Test is Apr 21, any suggestions? What material should I review the most.

Also wondering if i should take both general tests or the pm electrical.

get your hands on the equation book that they provide you with on the test... get familiar with it.

If you are a senior at A&M this year, you probably don't have to study at all for it. The Engineering dept. does a pretty good job of teaching the fundamentals. It should all still be pretty fresh on your mind and you should be able to breeze through it.

If you are electrical, then I would suggest taking the electrical PM portion since you'll be the most fresh on that stuff. Many of the people in my classes senior year took it with minimal studying - they just brushed up on some of the engineering economics stuff and things they hadn't seen in a while like chemistry and whatnot... The exam didn't pose much of a problem, though.

I took the exam several years after graduation and did very well with about a month's worth of review - not strenuous review, but about an hour-a-day's worth.

Don't sweat it, not that big a deal... The exam only tests the fundamentals.

I might study a total of one night for it..if that.

I was a B/C student at A&M and passed the FE the first time. All I did was look through the formula book for the AM section and for my major in the PM section. I also reviewed the format of the exam and general information like time and the topics of questions.

You may not have realized it yet, but A&M has been preparing you for this since your first engineering class.

How can I get the equation book, cant find it anywhere

Equation book is online from the test preparers, also I believe the civil department has it on their website.

As an electrical that took it and did very well on it, Id suggest that you NOT take the electrical portion in the afternoon (because of the kind of crap that they think is electrical engineering, since we are the most broad engineering major) and go ahead and practice doing some calculus on an approved calculator, get familiar with the formula guide and STUDY ENGINEERING ECONOMICS .. I cant stress that enough, Id say like 5% of the am and pm sections are engineering economics.

Anyhow, just remember that its an exam by the civils and for the civils and that if you are an EE that passes you will be in a small percentage because A&M EE's are really well prepared compared to those glorified telecom majors from tu, or tu-dallas that get EE degrees.

Why would the NCEES even bother to include any sections besides civil engineering if it was solely for civil engineers.

Randy which sections below do you feel electrical engineers should not be responsible for knowing?

afternoon FE test for Electrical Engineers:

Topic Area Approximate Percentage
of Test Content
I. Circuits 16%
A. KCL, KVL
B. Series/parallel equivalent circuits
C. Node and loop analysis
D. Thevenin/Norton theorems
E. Impedance
F. Transfer functions
G. Frequency/transient response
H. Resonance
I. Laplace transforms
J. 2-port theory
K. Filters (simple passive)

II. Power 13%
A. 3-phase
B. Transmission lines
C. Voltage regulation
D. Delta and wye
E. Phasors
F. Motors
G. Power electronics
H. Power factor (pf)
I. Transformers

III. Electromagnetics 7%
A. Electrostatics/magnetostatics (e.g., measurement of spatial relationships,
vector analysis)
B. Wave propagation
C. Transmission lines (high frequency)

IV. Control Systems 10%
A. Block diagrams (feed forward, feedback)
B. Bode plots
C. Controller performance (gain, PID), steady-state errors
D. Root locus
E. Stability

V. Communications 9%
A. Basic modulation/demodulation concepts (e.g., AM, FM, PCM)
B. Fourier transforms/Fourier series
C. Sampling theorem
D. Computer networks, including OSI model
E. Multiplexing

VI. Signal Processing 8%
A. Analog/digital conversion
B. Convolution (continuous and discrete)
C. Difference equations
D. Z-transforms
Electrical continued
10

VII. Electronics 15%
A. Solid-state fundamentals (tunneling, diffusion/drift current, energy bands,
doping bands, p-n theory)
B. Bias circuits
C. Differential amplifiers
D. Discrete devices (diodes, transistors, BJT, CMOS) and models and
their performance
E. Operational amplifiers
F. Filters (active)
G. Instrumentation (measurements, data acquisition, transducers)

VIII. Digital Systems 12%
A. Numbering systems
B. Data path/control system design
C. Boolean logic
D. Counters
E. Flip-flops
F. Programmable logic devices and gate arrays
G. Logic gates and circuits
H. Logic minimization (SOP, POS, Karnaugh maps)
I. State tables/diagrams
J. Timing diagrams

IX. Computer Systems 10%
A. Architecture (e.g., pipelining, cache memory)
B. Interfacing
C. Microprocessors
D. Memory technology and systems
E. Software design methods (structured, top-down bottom-up, object-oriented design)
F. Software implementation (structured programming, algorithms, data structures)

Randy, I'm electrical and had NO problem with the electrical PM section. In fact, I found it to be easier than the AM section simply because it was 100% electrical related instead of spread out between subject areas like the AM section.

The AM section really isn't that difficult except that you have to keep changing gears between statics, dynamics, electrical, thermo, chemistry, economics, etc...

A&M does a good job of preparing engineering students (of ALL disciplines) for this exam. After all, the exam does just test the BASICS and a senior in the department should breeze right through it.

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Randy which sections below do you feel electrical engineers should not be responsible for knowing?

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Well lets see, if you take typical EE Technical electives you specialize in ONE area with ONE More class in another area.

