Best Books for FE Exam: General & Electrical Engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for review books for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, specifically for both the general exam and the electrical engineering exam. Participants share their experiences and seek advice on suitable study materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about effective review books for the FE exam, expressing frustration over the abundance of options and mixed reviews.
  • One participant recommends "FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the General Fundamentals of Engineering Exam" by Michael Lindeburg for the general exam and "Electrical Engineering: FE Exam preparation" by Lincoln Jones for the electrical exam.
  • Another participant mentions the "Fundamentals of Engineering Supplied-Reference Handbook" as a helpful resource, noting its availability during the exam.
  • There is a discussion about the reference materials allowed during the FE exam, with one participant stating that only the supplied handbook can be used.
  • Some participants express differing views on the necessity of the FE exam for electrical engineers, with one suggesting it may not be essential while another insists it is required in certain states.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the relevance of the FE exam and PE license for career advancement in various engineering disciplines, particularly for electrical engineers.
  • A later post seeks additional recommendations for books specifically for the FE Electrical Section, citing poor reviews of available options on Amazon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express mixed views on the necessity of the FE exam for electrical engineers, with some asserting it is required while others suggest it may not be beneficial. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best study materials and the relevance of the FE exam across different states and engineering disciplines.

Contextual Notes

There are varying opinions on the importance of the FE exam and PE license for career advancement in engineering, particularly for electrical engineers. Additionally, the discussion reflects uncertainty about the requirements that may differ by state.

Maxwell
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Hey guys,

I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for review books for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. I searched amazon.com for books, but there are SO many with mixed reviews that I am having trouble finding a book to study from.

I am looking for two books: one for the general exam and one for the electrical engineering exam. Price is NOT an issue.

Just the name of the publisher would be fine, but links from amazon.com would be amazing.

Thanks!
 
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I have the exact same question as I am going to soon graduate in a double major in EE and physics. :D I may take the FE exam, even though my real plan is to start graduate studies in physics. However, having an engineering license can't hurt.
 
leright,

I bought this book for the general exam: FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the General Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, 2nd ed. by Michael Lindeburg. For the EE specific exam, I got: Electrical Engineering: FE Exam preparation by Lincoln Jones.

I also picked up the "Fundamentals of Engineering Supplied-Reference Handbook" for $20. It's pretty helpful.

Good luck.
 
Maxwell said:
leright,

I bought this book for the general exam: FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the General Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, 2nd ed. by Michael Lindeburg. For the EE specific exam, I got: Electrical Engineering: FE Exam preparation by Lincoln Jones.

I also picked up the "Fundamentals of Engineering Supplied-Reference Handbook" for $20. It's pretty helpful.

Good luck.

excellent. thanks a lot.

also, I know you can use any reference you want on the PE exam...does the same hold true for the FE exam? IIRC, they give you a small booklet with various physical constants and whatnot, but you cannot use other sources. Is this true?
 
Yeah, for the FE you can not bring ANYTHING in for reference except the "Fundamentals of Engineering Supplied-Reference Handbook," which is given to you. Also, you can only use calculators that are deemed acceptable by the NCEES. That list includes only four calculators, I believe.
 
I've heard that for EE's, the FE exam isn't really necessary. Why are you taking it?
 
Manchot said:
I've heard that for EE's, the FE exam isn't really necessary. Why are you taking it?

What? The FE is required for all engineering disciplines.

In Michigan, all engineers must take the FE (general engineering and discipline specific components - exam takes roughly 6 hours). Then one needs 4 years of experience working underneath a licenced PE. Finally, once the engineer in training accomplishes this then they must take the PE exam, which generally encompasses discipline specific topics and ethical issues.
 
It must vary by state, then. My school's EE department recommends that its students not even bother.
 
Manchot said:
It must vary by state, then. My school's EE department recommends that its students not even bother.

well, in terms or potential career advancement, the PE license is not as beneficial to EEs as it is to civil engineers. The school probably means that as an EE don't bother with the FE exam OR the PE exam.

However, I am pretty sure that both the FE exam and PE exam are required in all states if you wish to get a license. It's just not necessary to get a license in many engineering disciplines.

Now, if you wish to start your own firm, or become a consultant, then you must get a license.
 
  • #10
Sorry to bump such an old thread, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me what is a good book for the FE Electrical Section?

The books on amazon for the electrical section all seem to have VERY bad reviews. Any ideas?

thanks!
 

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