Why I FAILED the F.E. Exam | Then How I Passed it EASILY | Civil Engineering

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  • Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
  • My senior year in college I failed my first attempt at the fundamental civil engineering exam (F.E. Exam). I bombed it... but the next time around I thought it was jokingly easy? What changed? Lets discuss!
    This video is all about confronting the elephant in the room. We all try are hardest at the things we want, but sometimes we can fall short. Team Kestava may appear to have all the answers, but I, just like you, fail often, but I learn from my mistakes and grow from them. I hope I inspire you with this video to do the same and possibly help you avoid the mistakes I made when preparing for the FE exam.
    Nothing but good vibezzz and respect for everyone on this team!
    👇 SUBSCRIBE TO KESTÄVÄ ENGINEERING’S UA-cam CHANNEL 👇
    / @kestava_engineering
    For business inquiries email: kestavallc@gmail.com
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    Civil Structural PE exam will be here before you know it! (Check NCEES website to confirm time, date, and location!!)
    NCEES Website 👇
    ncees.org/
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    Music by 👇
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    Disclaimers: Richard Racz, P.E. does not hold the title "structural engineer". Any claim of it in the videos or descriptions is unintentional and is superseded by the title "civil engineer" in the states of MA and OR.
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    The Kestävä Engineering UA-cam page is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing contained in, or provided through, this UA-cam page is intended to constitute advice, or to serve as a substitute for the advice of an engineering professional. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
    Under no circumstances will Kestävä Engineering be responsible or liable in any way for any content, including but not limited to, any errors or omissions in the content, or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of any content communicated on this UA-cam page.
    #FEexam #civilengineering #fundamentalengineeringexam

КОМЕНТАРІ • 113

  • @Kestava_Engineering
    @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +16

    What calculator y'all bringing to the FE? Anything beat my TI-36X PRO

    • @zozy5932
      @zozy5932 3 роки тому +4

      I have fx-115 ES PLUS ,I not sure whats the different?and wich one the best?

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +1

      @@zozy5932 if thats what your comfortable with, then its the best choice. nice!

    • @JosueJimenez18
      @JosueJimenez18 3 роки тому +3

      Good suggestions! Right now studying for my FE exam that I'll be taking in Salem, OR, and I'm using the Casio FX-115ES Plus.

    • @chucknorris9511
      @chucknorris9511 2 роки тому +1

      How you fail when you are in the easiest engineering discipline? Lol!

    • @chucknorris9511
      @chucknorris9511 2 роки тому

      @@JosueJimenez18 did you pass?

  • @kindaconservativeengineer2902
    @kindaconservativeengineer2902 3 роки тому +113

    Same boat brother!! I failed my FE exam when everyone passed. I was embarrassed and depressed but i was the first one to pass the PE 😎 never give up!!

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +4

      cant defeat someone who never gives up. everything you study in life will never be detrimental, it will only ever benefit you even if you don't succeed at what you're doing at first.

  • @bonegrubber
    @bonegrubber 3 роки тому +40

    Failed FE first time around too. Like getting hit in the face by a brick wall! Absolutely devastating. I had to rethink if I was really wanting to do this. So after some deep soul searching I decided I wasn't going to study. Instead I put myself to understanding every bit of my course work during the next year. I passed on all the group cram sessions however I did take a prep class. Best class was test strategy. Learning how and which problems were most likely wrong helped tremendously. Day of the test arrived and I felt confident. Second time a completely different experience. I even finished early and I knew I had passed. That was way back in late 2006. Now I'm still facing the dreaded PE. Due to some setbacks from the 2008 crash I didn't take it until 2015. Absolutely bombed it. Felt even worse. I dragged myself around for a couple of years then decided to take it again in Fall 2019. I studied and prepped but still I wasn't into it. Bombed the second time around. Now I'm set for taking it next month. I'm feeling a bit unprepared but I'm going to dive right in and I know eventually I pass or get banned. Wish me luck. I'll be checking out your channel for the next lil while

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +3

      Matt thanks for sharing your story with the team. It means a lot man. Best of luck to you. The best thing is that you keep learning from what you did wrong previously. no matter how long it takes, you're still growing tremendously as an engineer and professional.

    • @michaelschadt9666
      @michaelschadt9666 2 роки тому +1

      howd the PE go?

    • @bonegrubber
      @bonegrubber 2 роки тому +15

      @@michaelschadt9666 At the time I wrote that I was about to take the PE in April 2021... which I did and completely bombed it>.. Again!! I was very upset and frustrated. I actually scored lower than my previous two attempts. I wasn't about to give up and so I spent $2500 on a prep course and studied my skinny white buns off all summer and took the exam in October and... wait for it.... I PASSED!!!!

