Becoming a licensed engineer begins with passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and being certified as an Engineer in Training (EIT). With recent price increases in how much this exam costs, it’s more important than ever to make sure you pass on the first try.
This requires investing in the best FE prep course.
But which one should you choose? If you’re like other engineering students, wading through a sea of FE exam prep courses can get super stressful. Thankfully, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Here, I’ve listed my top FE courses, along with the pros and cons and comparisons of each program, to help you choose the best test prep for you.
Key Takeaways
- School of PE’s Structured Learning: Known for its live online classes and comprehensive materials, School of PE offers a structured approach to FE exam preparation, ideal for those needing interactive learning with real-time instructor support.
- PPI2Pass’s Comprehensive Resources: PPI2Pass provides extensive study guides, rigorous practice problems, and multiple learning modes, making it a versatile option for FE candidates seeking thorough and flexible preparation.
- Civil Engineering Academy’s Targeted Support: Civil Engineering Academy focuses on civil engineering, providing specialized resources and support that make it an excellent choice for those taking the FE civil exam.
- Capstone’s Mixed Quality: Capstone offers a variety of resources but has received mixed reviews regarding the consistency and quality of its materials, indicating potential issues with reliability.
- EET’s Limited Coverage: EET offers in-depth resources for specific engineering disciplines, particularly civil and environmental, but may lack comprehensive coverage across all FE exam topics.
FE Prep Course Comparison
| Feature |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discounts | Save $300 | No Discounts | No Discounts | No Discounts |
| Practice Questions |  | | | |
| Flashcards | | |  | |
| Money Back Guarantee | | | | |
| Support | Phone, Email, Live Chat | Phone, Email, Forum | Email, Facebook Group | Phone, Email |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
1. School of PE: Best for Live Classes
My top choice for the best FE exam review courses is the School of PE. The School of PE excels in providing a structured learning environment with its live online classes, which bring together expert instructors and students in an interactive setting.
Let’s be real. Most EITs are working or studying during the day. The flexibility of evening and weekend classes ensures that working professionals can find a schedule that fits their busy lives.
With access to a community forum, students can engage with peers, exchange ideas, and seek support. Performance tracking tools help students monitor their progress and adjust their study plans accordingly.
Course Options and Key Features
- Live Online Classes: Interactive sessions with expert instructors covering all exam topics.
- On-Demand Options: Detailed lecture notes, practice problems, and full-length practice exams are all at your fingertips.
- Flexible Schedules: Evening and weekend classes are available to accommodate working professionals.
- Support Tools: Access to a community forum, study planners, and performance tracking.
Pros
- Live Course Options: School of PE’s live classes provide real-time interaction with instructors and peers, enhancing the learning experience. Held on weekdays from 7 to 10 PM EST, students often highlight the benefits of these live class sessions, noting that attending every lecture and thoroughly using the question bank leaves them well-prepared for the exam.
- On-Demand Availability: The on-demand option provides flexibility for FE exam candidates with busy schedules who prefer self-study online courses. As one user noted, “I passed the exam on my first attempt using School of PE. Mainly, I used their lecture video and workshop problems; those are the ones included in the SoPE review guide…” This allows students to create their own study schedule, enhancing their engineering knowledge and improving their test-taking strategies.
- Content that Counts The classes offer an in-depth review of all exam topics. The targeted prep course you choose will cover everything from engineering economics to mechanical engineering. Knowledgeable instructors will guide you through the reference manual, pointing out essential content likely to appear on the exam and highlighting less relevant sections based on past exams.
- Effective Practice Portal: The best FE exam prep courses will have a practice portal that allows students to create customized quizzes on specific topics. This is true for the School of PE. Most users report that their simulator has test conditions with timed sessions similar to the actual FE exam. The targeted practice offered helps improve time management and reinforces understanding, making it an essential tool for both EITs and professional engineers.
- Engaging and Informative Video Lectures: The video lectures are designed to break down complex topics into manageable segments, keeping students engaged while providing clear explanations and practical examples. This unique approach ensures students understand crucial sections of the reference manual and can focus on what’s important for the exam.
- Comprehensive Support: From enrollment to exam day, School of PE offers robust support. Expert instructors provide clear, thorough explanations, and personal counselors guide students on study strategies and keep them informed about exam changes. The “Access Until You Pass” policy ensures ongoing updates and continuous support, maximizing the effectiveness of study time.
