Passing the FE exam isn't just about how much you study—it's about how you study. The difference between candidates who pass on their first attempt and those who struggle often comes down to their study techniques, not their intelligence or engineering knowledge.
In this guide, we'll share seven science-backed study techniques that top FE exam scorers use to maximize their retention and performance. Apply these methods consistently, and you'll dramatically increase your chances of passing.
Active Recall: The Most Powerful Learning Technique
Instead of passively reading notes or highlighting textbooks, actively test yourself on the material. Close your book and try to recall key formulas, concepts, and problem-solving approaches from memory. This forces your brain to strengthen neural pathways, making information easier to retrieve during the exam.
How to apply it: After studying a topic, close your materials and write down everything you remember. Then check what you missed. Use flashcards for formulas and key concepts, and always try to solve practice problems without looking at solutions first.
Spaced Repetition: Remember More, Study Less
Instead of cramming all your studying into long sessions, spread it out over time with increasing intervals. Review material after 1 day, then 3 days, then 7 days, then 14 days. This technique leverages how your brain naturally consolidates memories.
Why it works: Spaced repetition takes advantage of the "spacing effect" - your brain retains information better when you review it at increasing intervals rather than cramming it all at once.
The Pomodoro Technique: Focused Study Sessions
Study in focused 25-minute blocks (called "Pomodoros"), followed by 5-minute breaks. After four Pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break. This prevents mental fatigue and maintains high concentration throughout your study session.
Why it works: Your brain can only maintain peak focus for about 25-30 minutes. By taking regular breaks, you prevent burnout and actually retain more information than if you studied for hours straight.
Practice Under Exam Conditions
Simulate real exam conditions during your practice sessions. Use only the FE Reference Handbook (no other notes), set a timer, and work through problems just as you would on exam day. This reduces anxiety and builds the stamina needed for the 5+ hour exam.
- Take at least 3-4 full-length practice exams before your test date
- Practice finding formulas quickly in the Reference Handbook
- Time yourself on individual problems (aim for 2-3 minutes per question)
- Don't check answers until you've completed the full practice session
The Feynman Technique: Teach to Learn
Named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, this technique involves explaining concepts as if you're teaching them to someone with no background in the subject. If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
How to apply it: Pick a topic you're studying, and explain it out loud (or write it out) as if you're teaching a middle school student. Identify gaps in your explanation, go back to the source material, and repeat until your explanation is clear and complete.
Interleaving: Mix Up Your Topics
Instead of studying one topic exhaustively before moving to the next (blocked practice), mix different topics within the same study session (interleaved practice). This improves your ability to identify which approach to use for different problem types.
Example: Instead of doing 20 statics problems, then 20 hydraulics problems, do 5 statics, 5 hydraulics, 5 geotechnical, then cycle back. This trains your brain to recognize problem types—a crucial skill on the FE exam.
Strategic Rest and Recovery
Sleep isn't wasted time—it's when your brain consolidates learning. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep, especially during heavy study periods. Also, take at least one full day off per week to prevent burnout and let your brain process information.
- Never sacrifice sleep for more study time—it's counterproductive
- Review difficult material right before bed for better retention
- Exercise regularly—it improves cognitive function and memory
- The night before the exam, relax and get a full night's sleep
Putting It All Together: A Sample Study Day
Here's what an effective FE exam study day might look like using these techniques:
- Morning (1.5 hours): Two Pomodoro sessions of active recall and problem-solving, mixing 2-3 topics (interleaving)
- Lunch break: Quick review of flashcards using spaced repetition
- Evening (1.5 hours): Practice problems under timed conditions, followed by explaining difficult concepts using the Feynman Technique
- Before bed: Light review of the day's most challenging material
The Compound Effect
These techniques might seem simple individually, but their power comes from consistent application over time. An engineer who uses these methods for 2 hours daily will outperform someone who studies 4 hours using passive reading and highlighting.
Remember: it's not about studying harder—it's about studying smarter.
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