[BishieAddict]

I'm thinking of taking an FE exam after graduation, just in case I'll ever need to work in the States or work with an American company (I'm Canadian)
any advice? how long did you guys prep for it?
I'm a MecE.. did you guys do general or the specific one?

thanks

[hamster428]

i'm taking it this april and so far i haven't prepped at all >< probably will cram during spring break.

get the FE review book. it's not helpful as far as teaching me stuff (my method of solving is entirely different that it just confuses me more to look at their solution) but it has loads of practice problems. i've only worked through problems i know, and skip all areas i 1/ don't remember or 2/ never learned. that gave me about 45% of the Qs. so if i brush up on my chemistry and stuff, it'll hopefully give me the necessary 70% to pass. oh, and yeah, 70% of morning and afternoon combined... so you can pass with flying color in morning and get iffy in afternoon and still pass.

what i've heard from professors is that you should take major specific in the afternoon since you'll know more on that stuff than the general stuff (which includes biology and harder math). strengthen what you already know and make sure you capture all those points instead of learning new stuff (if you're tight on time). my school offers review sessions a week before the test. some other schools have reviews throughout the year. see what your school offers.

get familiarized with the calculator (you have several models to choose from) and the formula book. definitely don't have the time to play with those things in the exam room.

haha here i am speaking like a pro and it would've been my first in 2 months. dunno, my school has a 91% passing rate and everyone keeps telling me i don't need to worry. which freaks me out more, cuz if i don't pass, i'll be one of those

[angelqian]

I hear it's pretty easy, but EE's like me don't need it for anything.

[BishieAddict]

ah... lol some of my friends are just going to "wing" it ... but i don't really feel like doing it right before my finals.
my school says it isn't that bad.. but I've never done an exam longer than 3 hours, so i'm thinking of prepping after may for the october one...
I don't think my school offers any review sessions as not many students do it, but i might look into it. Someone must be offering tutor sessions...
ahhh i thought the general be easier... they have bio in there o.O? that's news to me. thanks for the advice. I'll study for mece i guess...
Is the review book the one listed here: http://www.ncees.org/exams/study_materials/
FE Sample Questions and Solutions ?

Why don't EE's need to do it?
Isn't it a requirement to become an EIT in the States?

[angelqian]

EE's don't need it because of the type of work we do, which is usually computer/electronics design. Actually, it could be considered bad to take it as it gives you greater liability. But if you work at a power plant or something, I believe certifications are required.

[BishieAddict]

seriously? Getting extra certification can be considered a bad thing?So it's not a requirement for everyone? I heard that some states/companies don't even require you to pass the FE exam...
I just want to get it over with before I forget what I've learned at school...
What's the second test like? The PE exam? is it similar to the FE exam? or is it harder?

[angelqian]

I hear the PE is much much harder.

[k1D3Ck]

I took it. Passed.
I replied in another thread about the FE. Read over the reference book, and know the layout.

I would pass it. You are paying for it. Plus, you never know when you might need it. If you ever want to go into consulting, you will need it, no matter the major.

Plus companies like it. Shows you can pass.

[hamster428]

it depends on your major really. most CE (which i am) companies, esp structural ones want you to have your EIT, and it's becoming more that way recently. if not when they hired you, then after. it's good to have it because you'll be more competitive against other applicants. and some companies mention they might hire both individuals, but will pay more to the one with the EIT >< and then eventually they want you to get your PE, and yes, it brings more liability because with the PE you'll advance as the boss and have your stamp on the design. so with higher pay, comes higher responsibility. that's how it is in all jobs. but EIT merely says you're an "Engineer in Training" working under a licensed "Professional Engineer." not as much liability there ^^

i meant this book: FE review
i think bio is recently added to the afternoon general exam.

and yeah, the material isn't hard, as it is called "Fundamentals" of Engineering. It's just A LOT of stuff and they expect all engineers to know other engineers' stuff (like i have crap knowledge on EE circuits along with crap knowledge on steel design and foundation work as i'm in transportation.)

[BishieAddict]

^ thank you so much
Bio.. lol i haven't touched that stuff since high school (not a requirement for engineering at my school)
hm.. seems like there's a lot of information..
i'll get the book thanks