How to get the Latest NCEES FE Reference Handbook

Posted by Wasim Asghar on May 19th, 2022

The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is given by undergraduate and freshly graduated students who are interested in pursuing engineering. This computerized exam is their first step toward becoming licensed engineers. Since the aim of this test is to identify candidates who are the most skilled to pursue this profession, it is designed to be challenging. With 110 questions that need to be answered in 5 hours and 20 minutes, it requires rigorous preparation.

One of the most helpful tools for the FE examination preparation is the FE Reference Handbook which is a compilation of the formulas, equations, charts, and tables that are related to the topics in the paper. The electronic version of the FE handbook is given to candidates during the test to assist them in answering questions where necessary.

As the handbook is quite extensive, it is always useful to have a know-how of it before entering the actual examination. Continue reading to find out how you can get FE Reference Handbook.

Steps to Get the FE Reference Handbook

The NCEES® Fundamentals of Engineering Reference Handbook can be a handy tool for you to prepare for your exam. The FE manual can help you familiarize yourself with formulas, charts, tables, and other reference information that might be useful in answering questions during the exam. Having access to the manual beforehand can also help you navigate your way around it better during the exam so that you can give the test speedily, without having to waste time understanding it. Moreover, the information given in the handbook can assist you while practicing for the exam.

Here are the steps that you can follow to get the FE Reference Handbook directly from NCEES®:

1. Login or Sign-up to NCEES®

To access the reference book, you must first open the NCEES® website and log in to your MyNCEES account. If you don’t already have an account, then you must create one.

2. Visit the Reference Handbook Webpage

Once logged in, you must open the Reference Handbook Web page and select the FE Reference Handbook. Make sure you select the correct option and do not accidentally select the PE or FE Reference Handbooks because they are separate exams. 

3. Download an Electronic Copy or Print the PDF

Once you select the “FE Reference Handbook” option, NCEES® will give you the option to download the free fundamentals of engineering reference handbook pdf file. This pdf is similar to the electronic handbook copy that you are given during the exam. You can also choose to print the pdf for your personal use. However, NCEES® strictly forbids the copying and redistribution of the manual on an individual basis, without their prior consent.

Alternative: Purchase a Hard Copy of the FE Reference Handbook

If you cannot access the handbook online, are not comfortable with using the electronic version, or cannot print the pdf, you may choose to buy an official hard copy of the NCEES® FE Exam Reference Manual. The format in the hard copy is also similar to the version given during the exam and so will help you acclimate to the manual equally well as the pdf.

Tips to Use the FE Reference Handbook to Pass the Exam 

As we know the Fundamentals of Engineering exam is quite tough, especially because it aims to test your skills as an engineer and provide you with your engineering license. Therefore, hardcore preparation for the exam is necessary. The Fundamentals of Engineering Reference manual is a key tool that can help your test go smoothly. Following are some tips on how to effectively use the handbook to pass the exam: 

Search Keywords – Finishing the FE examination on time can be a challenge and hence, every minute must be used effectively. One of the best ways to use the handbook while also saving time is to use the Ctrl+F option or the Ctrl+Shift+F option on your electronic copies, and then search directly for the references and equations you are looking for by using topic names, keywords, etc.

Highlight equations  – While preparing for the exam, make sure you highlight all those equations in the book that you have covered. Then, spend time researching and learning about the ones that you haven’t because they could also potentially be asked about in the paper. Dividing the content in the handbook according to what you know and what you don’t helps you cover the entire book thoroughly so that when you are giving the exam, you don’t come across unfamiliar concepts.

Memorize – The NCEES® FE Reference Handbook is very extensive and so it is obviously not possible to learn all the equations and tables given there. However, certain information can be memorized to assist you in saving time while attempting your paper. For example, you can try to remember unit conversions so that every time you feel the need to make a conversion in your equation, you won’t need to keep going back and forth between the units page and whatever topic that equation is part of. Getting the manual beforehand can therefore help you memorize this information before entering the exam.

Practice – Make sure you use the Reference Handbook while you practice for the examination and that you don’t rely on figuring your way around it at the last moment because that can both confuse you and consume a lot of your time. The more you rely on the reference book while attempting the practice papers at home, the more familiar you will get with the layout, arrangement, and content of the book. This will make it easier for you to locate the relevant information swiftly when you sit for the actual exam. We would also suggest going through FE practice exams to really nail down crucial concepts.