Anthony Fasano

Is the FE Exam HARDER than the PE Exam?

July 1, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I discuss a hot topic in the engineering world: Is the Civil FE exam actually HARDER than the PE?

From exam formats and technical content to unique challenges and prep strategies, I’ll share everything you need to know to help you figure out where the real difficulty lies. Whether you’re a student preparing for the FE or a seasoned pro gearing up for the PE, this episode is packed with insights for you.

The FE exam—also known as the Fundamentals of Engineering—is often viewed as the first big step in your professional journey. It’s broad, highly theoretical, and covers a massive range—calculus, statics, ethics, fluid mechanics—you name it. It’s like compressing all your undergrad engineering courses into a single test. No wonder it feels overwhelming.

But here’s the twist—some engineers say it’s easier because it’s more about memorization than real-world application.

Now enter the PE exam, the Principles and Practice of Engineering. It’s focused, in-depth, and hands-on. This one demands you apply what you’ve learned on the job to real engineering problems. Think: complex calculations, design scenarios, and discipline-specific questions.

Sounds tougher, right? Well, not always.

Many engineers actually find the PE more manageable because of their experience. Years of working in the field help you approach the exam with real-world context.

So, which is harder? It depends—on you.

LETS DO A FORMAT & STRUCTURE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TWO:

What to Do If You Fail the PE Exam (Beyond Logistics)

June 17, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about what to do if you fail the PE Exam and provide you with a powerful plan to reassess, refocus, and rise, so you can come back stronger, smarter, and more prepared than ever.

Let’s break it down into three powerful steps: Reassess. Refocus. Rise.

Step 1: Reassess

Now is the time to analyze your performance — not to beat yourself up about the fact that you did fail the PE Exam, but to learn and grow.

Reflect on:

Which areas were most challenging?
Did I run out of time?
Was it anxiety, or was it a knowledge gap?

While the experience is still fresh, take a moment to jot down the specific topics that challenged you. If available, go a step further and request a diagnostic report. This isn’t just about identifying what went wrong—it’s about uncovering what you can do better next time.

Step 2: Refocus

How to Solve PW Problems with Uneven Cash Flows

June 3, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we tackle a key concept from the Engineering Economics section of the FE Exam: PW Problems analysis. We’re given an investment with an initial cost and varying cash inflows over six years, and we calculate its value using an 8% interest rate. To do this, we apply the Single Payment Present Worth formula, which is ideal for handling non-uniform cash flows. Mastering this method is essential, as it’s a common topic you can expect to encounter on the FE Exam.

Question:

An investment generates the following cash flows over a 6-year period. Determine the Present Worth (PW) of the investment using an annual interest rate of 8%.

In today’s question, we are presented with a series of cash flows occurring over the span of 6 years. The investment has an initial cost of $30,000 in year zero, followed by a series of positive cash flows. Here, the goal is to calculate the Present Worth (PW) of these cash flows at an 8% interest rate. However, since these cash flows occur at different points in time, we’ll also need to account for the time value of money. Let’s start with a basic review of the concepts behind this problem:

The Present Worth Method:

The Present Worth method is a tool in engineering economics used to evaluate the total value of a series of future cash flows as if they occurred at the present time.

Time Value of Money:

Crush the PE Construction Exam With These Methods

May 27, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I break down three high-impact strategies that have helped thousands of engineers not just pass—but absolutely dominate the PE Construction Exam.

Tip #1: Master the Theory

If you want to crush the PE Construction Exam, you need more than surface-level knowledge. You need to understand the “why” behind what you’re solving.

Here are five resources will help you build that deep foundation::

PE Civil Reference Manual (PPI): A must-have. Focus only on the construction chapters and use it to clarify anything the NCEES handbook skips over.
Construction Depth Reference Manual: While it’s from an older version of the exam, it’s still highly relevant. It covers everything from estimating and scheduling to materials and earthwork.
School of PE Review Guide – Construction: Two volumes, full-color visuals, and QR codes for extra help. Ideal if you’re a visual learner.
Civil Engineering PE All-in-One Guide (Dr. Goswami): Broad, budget-friendly, and includes built-in practice problems. It’s a great one-stop resource.
Construction Methods and Management (Textbook): Yes, it’s a textbook—but this one’s different. Many engineers keep it as a reference even after the exam.

Use these resources to reinforce weak areas and get a deeper understanding of key concepts. That way, when a tricky question shows up, you’ll know exactly how to approach it.

Tip #2: Crush Practice Problems Like a Pro

Once your theory’s solid, it’s time to train for speed, accuracy, and endurance.

Here are six excellent resources packed with construction-specific problems:

PE Civil Practice Problems (PPI): These are tougher than the real exam—and that’s what makes them so valuable.
Six-Minute Solutions – Construction Depth (PPI): Quick-hit problems you can fit into a study break or morning routine.
School of PE’s Construction Practice Problems: Aligned with the current exam specs—relevant and fresh.
Construction Practice Problems (Dr. Mansour): Over 200 questions. Specs are slightly older, but just solve them using the current handbook.
100 Bonus Theory Questions (Civil Engineering Academy): Theory-based questions are more common than you’d think. These will help you recognize how NCEES frames conceptual problems.
All-in-One PE Practice Exams (Goswami): Use this as a custom problem bank. Target construction-specific questions and work through them in sets.

