5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Studying for the FE Exam and How to Fix Them The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first critical step in becoming a licensed engineer. Preparing for it can feel overwhelming, but many of the challenges stem from avoidable mistakes. Let’s break down five common errors students make and how you can sidestep them to improve your chances of success. 1. Not Understanding the Exam Format One of the biggest blunders is diving into studying without knowing what you are preparing for. The FE exam is not just a test of engineering knowledge; it is a timed, computer-based exam with a specific structure. How to Fix It: Spend some time reviewing the official FE exam specifications provided by NCEES. Familiarize yourself with the topics covered and the question format. This way, you can allocate your study time effectively. Ignoring this step is like trying to assemble furniture without reading the instructions—you might finish, but it won’t look pretty. 2. Overloading Your Study Schedule Cramming might work for some tests, but the FE exam covers too much ground for this approach. Burning the midnight oil every night will only lead to exhaustion and frustration. How to Fix It: Spread your study sessions across weeks or months. Dedicate consistent blocks of time rather than overwhelming yourself with marathon sessions. Use a planner or app to schedule your studies, including breaks. Quality over quantity wins the race here. 3. Skipping Practice Problems Relying solely on reading theory or watching videos is a rookie mistake. Without practicing problems, you risk being caught off guard on exam day. How to Fix It: Commit to solving questions from previous FE exams or reliable prep books. This not only reinforces your understanding but also boosts your speed and accuracy. If you are making mistakes, review your solutions carefully. Practice is not glamorous, but it is the secret sauce to passing. 4. Ignoring the FE Reference Handbook The FE exam allows access to a searchable reference handbook during the test. Yet, many students neglect to use it during their prep, treating it like an afterthought. How to Fix It: Download the free FE Reference Handbook from NCEES and practice using it while solving problems. Learn where key formulas and constants are located. On exam day, this familiarity can save you precious minutes. Think of it as your lifeline—not using it is like bringing a map to a road trip but never checking it. 5. Neglecting Weak Subjects It is tempting to double down on areas you enjoy or excel in while avoiding topics you struggle with. This approach can hurt your score since the FE exam tests a wide range of subjects. How to Fix It: Start by identifying your weak spots using a diagnostic test or practice questions. Allocate extra time to these topics. Use online FE exam courses or study guides to reinforce your understanding. Final Thoughts The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam requires preparation, focus, and strategy. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make your study sessions more effective and your exam day less stressful. Want to pass the FE exam on your first try? Consider enrolling in the School of PE's expert-led FE exam courses to learn from licensed pros and access top-quality resources. Choose from flexible course formats and prepare at your own pace! Register now! To learn more about our services, visit: https://www.schoolofpe.com/fe