“SoPE did a fantastic job with their review book, and it makes me suspect that their question bank/platform is better than PrepFE’s.”
tropical_human
Cons
- Challenging Practice Questions: Some students have found that certain practice questions in the School of PE quizzes are more complex than those on the actual FE exam. One user shared, “Just took the FE Civil and mostly used the School of PE quizzes to study. Many of the questions in the practice portal are good, but others are much more involved than the true exam questions.” While this can make practice sessions feel tougher, it ultimately ensures thorough preparation and builds confidence for the actual exam.
Save Up to $300 on School of PE PE Courses
School of PE
2. PPI2Pass: Top Pick for Comprehensive Resources
PPI2Pass is my second choice for FE exam preparation due to its rigorous practice problems, flexible study options, and extensive study resources. Known in FE exam prep threads as “Lindeburg,” after its founder Michael R. Lindeburg, PE, a renowned author of over 40 engineering textbooks and reference books, this course ensures thorough preparation, boosting your confidence and readiness for exam day.
“If you’re clueless, I recommend Lindenburg (PPITOPASS). It is a great resource that will give you a brief but indepth overview of each topic that is listed on the exam.”
u/AdditionalGarbage336
Course Options and Key Features
- Variety of Learning Modes: Live online, on-demand, and self-paced options.
- Extensive Study Guides: In-depth coverage of all exam topics.
- Practice Problems: Thousands of practice questions and full-length exams.
- Instructor Support: Access to instructors for personalized guidance.
Pros
- Rigorous Practice Problems: PPI2Pass is renowned for its challenging practice problems that often require understanding multiple concepts to solve. This ensures that students understand the material deeply, making the actual FE exam feel more approachable. Mastering these complex problems equips students with the skills needed to tackle a variety of questions on the exam.
- Flexible Study Schedule: The OnDemand courses offered by PPI2Pass allow students to study at their own pace, which is ideal for those juggling work or other commitments. This flexibility enables students to create a study schedule that fits their personal needs, making exam preparation more manageable and effective.
- Extensive Study Materials: PPI2Pass provides a wealth of study materials, including comprehensive review manuals and discipline-specific books. This thorough coverage ensures that all necessary topics are well-addressed. The quiz generator is an additional tool that helps reinforce knowledge through continuous practice, ensuring students are well-prepared for the exam.
- Effective Time Management: The course emphasizes time management by incorporating timed practice tests into its structure. As one user shared, “…What I really got out of it was the structure and taking practice tests in a timed setting. And then getting your results back and working on what I didn’t understand. It’s really a self-study type thing, so you need to work at it every day.”
- Comprehensive Support: PPI2Pass offers extensive support, including access to knowledgeable instructors for personalized guidance. This ensures that students have the necessary help to clarify doubts and address concerns during their preparation, enhancing their understanding and readiness for the exam.
Cons
- Occasional Off-Topic Material: The comprehensive resources sometimes include material that is less relevant to the exam. This can lead to less focused study sessions and may require additional effort to stay on track with the most pertinent topics.
- Demoralizing Practice Questions: Some students find that the practice questions are more challenging than those on the actual exam. I found a couple of comments on Reddit describing this as demoralizing. While this can be demanding and discouraging, it does ensure that students are extremely well-prepared for any difficulty level they might face on exam day.
PPI2Pass
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3. Civil Engineering Academy: Best for Civil Engineers
Civil Engineering Academy’s Ultimate Civil FE Review is my third choice for FE exam preparation. While it offers solid resources and flexible study options, it has some drawbacks that might not make it the best fit for everyone. Let’s dive into the details to see if this FE review course aligns with your needs.
“Amazing material! Keep track of the videos; excited about looking at more of them.” – YouTube comment
Course Options and Key Features
- Range of Exam Prep Courses: Covers FE, PE, CA Civil Seismic, CA Civil Survey, SE, and Floodplain Manager exams. I find it to be good for FE civil exam review but not as great for other courses.
- On-Demand Learning: Courses are available on-demand, allowing students to study at their own pace.
- Supplementary Resources: This includes video practice problems and a supportive online community to build up their FE Civil course.
Pros
- Supportive Community: The course includes access to a private Facebook group where students can share insights, tips, and encouragement. This supportive community enhances the learning experience by providing a platform for students to collaborate and help each other succeed.
