It has changed, you don't need the chisel and tablet anymoreWhen I got my license, back in the Stone Age, the FE exam covered the widest possible scope of subject matter. There was no separation by specialty. Are you sure you're not confusing this with the Principals and Practices exam, which is subject matter specific?
It has changed, you don't need the chisel and tablet anymore
https://www.nspe.org/resources/pe-magazine/march-2015/evolution-fe
https://ncees.org/engineering/fe/
I suggest just getting the books. Read the review manual for the FE exam and get a separate book that has only questions. Learn how to access the formula sheets while taking the questions. Practice solving the questions and getting familiar with the formula sheet would make your exam a lot easier. Of course, study the courses that you are the weakest in but if there are only two questions from that section for the exam then study for that section last.
Are you allowed to bring material into the exam anymore or are all the references on the computer?
All the references are online. Learning how where to find each formula and using them while practicing for exam questions would be the best way to study. The reference sheet is available when signing up at the NEC website.
Are you allowed to bring material into the exam anymore or are all the references on the computer?