    • @michaelschadt9666
      @michaelschadt9666 2 роки тому

      Bro that is awesome! Congratulations! Way to put in the effort and not give up like a true engineer. I'll be there someday. First time taking the fe in a few months

    • @bonegrubber
      @bonegrubber 2 роки тому +1

      @@michaelschadt9666 It's been a long road, having graduated way back in 2007 and taking the PE four times. I think I may be the exception. You'll be fine as long as you study.

  • @dmontenegro
    @dmontenegro 3 роки тому +24

    Thanks for sharing your story. I think it’s stories like this that help with test anxiety, I’m so nervous to not pass the FE on my first attempt that I’ve put it off for as long as possible. But there comes a time where you just bite the bullet and say screw it, let’s get it done!

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +2

      Daniel I'm really happy you commented, your spot on my man! Time is going to pass whether we take action or dont, so why not try! if we do nothing, there is a 100% chance that we are in the same spot as before. I want you flippin through that FE manual like its a new religion. 👏👏👏

    • @kindaconservativeengineer2902
      @kindaconservativeengineer2902 3 роки тому +3

      Bro i failed it first time! I was the only one in class who failed. But i was the first amongst my peers to pass the PE first time! Never give up!! Keep grinding!

  • @XLR8IGHT
    @XLR8IGHT Рік тому +6

    I passed the FE the first time, but failed the PE the first time. I had a death in the family and still went to the exam. Went out of it knew I bombed it and wasn’t happy about what I did. I took the time to recollect my thoughts and ideas to be mentally able to go back to do the exam again and here I am going back to do it. This time I am ready to kill it. Appreciate your videos! I think everyone has their sort of journey/challenges but in the end of the day we all know we are competent. Just need that license to fulfill our career goals!

  • @royceperez4687
    @royceperez4687 2 роки тому +13

    I would still suggest still memorizing problems to some extent. The NCEES exam reference manual is digital and the "Find" option isn't great and makes it much harder to find specific equations. I think I spent more time trying to find specific formula than actually doing the problems. Next time.

  • @annyeongheidi
    @annyeongheidi 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you! This is really helpful. I am planning to take the FE Civil Practice exam next year and I didn't know where to start since the last licensure exam I took was 10 years ago. Now I have an idea on how to attack the practice problems. Thanks for the tip!

  • @fl3xforc3r3d
    @fl3xforc3r3d 2 роки тому +2

    Hey man. Greetings from Salem! I had a similar experience my first time: I showed up at 7:45am, and walked into the facility. I didn’t know they were still requiring masks, so When I got to the testing facility, the guy told me that I needed a mask. By now, it’s 7:52… there’s no way I’m making it home. Panic sets in. I told him that my exam was in 8 minutes, and I live about 15min away. He reached in his drawer and pulled out another surgical mask that I could wear. Thank heavens. But I went back to the testing center still a nervous wreck. I ended up not passing. On the day that I found out that I didn’t pass, I re-scheduled my next attempt, which is one week from today! I am going to spend this next week becoming very acquainted with the keywords that are needed for finding things in the manual. If everyone who reads this could send me positive vibes, that’d be great! Good luck to all the future EIT’s out there!

  • @EllieRosee99
    @EllieRosee99 2 роки тому +1

    The best calculator ever!!! The only one I ever had through my undergraduate, I literally never needed anything else.

  • @joannamira-villa4567
    @joannamira-villa4567 Рік тому

    thank you so much for sharing! I am taking my FE next week and im SO nervous lol. I have been getting frustrated at myself for not remembering concepts from freshman year. But what you mentioned seems to be the common theme of what ive been hearing which is to know where everything is in the manual instead of trying to memorize stuff. I will take that approach this week as I continue practicing. Thank you!

  • @TheYoutubeMethod
    @TheYoutubeMethod 2 роки тому +1

    I have been putting off taking the FE for a while bc I’m afraid I’ll fail it. That book full of problems feels so daunting when you think you have to relearn everything from the beginning. Glad I ran across your video. It makes studying for it much more approachable. Thank you!

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  2 роки тому

      IM im so glad you commented. as soon as you let go of right or wrong and begin actively wanting to understand youll go so much further than youve every thought. you got this

  • @greenbay66green31
    @greenbay66green31 2 роки тому

    Great informative video Thank you for sharing. I am planning on attempting the FE exam wish me luck!

  • @SieTeppischfresser
    @SieTeppischfresser 2 роки тому

    I failed as well. I panicked towards the end missed VERY easy questions about gear ratios. I knew exactly how to do the problems, but when I hear that we are almost out of time I freak. When they gave me the breakdown of the sections, I failed because of those last couple questions.
    Have good time management and don't panic. Unlike you, I didn't sign up again because I was so depressed and mad at myself. Here I am 7 years later trying to take it again. I've forgotten so much that I'm worried about it, but your advice will help me.
    Thank you!

