About the FE Exam
Key Takeaways
- The FE exam is the first step toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
- It is a computer-based test (CBT) with 110 questions administered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers.
- The exam appointment is 6 hours total: 5 hours 20 minutes of testing time plus a 25-minute scheduled break.
- NCEES offers seven discipline-specific FE exams: Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Computer, Environmental, Industrial and Systems, Mechanical, and Other Disciplines.
- Passing the FE exam earns you the Engineer Intern (EI) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation.
- The exam fee is \$175, paid directly to NCEES when you register.
About the FE Exam
Quick Answer: The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam is a 110-question, computer-based test administered by NCEES. It costs $175, takes 5 hours 20 minutes, and is offered year-round at Pearson VUE centers. Passing earns you the Engineer Intern (EI) designation — the required first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). It is the first of two exams required for professional engineering licensure in the United States. The second exam is the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, which you can take after gaining the required work experience (typically 4 years).
Why the FE Exam Matters
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| PE Licensure Path | Required first step — you cannot sit for the PE exam without first passing the FE |
| Engineer Intern (EI) Status | Passing earns you the EI/EIT designation recognized nationwide |
| Career Advancement | Many employers require or prefer EI certification for engineering positions |
| Legal Authority | Eventually leads to PE license — the right to sign and seal engineering documents |
| Higher Earnings | Licensed Professional Engineers earn 15-20% more than non-licensed engineers on average |
| Public Protection | Engineering licensure protects public health, safety, and welfare |
Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Administering Body | NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) |
| Format | Computer-based test (CBT) at Pearson VUE centers |
| Questions | 110 multiple-choice (some may be experimental/unscored) |
| Duration | 5 hours 20 minutes of testing time |
| Break | 25-minute scheduled break after approximately 55 questions |
| Total Appointment | ~6 hours (includes NDA, tutorial, and survey) |
| Cost | $175 |
| Availability | Year-round, by appointment |
| Scoring | Pass/fail — scaled scoring; NCEES does not publish the exact passing score |
| Results | Typically available within 7-10 days |
The Seven FE Exam Disciplines
NCEES offers the FE exam in seven discipline-specific versions. Each exam covers foundational engineering topics plus discipline-specific content:
| Discipline | Best For | First-Time Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| FE Chemical | Chemical engineering graduates | ~73% |
| FE Civil | Civil engineering graduates | ~65% |
| FE Electrical and Computer | EE and Computer engineering graduates | ~69% |
| FE Environmental | Environmental engineering graduates | ~74% |
| FE Industrial and Systems | Industrial/systems engineering graduates | ~68% |
| FE Mechanical | Mechanical engineering graduates | ~70% |
| FE Other Disciplines | All other engineering disciplines | ~55-60% |
Which discipline should you take? Choose the one that matches your undergraduate degree. If your degree does not align with a specific discipline (e.g., biomedical, aerospace, agricultural engineering), the FE Other Disciplines exam is designed for you.
Who Can Take the FE Exam?
Eligibility requirements vary by state, but most states allow you to sit for the FE exam if you:
- Have a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program (BS or higher), OR
- Are in your final year of an ABET-accredited engineering program, OR
- Have a degree from a non-accredited engineering program (some states may require additional education or experience), OR
- Have qualifying work experience in engineering (varies by state — typically 4-8 years without a degree)
Tip: Most engineering students take the FE exam during their final semester or within 12 months of graduation, when the material is freshest. Pass rates drop significantly for those who wait longer.
What Makes the FE Exam Unique
The FE exam is an open-reference exam — but only in a specific sense. You receive a searchable digital copy of the NCEES FE Reference Handbook on your exam computer screen. This handbook contains formulas, tables, charts, and reference data. However:
- You cannot bring your own reference materials
- You cannot bring your own notes
- The reference handbook is searchable using Ctrl+F on the exam computer
- The handbook does not contain example problems or explanations — only formulas and data
- Some questions may include specialized information not in the handbook (it will be provided in the question)
Exam Day Timeline
| Step | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Check-in | ~30 min | Arrive 30 minutes early; photo ID, biometric scan |
| NDA | 2 min | Non-Disclosure Agreement on screen |
| Tutorial | 8 min | Orientation to the exam software |
| First Half | ~2 hr 40 min | Approximately 55 questions |
| Scheduled Break | 25 min | Leave your seat; return for second half |
| Second Half | ~2 hr 40 min | Approximately 55 questions |
| Survey | Optional | Brief post-exam survey |
Allowed Calculators
NCEES restricts calculators to these approved models only:
| Calculator | Notes |
|---|---|
| Casio FX-115 series | FX-115ES Plus, FX-115ES Plus 2nd Edition |
| Casio FX-991 series | FX-991EX ClassWiz (most popular) |
| HP 33s | Discontinued but still allowed |
| HP 35s | Scientific programmable |
| TI-30X series | TI-30Xa, TI-30XS MultiView, TI-30X Pro MathPrint |
| TI-36X Pro | Popular among FE candidates |
Important: No other calculators are permitted. Proctors will inspect your calculator before the exam. Bring backup batteries if your calculator uses them.
How many questions are on the FE exam?
What reference materials are provided during the FE exam?
What is the current FE exam fee charged by NCEES?