- On-Demand Access and Responsive Support: The on-demand format allows students to learn at their own pace, accommodating different schedules. Additionally, the course offers continuous support, ensuring that students can get help whenever needed, which is crucial for a thorough preparation process.
- YouTube Channel for Supplementary Learning: Civil Engineering Academy maintains a YouTube channel that provides additional learning resources on various engineering topics. This supplementary content can be very helpful for reinforcing key concepts and staying engaged with the material.
Cons
- Errors in Practice Problems and Rushed Material: Several users reported finding numerous errors in the test questions and practice problems. One user mentioned, “I kept finding errors on the test questions. Much of the material presented was rushed and full of errors.” – u/Worth-Opportunity945
- Unengaging and Unhelpful Content: Some students have expressed dissatisfaction with Civil Engineering Academy’s materials, feeling that the content lacks depth and engagement. One user mentioned, “I just paid for Ultimate Civil Engineering Academy. I feel like I just got ripped off. The review is just a PowerPoint, and the person reading the slides has no energy. Very dry videos. They go over topics that are not even on the FE reference manual.” Additionally, the review problems are not very helpful, leading to a sense of wasted investment and frustration with the course.
- No Guarantee of Passing the Exam: Civil Engineering Academy does not offer a guarantee that students will pass the FE exam after completing their course. While they do provide a 15-day money-back satisfaction guarantee, the absence of a pass guarantee may be a concern for students looking for added assurance and confidence in their investment.
“Any of the big ones, PrepFE, School of PE, or Civil Engineering Academy will do just fine if you actually go through all of the lessons…”
Civil Engineering Academy: Ultimate Civil FE Exam
4. Capstone Learning Associates: Mixed Reviews and Limited Recognition
Capstone Learning Associates is another option for FE exam preparation, but it has not gained as much recognition as some other courses. While it offers several appealing features, there are significant drawbacks that potential students should consider.
Course Options and Key Features
- Targeted Instruction: Comprehensive coverage of various FE exam topics, including Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, and Electrical disciplines.
- Practice Problems: Extensive set of practice problems with detailed solutions.
- Tutor Support: Access to experienced FE tutors for guidance.
Pros
- Specifically Designed for the FE CBT Exam: Unlike other FE review programs that re-engineer old review materials to match the new exam format and topics, the Capstone online FE CBT Review Curriculum is designed and developed specifically for the FE CBT exam. The topics correspond directly to the CBT exam topics. This online training format allows you to learn in the same computer-based environment you will use when taking the exam.
- Unlimited Access: Capstone offers various pricing plans that include options for unlimited access to course materials. This can be beneficial for those who need more time to prepare and want to review the content multiple times. The unlimited access option provides flexibility and the ability to revisit materials as needed, which can be a significant advantage for thorough preparation.
- Affordable Pricing: The courses are reasonably priced, with comprehensive reviews available for $699. This includes extensive narrated instruction, sample problems, and tutor support, making it a cost-effective choice for many students. The affordability can be appealing to those on a tight budget who still need comprehensive exam preparation.
Cons
- Limited Recognition: One of the biggest drawbacks of Capstone Learning Associates is that it is not widely known or recognized in the engineering community. This lack of recognition may make students hesitant to invest in the course, especially when there are more established alternatives available. The lower profile of the course could lead to concerns about the quality and reliability of the preparation materials.
- Outdated Website: The Capstone Learning Associates website is not as user-friendly or updated as other platforms, which can make it difficult to navigate and find necessary information. A more modern and intuitive website could significantly improve the user experience. The outdated interface might frustrate users who are accustomed to more streamlined and interactive online learning environments.
- Limited Number of Practice Questions: Compared to other FE exam prep courses, Capstone offers a relatively smaller number of practice questions. This limitation can restrict the extent of practice and exposure to different types of exam problems, potentially impacting overall preparedness. Students may need to seek additional resources to ensure they have sufficient practice opportunities to build confidence and competence.
“The issue is there are a lot of bad EIT/FE courses that do not prepare you for the actual exam. I paid for one of those bad courses and had to pay for another one on my own. So I am spreading the word about your course so my co-workers do not make the same mistake I did. By the way, I passed the EIT and preparing to take the PE in October.”