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  2 роки тому

      lets dig in dawg, remember that head space your cultivating. Every time you sit down to study - approach it like your becoming an even better engineer than you where before you started, whether you get problems right or wrong your studying. whether you got something right by memory or through trial and error your learning and growing. Truly the more we know the more we realize we dont know haha and its actually a great feeling, cause you stop worrying and start realizing how much you want to get done!

    • @trucco16
      @trucco16 Рік тому

      Keep going!

  • @naviitaramro3474
    @naviitaramro3474 Рік тому +2

    I failed this exam 3 times so far. So I needed this 😅

  • @coachjamesfe
    @coachjamesfe 3 роки тому

    Great Video! Also wanted to say thanks to you. I have received a good amount of views from being on your suggested video list.

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +1

      Nice work! happy that your getting traction my dude! I took a look at your channel and you've got some good info. keep on going with the good work! ill be back in full swing in about a month!

  • @tcscott17
    @tcscott17 2 роки тому +3

    You can use control F on the exam. This will make it so much faster to find the information you need.

  • @Creeder991
    @Creeder991 Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing your story with us. This is such a great tip.

  • @BadgerWolf-19
    @BadgerWolf-19 5 місяців тому

    I took the FE 4 times failed never went fully ready. Hopefully, the 5th time with full preparation I will be fine.

  • @simarjeetsidhu7533
    @simarjeetsidhu7533 Рік тому

    Your calculator story is my worst fear realized. I left my calculator home twice once in first year statistics and once for 4th year engineering economics. I still get nightmares about it😂. I was so angry at myself when it happened a second time.

  • @ramirogallo4303
    @ramirogallo4303 Рік тому

    I love the video, thank you. I would suggest lowering the volume on the background music.

  • @Thewa.terguy
    @Thewa.terguy Рік тому +1

    Thanks for sharing your story. It's really inspiring. I have FE CIVIL exam in next month and already stressed out about it. I am using fe civil practice problems book . Which book were you recommending in the video? Can you please share it?

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  Рік тому

      You got this! i studied all practice problems while using the FE manual for my studies

  • @MusicByServe
    @MusicByServe 3 роки тому +2

    Amazing story. I'm studying to take the FE Electrical two years after graduating in 2019. No one at my university ever introduced me to the exam. What is the the background music?

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +1

      I use Epidemic sound for my video tunes!

    • @Ishter151
      @Ishter151 3 роки тому

      My exams on Thursday best of luck to you if you didn’t take it. I’m in the same boat I graduated 2019

  • @mariapaz8013
    @mariapaz8013 Рік тому

    I enjoy this because I’m starting to study to take this my third time since I didn’t study for it the 2nd time. 😅

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  Рік тому

      you going for it again with out studying ??! you're a brave soul if you are!

  • @virtualtreadmillwalknature1488
    @virtualtreadmillwalknature1488 2 роки тому +1

    Good information!!

  • @user-pl1vu7ls9i
    @user-pl1vu7ls9i 7 місяців тому

    If any one has experience about the FE exam please guide me l have degree in Civil Engineering but my English is not in TOEFL Level what is your advice for me ?

  • @vortex9158
    @vortex9158 2 роки тому +1

    I just failed my FE exam and im having that feeling of doing your best but finding out that it wasnt good enough, anyone got advice to get back on my feet?

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  2 роки тому

      the entire kestava team is here for you, just a stepping stone on your way to success

  • @mrsreynolds8525
    @mrsreynolds8525 2 роки тому

    It would be better if you showed examples. Like a practice problem and what you did to find it in the handbook.

  • @Danger17334
    @Danger17334 Рік тому

    helpful video , it could be concised to fewer minutes. Though great story to hear , better to focus on the subject matter. Thanks!!!

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  Рік тому

      Ill keep working on my content delivery! I always want to respect the viewers time

  • @waisk6191
    @waisk6191 2 роки тому

    I just come back from my FE exam. Really nervous and I already think I failed. I haven't used the Reference handbook properly. Feeling really down:(

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  2 роки тому +1

      you never know! and if it doesn't go as you thought, take a breath and realize how much you've learned since you started studying vs now - you've already come such a long way.

  • @nagenderkumar6936
    @nagenderkumar6936 3 роки тому

    Hi Kestava, I learn a lot from your videos. I'm not finding the video on Rigid diaphragm, previously it was available. Can you pls upload it.

  • @carlosruiz2411
    @carlosruiz2411 5 місяців тому

    What if I barely passed all my classes?

  • @SanjayS-ek1ox
    @SanjayS-ek1ox 2 роки тому

    Dude what is the book that they give you and does it have concept solutions??

