Maximize your chances of passing and minimize the stress of studying with the help of this expert advice from a professional engineer-turned-exam prep instructor.
PPI, A Kaplan Company, has sponsored this post.
As the end of one year approaches, countless professionals are setting their goals for next year and devising a plan to achieve them. For the engineers among them, one of the most common objectives will be to overcome one of two key obstacles on the path to full engineering licensure: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
By passing the FE exam, an engineer earns what in most U.S. states is called the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation. An EIT can work as an engineer and begin earning the several years of professional experience required to take the PE exam, which is the final obstacle on the road to full licensure as a professional engineer. Sounds simple but preparing oneself to take either exam requires a hard work and dedication. PPI, a Kaplan Company, a major provider of exam preparatory courses and materials, recommends studying three hours a day over 12-14 weeks for the FE exam, and a total of 200-300 hours over 5-7 months for the PE exam. While this might seem like an enormous commitment, “the time spent now in preparation for your exam will give many years of benefits in one’s career,” says Arthur Chianello, P.E., an instructor of civil engineering instructor at PPI, a Kaplan Company and the Water Resource Manager for the City of Bakersfield, Calif. Chianello, who started his career as a mechanical engineer before obtaining a master’s degree in civil engineering, has helped hundreds of students prepare for the FE civil exam. Here, he offers his best advice on preparing for the FE and PE exams.
Make a Plan and Stick to It
The first step to getting ready for either exam is simply to become familiar with the exam’s contents. Download the exam reference handbooks from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and review the various knowledge areas to be covered by the exam for your particular discipline. The exam specification outline, in concert with the NCEES reference handbook, can be used to “create a study schedule that is practical and achievable,” says Chianello.
One of the big benefits of enrolling in an exam prep course, like those offered by PPI, is the study guide you’ll receive. PPI’s guide includes reading materials, diagnostic exams, flashcards, and homework quizzes that follow the structure of the exam. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of determining what to study and when, as it’s all been organized for you.
When developing your study plan, or deciding when to register for a prep course, work backwards from your exam date to “make sure that you scheduled your exam close to when you finish your studying, so that everything will be fresh in your mind,” advises Chianello.
NCEES Reference Handbook
In addition to learning the exam specifications, familiarizing yourself with the NCEES handbook is another crucial step in exam preparation. “When you’re solving a homework problem, taking a quiz or a practice exam, have your NCEES reference handbook next to you and be able to locate equations, formulas and tables within that book,” says Chianello. Why? Because the handbook is the only piece of reference material you’ll be allowed to consult during the exam. A good understanding of the handbook and knowing where to find information will reduce time spent searching useful content, which in turn will maximize the time you have to answer the exam questions.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Both the FE and PE exams cover a wide range of subject matter. Even with several years of job experience, there may be areas with which you are less familiar or that you might not practice regularly in your professional role. “If you just focus on your strengths, that may not give you enough points,” says Chianello. “You need to be thorough when you do your review work problems and seek advice to answer any questions that may come up for that particular problem or concept.” Diagnostic exams, which are included with a PPI prep course, allow you to identify the knowledge areas in which you’ll benefit from more study. You can then adjust your studies to focus on your weaker knowledge areas and ensure you have a well-rounded understanding of the content to improve your chances of success.
Practice, Practice, Practice
In addition to the diagnostic exams, there are also practice exams you can take as often as you’d like. Chianello advises taking practice tests frequently during your exam prep. The exams are written in the specific cadence of the actual exam with equations following the exam format. “Taking practice tests will familiarize you with the phrasing of the questions and the overall format of the exam,” notes Chianello. The practice exams can also be timed, allowing you to exercise time management, a vital factor when it comes to answering all the questions successfully on exam day.
Time Management
It’s important to be aware of the time you spend on each question as you study, as this will train you to manage your time effectively during the actual exam. Based on the number of questions and length of the exams, you will have an average of three minutes to complete each question on the FE exam and six minutes per question on the PE exam. “When you’re taking the test, the goal is to manage your time,” says Chianello. “A lot of people say they’ve run out of time, and they didn’t finish answering all the problems. Flag the problems that are taking too much time and come back to them later, after you’ve completed the problems that you’re more familiar with.”
Not Your Average Textbook
The PPI exam review books, which are provided as part of PPI prep courses, follow the same format as the NCEES handbook, identify equations that match the format of the exam, and include a succinct description of each formula and its applications. Chianello advises candidates to “obtain an engineering review book that includes background information, relevant equations, quantitative examples, and practice problems.” This is not your average textbook; the PPI exam review books are intended to help the reader soak up as much knowledge and understanding of the content as possible. In fact, Chianello still refers regularly to his review for help in his professional role because the information is easy to access and understand.
Study Buddies
Having completed your engineering degree and studied for several exams, you’re likely aware of your study style. “If you’re one who likes to study alone, then identify a quiet study space that could be at home, at work, or in the library,” Chianello recommends. “But it’s important to have a space that minimizes distractions. Or if you prefer to study in a group, finding a study group is helpful and can also help you work with others on the same problems to discuss solutions and concepts.”
Preparing to take the FE or PE exam is a lofty goal for the new year, but with the right amount of preparation, it’s an achievable goal. The large amount of knowledge required to pass the exam can be overwhelming but understanding the exam structure and using a correlating study guide will allow you to focus on a specific subject-matter area each time you study. The wealth of resources and combined knowledge that come with a PPI prep course will ensure you have the tools to understand the exam content and greatly improve your chances of passing the exam.
To learn more about the exam preparation courses and resources offered, visit PPI, a Kaplan Company.