N.B., San Diego, CA (Review found on Capstone Site)
Capstone Learning Associates
5. EET (Engineering Education and Training): Specialized but Limited
EET provides discipline-specific courses that offer in-depth study materials and live instruction tailored to particular engineering fields. While this specialization can be beneficial for students seeking focused preparation, it may not provide comprehensive coverage for all exam topics, potentially leaving gaps in your knowledge.
Course Options and Key Features
- Discipline-Specific Courses: Focused on particular engineering disciplines.
- Specialized Study Materials: Tailored to specific exam sections.
- Live Instruction: Interactive classes with experienced instructors who offer valuable insights and guidance.
Pros
- Specialized Focus on Individual Disciplines: EET’s courses are designed to provide in-depth coverage of specific engineering disciplines, which can be highly beneficial for students who need targeted preparation. This focused approach ensures that students gain a deep understanding of their chosen field.
- Targeted Review Materials for In-Depth Study: The study materials provided by EET are tailored to the specific sections of the exam, offering detailed explanations and practice problems that align closely with the exam content. This targeted review helps reinforce critical concepts and skills needed for the exam.
- Discounts for Various Groups: EET offers several discounts that can make their courses more affordable. Veterans and active-duty military personnel, as well as recent graduates and graduating seniors from ABET-accredited Civil Engineering Programs, are eligible for a 5% discount with appropriate documentation. Additionally, bundle discounts are available, such as a $50 discount for those enrolling in both breadth and depth Civil PE classes.
Cons
- Less Popular for FE Exam Preparation: EET is more renowned for its PE exam courses than for FE exam prep. This disparity is reflected in the fewer positive reviews available online for their FE courses. One user commented, “I just got the course and do not recommend it,” highlighting potential issues with the program’s effectiveness and overall satisfaction. This same user went on to explain that the instructors just read from the binder and don’t explain things in depth like other FE exam prep courses.
- Higher Cost for Specialized Courses: The cost of EET’s courses can be higher compared to more general FE prep courses. This higher price point may not be justifiable for all students, particularly those on a tight budget or those seeking a broader overview of exam topics.
- Limited Course Offerings: EET only covers FE Civil and Environmental, which restricts its usefulness for students from other engineering disciplines. This lack of variety means students in other fields will need to seek additional resources to prepare for the exam fully.
- Outdated Website: EET’s website is outdated and not well-maintained for FE prep, with live course dates still listed for 2021. This can make it difficult for prospective students to find current information and may cause frustration when navigating the site.
Engineering Education and Training
5. Testmasters: Decent but Lacking Modern Features
Testmasters offers a variety of FE exam preparation courses, but despite some appealing aspects, several significant drawbacks may make it less attractive compared to other options.
Course Options and Key Features
- Classroom Course: Live, in-person sessions are ideal for those who prefer a traditional classroom setting.
- Online Course: Flexible video-based instruction for self-motivated learners.
- Group Course: Custom courses for businesses or universities.
Pros
- Comprehensive and Relevant Content: Testmasters provides a thorough and relevant curriculum tailored specifically for the FE exam. As one EIT shared, “I took the FE Civil Engineering course with Testmasters and passed the exam immediately after it ended. The content covered in the Testmasters course was exactly what was needed to get through the exam – so I had a very good experience.” Despite being slightly more expensive, Testmasters ensures all critical information is included, unlike cheaper courses that may omit essential topics.
- Experienced Instructors: Testmasters boast instructors with over 35 years of experience teaching FE courses. Their deep knowledge and familiarity with the exam format can provide valuable insights and help students focus on key topics needed to pass the exam.
- Unlimited Course Retakes: One notable advantage is the guarantee to retake the course for free if you attend all classes and do not pass the exam. This can provide peace of mind and an additional opportunity to improve without extra cost.
Cons
- Overwhelming and Unfocused Instruction: Testmasters attempt to cover an extensive range of topics across all categories, which can result in a lack of focus. Some students find the videos hard to understand and feel that the course tries to teach everything without prioritizing the most critical areas. This broad approach can be overwhelming and less effective compared to other more focused review programs.
- Limited Recognition and Outdated Methods: While Testmasters is established, it doesn’t have the widespread recognition of some other FE prep providers. Additionally, the reliance on traditional classroom settings and printed materials can feel outdated in an era where online and interactive learning tools are becoming standard.
- Limited Practice Questions: Compared to other FE prep courses, Testmasters provides a relatively smaller number of practice questions. This limited pool of questions might not offer enough variety and depth for comprehensive exam preparation, potentially leaving students underprepared.
