FE Civil Exam Prep Course: What to Study and How to Start
If you are a civil engineering student or a graduate, there is no doubt that the FE Civil exam is on your mind. The FE Civil exam is an important step toward licensing and can be overwhelming at first, since there is so much information, so many study materials, and so little guidance about where to start. Choosing the right FE review course can make that first step much easier.
Here you will learn everything you need to know about the FE Civil exam: the exam format, the topics you have to cover, ways of creating a study plan, and how to choose a proper FE Civil exam prep course or review book.
What Is the FE Civil Exam?
The FE exam is developed by NCEES (the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) and measures the basic knowledge that you obtained throughout your education as an engineer.
Here is your professional progression with regard to the FE exam:
Pass the FE exam and be designated as Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern.
Obtain work experience (four years under a Professional Engineer).
Pass the PE exam and become a Professional Engineer.
The FE exam is a computer-based test administered all year round at testing centers. The FE Civil exam is specific to graduates of civil engineering programs, and the structure and number of questions may differ by date, so check the official NCEES website.
What to Study for the FE Civil Exam
The test is divided into a variety of topics. You do not need to become an expert in all of them, but you do need a good understanding of the basics. They include the following:
Core engineering disciplines
Mathematics and statistics: algebra, calculus, probability, and data analysis
Statics: forces, equilibrium, trusses, and frames
Dynamics: motion, forces, and energy
Mechanics of materials: stress, strain, beams, and columns
Fluid mechanics: pressure, flow, and energy equations
Civil engineering disciplines
Structural engineering: loads, analysis, and steel and concrete design
Geotechnical engineering: soil behavior, foundations, and retaining walls
Water resources and environmental engineering: hydrology, hydraulics, and water and wastewater treatment
Transportation engineering: roadway design, traffic flow, and pavement
Construction engineering: scheduling, cost estimating, and project management
Professional topics
Engineering economics: interest, cash flow, and cost comparisons
Ethics and professional practice: responsibilities and codes of conduct
Surveying: measurements, elevations, and coordinates
Note that some of these disciplines contain more questions than others. Use the NCEES Exam Specifications to find out which disciplines have more weight on the test. Concentrate on the most valuable ones, but do not ignore the less significant ones, because they can be easy points.
How to Start Your FE Exam Prep
Step 1: Learn the exam format
Know the format before taking any practice exams. The exam is taken on a computer, and you will have access to the electronic copy of the NCEES FE Reference Handbook during the test. You do not have to memorize all the formulas, but you do have to know where to find them in the handbook.
Step 2: Take a diagnostic test
A diagnostic test shows where you stand at present. It reveals your strengths, your weaknesses, and how much preparation time you need. Do not worry about the score. It is just the beginning of your journey.
Step 3: Choose your study resources
FE exam prep study guide study material that covers all the topics in brief, along with sample questions. This is suitable for self-motivated students who have a limited budget.
FE review course: lectures and practice tests that take you through the course material.
FE Civil exam prep course: video lessons, study guides, and practice exams, along with support from instructors or peers.
Step 4: Build a study schedule
Most people study for two to four months. Work backward from your exam date:
(first third): Review fundamentals and your weakest subjects.
(middle third): Work through topic-by-topic practice problems.
(final weeks): Take full-length, timed practice exams and review every mistake.
Step 5: Practice, practice, practice
The biggest mistake students make is reading too much and solving too little. The FE exam tests whether you can apply concepts, not just recognize them. For every topic:
Review the concept.
Solve practice problems.
Check the solutions.
Write down what you got wrong and why.
Step 6: Get comfortable with your calculator
Only NCEES-approved calculators are allowed. Pick one early and learn its shortcuts, because speed matters when you have to solve many problems in limited time.
How to Choose the Right FE Review Course
Not all courses are the same. When choosing one, make sure that:
All topics are covered in accordance with the latest exam specifications
Solutions are explained, not just given as answers
Practice tests are full-length and resemble the actual exam
You can study according to your own schedule
Help is available from instructors and other students
Prices are reasonable, and refunds are possible
Test Day Tips
Sleep well the night before. Tired brains make careless mistakes.
Arrive early with your required ID.
Manage your time. If a question is taking too long, flag it and move on.
Answer everything. Never leave a question blank.
Stay calm. You’re allowed to take breaks, so use them if you need to reset.
Conclusion
The FE Civil exam is the stepping stone on your journey to becoming a Professional Engineer, and it paves the path to a rewarding career in civil engineering. Civil engineers create and construct the roads, bridges, buildings, and water supplies that we all use in our lives. You can feel prepared for this exam if you have a study plan, practice regularly, and use the best FE Civil exam prep course, FE review course, or FE exam prep study guide available at Civil Engineering Academy.
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