How I Passed the FE Exam: Essential Resources and Strategies

Hello everyone,

I recently achieved a significant milestone in my professional journey—I passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Preparing for this exam while working full-time at Hazen and Sawyer, PLC was challenging, but with the right resources and strategies, I was able to succeed. In this blog post, I want to share the tools and study methods that helped me through this process.

My Study Timeline

I dedicated about six months to studying for the FE exam. This timeframe allowed me to thoroughly work through the material without overwhelming myself, balancing my job responsibilities and study sessions effectively.

Resources I Used

1. Coursera Course - FE Exam Prep: One of the most valuable resources I utilized was a course offered on Coursera specifically designed to prepare for the FE exam (FE Exam Preparation). This course provided structured content that aligned well with the exam format and topics covered.

2. My YouTube FE Prep Videos: To supplement my learning and offer insights to others, I created a series of YouTube videos that outline key concepts and problem-solving techniques (FE Prep Playlist). These videos not only helped me review the material but also assisted other aspiring engineers preparing for the exam.

3. NCEES Environmental and Water Resources Practice Book A direct resource from the examiners themselves, the NCEES practice book for Environmental and Water Resources was indispensable for getting accustomed to the type and format of questions asked during the exam.

4. Environmental Engineering FE Exam Preparation Book This comprehensive guide from Amazon was another cornerstone of my preparation, offering a wide range of questions and solutions that closely mimicked those of the actual exam. Check it out here.

My Approach to Studying

• Solving Practice Problems: I solved over 300 sample questions, which was key to my preparation. This practice helped me familiarize myself with the exam format and identify areas where I needed more review.

• Regular Review Sessions: Consistent review sessions were vital. I made it a point to study regularly, ensuring I didn't lose grasp of earlier studied concepts.

• Balancing Work and Study: Working at Hazen and Sawyer didn’t leave a lot of spare time, but by setting a consistent schedule and sticking to it, I managed to balance both effectively.

Conclusion

Passing the FE exam is a testament to hard work and the right preparation strategy. The resources I used played a significant role in my success, and I hope they can help others too. If you're preparing for the FE exam, remember that persistence and the right materials can make a huge difference.

Good luck to all future exam takers!