Is the FE Exam Hard? How Difficult it Is

The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. For many engineering students and graduates, this exam is a massive and exciting milestone.

But how hard is the FE exam?

One of the hurdles to passing engineering exams like the FE and the PE exam is that the NCEES doesn’t give an exact number needed to pass. Not knowing what you’re aiming for makes the FE exam more difficult, as do the topics that the FE exam covers. Because of this, it’s important to know as much as possible about the test.

Below, I’ve outlined different factors contributing to the FE exam’s difficulty, focusing on various disciplines, preparation strategies, and resources.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the basics: You’ll need a firm grip on core topics—math, engineering fundamentals, and the FE Reference Handbook. It’s not as much about cramming but understanding how everything connects.
• Use a review course: Going solo is possible, but structured courses help you stick to a plan. They break things down, give you some structure, and hand you the tools to actually learn (not just memorize).
• Learn time management: You have 6 minutes per question on exam day. That means your study plan needs time blocks, and your test strategy needs pacing. You don’t want to leave any questions hanging.
• Practice like it’s game day: Full-length mock exams aren’t just for measuring progress; they teach you how to perform under pressure. You’ll figure out what trips you up before the clock starts ticking.
• Know what you’re walking into: The FE is computer-based with a searchable handbook. Learn the format ahead of time so you’re not wasting minutes clicking around and freaking out internally.

What is the FE Exam?

The FE exam, administered by NCEES, covers all of the fundamental engineering topics. It is a computer-based test (CBT) offered in seven disciplines, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical/computer engineering. The exam is usually taken directly after the final year of an engineering degree.

FE Civil Exam and Other Disciplines

The FE Civil exam is one of the most popular FE exams due to the high number of civil engineering graduates. (Over 114,000 bachelor’s degrees in engineering were awarded to students in 2020 alone, a chunk of those being civil.)

It covers a wide range of topics, including mathematics, probability and statistics, fluid mechanics, and structural analysis. Other disciplines have their own specific content areas, but all FE exams assess the candidate’s understanding of fundamental engineering principles.

Exam Format & Content

This engineering exam consists of 110 questions, including multiple-choice, point-and-click, drag-and-drop, and fill-in-the-blank questions. The exam duration is six hours, which includes a tutorial, a break, and a survey. Here’s the schedule:

• Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
• Tutorial (8 minutes)
• Exam (5 hours and 20 minutes)
• Scheduled break (25 minutes). This format adds to the exam’s difficulty as it tests both speed and accuracy under time constraints.

There’s also a note on the NCEES website about “reasonable accommodations.”

FE Exam Difficulty

The difficulty of the FE exam varies depending on who’s taking it, their educational background, and their test-taking skills. However, the trend I’m seeing *a lot* is that former students strongly recommend the reference book, regardless of skill level. It includes all the engineering concepts that test takers need to have a solid understanding of for the FE test.

Range of Topics (and FE Exam Preparation Tips)

The subjects covered in the FE exam require a serious and thorough review strategy. Here are some non-headache-inducing tips to help you manage:

• Create an Effective Study Plan: Break down the exam syllabus into manageable sections and create a study plan that covers every topic. Allocate more time to subjects you find more difficult and make sure you revisit each topic periodically (to stay fresh).
• Use the FE Reference Handbook: Again, familiarize yourself with the FE Reference Handbook provided by NCEES. Understand how to quickly locate information within the handbook, as this will save time during the exam!
• Focused Study Sessions: Instead of trying to hammer out multiple subjects in one session, focus on one topic at a time. This will keep information overload at bay. Your brain needs breaks. Often!
• Use Study Guides and Textbooks: You’ll greatly benefit from study guides and textbooks specifically designed for the FE exam. These resources typically summarize key concepts and give you practice problems that mimic the exam format.
• Regular Reviews and Practice: Review your previously studied material regularly to keep your memory where it needs to be. Practice problems and practice test questions will help give you a solid understanding of how topics are tested.

Time Pressure

As the comment above states, you have to get a good grasp of how you’re using your time. Here are some strategies to help you handle time pressure before/on your test date:

• Start with the Easier Questions: Go through the exam and answer the questions you find simple first. This helps you earn points quickly and leaves more time for harder ones.
• Take Timed Practice Exams: Use timed practice tests to get used to working under the same time limits as the real exam. This helps you stay on pace and manage stress.
• Have a Time Plan: Know how much time to spend on each question. If one takes too long, move on and come back to it later if you have time.
• Learn the Reference Handbook: Practice finding information in the FE Reference Handbook. Being familiar with it helps you work faster during the exam.
• Stay Focused and Calm: Try to keep a clear mind during the test (easier said than done, I know). If you start feeling anxious, take a moment to breathe so you can continue working clearly.

Depth of Knowledge

If the exam questions are truly “luck of the draw”, you’ll need a deep understanding of fundamental principles to guide you through them. Here’s how you can achieve this:

• Understand the Why Behind Each Concept: Instead of just memorizing formulas, take time to understand what they mean and when to use them. If you know how a formula works and what it’s for, you’ll be able to apply it to a variety of problems (not just the ones that look familiar).
• Use a Mix of Study Materials: Don’t rely on just one textbook or course, especially if it’s been years since you graduated. Try watching videos, reading explanations from different authors, or using practice problems from various sources. Different resources can explain the same topic in different ways. I’ve found that sometimes one version will click better than others!
• Be an Active Learner: Learning works better when you’re fully immersed. Try explaining a topic out loud as if you’re teaching it, even if you’re just talking to yourself. Flashcards help with memorizing terms or formulas, and group study can help you see how others think through problems.

Is the FE Exam Right for You? 🎓🧠📝

On the fence about whether you should take the FE exam? If you’re wrapping up an engineering degree program or recently graduated, you’re in a great spot to start. Think about this:

• 📚 Strong Foundation Required: You’ll need to understand core subjects from your engineering degree. The FE exam varies depending on your discipline, like civil engineering or the FE chemical exam, so match your prep to your field.
• 📘 Study Materials Matter: Use the NCEES FE Reference Handbook, review courses, and lots of practice problems. Taking practice exams is one of the best ways to improve.
• ⌛ Time Commitment: The exam duration is 6 hours, and it’s a computer-based exam with multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and point-and-click questions. Familiarity with the exam format and exam day structure is incredibly important.
• 🛠️ Preparation Strategies: Build a consistent study schedule, use focused study sessions, and apply those preparation strategies you’ve been working on. I can’t stress this enough—use the handbook!
• 🏁 Final Goal: If you want to become a professional engineer and eventually take the PE exam, you have to pass the FE. The National Council sets the exam, and while there’s no public passing score, adequate preparation and excellent time management will put you in a great position.

2025 FE Exam Information

Will You Pass the Exam?

The FE exam is a huge step to becoming a professional engineer, and it’s normal to feel a little scared. But with the best tools and consistent effort, you can certainly pass it.

Start by making sure you fully understand the core topics for your discipline—whether that’s Civil, Mechanical, or another. Don’t just memorize formulas; focus on how they’re used. Get familiar with the FE Reference Handbook early in your prep, since it’s the only resource you’ll have during the exam.

Take the time to learn how the exam is structured, including what types of questions to expect, how the computer-based system works, and how to use your time wisely. A good review course can guide your studying for your FE exam and give you helpful materials to practice with. Stick to a study schedule, take full-length practice exams, and review your mistakes carefully. Great preparation makes a big difference!

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