The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a critical step in the journey of becoming a licensed professional engineer in the United States. The exam is designed to test the knowledge and skills of recent graduates and young engineers in their chosen field of engineering. To help candidates prepare for this challenging exam, a comprehensive FE exam prep book is essential. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of engineering exam prep, the importance of a prep book, and what to look for in a high-quality prep book.
Key Points
- Understanding the format and content of the FE exam is crucial for effective preparation
- A comprehensive FE exam prep book should cover all the topics included in the exam
- Practice problems and sample questions are essential for assessing knowledge and identifying areas for improvement
- A prep book should also provide strategies for time management, test-taking, and reducing stress
- Online resources and practice exams can supplement a prep book and provide additional support
Understanding the FE Exam

The FE exam is a computer-based exam that consists of 110 multiple-choice questions and is divided into two sections: the morning session and the afternoon session. The morning session includes 55 questions that cover the topics of mathematics, statistics, and engineering economics, as well as the candidate’s chosen engineering discipline. The afternoon session includes 55 questions that cover the topics of engineering ethics, engineering law, and the candidate’s chosen engineering discipline. The exam is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and skills in their chosen field of engineering, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge to solve problems.
Importance of a Prep Book
A comprehensive FE exam prep book is essential for candidates who want to pass the exam on their first attempt. A prep book provides a structured approach to studying and helps candidates to focus on the most critical topics and concepts. A good prep book should cover all the topics included in the exam, provide practice problems and sample questions, and offer strategies for time management, test-taking, and reducing stress. Additionally, a prep book can help candidates to identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to target their studying and improve their chances of passing the exam.
Topic | Number of Questions |
---|---|
Mathematics | 15 |
Statistics | 5 |
Engineering Economics | 5 |
Engineering Discipline | 30 |
Engineering Ethics | 5 |
Engineering Law | 5 |

What to Look for in a Prep Book

When selecting a prep book, there are several factors to consider. First, the book should cover all the topics included in the exam. This includes mathematics, statistics, engineering economics, engineering ethics, engineering law, and the candidate’s chosen engineering discipline. Second, the book should provide practice problems and sample questions that are similar in format and content to the actual exam. This will help candidates to assess their knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Third, the book should offer strategies for time management, test-taking, and reducing stress. This will help candidates to stay focused and calm during the exam, and to manage their time effectively.
Practice Problems and Sample Questions
Practice problems and sample questions are essential for assessing knowledge and identifying areas for improvement. A good prep book should provide a wide range of practice problems and sample questions that cover all the topics included in the exam. The questions should be similar in format and content to the actual exam, and should be designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and skills in their chosen field of engineering. Additionally, the book should provide detailed solutions to the practice problems and sample questions, allowing candidates to understand the correct answers and to learn from their mistakes.
Some examples of practice problems and sample questions that may be included in a prep book are:
- A mathematics problem that requires the candidate to solve a system of linear equations
- A statistics problem that requires the candidate to calculate the mean and standard deviation of a set of data
- An engineering economics problem that requires the candidate to calculate the present worth of a future cash flow
- An engineering discipline problem that requires the candidate to design a system or component
What is the format of the FE exam?
+The FE exam is a computer-based exam that consists of 110 multiple-choice questions and is divided into two sections: the morning session and the afternoon session.
How long does it take to prepare for the FE exam?
+The amount of time it takes to prepare for the FE exam varies depending on the individual's background and experience. However, most candidates spend several months studying and preparing for the exam.
What are the most critical topics to study for the FE exam?
+The most critical topics to study for the FE exam include mathematics, statistics, engineering economics, and the candidate's chosen engineering discipline.
In conclusion, a comprehensive FE exam prep book is essential for candidates who want to pass the exam on their first attempt. The book should cover all the topics included in the exam, provide practice problems and sample questions, and offer strategies for time management, test-taking, and reducing stress. By using a prep book and following a structured approach to studying, candidates can improve their chances of passing the exam and becoming a licensed professional engineer.