Matthew Douglas

Changing Your FE Exam Discipline: A Step-by-Step Guide

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

In this article (and video above), I talk about a common dilemma faced by many aspiring engineers: changing your FE exam discipline. Whether you’re reassessing your career goals or discovering a new passion, join us as we demystify the process step-by-step.

Are you preparing for the FE exam but suddenly uncertain about your chosen discipline? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many FE candidates discover the need to change the FE exam discipline for various reasons.

Changing your FE exam discipline after NCEES registration doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, it’s a smart move if your career aspirations have evolved, or you’ve discovered a different engineering passion. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you make a seamless transition and stay on track for Engineer-in-Training (EIT) glory.

Why Choosing the Right Fe Exam Discipline Are So Important:

Choosing the right discipline for your FE exam is crucial. Your discipline determines the topics and questions you’ll encounter during the test. Selecting the discipline that aligns with your academic background and career goals is essential.

However, circumstances can change, and you might feel like changing the FE exam discipline for several reasons. This could be due to a change in career direction, academic focus, or simply realizing that another discipline suits you better.

Understanding the need for flexibility, NCEES® provides an option to change your FE exam discipline after registration. Remember that this process incurs a $50 administrative fee, but it ensures you’re adequately prepared for the exam in your new discipline.

Changing your FE exam discipline involves a straightforward process managed in your NCEES® account.

Here Is a Step-By-Step to Begin the Process:

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

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

FE Exam Review Struggles – My Story

May 31, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and the video above), I am thrilled to have Matthew Douglas, Operations Leader at the Engineering Management Institute, joining us again. As you may recall, we caught up with Matthew a month ago when he embarked on his journey of studying for the FE Exam. Today, we have the opportunity to delve deeper into his experiences and gain valuable insights into his FE exam preparation process.

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Q: Can you provide an update on your progress with the FE exam preparation since our previous conversation?
A: Matthew has improved his FE exam preparation by setting aside daily study time. The PPI course, including detailed explanations, practice exams, homework, and quizzes, has been invaluable. Despite the limited time, he prioritizes studying to stay on track.
Q: How has content from channels such as Pass the FE Exam influenced and contributed to your study routine?
A: Channels, like Pass the FE Exam, are valuable study resources, often used alongside other materials. They provide informative content, including discussions on waivers for the FE exam in different states. Students also find benefit in exploring PE exam materials through channels like these.
Q: Can you provide any tips or strategies that have helped you stay on track with your study plan?
A: To stay on track with your study plan, two key tips are essential. Firstly, set calendar reminders and integrate study sessions, family activities, and work commitments into your schedule to effectively manage your time. Secondly, cultivate the right mindset by acknowledging the significance of completing your studies and committing to the goal. Embrace the intrinsic motivation that drives you, enabling you to stay focused and resilient even during busy periods. By implementing these strategies, you can establish a productive study habit and make consistent progress towards your objectives.
Q: Are there any specific techniques or approaches that have helped you maximize the productivity of your study sessions?
A: A good approach is to study a previous class by utilizing past recorded sessions for better note-taking and retention. Completing related assignments and attempting diagnostic exams without prior studying can provide valuable insights and boost confidence. Breaking down the study process into manageable steps and celebrating small victories enhances motivation and progress.
Q: What strategies or plans do you have in place to maximize your productivity and make the most of the remaining time before the exam day?
A: To make the most of the remaining time before the exam, prioritize finding additional study resources, collecting relevant materials, and dedicating extra time for focused studying. Consider extending the study period if possible and aim to build confidence through comprehensive preparation to avoid retakes.
Q: How do you envision the FE exam influencing your career, professional growth, and the opportunities it will bring upon passing?
A: Passing the FE exam will significantly impact career growth by opening doors to higher positions, marketing opportunities for the company, and aligning with the credentials of colleagues and industry professionals. It will enable future consulting endeavors and ensure professional credibility. Career progression, providing for one’s family, and leveraging various opportunities are key motivations tied to passing the exam.
Q: What final tips or recommendations would you offer to individuals for their FE exam preparation who are going through the same process as you?
A: Change your mindset and develop a passion for the FE exam by being enthusiastic about the learning process and viewing it as a fulfilling journey rather than a dreaded task can help you stay motivated and committed to studying consistently.

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 a role of an educator. As such, he loves to lead, build, mentor, and help those in need.

Sources:

Juggling Family and Work While Preparing for the FE Exam: Tips from a Working Professional

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.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.

Engineering Management Institute

Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Juggling Family and Work While Preparing for the FE Exam: Tips from a Working Professional

May 4, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this episode, (and video above), I interview Matthew Douglas, civil engineer and the Operations Leader at the Engineering Management Institute, as he embarks on his journey to pass the FE Exam. Having been out of school for seven years, Matthew is taking on the challenge of preparing for the FE Exam while juggling family and work responsibilities. With the help of our sponsor, PPI, a Kaplan Company, Matthew will be using their course to prepare for the NCEES FE Exam. We explore his motivation for committing to this goal and his experience thus far as a working professional studying from home.

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Q: What advice would you give someone who is struggling to find a dedicated and consistent study schedule for an upcoming exam, especially when facing various obstacles like a recent move, a new job, and others wanting their own dedicated time with them?
A: Setting a dedicated time to study every day and putting it on the calendar can be really helpful in overcoming obstacles and getting into a study rhythm, especially when balancing a full-time job and family obligations. Treating studying as an important commitment and scheduling it in advance makes it more solidified and easier to prioritize.
Q: What strategies can be employed to manage anxiety and stay focused during the final stretch of of preparing for the FE Exam? Can you share some effective tips for staying motivated and maintaining progress towards study goals?
A: The best way to overcome anxiety for an exam is through preparation and consistency in studying. Building a good study schedule and utilizing resources such as review courses can also be beneficial. It’s normal to feel anxious about an 8-hour exam, but pushing through and taking the exam can provide valuable experience if future attempts are needed.
Q: What are some strategies that you recommend for effectively utilizing the PPI course materials, such as the slides, write-ups, and diagnostic exams, during the final stretch of preparing for the FE Exam? How can you prioritize what to study first and ensure that you make the most of your study time?
A: You must balance theory and practice when studying for an exam. It is important to understand the theory behind a topic first, but then it is essential to do as many problems associated with that topic as possible to prepare for the actual exam. Practicing under timed conditions is crucial to get used to the pressure and stress of the real exam.

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 a role of an educator. As such, he loves to lead, build, mentor, and help those in need.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week.

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