The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is the first step on the road to securing a Professional Engineering (PE) licensure. The FE exam lasts five hours and twenty minutes and is administered by the NCEES during four testing windows throughout the year. Several engineering graduates opt to take the FE exam during their senior year of college. In this article, we will explore the difficulty level of the FE Exam and what it takes to pass the FE exam the first time.
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1.
How Difficult is the FE
Exam?
The NCEES posts the FE exam passing rates bi-annually on its webpage. The latest FE exam passing rates are as follows:
The data shows that, on average, 60-65% of candidates pass the FE exam. So, succeeding in the FE is not a herculean challenge, as many think.
2.
Try to Pass on Your First
Try
The passing rates for repeat takers
are lower than for first-time takers. So, try to pass the FE exam on your first
time. If you fail the FE on your first attempt, your chances of failure on
future attempts are high.
However, if you put in the time and effort to prepare for FE, you can pass the FE on your first try.
3.
Why Should You Consider FE
Exam
Many students avoid taking the FE exam because they think passing the FE exam offers no immediate benefits. However, the FE exam is essentially the first step in securing a PE license. Earning a PE license opens up several high-paying job opportunities and helps you advance your career to the next level.
4.
How to Pass the FE Exam the
First Time
Here are some tips you can follow to ace the FE exam on your first try:
® Take the Exam Early in Your Career
You raise your odds of passing the FE exam by appearing for the exam while in the senior year of your college education. Most students prefer to take the FE during their college phase as the concepts they learn in college are still fresh in their minds. People who take the FE several years after graduation may find preparing for and passing the FE exam more strenuous.
® Start Your Preparations Early
One significant reason why many candidates fail the FE exam is they do not take the exam seriously. Starting your preparation just a few weeks before the exam ultimately sets you up for failure. The FE exam syllabus includes a wide range of engineering concepts, and you need to start your preparation at least 3-4 months before the examination date to cover all the topics.
® Seek Advice from Your Peers
If you are still in college, seek
help from your professors or mentors who have already taken the FE exam. Pick
their brains and ask questions like:
· How long did you prepare for the FE exam?
· What was the difficulty level of the FE exam?
· Do you have some test-taking tips?
Conversing with your professors or peers who have already taken the exam can help you gain valuable insights into how to study for FE.
® Join a FE Exam Review Course
It is okay to feel nervous about taking the FE exam. Self-studying for FE is not everyone's cup of tea; some people need a little extra guidance during the FE prep phase. If you want to enhance your preparation, consider joining a FE exam review course on well-known platforms like School of PE. Their students' pass rates are higher than the national average, so taking their course can significantly improve your odds of passing the FE exam.
5.
Concluding Thoughts
Becoming a licensed Professional Engineer is an incredible feat in an engineer's career, and passing the FE is the first step in the process of becoming a PE. So, appearing for the FE exam as early as possible is a smart idea. Start your preparations today and join a good FE exam review course to ace the FE exam.
Good luck with the exam!