EIT PREP TIME

[desnov74]

We'll I've finally decided to go for the PE process.

I graduated in 2001. I opted out of requirement by taking a department exam option (EE).I ended up with a wide range of experience in different fields. I wanted to consolidate my experience and specialize at the same time. I went back to school two years ago for more training, and got a graduate certificate in fire protection engineering. Currently I am working as a fire protection engineer.

While I gained a great deal of experience and broadened my technical knowledge I am a little worried about being the EIT. The PE for FPE is offered only in the fall. Should I wait and review for the FE exam in the upcoming spring, or should I go ahead and take it now? Any particular study strategy? Should I take a course?

Thanks in advance

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Take it now - take a course if you have the time & money or just get a review book.

It's not that bad a test if you keep your head on straight. Do the easy ones and go back and tackle the hard ones.

 

[Gymmeh]

Try talking to your local NSPE, (in my area) they will often hold refresher courses in the area and are update with what will be on the tests and tips/materials for studying.

The book I used has three different methods for studying depending on how many months you have till the exam.

Just study your butt off and you should be ok.



Official DIPPED Member -
Drank in PP Every Day

 

[msquared48]

I agree with both ablve - the refresner courses are invaluable. DO TAKE IT ASAP as to wait will only be harder, much harder. Trust us.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[frv]

Considering how long it's been since you've been out of school, I agree with the others that a refresher course may be your best option.

Ordinarily, I would not have said otherwise. I took one my last year of school to "prepare" for the FE. I lasted one and a half sessions and never went back.

But your situation is different. It may prove valuable to refresh all that useless knowledge you've long since thrown by the wayside.

My strongest advice would be to simply get a copy of the formula handbook that you will be given in the exam and familiarize yourself with where the information for each topic is located. The FE is 95% plug and chug, if not more. If you take the course and are familiar with where the information is located, I think you should do fine.

At that point, your biggest question will be what discipline to take in the afternoon session.

 

[Sideswiper]

Take the test as soon as you can. Do not bother with a class, but perhaps get a book with a sample test.

If you take the test and fail, then perhaps take a class and take the test again.

If you don't know the answer to a question, look at the possible answers and pick the one that is most like the other answers.

 

[IAAWVU05]

I failed it the first time I took it (4 months out of Graduate School, 2 years out of course work). I bought a series of video lectures off of e-bay. I went through those and bought 2 Schaum's Outlines. one for statics and strength of materials and the other for thermodynamics. I also subscribed to the eitexam website and took the practice tests every day under timed conditions. I passed the EIT the second time around. Just like everything else, engage early and put the reps in, no matter how much it hurts.