FE/EIT Exam - October 2012

[jmbelectrical]

I just took this last weekend and wanted to see if anyone else here did the same.

Between working full-time, my last semester in undergrad, and overall laziness, I did not devote much time to studying and felt very unprepared as a result. Much to my surprise, however, it was easier than expected, but still very challenging. The NCEES reference guide greatly aided me in subjects that I knew very little or nothing about (Statics, Dynamics, and Thermo). Regardless, I'm certain that I missed a significant number of questions pertaining to Statics, Dynamics, Engineering Economics, and Probability/Statistics. I also spent far too much time (5 to 10 minutes) on some questions. After two hours had already elapsed, I realized that I only answered about 40 out of 120 questions!

The afternoon section (Electrical in my case) was much easier. I'm certain that I answered 40 or more questions out of 60 correctly. I finished with about an hour to spare. Unfortunately, all the time in the world wouldn't be enough for me to figure out the Controls and Communications Systems questions that I'm sure I missed.

I feel really good about my score, but of course I can't say for certain that I passed. Does anyone definitively know how the exams are graded, or is it pretty much black magic?

 

[Terminus0]

I've heard that a rule of thumb is that if you got at least 50% of the questions right on both sections you'll probably pass.

At least that's what my fluids professor told me a couple months before I took it.

Also it must be really slow black magic because it takes a month or two for them to grade a multiple choice test. (I know they do some fancy statistically methods but still!)

I didn't study more than two hours the day before and I passed, so I think you are fine.

 

[frv]

It's been a few years since I took it, but I'd advise you to relax. The pass rate on the FE is pretty high. That guide provided the vast majority (if not all) the answers.

If I remember correctly, they look at the exams in aggregate. If anything seems out of the ordinary (for example a question where two answers come up significantly), they take a closer look to make sure there isn't anything wrong with the question. I think they try to be pretty fair. It's certainly not an exam to "weed you out". If you end up having to take it again (and that's unlikely), I strongly suggest getting a copy of the reference guide and studying that thoroughly. It really was surprising how many of the answers were in that guide.

 

[jmbelectrical]

frv,

I actually ordered a copy of the NCEES reference book about a month ago. All in all, I probably studied that more than my FE exam preparation book itself. I too was surprised at how many answers were in it (With the exception of chemistry, which I found incredibly lacking).

 

[jmbelectrical]

It appears that the FE exam results have already been released in Georgia, Texas, and Mississippi. Based upon what I've read, this means that Florida should be validating results by tomorrow. The anticipation is killing me!

One thing is for certain: I will be drinking tomorrow night - either out of joy or despair.

 

[Sparweb]

I heard that it always took 1 month longer to finish counting things in Florida.

Good luck, wish you the best!


STF

 

[jmbelectrical]

SparWeb,

Haha. Thanks! I said the exact same thing the other day. What is it with Florida and counting?

Much to my surprise, I passed! I guess this means that I get to relax for another three years (My work experience deducts one year from the four year waiting period in Florida) before the emotional roller coaster starts all over again!

 

[UcfSE]

Congratulations