However, I happened to specialize in THREE areas and still wouldnt recommend taking that.

I specialized in Power, Microwaves and Signals/Control and I wouldnt feel comfortable with

The whole of the E&M section (thats because all of my E&M Classes were medical imaging, even if it got me a specialization in E&M)

D. Computer networks, including OSI model
in Comm.

And pretty much the whole of VII, VIII and XI, to the extent that I would be tested over them some 3 years or whatever after 248, I had Su for 325 and didnt learn crap and never taking a computer course.

Im a power electronics and motors grad student, its what I know, its what I knew in undergrad. I know power systems too and a good bit about control .. sensors and some stuff, but if you are going to test me at a professional level, I would prefer to test my math ability and my broad engineering ability.

So dont tell ME what you think all electricals SHOULD know .. I really doubt that you know all of that either, you just want to come off all and mighty .. (which I am also guilty of on many occasions) but I also am good at painting a worst case scenario, which is what I was doing for this guy.

Electrical engineering is by far the most broad of any of the engineering subfields and all of the computer crap is a category on its own that doesnt even really belong in EE anymore, but thats where it gets stuck. Computer Engineering will get its own department and own field eventually, but its too new. The fact is, its impossible to know everything about EE now, because they expect us to be Telecom/Programmers/Computer Engineer/Power Engineer/Circuit Designers/Microwave/Medical Imagery/Sensor/Nanobot guys and there just isnt enough time in the world to be broad and learn anything well.

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Electrical engineering is by far the most broad of any of the engineering subfields

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This guy's arrogance cracks me up everytime I see him post.

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And pretty much the whole of VII, VIII and XI...

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By the way, the FE exam does not test you at a "professional" level, as you stated; it tests the FUNDAMENTALS.

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So dont tell ME what you think all electricals SHOULD know...

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You are delusional if you don't think an electrical engineer needs to understand the FUNDAMENTALS behind Operational Amplifiers, Diodes, Transistors, Boolean Logic, Number Systems, Counters, Timing Diagrams, Computer Systems (not programming, just fundamental digital circuitry), etc... those are all topics covered in the sections you listed as "uncomfortable."

If you are "uncomfortable" with being asked BASIC questions on those topics, perhaps you should take some refresher courses because you will embarrass yourself one day posing as a "Professional Electrical Engineer."


[This message has been edited by BTHOB (edited 4/5/2007 2:50p).]

oh snap

EEAg07, don't listen to the guys who have their panties in a wad about Randy's comments. He's right, plane and simple.

If you are lazy (like I am), you'll be fine with just showing up and taking the test. But the sections he talked about were spot on with what my FE was like.

If you are a senior electrical engineer and you need to study more than half a night before this test, you need to change your major to civil or ocean (something useless). Go look on the FE site, at the manual they'll be giving you, so you know where to search during the test... and you pass

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He's right, plane and simple.

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uhhhhmmm, no he's not.

But, I digress... As stated earlier, by several people, A&M prepares you really well for the FE exam (whether you think so or not), and you will probably do well. Having said that, don't sweat the test too much; just review the topics of which you haven't seen much (Engineering Economics, chemistry, etc.) and the rest should be easy for you.

If you are a senior engineering major, take the PM section of the exam in your major as the material will be very fresh on your mind. In the general PM section, the questions are harder than the AM section, but include all subject areas. You may choose to subject yourself to harder questions in Thermo, Statics, Dynamics, Heat Transfer, Electrical, Math, etc... or you may choose to subject yourself to harder questions in Electrical only (for example).

It was a no-brainer for me, and the exam overall is nothing to worry too much about. Probably, the most important piece of advice would be (even though it's cliche) to get a good night's sleep before the day of your exam and to eat a good breakfast.

As a senior in the A&M Engineering Dept. you'll do fine.

I am a senior and I am also taking the FE on April 21st. From what I hear, taking the discipline specific PM exam is really tough (at least for mechanical engineering, i imagine electrical would be equally as tough if not tougher). So I'm gonna take both general tests.

And I am going to study for a total of 0 hours and 0 minutes.

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electrical engineering, since we are the most broad engineering major

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Interesting statement. I'd have to disagree with that though.

Instead of just making a baseless critique Id really love some facts, especially by some folks that have knowledge or arent civils just reading from the prep book.

What field is expanding more and has expanded more in the last 30 years than electrical? Oh, none thats right. Because we contain everything computer, even if it will be its own field now, as the requirements clearly show, we are expected to be power engineers, microelectronics designers, microwave engineers, motor designers, programmers, signal processing, telecom, computer hardware, computer architecture, the bigger question is .. when are they going to incorporate "smart bricks" and make building materials part of our curriculum as well?

We are told by our professors that EE is the most broad and expanding.

Here are some facts:

Mechanical engineers are expected to know chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, electronic controls, dynamics and vibrations and materials science.

That sounds pretty broad to me. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital and electronic, I agree 100% that the electrical engineering discipline is expanding the most- by far. I don't know if its the most broad though. I still think mechanical engineers are the most well rounded engineers.

