Whether you’re a recent undergraduate student, a soon-to-be graduate from an ABET-accredited engineering program, or a working professional looking to advance your career, passing the FE is a key step in earning your PE license.
If you’re considering a civil engineering career, the FE is also a crucial part of the journey. Wondering how to become an engineer—or more specifically, how to become a civil engineer? You’re not alone.
Civil engineering remains one of the most respected and essential disciplines in the industry. With over 67% of structural engineers reporting job satisfaction, it’s easy to see why so many choose this field.
But what exactly is the FE exam, and why does it matter so much? Let’s break it down in clear, practical terms.
Key Takeaways
- Required for Licensure: Passing the FE is the first step to becoming a licensed professional engineer.
- Best Taken Near Graduation: Most students take it during or right after their senior year.
- Discipline-Specific Exam: Choose from fields like civil, mechanical, or chemical engineering.
- NCEES Handbook Provided: Use an approved calculator; outside notes aren’t allowed.
- Prep Matters: Use a mix of practice exams, review materials, and study schedules.
What Is the FE Exam?
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) is a computer-based exam developed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). It’s designed to test your grasp of the core concepts covered in an undergraduate engineering curriculum, including math, science, and engineering principles.
Passing the FE is required in most U.S. states before you can become an Engineer in Training (EIT)—a designation that puts you on track for full engineering licensure.
This exam is commonly referred to as:
- FE Exam
- NCEES FE Exam
- Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- Engineer-in-Training Exam
Who Should Take the FE Exam?
Most students take the FE exam in their senior year of college or shortly after graduation. If you’ve completed a degree in civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, or computer engineering, taking the FE while the material is still fresh can increase your passing score.
You’re eligible to register if you’ve graduated from—or are close to finishing—an ABET-accredited engineering program. However, some professionals choose to take it years later when they decide to pursue actual licensure.
What You Might Not Hear in Class
Many students say the hardest part of the FE exam isn’t the content—it’s the mental fatigue. Six hours is a long time to stay focused, even when you know the material. Some grads admit they wish they’d practiced full-length mock exams under timed conditions instead of just reviewing concepts.
Others say taking the FE right after graduation gave them a major advantage because the material was still fresh. And almost everyone agrees on one thing: don’t wait too long. The longer you’re out of school, the tougher it is to jump back into study mode.
How the FE Exam Works
The FE is a discipline-specific, multiple-choice exam. You’ll choose your version of the exam based on your field of study:
- FE Civil
- FE Mechanical
- FE Electrical and Computer
- FE Chemical
- FE Industrial and Systems
- FE Environmental
- FE Other Disciplines (for general engineering)
Each version of the FE includes 110 questions and is administered in a single session that lasts approximately 6 hours, including a scheduled break, tutorial, and a short nondisclosure agreement.
Exam Registration Process
You can register for the exam through the NCEES website. The FE exam is offered all year long at Pearson VUE test centers. Once you create an account, you’ll select your discipline, schedule your exam appointment time, and pay the exam fee.
Tip: FE exam dates are flexible, but popular times (like right before graduation or summer breaks) fill quickly, so plan ahead.
What You Can Bring to the FE Exam
Only approved calculators are allowed, like the Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro or select Casio and Hewlett-Packard models. NCEES provides a searchable reference handbook during the exam, so there’s no need to bring your own copies.
How to Prepare for the FE Exam
Most students prepare for the FE exam using a mix of:
- Third-party prep courses
- NCEES practice exams
- Study schedules
- Review manuals
Start by focusing on high-yield topics and working through problems in the same format as the actual exam. Simulate exam day conditions using only your allowed calculator and NCEES reference manual.
Whether you’re a civil engineer, mechanical engineer, or entering a niche field, discipline-specific materials can make a big difference.
Check out the best FE prep courses in this comparison to see which is right for you.
FE vs PE: What’s the Difference?
The FE is the first step toward becoming a Professional Engineer (PE). After passing the FE, you’ll need about four years of qualifying engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed PE before you’re eligible to take the PE exam.
So, the FE exam gets your foot in the door, but the PE exam is what officially makes you a licensed professional engineer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to stay in engineering for the long haul, passing the FE exam is a must-do. It shows future employers and clients that you take your work seriously and meet the professional standards the industry expects.
No matter your discipline—whether you’re aiming to become a civil engineer, chemical engineer, or something else entirely—passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam brings you one step closer to holding a PE license and unlocking your full potential as an engineer.
FAQs
You can take it once per testing window, up to three times per year. Some states have additional limits or requirements for retakes.
FE pass rates vary by discipline but tend to be higher for recent graduates. First-time test-takers from ABET-accredited programs typically have better outcomes.
Not necessarily. Many engineers work in industry without licensure. However, if you want to offer services to the public or advance into leadership, engineering licensure is often essential.
Ideally, during or right after your senior year of engineering school, when the material is still fresh.
Yes, but it depends on your state’s licensing board. Some states allow non-ABET graduates to take the FE exam with additional education or experience. Always check your state’s specific requirements through the NCEES website or your state board.
