I passed the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the recent passing of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam by a participant, sharing experiences and seeking advice related to further education and exam preparation resources. The scope includes personal experiences, future educational plans, and study materials relevant to the FE exam.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses gratitude for the support received from the Physics Forums community after passing the FE exam.
  • Several participants congratulate the original poster on their achievement, sharing their own feelings of relief upon passing similar exams.
  • There is a discussion about the decision to pursue graduate school versus gaining work experience first, with some participants advocating for work experience before further education.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of waiting many years before attending graduate school and reflects on the challenges of balancing work and family with academic pursuits.
  • Participants inquire about resources for studying for the FE exam, with suggestions including the NCEES practice problems and the “FE Supplied-Reference Handbook.”
  • Another participant mentions difficulties in acquiring recommended study materials due to geographical limitations but expresses intent to use the FE exam resources for teaching engineering review classes.
  • A question is raised about the relevance of the FE exam for someone outside the United States, leading to a response that clarifies the participant's professional context in teaching engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of work experience before pursuing graduate studies, but there are differing opinions on the necessity and timing of further education. The discussion about study resources reveals a lack of consensus on the accessibility of materials for those outside the U.S.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention personal experiences and recommendations that may not apply universally, and there are references to specific resources that may not be readily available in all locations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for engineering students preparing for the FE exam, educators seeking resources for teaching engineering concepts, and individuals considering the balance between work and further education in engineering fields.

bobbarkernar
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Not sure if this belongs here, and it probably doesn’t. I just wanted to let all you folks at Physics Forums that I recently found out that I passed the April 2009 FE exam (on my first try). I am a Senior Civil Engineering student at New Mexico State University. Also I would like to thank Physics Forums for all the help that you have given to me. Thanks! :biggrin:
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Congrats!
 
It's quite a relief isn't it? I remember feeling a big weight off my shoulders when I found out too. Congrats.
 
Congrats
 
Congrats on the FE!

What next? Grad school?
 
Grad school would be nice, however I feel like I need a break from school. I'm excited to start working. Maybe it will be a good alternative after I get a taste of the realworld.

Thank you all for the congrats.
 
bobbarkernar said:
Grad school would be nice, however I feel like I need a break from school. I'm excited to start working. Maybe it will be a good alternative after I get a taste of the realworld.
That is a good thing. It's something I always recommend. Get experience and then move into grad school where you'll appreciate what you are learning all that much more. Plus you may get the benefit of having your employer pay for it (big $$$).

Just don't wait too long like I did. I waited almost 12 years after undergrad. It was a rocky start to say the least. But it does come back to you.
 
Good on ya, Bob. Congratulations for a job well done.
 
Good show!

and best wishes on new career
 
  • #10
Congratulations! Let me ask one question: Where can I find online material of past FE problems. I wanted to use them for my own study.
 
  • #11
My car broke down on my way to the FE exam. The only thing I was thinking of was, "NOOOOOoooo, I can't lose that non-refundable $150!"
 
  • #12
minger said:
My car broke down on my way to the FE exam. The only thing I was thinking of was, "NOOOOOoooo, I can't lose that non-refundable $150!"

Well did you make it to the exam?
 
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  • #13
RTFVerterra said:
Congratulations! Let me ask one question: Where can I find online material of past FE problems. I wanted to use them for my own study.

There are many places to find practice problems that will help you with the FE exam. NCEES (the people who are responsible for making the exam) has practice problems. I would recommend picking up the “FE Supplied-Reference Handbook.” This is the book of equations and charts that is issued to you during the exam, and is the only reference that you are allowed to use.

http://www.ncees.org/exams/study_materials/

Also many engineering colleges offer preparation courses for the FE exam. The engineering program that I am in had one such program. It ran every Thursday from 7PM to 9PM, and I bet you could find a similar class near you.

Personally I bought a review manual from PPI it was called “FE Review Manual (FERM2),” and retails for around $70. http://ppi2pass.com/ppi/PPIShop?ct=FEEXAM
 
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  • #14
bobbarkernar said:
Well did you make it to the exam?

Yea, I got a ride. Luckily the ride to the exam was more precarious than the test itself.
 
  • #15
FredGarvin said:
That is a good thing. It's something I always recommend. Get experience and then move into grad school where you'll appreciate what you are learning all that much more. Plus you may get the benefit of having your employer pay for it (big $$$).

Just don't wait too long like I did. I waited almost 12 years after undergrad. It was a rocky start to say the least. But it does come back to you.
I concur with this. There's a lot to be said for working (and collecting a salary) and gaining experience, but then giving that up to be a full time student is tough, especially if one is married, and even more so with children. If one is lucky, then one could do grad school as a part time student. It's doable, but it's also tough on one and one's family.
 
  • #16
bobbarkernar said:
There are many places to find practice problems that will help you with the FE exam. NCEES (the people who are responsible for making the exam) has practice problems. I would recommend picking up the “FE Supplied-Reference Handbook.” This is the book of equations and charts that is issued to you during the exam, and is the only reference that you are allowed to use.

http://www.ncees.org/exams/study_materials/

Also many engineering colleges offer preparation courses for the FE exam. The engineering program that I am in had one such program. It ran every Thursday from 7PM to 9PM, and I bet you could find a similar class near you.

Personally I bought a review manual from PPI it was called “FE Review Manual (FERM2),” and retails for around $70. http://ppi2pass.com/ppi/PPIShop?ct=FEEXAM

Hello bobbarkernar, thank you for your reply and for the link. I am from the other part of the globe, and your above mentioned materials are not easy to acquire in our area. I made an order from the link and I am waiting its arrival. Thanks again.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #17
If you are from another part of the globe, why do you care about the FE exam?
 
  • #18
FredGarvin said:
If you are from another part of the globe, why do you care about the FE exam?

I am expecting somebody will ask me about this. :) I am in teaching profession, and I teach review classes in engineering. My students are preparing for engineering board exams in our country. Part of my job is to research for as many engineering problems as I could. I am pretty sure FE exam is an abundant source.
 

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