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.
Which topics gave you the most trouble? Be honest about it. That’s your roadmap. Focus on the areas that cost you points last time, or just the topics you generally struggle with.
Consider a structured course — but choose carefully.
Not all courses are created equal. Ignore the flashy ads and look for options with:
- Short, digestible video lessons
- Step-by-step problem walkthroughs
- A heavy focus on practice over lecture
- At least 6 months of access (you need flexibility, not pressure)
- A small team of instructors — too many voices = confusion
Scenario 2: The “Just Graduated” Game Plan
If you’re within a year or two of graduating, you’re in a great spot. You’ve still got academic momentum, and a lot of the material is fresh. Here’s how I’d take advantage of that:
- Use your old course materials.
Your class notes, past homework, even your old exams — they can actually be more helpful than bulky review books. They remind you why the formulas work, not just what to plug in. - Cross-check everything with the NCEES exam outline.
Download the specs for your discipline. This becomes your checklist. Don’t waste time studying things that won’t show up on the exam. - Choose one solid practice resource.
Don’t overwhelm yourself with 10 different platforms. Pick one digital question bank or workbook — something that mimics the actual FE style. Personally, I’d go for one that’s flexible and offers a lot of practice problems, organized by topic. - Take at least two full-length practice exams.
Treat them like the real deal — no distractions, no pauses. This isn’t just about content; it’s about stamina and time management. You want your brain to recognize the pace and pressure of the real test
Here’s a Bonus tip: Reach out before you buy.
Message the course creators. See if they respond and answer your questions. Their support now will likely reflect the support you’ll get during the course.
And finally — don’t buy based on influencer hype. Look for testimonials from real engineers, especially ones in your discipline. If you’re taking FE Mechanical, you want to hear from someone who actually passed FE Mechanical using that course.
Let’s now take a look at what you should avoid when choosing FE Prep Resources:
Let me call out a few things you’ll want to avoid — because they can seriously slow down your progress:
- Overly long lectures: If the content feels like a never-ending classroom lecture, you’re probably going to zone out. Look for study materials that break things down into shorter, more focused chunks. You’ll learn better and stay engaged longer.
- Live-only sessions: Unless you’re absolutely sure you’ll show up to every single live class, skip it. Most people end up missing a few and then feel guilty — and that guilt doesn’t help you pass. Go for flexible, on-demand options you can rewatch anytime.
- Courses that don’t actually teach: Some courses just give you problems and answer keys. That’s not enough. You need walkthroughs, explanations, and actual teaching. If you’re going to spend money, make sure you’re getting more than just a list of solutions.
- Access limits that create pressure: Some programs cut off your access after 90 days or so. That might sound motivating at first, but it just creates stress. Life happens — you want the ability to review at your own pace without feeling rushed.
Here’s My Final Advice: Don’t Just Hope to Pass the Fe Exam in 2025 — Build a System!
Whether you use your own notes, a question bank, a paid course, or a tutor — what matters most is your plan.
- Do a little every day.
- Track your weak areas.
- Get really comfortable with the reference handbook.
- Simulate the real test at least twice.
And most importantly — don’t repeat study methods that haven’t worked for you in the past. Switching strategies isn’t failure — it’s progress.
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