  • @marshallkitchen5014
    @marshallkitchen5014 3 роки тому +1

    Hi I was wondering if anyone could give me some insight. I registered for my FE about a month and a half ago and have yet to receive approval to schedule my test. How long did it take between registering and approval to schedule for anyone else?

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому

      Can someone else taking the FE exam help out Marshall?? Perhaps give someone a call at the NCEES to inquire?

  • @echospyda1
    @echospyda1 2 роки тому

    Evening all, Hope all is well. Looking to take my FE exam in the near future. I have been out of school for many years now. 2004 to be exact. Any recommendations on what online review software to take would be much appreciated. I see School of PE and PPI2pass and so on. Not sure which would be the most effective. Thanks. Kevin...

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  2 роки тому

      what do we think Team? In combination with this channel I'd say my number one thing is as man practice problems as possible! ive heard good things about PPI2pass

  • @filipimarcondes9986
    @filipimarcondes9986 3 роки тому +1

    I’m preparing for the FE :) thanks rich

  • @SwerveNSEclipse
    @SwerveNSEclipse 2 роки тому

    Where can you get the book that will be provided when taking the FE?

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  2 роки тому

      you should be able to download the pdf for free if you search for the FE exam reference manual - just make sure its the correct years edition!

  • @SwerveNSEclipse
    @SwerveNSEclipse 2 роки тому

    In my state you can the FE with a 2 year engineering degree. How more difficult is going to be for me to pass in comparison to a someone with a 4 year degree?

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  2 роки тому

      I think if they covered all the materials in your 2 year degree, then your just as prepared for the FE!

  • @dags1615
    @dags1615 3 роки тому +4

    i take this in a month will update if i pass (if i dont i might just sell some drugs)

  • @fahadalkhirsan4527
    @fahadalkhirsan4527 3 роки тому

    Can you please share what materials you used to prep for the exam?

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +1

      Hi Fahad - for the FE exam I got my hands on as many practice exams as I could and printed off the official engineering guide that was provided to you on the exam. I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH to study the engineering guide front and back!

    • @fahadalkhirsan4527
      @fahadalkhirsan4527 3 роки тому

      @@Kestava_Engineering got it thank you

  • @MrHarco77
    @MrHarco77 2 роки тому

    the calculator they give you sucks but 36x is good.

  • @ManuelSilva-lv6un
    @ManuelSilva-lv6un 2 роки тому

    Why can't I heart react this video?

  • @ThePhanttasm
    @ThePhanttasm 3 роки тому

    Wait it takes three months to get a result back? Isn't it multiple choice?

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +1

      it used to take that long back when I took it! Now i think you get results back 7-10 days after taking the exam.

  • @josecohen516
    @josecohen516 10 місяців тому

    who is the jose this guy keeps mentioning ???

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  10 місяців тому

      dont try to hide Jose! I can tell this is a burner account!

  • @PerfectlyLegitUser92
    @PerfectlyLegitUser92 3 роки тому +3

    You said you familiarized yourself with the PDF document that NCEES provided during the test. Where exactly can I find this document if I want to do the same thing?

    • @john6649
      @john6649 3 роки тому +2

      go to the NCEES website and download the FE manual ... open it in adobe and press "ctrl" "shift" "f" and thats pretty much exactly how it is on the FE exam on the computer.

    • @brookelyncosper79
      @brookelyncosper79 3 роки тому

      @@john6649 is it 500 pages long or am I looking at a wrong one?

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +1

      its a chunky monkey for sure

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому

      hope you got the PDF downloaded ok and are good to go!

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому

      thanks for the great input John!

  • @danfreeman77743opop
    @danfreeman77743opop 3 роки тому +2

    HAHA great story

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому +1

      it was pure terror but I definitely learned from it!

    • @danfreeman77743opop
      @danfreeman77743opop 3 роки тому

      @@Kestava_Engineering Just found out i passed, I actually got quite the story to hahah. The night before the exam couldnt get any worse. I got a cheap motel room and some girl was on drugs walking back and forth in the room above me, it kept me up all night. The anxiety of not being able to sleep made me puke like 6 times but still ended up passing lol such a terrible experience like u said but u come out a better man for it hahah

  • @rigo6156
    @rigo6156 3 роки тому +3

    Please remove that terrible music, it hinders the video presentation.

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому

      I gotta work on my music taste dang. Rigo with the tough but necessary truths.

    • @rigo6156
      @rigo6156 3 роки тому +1

      @@Kestava_Engineering I'm sorry I was so harsh man, but that music is just really ominous.

    • @Kestava_Engineering
      @Kestava_Engineering  3 роки тому

      @@rigo6156 all good man! your making the channel better!