Always practice with your exam calculator and the NCEES handbook as your only reference. Build muscle memory now, and you’ll save serious time on exam day.

Tip #3: Simulate the Real Exam with Full-Length Tests

You wouldn’t run a marathon without practice runs. The same goes for this exam. Taking full-length, timed, CBT-style exams is non-negotiable.

Start taking full-length exams 4–6 weeks before test day. Then take another one every week or so. Treat them like rehearsals, and you’ll go into the real test cool, calm, and ready.

Closing Thoughts:

Remember, the PE Construction Exam is tough. No one’s denying that. But with the right materials, a clear plan, and consistent effort, you won’t just survive it—you’ll conquer it.

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 monthly, 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 PE Exam

Anthony Fasano, P.E., AEC PM, F. ASCE
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

PE Exam Alert: Project Management Takes Center Stage in 2025!

May 13, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

Big changes are on the horizon for the PE exam in 2025 — and you need to be ready. Project management is moving into the spotlight, and mastering it will be critical to your success.

In this article (and video above), I break down exactly what this new emphasis means for you as a PE candidate, and share expert insights and actionable tips to help you tackle it with confidence.

Whether you’re an experienced engineer or just beginning your journey, this is a must-watch if you’re serious about passing the PE exam in 2025.

The engineering landscape is evolving, and the Professional Engineer (PE) exam is changing too. As of 2025, project management is taking center stage, becoming a crucial component that aspiring engineers must master. This shift reflects the growing importance of project management skills in the engineering field, where professionals are expected to lead projects efficiently and effectively.

Engineers often find themselves well-versed in technical skills but might struggle with the project management aspects. The challenges are real – from understanding the project lifecycle to managing resources and timelines effectively. Many might be thinking, “I’m strong in my technical field, but project management? That’s a whole different ball game.” And they’re right; it does require a different set of skills. The potential gaps in knowledge can be significant, especially for those who haven’t had extensive experience in managing projects.

Programs like EMI’s AEC Project Management Certification are specifically designed to equip engineering professionals with the essential project management skills they often don’t receive through traditional technical education.

How to Perform a Bending Moment Calculation for the FE Exam

May 6, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we tackle a key structural engineering topic from the FE Exam: bending moment calculation for a loaded 20-foot beam. Using mathematical models and real-world examples, we walk through the bending moment calculations and discuss their significance in structural design. Whether you’re a student or a professional engineer, this article and video will help you strengthen your understanding of fundamental structural principles for the FE Exam.

Question:

A simply supported beam with a span of 20 feet is subjected to two loadings. A concentrated point load of 10 kips is applied 5 feet from the left support (point A), and a uniformly distributed load of 2 kips/ft acts continuously along the entire length of the beam. Determine the maximum bending moment in the beam using a bending moment calculation.

In today’s problem, we are tasked with analyzing a $20\,\text{ft}$ long simply supported beam subjected to both a point load and a uniformly distributed load. The point load is applied at a distance of $5\,\text{ft}$ from support $A$, while the uniformly distributed load of $2\,\text{kips/ft}$ is applied across the entire span of the beam. Our goal is to determine the maximum bending moment in the beam and its location.

Explanation:

In today’s problem, we are tasked with analysing a 20 ft long simply supported beam subjected to both a point load and a uniformly distributed load. The point load is applied at a distance of 5 ft from support A, while the uniformly distributed load of 2 kips/ft is applied across the entire span of the beam. Our goal is to perform a bending moment calculation to determine the maximum bending moment in the beam and its location.

To find the maximum moment in the beam due to the applied loads, we first need to determine the beam’s reactions at its supports. We label these loads R_A and R_B respectively. For convenience, we can also label our applied point load as F and the distributed loading as W.

With all the forces accounted for, we can move on to applying the equations of static equilibrium. These equations are based on the fundamental principle that the sum of the vertical forces in a system must equal zero, and the sum of the moments about any point in the system must also equal zero.

$\sum F_y = 0$

$\sum M_{A,B} = 0$

Let’s find an equivalent load for the distributed force so we can apply this first equation. The total load intensity from the distributed load is calculated as the intensity of the load, $2\,\text{kips/ft}$, multiplied by the beam’s length $20\,\text{ft}$. This gives us an equivalent load of $40\,\text{kips}$.

$F_w = R_A \cdot L$

$F_w = 40\,\text{kips}$

This represents the total load if the distributed loading were concentrated at the center of the beam as a single point load.

Busy Parents Can Pass the FE Exam in JUST 3 Months

April 22, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I share real, actionable strategies to show that busy professionals, students, and busy parents can pass the FE exam, and still be present for the people who matter most.

