Navigating the FE Reference Handbook
Key Takeaways
- The NCEES FE Reference Handbook (currently version 10.5) is the ONLY reference you can use during the exam.
- The handbook is provided as a searchable PDF on the exam computer — use Ctrl+F to search for terms.
- Download the free PDF from ncees.org and study with it open during all your preparation.
- The handbook contains formulas, tables, and charts but NO example problems or solution steps.
- Learn the handbook organization: it follows a logical structure from math through discipline-specific topics.
- Some exam questions provide supplemental data not in the handbook — read every question carefully.
Last updated: March 2026
Navigating the FE Reference Handbook
The NCEES FE Reference Handbook is your lifeline during the exam. Currently at version 10.5, it is a comprehensive reference document containing the formulas, tables, charts, and data you need to solve exam problems. Understanding how to use it effectively can mean the difference between passing and failing.
Handbook Structure
The FE Reference Handbook is organized into these major sections:
| Section | Contents |
|---|---|
| Units and Fundamental Constants | SI and USCS unit conversions, physical constants |
| Conversion Factors | Length, area, volume, mass, force, energy, power |
| Mathematics | Algebra, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations, numerical methods, linear algebra |
| Probability and Statistics | Distributions, confidence intervals, regression |
| Ethics | NCEES Model Rules of Professional Conduct |
| Engineering Economics | Factor tables, depreciation methods |
| Statics | Centroids, moments of inertia, friction |
| Dynamics | Kinematics, kinetics, energy methods |
| Mechanics of Materials | Stress, strain, beam deflection, Mohr's circle |
| Fluid Mechanics | Bernoulli, pipe flow, open channel, dimensional analysis |
| Thermodynamics | Laws, cycles, property tables, psychrometrics |
| Heat Transfer | Conduction, convection, radiation, heat exchangers |
| Transport Phenomena | Mass transfer, diffusion |
| Chemistry | Periodic table, equilibrium, electrochemistry |
| Materials Science | Phase diagrams, material properties |
| Electricity and Magnetism | Circuit analysis, AC/DC, power |
| Computer Science | Programming concepts, data structures |
Search Strategies for the Digital Handbook
Since the handbook is a searchable PDF, develop these habits:
Effective Ctrl+F Searches
- Search for specific terms, not general concepts (e.g., search "Bernoulli" not "fluid flow")
- Search for variable names if you know the formula structure (e.g., search "hf" for head loss)
- Search for table names (e.g., "Properties of Water" or "Steel properties")
- Try alternate spellings if your first search fails (e.g., "centre" vs "center")
Know the Page Numbers
While you can search, knowing approximate locations saves time:
- Mathematics formulas are near the front
- Engineering Economics factor tables are in their own section
- Steam tables and refrigerant properties are in the thermodynamics section
- Mohr's circle and beam diagrams are in mechanics of materials
What the Handbook Does NOT Contain
You must memorize or understand conceptually:
- Solution procedures — The handbook gives formulas but not HOW to apply them
- Sign conventions — Which direction is positive for shear, moment, stress
- Problem-solving strategies — When to use which formula
- Conceptual understanding — Why certain phenomena occur
- Some common constants — Gravity (9.81 m/s² or 32.2 ft/s²), standard atmospheric pressure
- Unit conversion shortcuts — Common conversions you use repeatedly
- Ethics principles — The spirit of the NCEES Model Rules, not just the text
Practice Drill: Handbook Speed Searches
Time yourself finding these items. Target: under 30 seconds each.
- The quadratic formula
- Mohr's circle equations
- Bernoulli's equation
- Present worth factor table for i = 6%
- Properties of saturated steam at 100°C
- Moment of inertia for a rectangular cross-section
- Reynolds number definition
- Euler buckling load formula
- Kirchhoff's voltage law
- First law of thermodynamics for open systems
Test Your Knowledge
What is the current version of the NCEES FE Reference Handbook?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which of the following is NOT provided in the NCEES FE Reference Handbook?
A
B
C
D