Serious question..has Randy03 ever been laid before? This juvenile "my engineering discipline is better than yours" is the kind of crap I'd expect for 16 year olds that are wound too tight.

I'm an ME and I consider it much broader than electrical..but who the eff cares? Getting through the College of Engineering at A&M in general is an accomplishment.

which is why mechanicals get paid ****, and EEs get the money and the trophy wives

oh and btw, don't start an insult with "has Randy03 ever been laid before?" and then go off and start crying about how you think ME is much broader *boo hoo* Makes you sound like the 16 year old.

In my industry (oil and gas, which will employ a significant percentage of you people still in school once your done), the electrical engineers are considered discipline engineers. Why? Because their field is narrowly focused compared to other disciplines. You always have a few people who make the transition to other fields but generally a EE stays an EE. Very seldom do we hire EE's to do a multidiciplianry job except facility engineering(all those motors and controls!).

When I was in school, my prof's were telling us the same thing. Depends on how you look at it things. Because A&M decides to combine computer engineering and EE doesn't mean that you are the most broad discipline. But don't worry Randy, your perspective will probably change once you make it to the real world.

Exactly. Electrical Engineers in my industry tend to be very specialized - that is, other engineers cannot generally perform the tasks requested of electrical engineers. However, engineers of other disciplines tend to be "Jacks-of-all-trades" and are easily able to adapt to various criterion.

While other engineering disciplines may prove to provide a "broader" experience base, I have found that the electrical engineering discipline is highly regarded due to its specialization and complexity.

In the end, professional engineers tend to respect each other, realizing that the work being performed (in any discipline) is not easy and requires diligent pursuit.

As far as the FE exam goes, an electrical engineering senior at A&M should have NO problem with the basic questions asked on the exam. Even the PM section, which is more difficult than the AM section (regardless of the discpline/general), contains problems which should pose no problem to a Texas A&M engineering senior. At the very least, an electrical engineering student may know that they are adequately prepared in the FUNDAMENTALS if they are able to answer the exam questions asked in their own discipline.

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oh and btw, don't start an insult with "has Randy03 ever been laid before?" and then go off and start crying about how you think ME is much broader *boo hoo* Makes you sound like the 16 year old.

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Well, I take it back..looks like Randy and AggieDavie have been bumpin uglies for a while. Anyway, I could give 2 ***ts about which major is "broader". Mechanical engineering interested me more than the other disciplines, so thats what I went with. But congrats on the high salary and trophy wife...

All I wanted to know was the particulars of the FE exam.

But thank you texags, this has turned in to so much more!
Im going to stick with the electrical pm test since I am much more comfortable with that stuff.

EE's tend to be specialized, cuz they enjoy their line of work. Same can be said for every major. If I wanted to go do a Civi, Meche, or ID job, I could do it with flying colors (And I'd be confident that I'd be able to, no problem). Just cuz EEs usually choose to become principle engineers, definately doesn't mean you can do more than they can.


Which is why a EE can take one mechanical and civil engineering class and know all you need to know to pass the FE and become a professional engineer in both fields (it ain't aerospace afterall)

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EE's tend to be specialized, cuz they enjoy their line of work. Same can be said for every major. If I wanted to go do a Civi, Meche, or ID job, I could do it with flying colors (And I'd be confident that I'd be able to, no problem). Just cuz EEs usually choose to become principle engineers, definately doesn't mean you can do more than they can.

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So in effect what you are saying is other engineers don't like their work so they choose to do other things? You seriously believe that or is this just internet forum banter?

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Which is why a EE can take one mechanical and civil engineering class and know all you need to know to pass the FE and become a professional engineer in both fields (it ain't aerospace afterall)

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While I didn't take Mech and Civil FE exam, (my PE license is for Chemical) I don't think passing the FE can qualify you as professional engineer. Last time I checked you had to pass the Principle and Practice as part of your application for license for a professional engineer. Or perhaps it's just easier in electrical than all other disciplines? Is this all you had to take for your PE in electrical?

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Which is why a EE can take one mechanical and civil engineering class and know all you need to know to pass the FE and become a professional engineer in both fields (it ain't aerospace afterall)

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Statements like this make great evidence when you get dragged before the board.

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Which is why a EE can take one mechanical and civil engineering class and know all you need to know to pass the FE and become a professional engineer in both fields (it ain't aerospace afterall)

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Gosh, I guess I've completely wasted the past 4 years of my life... I wish I had known before that all I needed to do was take one class to know everything I needed to know to be a professional mechanical engineer. Why didn't you tell me before????


By the way, can you tell me what that one class is? I want to tell my younger brother so he doesn't waste 4 years and 50 grand like I did.

xMusashix, please.... I know the process to get your PE

[This message has been edited by AggieDavie06 (edited 4/11/2007 7:52p).]

The ignorant chest-thumping on this thread is hilarious. So I guess if Davie took Fluids he could answer any question about Dynamic Controls....what a fool.

Davie, since you know "process" does that mean you can pass the FE for chemical now as well?