In this article (and video above), I talk with Jeffrey Basiliere, EIT, a Project Engineer at the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida. Jeffrey not only won our 3-month PPI on-demand course but also shares his winning strategies and study methods for acing the FE exam in this episode.
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jeffrey:
- How did you realize the significance of taking the FE exam for your career?
- What study methods did you use to prepare for the FE exam?
- How do you maintain consistent study habits for the FE exam, given its challenging scope and potential setbacks?
- Did your time in the Marine Corps help you prepare for challenging tasks like the FE exam?
- Does passing the FE exam after initially failing it give you confidence that you could also pass the PE exam if you failed it once?
- How has winning the PPI on Demand course helped you in your preparations for the PE exam?
- What are your winning strategies for structuring your study schedule and habits for your upcoming PE exam?
- How do you effectively manage your time with all the things you’re juggling?
- How can experiences like overcoming exam challenges help build resilience in your career and life?
- What final piece of advice would you offer engineers preparing for their FE or PE exams?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:
- The FE exam is crucial for an engineering career because it enhances professional credibility and opens doors to more advanced opportunities in the field.
- Preparing for the FE exam involves studying consistently with winning strategies and a structured plan. Engineers achieve mastery by repeating their learning and practicing with exam simulations to understand the exam’s content and format effectively.
- To maintain consistent study habits for the FE exam, individuals stick to a structured schedule, regularly review material, practice with sample exams, and seek support when needed.
- The discipline and learning techniques from the Marine Corps, like focusing on repetition and pushing through challenges, are great preparation for tough tasks like the FE exam.
- Passing the FE exam after an initial failure shows that persistence and determination can lead to success, providing confidence that the same approach can work for the PE exam.
- The PPI on Demand course helps by offering a flexible study schedule and ensuring a solid understanding of each topic through built-in assessments. This structured approach enhances preparation and boosts confidence for the PE exam.
- For your upcoming PE exam, structuring your study schedule with an on-demand course allows flexibility to balance life’s unexpected events. Setting a clear exam date and regularly assessing readiness will help maintain motivation and adjust study plans as needed for optimal preparation.
- Effectively managing time involves setting a structured study schedule that accommodates personal and professional responsibilities. Having a supportive network, both at home and at work, plays a crucial role in maintaining focus and achieving balance amidst multiple commitments.
- Overcoming exam challenges builds resilience by teaching valuable lessons in perseverance and problem-solving. These experiences prepare individuals to handle setbacks in their careers and personal lives, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and development.
- For engineers preparing for their FE or PE exams, it’s crucial to simulate exam conditions by taking practice tests in a quiet environment with timed sessions. Learning to manage stress, stay hydrated, and allocate time effectively to each question will help optimize performance on exam day.
About: Jeffrey Basiliere, EIT

Sources:
Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida
FE Exam
PE License
Connect with Jeffrey Basiliere, EIT, on LinkedIn
This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI, A Kaplan Company:
PPI
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.
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