- Outdated Website and Registration Process: The Testmasters website and registration process are not as user-friendly or modern as those of other providers. The outdated interface can be cumbersome to navigate, and the registration process, which includes options like faxing forms, feels antiquated and inconvenient.
Testmasters offers a solid foundation with experienced instructors and comprehensive course materials, but its limited recognition, outdated methods, and fewer practice questions can be significant drawbacks. Prospective students should carefully consider these factors when choosing an FE exam prep course to ensure it meets their specific needs and learning preferences.
Testmasters
FE Course Comparisons
School of PE vs. PPI2Pass
When comparing School of PE and PPI2Pass, both offer excellent resources for FE exam preparation. School of PE excels in structured learning environments with live online classes and comprehensive study materials. This is ideal for those who thrive in interactive settings with real-time instructor support. PPI2Pass, on the other hand, provides a wide array of study guides, practice problems, and practice exams, offering more flexibility with its self-paced and on-demand options. While both are excellent choices, School of PE’s structured approach makes it the top pick for those who need a more guided study experience.
PPI2Pass vs. Civil Engineering Academy
PPI2Pass and Civil Engineering Academy both offer robust resources, but they cater to slightly different needs. PPI2Pass stands out with its extensive practice problems and time management strategies, making it suitable for a wide range of engineering disciplines. Civil Engineering Academy focuses specifically on the civil FE exam, offering targeted support and resources such as video practice problems and a supportive online community. For civil engineers, Civil Engineering Academy’s tailored approach might be more beneficial, though PPI2Pass provides a more versatile option for various disciplines.
Civil Engineering Academy vs. Capstone Learning Associates
While Civil Engineering Academy provides focused content for civil engineers, Capstone Learning Associates offers a broader range of courses. However, Capstone has mixed reviews regarding the consistency and quality of its materials. The civil FE course from Civil Engineering Academy includes on-demand learning, supplementary resources like video lectures, and a supportive community, which helps address specific needs for the FE civil exam review. In contrast, Capstone’s inconsistent quality and smaller number of practice questions make Civil Engineering Academy the better choice for civil engineers.
Capstone Learning Associates vs. EET
Capstone Learning Associates and EET both offer specialized courses, but EET focuses more narrowly on specific engineering disciplines. EET’s discipline-specific courses provide in-depth study materials and live instruction, which can be beneficial for detailed preparation. However, this narrow focus means EET may not cover all exam topics comprehensively, requiring additional resources for thorough preparation. Capstone, despite its mixed reviews, offers a broader curriculum but suffers from quality inconsistencies. For those needing highly specialized content, EET is preferable, though students should be prepared to supplement their studies.
EET vs. Testmasters
EET and Testmasters both offer valuable FE exam prep courses but with notable differences. EET’s discipline-specific courses offer detailed materials and live classes, but they lack flexibility and comprehensive coverage for all exam topics. Testmasters provides extensive course materials and the advantage of unlimited course retakes if you don’t pass, but it falls short with an outdated website and fewer practice questions. EET’s more modern and targeted approach might be more suitable for those needing specialized preparation, whereas Testmasters could appeal to those looking for reassurance with their unlimited retake policy.
Bottom Line
While there are several FE exam prep courses available, the best options for comprehensive and effective preparation are School of PE, PPI2Pass, and Civil Engineering Academy. School of PE stands out for its structured learning environment and extensive support. PPI2Pass is highly praised for its rigorous practice problems and flexible study options. Civil Engineering Academy offers targeted support specifically for civil engineers.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you, but I suggest using one of my top three FE exam prep course offerings to ensure you pass on the first try.
FAQ
The best way to prepare for the FE exams is by using a comprehensive prep course like School of PE or PPI2Pass, which offers structured learning, practice problems, and flexible study options tailored to your exam date.
The best FE civil exam prep course is School of PE, known for its live online classes and extensive study materials that cover all necessary topics and questions.
Yes, 2 months can be enough to study for the FE exam if you follow a disciplined study schedule and use an effective test prep course like PPI2Pass to focus on key concepts and practice problems. If you use a course like Excel Test Prep or some other less recommended review course, it might not be enough time.
The easiest FE exam to pass depends on your background, but many find the FE Other Disciplines to be the most straightforward due to its broader, less specialized content.
