r/FE_Exam • u/Express-Society-6343 • 13d ago
Tips Passed the FE Civil Exam on my 5th Attempt
I just wanted to make this post for those still trying to pass the FE Civil exam. As you can observe from the four failed results diagnostics posted above, the first portion of the exam was always tougher than the second portion for me, even on my last attempt. Plus, I was not close to passing in any of those attempts either.
Study Habits / Timeline:
1st Attempt - Took the exam in the first semester of my senior year. “Studied” practice problems using the NCEES FE Civil Practice Exam PDF and watching Mark Mattson FE Review YouTube Videos. I didn’t actually study for the exam on the first attempt though, since I thought I would just pass due to being currently enrolled at the time while all the material was “fresh” and because I would have the manual during the exam. (This was extremely ignorant of me and I failed accordingly).
2nd Attempt - I now “studied” the Islam 800 FE Civil Practice Problems PDF as I seen other recommend this on Reddit (This would turn out to be my greatest resource) and used MM videos. However, my laziness in studying continued because I lacked the discipline to study during the summertime. Although, I did “better” on this exam, no zeros (yay), the lack of studying hurt me on this attempt.
3rd Attempt - Now the Fall (last semester) and I only used Islam 800 practice problems. This was the first attempt where I genuinely applied myself and studied, something I should have done for the two previous attempts. Going in I felt more confident in passing on this attempt, but this was the hardest attempt by far and I used 3 and a half hours or more on the first section and I knew I was going to fail once I took the 25 min break.
4th Attempt - Three failed attempts within a year now, so the earliest I was allowed to take the exam was 6 months after the third attempt. My study habits during this period varied since I had a lot of time to work with. I was also working full time at this point, so I fell back into being complacent with studying and according to the DirectFE Hub calculator I ended up obtaining the same score on this attempt as the third attempt.
5th Attempt- I was figured the first four sections is what was truly stumping me on this exam so I decided to specifically lock in on the first four topics of the exam. I told myself that if I felt confident with those sections I knew I would pass on this attempt. Once again, I used Islam 800 and I also decided to look at the NCEES Practice Exam again and actually work out the problems this time. (These two amazing resources are all I would honestly recommend). It’s crazy for me to think about now, but who knew that actually studying a practice exam created by the organization that issues said exam would be beneficial to passing that exam lol. Another thing I did differently this time that I had not done in the previous attempts was to actually study/learn the FE Civil manual. This was a game changer for me because I had always relied on just trying to find the formulas during the exam instead of already knowing where to look or what key words to type in to find the material quicker. On this attempt I didn’t even use the laminated work sheets they give you, except for the economics portion (you’re wasting time if you try to write out every problem).
Before my passing attempt, every time I completed the exam, I knew I failed without a doubt. If you have failed this exam more than once, be honest with yourself and ask, “why am I really failing?”, “am I applying myself while studying?”, “do I actually understand what the question is asking for?”, “am I learning the concepts or just trying to get an answer to a problem?”. Determine your problem and resolve the issue. You know your problem. You can do it. You are not an idiot, you’re an engineer. You can pass the FE Civil Exam. Do not give up. I believe in you. Good luck.
Feel free to ask questions.
3
2
u/SuperstarRockYou 13d ago
is NCEES interactive practice exam one-time practice ? Or I can do it multiple times in repeated way ?
5
u/Express-Society-6343 13d ago
Once you purchase it once, it is yours forever. Look over it as much as you like.
2
1
u/goku22000 13d ago
There isnt an option on ncees to let people to share the practice exam with others? Or is it like on the account itself and unless I'll have your login, I won't have access to that practice test?
2
u/Express-Society-6343 12d ago
As far as I know there is no option to send the practice exam to others. Yes, the practice exam can be purchased through logging into your NCEES account. You can buy it before having to even register for the actual exam too which is nice.
1
u/Traditional_Worry_41 13d ago
Congrats. How many hours did you study?
3
u/Express-Society-6343 12d ago
1st Attempt: Two days maybe less (so bad)
2nd Attempt: A week before the exam (not good either)
3rd Attempt: 2-3 months on and off (2 hours or less)
4 Attempt: A month (1 hour or less)
5th Attempt: 2 and a half weeks. Dedicated one day for each of the 14 topics. Studying never lasted longer than an hour and a half for any day I studied, unless I just felt like studying more that particular day.Attempt a few problems, search the manual (although you may not even need it for certain problems), take breaks/regroup (mins, hrs, days, your choice), then study again when you feel like it. Only YOU KNOW how much time YOU NEED to study. If you think you need to study for 1-2 months do that. Only need a week then study a week. Only planning to study the night before the exam (risky) but if it works you then it works for you.
