What’s the FE Exam Pass Rate?

Starting to get those pre-exam jitters? If so, you certainly aren’t on your own. Thousands (55,000 to be exact) of people are feeling the same way.

There are probably a ton of questions racing through your mind. One of them being, “What exactly is the FE exam pass rate?”

I’m glad you landed here! This is your guide to everything regarding the FE exam pass rate, from how it’s determined to what you can do to pass. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much better understanding of this mildly confusing grading system NCEES uses.

Key Takeaways

• See Where Others Fall Short (So You Don’t): If you look closely, pass rates are more than just numbers. They show you exactly where people struggle. Use that knowledge to avoid the same mistakes.
• Don’t Guess—Focus On What Matters: Not doing so well in certain areas? That’s where the bulk of your study time should go. Taking care of your weak spots before exam day will set you up for success.
• Choose Real Data Over Outdated Advice: Pass rates reveal what subjects/questions/scenarios trip people up. Advice from the internet is wonderful, but pay attention to actual exam numbers first.
• Know What You’re Up Against: Seeing how others in your discipline perform helps set realistic expectations and gives you a much clearer picture of how to pass the FE exam. Collaborate!
• Study with Purpose, Not Pressure: Yes, there are different test variations. But instead of cramming everything (we’re all guilty of it), get an understanding of what the exam variations test.

Overview of the FE Exam

The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is a major and exciting milestone for aspiring engineers. Distributed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), this computer-based exam assesses the knowledge/skills acquired through an accredited engineering program.

FE Exam Pass Rates

Nationally, the FE exam passing rate fluctuates depending on the discipline and the testing period. For example, first-time exam takers typically have higher success rates, currently ranging from 59% for the FE Civil exam to 71% for the FE Chemical exam.

Here are the most recent FE passing rates (released in January 2024).

Pass Rate by Discipline

Pass rates are different for each FE exam because each type of engineering has its own set of topics and obstacles. For example, based on the table, 70% of people pass the FE Electrical and Computer exam. This test focuses only on electrical engineering topics. On the other hand, 59% of people pass the FE Civil exam, which covers a wider range of subjects.

Pass Rate by First-Time vs. Repeat Test Takers

First-time test takers show higher pass rates compared to students retaking the exam. Don’t let this discourage you, but overall, the pass rate for repeat exam takers is approximately 35%. So, if you fail your first FE exam, the chances of you making it on the second round are much lower. This is part of why passing on your first try is so important!

Factors Influencing FE Pass Rates

What are the students who pass with flying colors doing that (most of) the rest aren’t? I’ll show you.

Education and Preparation

Not to state the obvious, but people who studied in excellent engineering programs tend to do better on the FE exam. You’ll likely have an advantage if your school focuses on technical accuracy and problem-solving, as well. But despite your background, how you prepare now matters just as much.

Quality of Study Materials

Using the best resources can make such a huge difference. During my research, I learned from countless sources that the NCEES FE Reference Handbook is an absolute must for everyone. On top of that, clear, up-to-date review guides, practice problems, and structured online courses can help you focus on what the exam actually covers.

Study Habits That Work

You need a plan when you’re studying for a high-stakes test like this one. Successful exam takers don’t just read parts of a book or cram for a week. They follow a schedule, review topics regularly, and practice with real FE exam prep questions. They stay consistent and track what they’ve learned.

You could take 6 months to a year learning FE exam prep. When you’re still in that phase of this process, don’t think so much about testing windows or your potential diagnostic report. Keep your attention on thorough preparation. Slow and steady wins the race.

Hands-On Experience

If you’ve done an internship or worked in a real engineering setting, you’ve already had the chance to apply what you’ve learned. That kind of experience helps you understand how to use concepts instead of just memorizing them. Field experience is always going to give you a leg up, and this goes for every industry.

How to Improve Your Chances of Passing the FE Exam

To pass the FE exam on your first try, follow these tips:

• Build a Study Plan That Works: Start with a schedule that’s simple and makes sense to you. Don’t stray too far from your normal routine, or you’ll be less likely to stick to this. Don’t forget to make room for plenty of practice tests along the way.
• Choose the Right Materials: Don’t waste time on extremely outdated resources that aren’t really helping. Use materials that reflect the actual exam, like the official NCEES FE Reference Handbook, updated review books, and FE review courses designed specifically for your discipline.
• Use Practice Questions and Exams: As cheesy as it sounds, practice truly does make perfect. Simulate exam conditions with full-length practice tests. These help you get comfortable with the format, track your timing, and spot weak areas early so you know where to focus.
• Manage Your Time: Use a timer during practice sessions to stay on pace. On exam day, you’ll have just under three minutes per question. Learning to move steadily without rushing gives you the best chance to finish without rushing.
• Learn with Others: Studying with peers can help you stay motivated and clarify difficult topics. Join a group online/on campus, or create one! Explaining problems to someone else may improve your own understanding.
• Get Help if Needed: There’s no shame in working with a coach or tutor, especially if you’ve been out of school for a while or are retaking the exam. A professional can give you structure, accountability, and direct feedback.

Here’s some great advice from a Redditor:

Should You Take the FE Exam?

The FE exam is best suited for recent graduates or students nearing the completion of an undergraduate engineering program. However, it’s also available for professionals transitioning into engineering roles who need to demonstrate their foundational knowledge.

The longer you wait to take the exam, the tougher it gets. You’re a spring chicken out of college, so if you can, tackle it then. You’ll have much more studying to do if you take it later on in your career.

Final Word Before You Prep

Passing the FE exam is a huge leap toward becoming a licensed professional engineer. Candidates like you can significantly improve their chances of success by understanding the exam structure, using quality study materials, and following proven study strategies. Stay committed to your preparation, and please seek support when you need it. You got this in the bag!

FAQs