Whether you’re a working parent, a stay-at-home parent, or a professional with a packed schedule, I’ll help you develop a study plan that fits your lifestyle, keeps you motivated, and ensures you’re setting yourself up for success.

Don’t let a busy schedule hold you back from achieving your engineering dreams.

Studying for the FE Exam is a challenge, but when you add family, work, and life responsibilities into the mix, it can feel overwhelming. You might worry about:

Missing family moments because of study time
Feeling guilty about taking time for yourself
Doubting whether you can juggle it all

First things first—these feelings are completely normal. Many aspiring engineers have faced these same struggles and still passed the exam, INCLUDING ME, we had our first child at the time and weren’t even getting a good night’s sleep during my months of preparation

The key is to shift your mindset—this is a temporary challenge for a long-term reward. The sacrifices you make now will pay off for you and your family in the future. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Create a Realistic, Flexible Study Schedule

The foundation of successful FE Exam prep is time management. Instead of trying to study whenever you “find time,” schedule dedicated study sessions that fit into your routine.

How to Prepare for the PE Exam: 5 Key Steps to Simulate CBT Conditions

April 15, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I provide 5 steps you can take to simulate the CBT—or Computer-Based Testing—conditions so you can walk into exam day fully confident and prepared.

With the PE Exam now fully transitioned to CBT, your success depends on how well you can work under the same digital conditions you’ll face during the actual test.

Why Simulating CBT Conditions Matters

The PE Exam isn’t just about knowing the material—it’s about how efficiently you can navigate problems on a computer, with limited resources, within a strict time frame.

Practicing in a similar environment helps you:

✅ Build speed and accuracy.
✅ Get comfortable with the digital NCEES Reference Handbook.
✅ Reduce anxiety on exam day.
✅ Improve your time management.

1: Practice with the Digital NCEES Reference Handbook

In the CBT format, you won’t bring your own notes or books—you’ll only have access to the digital NCEES Reference Handbook.

What’s The BEST Calculator To Pass The FE Exam in 2025?

April 8, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I explore the top calculators that can help you pass the FE exam with confidence. From Texas Instruments to HP, we’ll compare the features, functionality, and usability of the most popular calculators on the market. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, this article and video will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision and choose the best calculator for your FE exam preparation.

Why Your Calculator Choice Matters

Selecting the right calculator for the FE exam is a crucial decision—it can make the difference between passing and failing. The FE exam is a challenging test that requires not only strong technical knowledge but also efficiency and confidence in problem-solving. A well-suited calculator can help you:

Solve problems more quickly and accurately
Reduce stress during the exam
Improve overall efficiency and confidence

With so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. However, prioritizing this decision will ensure you are well-prepared for exam day.

Understanding FE Exam Calculator Restrictions

One of the biggest challenges students face when selecting a calculator is ensuring it meets the FE exam’s strict guidelines. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has a pre-approved list of calculators that can be used during the exam. Any calculator outside this list is not permitted.

Common Challenges Students Face

Why EVERY Engineering Firm Owner Needs a Professional Engineering License

April 1, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I share why every engineering firm owner should prioritize obtaining a PE license, and how it can take your business to the next level—whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for years.

The High Risks of Operating Without a PE License

Running an engineering firm without a licensed engineer on board exposes your business to serious risks:

1. Legal Liability

Firstly, in some US states, professionals CANNOT be an owner in an engineering business without a license, so in this scenario, it’s an absolute must. However, even if it is legal to own a company without a PE license, firm owners may be personally liable if a project goes wrong. That means your own finances, assets, and reputation could be on the line. Legal action, fines, and settlements can quickly become devastating for both you and your business.

2. Project Failures

Projects led without licensed engineers often face delays, budget overruns, and quality issues. These problems hurt your firm’s credibility and can lead to negative word-of-mouth, bad reviews, and a lasting dent in your reputation.

3. Lost Client Trust

Potential clients are looking for qualified, trustworthy firms to handle their projects. If your firm lacks licensed professionals, it raises red flags, causing you to lose out on valuable contracts and growth opportunities.

4. Business Survival at Stake

In the worst cases, a firm without proper licensure may face financial collapse, forced closure, or legal shutdowns. The fallout doesn’t just affect solely the owners—it impacts employees, their families, and your wider community.

Anthony Fasano

LETS DO A FORMAT & STRUCTURE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TWO:

Step 1: Reassess

Step 2: Refocus

Question:

The Present Worth Method:

Time Value of Money:

Tip #1: Master the Theory

Tip #2: Crush Practice Problems Like a Pro

Tip #3: Simulate the Real Exam with Full-Length Tests

Closing Thoughts:

Question:

Explanation:

1. Create a Realistic, Flexible Study Schedule

Why Simulating CBT Conditions Matters

1: Practice with the Digital NCEES Reference Handbook

Why Your Calculator Choice Matters

Understanding FE Exam Calculator Restrictions

Common Challenges Students Face

The High Risks of Operating Without a PE License

The Power of a PE License