What Is the FE Exam? Guide to This Engineering Test

So you’re wondering what the FE exam is, eh? Well, to start off with, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam—a 110-question test administered by the NCEES—was designed to measure your engineering knowledge. And it uses the same standard for everyone, no matter where you take it, no matter when you take it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what the FE exam is, who should take it, how it works, and why it matters for your future as an engineer. Let’s break it down.

Key Takeaways

• First Step to Licensure: The FE exam is the first required engineering exam to become a professional engineer (PE).
• Who Can Take It: Undergraduate and graduate students in engineering or engineering technology can take the FE, even during their final year, in most states.
• Computer-Based Testing: The FE exam is computer-based and is offered all year round at Pearson VUE testing centers.
• Wide-Ranging Content: The exam covers the fundamentals of engineering and is specific to its individual disciplines (e.g., Civil, Electrical, Mechanical).
• Becoming an Engineer in Training: Passing makes you an EIT (Engineer in Training), but you’ll need more experience before you can take the PE exam.

What Is the FE Exam?

The FE exam, which is short for Fundamentals of Engineering exam, is the first of two major exams that engineers need to take to get their professional licensure. Plus, it’s essential for earning your Engineer in Training (EIT) license, and eventually, your Professional Engineer (PE) license.

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) designs and administers the FE exam. The exam covers material that was in your undergraduate engineering curriculum, and it’s intended for recent graduates, current students close to finishing, and even professionals who are finally getting their credentials in order. You can choose a specific discipline version, like Civil, Electrical and Computer, Mechanical, or others, depending on your area of study.

Why Take the FE Exam?

If you want to work in engineering consulting work, government engineering services, or any other area that requires a stamp of approval, you’ll need to take and pass both the FE and PE exams. Passing the FE exam will qualify you as an Engineer in Training or Engineer Intern (EI) in most states—they’re the same credential with a name that changes from state to state, but you need one title or the other to begin earning your mandatory experience to become a PE down the line.

But before you get too far ahead of yourself, you can’t call yourself a “professional engineer” or provide certain engineering services until you’ve also passed the PE exam. So, if your dream is to have “PE” after your name on business cards—or your mom’s fridge—this is where it starts.

Who Is Eligible to Take the FE Exam?

If you’re an undergraduate student in an ABET-accredited engineering program, or a graduate student enrolled in an engineering-related science program, you’d usually be eligible by your senior year. It’s not unusual for most people to take the exam during their final year or right after graduation because the fundamentals are still fresh in their minds, and it can improve pass rates to take the exam within a year after graduation.

• Students pursuing an engineering technology degree might be eligible, too, but check because the requirements vary by state.
• If you already have your degree, no problem! Whether you graduated this year or a decade ago, you can still sit for the exam.
• If you have international degrees, check with the NCEES or your state board to see if your credentials qualify.

When and Where Can You Take the FE Exam?

The FE exam is administered as a computer-based test (CBT) at Pearson VUE testing centers across the country. And you can take it any time of the year. Scheduling is pretty straightforward; all you need to do is create an account on the NCEES website, pick your testing window, and choose from one of the available exam locations.

The exam has 110 multiple-choice questions and is six hours long. That’s not a typo—six whole hours. But you do get a few short breaks! Phones are a no-go, so be sure to read the NCEES Examinee Guide for all the rules about what you can and can’t bring into the exam room.

What’s on the FE Exam (and How Should You Study)?

The FE exam is discipline-specific, so you choose the version that matches your degree: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Computer, Environmental, Chemical, Industrial, or others. Each test is built from actual licensure specs that the NCEES releases, and covers all the foundational topics, meaning math, engineering sciences, ethics, and more—plus questions specific to your discipline.

You’ll want to get your hands on a copy of the FE Reference Handbook, since it’s the only resource allowed in the exam room. There are plenty of FE prep courses and study materials available, and I’d recommend doing a little bit of everything, including practice questions and diagnostic reports from mock exams.

What Happens After the FE Exam?

Once you’ve passed, you’ll be officially recognized as an EIT or EI, depending on your state’s terminology. And you’re one step closer to your PE license, which you’ll qualify for once you’ve gained the required experience, which is usually about four years.

The FE is a big achievement. It’s sort of like unlocking a new level in your engineering career video game. Your next boss, your state engineering board, and even your favorite aunt will know you’re serious about becoming a licensed professional engineer.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that the FE exam is a game-changer. If your goal involves engineering services, design sign-off, or leading big projects, passing the FE is your first stop. It’s all about taking the basics you learned in your undergraduate engineering curriculum and showing you can apply them when it counts.

Whether you dream of running your own engineering consulting work, managing huge infrastructure projects, or just want bragging rights at family dinners—taking the FE exam is a rite of passage every future professional engineer should embrace. So, grab your calculator, ace the fundamentals, and get ready for your next big step.

FAQs