<p>For entry level Civ eng jobs, is the FE Exam pretty much a required credential or is it something that is seen as a plus? Could it help offset a less than stellar gpa?</p>
<p>Most civEs take the FE in April of their last semesters and get their results around July. However, most of the entry level positions are filled before this, so it really can't help or hurt you. If you're one of those that take it in October, it might help you, but I doubt it's enough to be the difference between whether or not you get the job.</p>
<p>Civ E have to take the FE.
You should take it during your senior year or just after college.
Its a required thing for most Civ E, as most jobs will require this.</p>
<p>After getting a FE and with work exp of 4-5 years you'll be ready to take the next exam which leads to a PE.</p>
<p>Ok, thanks for the help</p>
<p>Do you know in which months the FE is offered?<br>
Is it given at the universities?<br>
Do students usually study for it on their own?
Is it valuable to other disciplines besides civil?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>FE is offered in October and April of every year. </p>
<p>The tests are given at areas designated by the local state board. My region's testing center was at a college, but for other regions it may be another place. It just has to be big enough to accommodate everyone. Universities aren't involved in the test administration process at all. It's all handled by a third party testing service.</p>
<p>Some students study for it on their own, some study in groups, and some schools organize larger study sessions or review classes. </p>
<p>It can be valuable to other disciplines depending on your field. EE's who end up designing computer circuits have no need for it, but EE's involved in power systems may benefit from licensure. If you're even remotely considering entering a field that needs it, it's a very good idea to take it during your senior year of college when everything is fresh.</p>
<p>Do you think that much prep outside of class is advisable? It sounds like a very tough exam.</p>
<p>Prep outside of class? As in professional test prep companies that offer courses (like Kaplan)? Or as in prepping with fellow classmates?</p>
<p>I would not recommend going with paid courses for the FE exam. The reason the exam is difficult is not really because of the difficulty of each individual question, but the breadth of the exam. They ask questions that you might've learned in your first day of college or perhaps something that you never learned at all. I'm not sure how test prep companies prep students, but I can't imagine it being any more effective than studying with fellow classmates. </p>
<p>For the PE, maybe it's a good idea, but mainly because after a few years in industry, you may find yourself difficult to get back into the studying mode. The formality of classes might be good for those without focus.</p>
<p>The best study strategy is to buy a review book (I recommend Lindeburg), get a couple of classmates together, and study as a group on a regular basis. And don't wait until a month before the exam either. The breadth of the exam is just so vast that you need time to study all the main topics or else you'll end up cramming days before the exam. And considering it's an 8 hour exam, it's definitely advisable to have plenty of rest beforehand.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the advice, ken285. I will absolutely pass it along to my son!</p>