Time management techniques for the FE Electrical Test

When preparing for the FE Examination in Electrical Engineering, one simultaneously juggles a full course load with a job and a dozen other technical books. The topics ranged widely, questions arising from them were quite complex, and the clock ticked on exam day; no wonder many test-takers found time management to be one of the most challenging things about exams.

The following sections will break down essential time management techniques for prep time for your FE electrical exam prep and strategy for taking the exam so that you feel prepared, focused, and ready to rock.

1. Get to Know the Structure of the Examination

Before you begin anything, even reading textbooks, take the time to learn the structure of the FE Electrical Exam. The more you know how the test works, the better you can plan your approach.

• Total Questions: 110 (all multiple choice)

• Exam Duration: 6 hours total, including a tutorial and scheduled break

• Actual Time to Answer Questions: Around 5 hours and 20 minutes

• Average Time Per Question: Roughly 2.9 minutes

With this, you will train yourself to answer the questions in less than 3 minutes, rushing through the answers but knowing where to move on and where to extend effort.

2. Formulate a Realistic Study Schedule

Much of time management begins well before the exam day. Here are ways to best optimize time while studying: 

• Establish a test date. Whether it's 3 or 6 months away, a date helps to create structure. 

• Divide your time into blocks for study. Specific topics are further divided into the first week dedicated to circuit analysis and the second week dedicated to power systems. 

• Have a calendar or planner. That way, you mark off study days, review days, and full-length practice test dates. 

• Consider flexibility. Life happens. Give yourself buffer days for catching up. 

• Great test takers recommend it around 10–15 hours a week over 2 to 4 months. It's important to be consistent, but do not let it make you tire yourself out. 

3. Focus on High-Yield Topics First

Solo subjects concerning comprehension fail to weigh all uneven exam topics. Not all topics weigh evenly in the exam. Certain topics carry more weight and occur more frequently than others, for example:

• Mathematics and Engineering Sciences

• Electric Circuits and Electronics 

• Signal Processing, Power, and Control Systems 

Start with the more common, higher confidence, high-iteration ones. Getting these nailed early sets a strong foundation and builds momentum into the harder stuff. 

4. Work Under Practice Timings

Recreating the testing environment is one of the best methods for developing time management. This will develop speed and stamina. Here's how to go about it: 

• Use timed practice tests or question banks 

• Set a stopwatch for each practice session 

• Challenge yourself to stay under 3 minutes per question

Initially, you might lose track of time, which is okay. The point is to identify the type of questions slowing you down so that you may review those topics and work on speeding up over time.

5. Learning When to Move On

There are tight timelines for exam day. One of the best skills is learning to let go of that one question that gives you problems. Here's a strategy:

• You want to spend no more than 2-2.5 minutes per question on your first go-through

• Guess on it, flag it for later review if you're unsure

• Group 20-30 minutes for flagged questions

6. Acquaint Yourself with the Reference Handbook

You will be given the FE Reference Handbook for the examination (in PDF format), and it is very useful only if you know how to use it.

• Learn to download and study from it

• Practice looking up equations, constants, and tables

• Make sure you memorized the format and structure so that you're not endlessly scrolling during the actual exam

7. Take Strategic Breaks When Studying

Fatigue and poor retention can result from studying hours without breaks. Try this method known as the Pomodoro Technique:

• Study for 25 minutes

• Take a 5-minute break

• After 4 cycles, take a long break of 20-30 minutes

This method keeps your mind fresh and allows you to study more quickly, simulating the endurance needed for a 6-hour exam. 

8. Rest and Recharge Before Your Exam

The night before the FE Electrical Exam is not the time for a study marathon. A well-rested brain will always outperform one that is not. Instead:

• Sleep at least 7-8 hours

• Do not study new material the night before

• Pack the things you need on exam day (ID, snacks, water, etc.)

• Go over some light studying or your formula sheet if necessary

Final Thoughts

Time is the most precious commodity for the FE electrical exam prep—both in the months leading up to it and during the test itself. Learn to harness it well, and not only will you study efficiently, but you will also perform confidently on the exam day. STUDY FOR FE with the right mix of preparation, practice, and pacing, you'll be ready to fight the FE—one well-utilized minute at a time.