FE Exam or Engineering Experience: Which Comes First?
Aug 16, 2024Many engineering students wonder if they need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam before beginning their engineering careers and gaining industry experience. The short answer is no - you do not have to pass the FE exam before beginning your engineering career. However, there are several good reasons to take and pass the exam as early as possible. Here is an in-depth look at the FE exam and whether you need to pass it before gaining experience.
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Do You Have to Pass the FE Before Gaining Experience?
Nothing is stopping you from working as an engineer before taking or passing the exam. The FE is not a prerequisite to begin working after graduation.
However, there are a few reasons why you may want to take the FE exam as soon as you can:
1. The concepts are fresh in your mind.
Engineering students typically take the FE exam right after graduation, as the test material is still fresh in their minds. The FE tests your comprehension of basic engineering principles, which you should have learned during your undergrad.
Engineering knowledge is freshest after graduation, making the FE exam a bit easier. Your undergraduate coursework should have prepared you with broad engineering and scientific fundamentals to handle the breadth of the FE.
Studying and passing the exam only gets more difficult and time-consuming the longer you are out of school. Preliminary review suggests new graduates have higher FE exam pass rates than those further into their careers.
The further you get from your college courses, the harder it will be to recall conceptual topics that you may not use regularly in your job. Reviewing and relearning concepts you’re rusty on will require extra time and effort.
2. You must take it before taking the PE exam and earning your PE license.
To get your PE license, the first step is to pass the FE exam and gain relevant work experience, usually four years. If your goal is to become a licensed Professional Engineer, you’ll want to pass the FE exam as soon as possible.
Gaining the 4+ years of experience required to take the PE exam and your PE license takes time. Knocking out the FE exam requirement early lets you get the licensure clock ticking as soon as possible.
The FE and PE exams are spaced apart by design. Passing the FE as soon as you can after graduation clears a major hurdle on the path to licensure. The PE license application process can't formally start until you pass the FE. Waiting to take the test delays earning your PE credential.
3. Some employers require it.
While not all engineering jobs require the FE or PE, there are always some exceptions to the rule. Certain employers make passing the FE an official condition of hiring and continued employment for engineering positions.
For example, civil engineers working on public construction projects may need licensure to comply with contracts. Their employer likely requires passing the FE.
If your target companies do not require the FE upfront, you still gain an edge over other applicants by passing the exam early. It shows commitment to professional development.
4. It will boost your resume.
While not strictly required for non-licensure careers, passing the FE exam still looks impressive on a resume. It demonstrates you have acquired a body of engineering knowledge and possess analytical problem-solving skills.
The FE shows initiative to go above and beyond and master your foundational engineering education. Some companies may offer promotions and raises to engineers who pass the FE or pursue licensure.
How Long to Study for the FE Exam?
Studying for the FE exam takes dedication. The test covers a wide range of engineering topics, so thorough prep is essential.
On average, examinees spend 80-100 hours studying to pass the FE exam. Preparation time depends on your engineering discipline and academic background.
Some accelerated FE exam prep courses claim you can cram in just 5 weeks. However, most examinees study for 2-3 months to truly cement knowledge and practice working speed. Don’t underestimate the exam - take time to prepare properly.
The FE exam recently transitioned to a computer-based format, allowing year-round testing. This gives flexibility to take the FE when you feel ready rather than waiting for specific dates. Just be sure to meet registration deadlines.
Earning an engineering degree shows you have the knowledge. Passing the FE proves you can apply that knowledge efficiently. Dedicate the time to refresh concepts and practice working on exam problems at a brisk pace.
Should You Work Before Taking the FE Exam?
There are no rules saying you can't gain engineering experience before passing the FE exam. Working for a few years before taking the test is fairly common.
However, don't wait too long after graduation. Some pros of gaining experience before attempting the FE include:
- Earning money to finance FE prep materials and expenses
- Gaining some field experience to inform exam studying
- Having more "think like an engineer" problem-solving practice
Yet, spending too long outside of school can work against you. Engineering concepts won't get reinforced and will become rustier. Plus, you may find it harder to find the time and motivation for rigorous FE studying after starting your career.
Ideally, take the FE exam within two years of finishing your engineering degree. This strikes a balance between allowing some field experience while concepts are still fresh.
How to Prepare for the FE Exam
Whatever your experience level, disciplined preparation helps boost FE exam success:
- Use the NCEES exam specifications to focus studying on the topics covered. Review college textbooks and notes.
- Work through many practice problems under timed conditions. Practice builds speed and accuracy.
- Learn the FE exam format and how to strategically tackle questions. Don't waste time on difficult problems.
- Master your calculator to efficiently handle mathematical computations. Bring spare batteries.
- Brush up on fundamentals you haven’t used recently, like chemistry, physics, or advanced math.
- Take a review course with a top-ranked exam prep provider like School of PE.
- Keep taking practice exams to evaluate preparedness until consistently scoring over 70%.
- Rest up the day before. Have what you need ready so you're not rushing around.
What's Next After Passing the FE Exam?
Congratulations, you've passed the FE exam! Now you can:
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your accomplishments.
- Join engineering associations and networks like the National Society for Professional Engineers.
- Formally start accruing the professional engineering experience needed for PE licensure. Track hours.
- Identify a PE mentor at your company who can provide guidance.
- Continue developing technical skills in your field. Seek opportunities to gain experience in areas covered on the PE exam.
- Maintain knowledge by attending engineering seminars and events or taking continuing education courses. Stay up to date on regulations.
- Save FE exam references and resources in case you need to brush up again for the PE exam.
Passing the FE opens opportunities in your engineering career. For those pursuing licensure, it's the critical first step to becoming a Professional Engineer. For others, it strengthens your foundation to grow professionally even without the PE.
Key Takeaways
- You do NOT have to pass the FE exam before starting your engineering career or gaining experience. Nothing prevents working as an engineer before or without FE certification.
- However, it is wise to take the test as soon as possible after finishing your accredited engineering degree. Knowledge is freshest, and the exam is often easier right out of college.
- Passing the FE exam early starts the licensure clock if your goal is to become a licensed Professional Engineer. It also boosts your resume and competitiveness.
- Disciplined studying is key to succeeding on the broad FE exam, which covers many engineering topics. On average, examinees spend 80-100 hours preparing.
- The FE exam is your chance to prove your comprehension and ability to apply foundational engineering concepts. Take advantage while the material is still fresh after graduation.
Ready to pass your FE exam on the first try? Don't leave it to chance. Choose School of PE, the top-rated engineering exam prep provider. Our expert-led courses and comprehensive study materials will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. Check out our courses here!
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