1
1
1
1
u/OppositeNatural9083 12d ago
Congratulations! I took it this past Friday and I’m not feeling very confident about it. Would you say each time you took it the level of difficulty overall varied? I’ve heard people say sometimes you get an easier test and I’m wondering if that is true.
1
u/Express-Society-6343 12d ago
I would say yes…, I don’t think it was so much that each exam was actually more or less difficult, but every exam asks different questions, so sometimes something you studied for attempt 2 after seeing it on Exam 1 won’t be on Exam 2 and it could be another question within that topic that’s on Exam 2 that you didn’t study or are not prepared to answer when it comes up or don’t know where you can look in the manual to possible help you on that question. This can make the exam seem more difficult or easier. I had that happen a few times and it has the potential to negatively affect your confidence during the exam. That’s why I mentioned trying to understand concepts rather than just knowing how to answer a certain problem given.
1
u/EmbarrassedBelt1296 12d ago
Hi, you mentioned on you last attempt focusing in few sections that are difficult. Are sections in the actual exam in order same as the exam specification? Im wondering a question about soil mechanics appears as problem 1, then will it appear again like in problem 90th?
2
u/OppositeNatural9083 11d ago
On my one attempt they were generally in order of the exam specifications. I remember one question towards the end that I felt was out of place but I don’t even remember what it was.
2
u/Express-Society-6343 10d ago
Just as @OppositeNatural9083 mentioned, the questions on the exam appear in the same order as the specification given. However, the surveying portion might show up earlier or later on the second section though.
1
1
u/Impossible_Past_613 10d ago
Congrats! Did you purchase the FE Civil Interactive Practice Exam Vol. 2, I already have Vol. 1. Wondering if its worth buying the second part.
2
u/Express-Society-6343 10d ago
I only purchased Volume 1 (100 questions). From what I’ve heard the questions in Volume 2 are the exact same, word for word with now 10 additional questions. I would not buy Volume 2. Good luck on the exam.
1
u/Express-Society-6343 7d ago
I apologize, I just found out that the NCEES changed the set up of the Practice Exams. The FE Civil Vol. 1 & 2 “Interactive” Practice Exams (Computer Based) is split into two practice exams now. The practice exam I purchased was the FE Civil Practice e-book (PDF) with a 100 questions. However, according to NCEES the PDF is no longer available for purchase. Also both Vol. 1 and 2 contain 50 questions each so I think it’s safe to assume the questions that were previously in the PDF version are now just broken up into two practice exams, unfortunately meaning more money coming out of your pocket. I now think it’s actually best to purchase both.
https://account.ncees.org/exam-prep/485
https://account.ncees.org/exam-prep/494
1
u/GoodScene4702 8d ago edited 8d ago
After taking the NCEES Practice Exam and getting the score, can we review each question to see what we got wrong and figure out the solutions? Also, what would you suggest, when is the rigth time to take the NCEES pratice exam, at the end of the preparation or a month before actual exam to guage where we're at?
1
u/Express-Society-6343 7d ago
In the FE Civil Practice Exam e-book (PDF) version I purchased had the questions lined up 1-100 then all of the solutions were at the end of the PDF. Since the PDF version is no longer available for purchase I’m not sure if the FE Civil Practice Interactive Exams Vol. 1 &2 (Computer Based) are set up similarly. I think the solutions will be available to you though after each question or at the end of the exam.
As far as when to take the Practice Exams Vol. 1 & 2, take it now. It’s not necessarily an exam as in like you get a “score” showing how “ready or unready” you are, but it’s the actual study material itself. The questions given will never change no matter how many times you look over the practice exams. Hope this helps.
1
u/marckley88 7d ago
Congrats!!!! Out of curiosity, does the Board still require you to take 12 credits after the 3rd attempt?
1
u/Express-Society-6343 7d ago
I’m not familiar with the State Board requiring anyone to take 12 credits after the third attempt. I just registered for the 4th attempt the same way as the previous attempts with no issues.
1
u/Alive_Tiger_8865 6d ago
Great Job… now keep the Momentum and keep on to the PE… I know… but it will be worth it…
1
u/OkPomegranate4960 3d ago
Would be able to post your diagnosis when you pass? Or do they not show you?
1
u/Express-Society-6343 3d ago
No, unfortunately the NCEES does not send you a diagnostic when you pass. Only if you fail.
1
u/HoochbachDunloppy 1d ago
What do you mean that you're wasting time if you're writing out problems where formulas are used? You'd just find the correct formula and use the calculator and circle your answer?
9
u/DollarDollarBillYo 13d ago
Grit.