Your comprehension of engineering principles and preparedness for entry-level engineering practice are evaluated by the FE Exam. In most US jurisdictions, getting your Professional Engineer (PE) license requires passing this exam.
Table of Contents
FE Exam Highlight
- Multiple disciplines: Offered for various engineering disciplines (civil, electrical, mechanical, etc.).
- Computer-based: Familiarize yourself with the CBT format beforehand.
- Focused preparation: Study resources and courses available for each discipline.
- National recognition: Passing the exam is a stepping stone to PE licensure nationwide.
- Career advancement: Opens doors to higher-level engineering positions and responsibilities.
Eligibility Criteria Of FE Exam
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Education: | Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited institution. |
| Academic Performance: | Minimum GPA requirement may vary depending on the state and specific program. |
| Experience: | Some states may require engineering experience before taking the exam. |
| Citizenship: | US citizen, permanent resident, or have an approved visa for professional licensure. |
| Age: | Must be at least 18 years old. |
| Character: | Good moral character is required. |
| Additional Requirements: | Some states may have additional requirements, such as passing an ethics exam or completing continuing education courses. |
FE Exam Pattern
Test conducted by computer (CBT) with 110 multiple-choice questions
Six hours total, including the instruction and an optional break
Content:covers a wide range of engineering topics, with the specifics changing according to the discipline you select.
Generally speaking, they fall under the following
- groups: Twenty percent in mathematics Statistics and probability (10%)
- 25% of engineering sciences
- Professionalism and ethics (5%).
- Economics of engineering (5%).
- Particular subjects pertinent to your field of engineering (35%).
Typical Disciplines and the Subjects They Cover:
- Civil engineering includes surveying, environmental engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, dynamics, mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, and transportation engineering.
- Circuits, electromagnetics, power systems, electronics, control systems, digital systems, and computer engineering are all included in electrical and computer engineering.
Mechanical engineering includes machine design, heat transport, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and manufacturing processes.
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Registration Process
| Step | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Check | Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, including holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution. Each state might have additional requirements, so check with your state board. | Visit the NCEES website (https://ncees.org/exams/fe-exam/: https://ncees.org/exams/fe-exam/) for eligibility criteria. |
| Create MyNCEES Account | Register for a free MyNCEES account, which serves as your central hub for exam registration, scheduling, and score viewing. | Go to <invalid URL removed>: <invalid URL removed> to create an account. |
| Select Exam Discipline & Location | Choose your desired engineering discipline (e.g., civil, electrical, mechanical) and preferred testing location. | Exam locations are available across the US and internationally. Explore options on MyNCEES. |
| Pay Exam Fee | Pay the non-refundable exam fee, which varies depending on your discipline (around $225). | Online payment options are available through MyNCEES. |
| Schedule Your Exam | Select a convenient date and time for your exam within the designated testing window. | Testing windows vary by discipline, so check NCEES website for current dates. |
| Review and Submit Registration | Carefully review your registration details and submit them once confirmed. | Ensure all information, including name, address, and exam discipline, is accurate. |
| Receive Confirmation & Authorization | You’ll receive confirmation and authorization emails from NCEES once your registration is complete. | These emails contain important information about your exam appointment. |
| Obtain Photo ID | Prepare a valid government-issued photo ID for exam day identification. | Passport, driver’s license, or military ID are acceptable forms. |
| 9. Review Exam Policies & Materials | Familiarize yourself with the NCEES exam policies and study materials. | Download the NCEES Examinee Guide for detailed information. |
| 10. Prepare for the Exam | Utilize available study resources, practice exams, and familiarize yourself with the CBT format. | NCEES provides sample questions and links to approved third-party resources. |
Preparation Tips For F E Exam
Achieving your Professional Engineer (PE) license and progressing in your engineering career require passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. The following practical study advice will assist you in creating a solid foundation and preparing to take the test with assurance:
- Plan Well and Get Started Early:
- Examine the NCEES guidelines.
- Visit https://ncees.org/exams/fe-exam/ to familiarize yourself with the exam format, subject topics, and eligibility conditions of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
- Establish a sensible study schedule: Schedule specific study time each day or every week, depending on your exam date and demands.
- Determine your advantages and disadvantages: Take practice tests or quizzes to evaluate your understanding of various subjects and identify your areas of growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Challenging. While not insurmountable, the FE Exam requires dedication and effective preparation due to its breadth of covered topics, time constraints, and standardized format.
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam assesses your grasp of core engineering principles across various disciplines, preparing you for entry-level professional practice and potential licensure.
While passing rates slightly differ, both the FE Environmental and FE Chemical & Chemical Engineering exams consistently have the highest pass rates, but it also depends on your individual strengths and background. Focus on the discipline you’re most comfortable with for optimal success.