, but breaking down why you’re avoiding study sessions can help you turn things around.

2: Set Clear and Achievable Goals

Step one to overcome procrastination? Setting clear, achievable goals. For example, instead of saying, ‘I’ll study thermodynamics this week,’ try ‘I’ll review thermodynamic cycles and solve five practice problems by Wednesday.’ Smaller goals create quick wins and give you that dopamine hit, which can make you feel accomplished and motivated to keep going.

3: Use a Study Schedule

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: