Fundamentals of Engineering exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first of two examinations required for engineers in the United States to qualify for licensure as a Professional Engineer (P.E.), serving as an assessment of foundational engineering principles and problem-solving abilities for recent graduates or students approaching the completion of an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in engineering.[1] Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT) offered year-round at approved Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, allowing candidates flexibility in scheduling without fixed exam dates.[1] The exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions divided into two sessions of approximately 55 questions each, with a total appointment time of 6 hours, including a tutorial, an optional 25-minute break, and access to an electronic reference handbook provided by NCEES.[1] It is discipline-specific, with versions tailored to fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical and computer, chemical, environmental, industrial and systems, and other/general engineering, ensuring alignment with the candidate's educational background.[1] Eligibility to take the FE exam typically requires enrollment in or graduation from an engineering program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, though specific requirements vary by state licensing board, which may mandate prior approval, application fees, or transcripts before registration.[1] The exam fee is $225 in the United States (with variations in international regions, such as $250 in Canada), payable directly to NCEES upon registration through the MyNCEES online portal.[1] Results are reported on a pass/fail basis and are generally available within 7–10 business days, with unsuccessful candidates receiving a diagnostic report to identify weak areas for retake preparation; examinees are limited to one attempt per testing window and no more than three attempts in any 12-month period.[1] Passing the FE exam qualifies candidates to pursue the second step toward licensure, the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, after gaining the requisite work experience (typically four years under a licensed P.E.), and it is recognized across all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and several international jurisdictions for mobility in professional engineering practice.[1] Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities, and the exam's closed-book format relies solely on the onboard searchable reference handbook, emphasizing recall and application of core concepts in mathematics, ethics, engineering economics, and discipline-specific topics.[1]Overview
Purpose and Scope
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam serves as the initial examination in the licensure process for aspiring Professional Engineers (P.E.) in the United States, functioning as the first of two required exams to achieve full professional licensure.[2][3] It evaluates the foundational knowledge and skills acquired during an undergraduate engineering education, ensuring candidates demonstrate entry-level competency in core engineering concepts before advancing to supervised practice and the subsequent Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.[1] The scope of the FE exam encompasses broad engineering principles, including mathematics, probability and statistics, ethics, engineering economics, and discipline-specific topics such as mechanics, materials, and computational tools, designed to be applicable across various engineering fields while maintaining national standardization.[1] Administered uniformly by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the exam promotes consistency in assessment criteria among state licensing boards, facilitating mobility for engineers nationwide.[4] This standardized approach ensures that the evaluation of fundamental competencies remains equitable and aligned with professional standards, regardless of the candidate's specific engineering discipline.[5] Primarily intended for recent graduates or students approaching the completion of an undergraduate degree from a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, the FE exam allows candidates to verify their academic preparation early in their career trajectory.[1][6] By targeting this group, the exam supports the transition from academic training to professional practice, providing a benchmark for foundational proficiency that is essential for licensure eligibility in all U.S. jurisdictions.[2]Importance in Engineering Licensure
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam serves as the initial hurdle in the multi-step process toward professional engineering licensure in the United States, marking the first of two required examinations administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).[1] Passing the FE exam qualifies individuals for Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) certification, depending on the jurisdiction, which recognizes their foundational engineering knowledge and eligibility to begin supervised professional practice.[7] This certification is a prerequisite for pursuing the subsequent Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, the final examination step in achieving full Professional Engineer (PE) status after accumulating the required years of progressive engineering experience.[1] Obtaining EIT certification through the FE exam provides several key benefits that advance an engineer's career trajectory. It grants legal authority to practice engineering under the supervision of a licensed PE, ensuring compliance with state regulations while allowing early involvement in professional projects that protect public health, safety, and welfare.[7] Additionally, EIT status enhances job prospects by signaling to employers a candidate's commitment to the profession and foundational competency, often leading to increased employability, job security, and opportunities for career advancement in competitive engineering fields.[1] As a critical prerequisite for the PE exam, passing the FE establishes a structured pathway for long-term professional growth, including the potential to own engineering firms or provide expert testimony in legal contexts once full licensure is attained.[7] A significant advantage of the FE exam is its uniform recognition across all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands, facilitated by NCEES model laws and agreements that promote professional mobility.[1] Engineers who pass the FE can transfer their EIT certification or exam results to other jurisdictions with minimal additional requirements, enabling seamless relocation and practice nationwide without retaking the exam.[7] This interstate portability underscores the FE's role in fostering a standardized, mobile engineering workforce essential for addressing national infrastructure and technological challenges.[1]History
Early Development of Engineering Licensure
The development of engineering licensure in the United States emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to growing concerns over public safety amid rapid industrialization and infrastructure expansion. The first licensure law specifically for surveying was enacted in California in 1891, establishing the State Surveyor General and requiring registration for land surveyors to ensure competence in measurements critical to property and development.[8] This was followed by the nation's inaugural engineering licensure law in Wyoming in 1907, which mandated registration for engineers and surveyors to protect public welfare from unqualified practice in an era of booming mining and railroad projects.[8] These early statutes set a precedent for state-level regulation, emphasizing ethical standards, education, and examination to safeguard lives and property. By the 1920s, the patchwork of state laws prompted efforts toward uniformity. In 1920, representatives from seven of the ten existing state engineering boards convened in Chicago to form the National Council of State Boards of Engineering Examiners (NCSBEE), a precursor to the modern National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), aimed at standardizing registration practices and promoting interstate mobility.[8] This organization played a pivotal role in ongoing standardization, including the development of uniform examination procedures. A key milestone came in 1929 when the NCSBEE, in collaboration with leading engineering societies—the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE)—proposed a Model Law to guide state legislation.[8] Adopted in 1932, this framework outlined requirements for education, experience, and exams, influencing subsequent laws to prioritize public safety through qualified practitioners.[8] Licensure expanded rapidly in the ensuing decades. By 1935, 35 states had implemented engineering registration laws, reflecting widespread recognition of the need to regulate the profession amid economic recovery and infrastructure demands.[8] A significant innovation was the introduction of the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) category in New York in 1943, allowing graduates to gain supervised experience before full licensure, which facilitated entry for young professionals while maintaining rigorous standards.[8] By 1947, all 48 states had adopted such laws, marking comprehensive national coverage and solidifying engineering regulation as a cornerstone of public protection.[8]Evolution of the FE Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam was first administered nationally in May 1965 by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), then known as the National Council of State Boards of Engineering Examiners (NCSBEE), as an 8-hour written test to assess basic engineering knowledge for licensure candidates.[8] This initial format emphasized fundamentals across engineering disciplines without specialization, administered twice yearly in April and October, and served as a standardized step toward professional engineering registration.[9] Significant format shifts occurred in the late 1960s and 1970s, with the introduction of a multiple-choice, machine-graded format in the early 1970s, beginning with a partial shift in 1971 and a contract with the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in 1972, enhancing objectivity and scalability.[8] The exam expanded to 180 questions by the 1980s, remaining paper-based and open-book with a supplied reference handbook. In fall 1996, NCEES implemented discipline-specific afternoon modules for civil, mechanical, electrical, industrial, chemical, and general engineering, while retaining a general morning session; environmental engineering was added in 2002.[9][8] Exam specifications underwent revisions in 2005, informed by expert reviews and task analyses of practicing engineers to align content with entry-level competencies.[8] A pivotal modernization came with the full transition to computer-based testing (CBT) in January 2014, following NCEES's 2010 announcement and the last paper-based administration in October 2013; by 2015, all FE exams were delivered via CBT at Pearson VUE centers.[10][8] This shift reduced the exam to 110 questions (including 10 unscored pretest items) over 6 hours, integrated general topics into discipline-specific content, and enabled year-round testing in rolling windows, with results available in 7-10 business days.[11] Specifications were further updated in 2014 based on job task analyses to reflect contemporary engineering practices.[8] Further revisions to the exam specifications occurred in July 2020 for multiple disciplines, including chemical, civil, electrical and computer, environmental, industrial and systems, mechanical, and other disciplines, incorporating results from recent job task analyses to better align with current entry-level engineering practices.[1]Administration and Eligibility
Governing Organization and Exam Delivery
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), founded in 1920, administers the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in coordination with its 55 member licensing boards across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and several territories.[4][7] NCEES develops and scores the exam to ensure uniformity in engineering licensure standards while supporting interstate mobility for professionals.[4] The FE exam is delivered as a computer-based test (CBT), a format adopted starting in January 2014 to replace previous paper-based administrations.[10] It is offered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers, with candidates registering through their MyNCEES online account.[1][12] Upon approval by a state licensing board, examinees can schedule appointments flexibly, subject to test center availability on a first-come, first-served basis.[13] Key logistics include a $225 exam fee paid directly to NCEES, along with any additional Pearson VUE scheduling or proctoring fees.[1] Candidates must agree to a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) at the start of the exam session, which lasts approximately 6 hours including tutorials and breaks.[1] Results are typically available within 7–10 business days via email notification from NCEES, accessible through the MyNCEES account.[11] International testing is available in select locations, such as Canada and Saudi Arabia, through agreements with local engineering councils, though fees may vary—for example, an additional $25 international administration fee applies in some cases, resulting in a total of $250.[14][15] Candidates in these regions must obtain approval from the relevant international entity before registering via NCEES.[13]Requirements for Taking the Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is primarily intended for seniors or recent graduates of undergraduate engineering programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, though some state licensing boards permit eligible juniors or students earlier in their programs to attempt the exam upon verification of sufficient academic progress.[1][16] Candidates must typically demonstrate enrollment in or completion of a qualifying ABET-accredited program, with boards reviewing transcripts or enrollment status to confirm eligibility before approval.[13] To apply, candidates must first review and comply with their state or territorial licensing board's specific requirements, which often involve submitting an application for approval directly to the board or, in some cases, registering through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).[13] Once board approval is obtained, applicants create a MyNCEES account, select their exam discipline and testing location, and pay the $225 fee to NCEES to schedule the computer-based test at a Pearson VUE center.[1] Processes vary by jurisdiction; for example, in Puerto Rico, candidates complete NCEES registration and then submit applications, documents, and fees to Didaxis, the board's designated administrator.[1] Unlike the subsequent Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, which requires at least four years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed professional, no prior work experience is needed to sit for the FE exam, allowing recent graduates to pursue it immediately after or near degree completion.[17][18] International candidates whose degrees are from non-ABET-accredited programs must obtain a credentials evaluation from NCEES to verify equivalency to a U.S. engineering degree before eligibility is granted.[6] As of 2025, more than 50,000 candidates register annually for the FE exam, with licensing boards routinely confirming degree progress or enrollment status as part of the approval process to ensure compliance with educational prerequisites.[19] Passing the FE exam qualifies candidates to apply for Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) or Engineer Intern certification in most jurisdictions, marking the initial step toward full professional licensure.[1]Exam Format
Structure and Logistics
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is administered as a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 110 multiple-choice questions, with no division into separate morning and afternoon sessions following the transition to CBT format in 2014.[1] This shift eliminated the previous pencil-and-paper format's timed segments, allowing candidates to manage their pace across the entire exam within the allocated time. The exam is delivered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers, enabling continuous availability without fixed testing dates and permitting scheduling up to one year in advance through the MyNCEES online portal.[1][20] The total appointment duration is 6 hours, encompassing all components of the testing session to ensure a structured and secure experience. This includes a nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes), an interactive tutorial on the testing interface (8 minutes), the core exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), a scheduled break (25 minutes), and a brief post-exam survey (10 minutes).[1] During the exam portion, candidates navigate the questions on a computer workstation, with the ability to flag items for review and utilize an on-screen reference handbook provided electronically by NCEES, which contains approved formulas, tables, and constants relevant to engineering fundamentals.[1] No personal printed materials or external references are permitted, maintaining exam integrity through this digital provision.[1] For computational needs, candidates may bring one NCEES-approved handheld calculator from a list of specific models, such as certain Casio fx-115 or fx-991 series, Hewlett-Packard HP 33s or 35s, and Texas Instruments TI-30X or 36X series, or they may opt for the built-in on-screen scientific calculator emulating the TI-30XS functionality.[2][21] This policy ensures equitable access while prohibiting unapproved devices to prevent any advantage. The examination fee is $225, paid directly to NCEES upon registration.[1]Question Format and Tools
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam consists of 110 questions designed to assess a range of engineering competencies, including direct calculations, conceptual understanding, and application-based problem-solving.[1] Questions are presented in a computer-based testing (CBT) format and draw from a fixed specifications outline established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), ensuring consistency across administrations. Since the transition to CBT in 2014, the exam has not employed adaptive questioning, meaning the difficulty level does not adjust based on prior responses; instead, all candidates receive questions aligned with the predefined topic distribution.[1][13] The majority of questions are traditional multiple-choice items, each offering four answer options with a single correct choice. These cover quantitative problem-solving, such as performing calculations or selecting the appropriate engineering principle, as well as qualitative assessments of concepts like safety factors or material properties. In addition to multiple-choice, the exam incorporates alternative item types (AITs) to evaluate practical skills, including multiple-correct selections (where more than one option may be valid), point-and-click interactions (identifying elements on diagrams), drag-and-drop arrangements (sequencing processes), and fill-in-the-blank numerical entries. All question types are scored dichotomously as correct or incorrect, with no partial credit.[13][20] Examinees encounter both SI (International System of Units) and U.S. Customary units throughout the questions, reflecting real-world engineering practice in diverse contexts. No standalone equations or formulas are provided in the questions themselves; instead, candidates must reference the NCEES FE Reference Handbook, a searchable PDF document accessible on-screen during the exam. This handbook compiles essential data, including mathematical formulas, physical constants, unit conversions, and discipline-specific tables (e.g., material properties or fluid dynamics charts), but it does not include every detail needed for all problems, requiring reliance on fundamental knowledge.[1][13] To support problem-solving, the exam provides an on-screen scientific calculator modeled after the Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView, featuring functions for basic arithmetic, trigonometry, logarithms, and statistical operations. Examinees may also bring one NCEES-approved handheld calculator (from a list including specific Casio, Hewlett-Packard, and Texas Instruments models) as a backup, but no other electronic devices are permitted. A periodic table is embedded in the reference handbook for disciplines involving chemistry, such as chemical or environmental engineering. External references, including personal notes, textbooks, or internet access, are strictly prohibited to maintain exam integrity.[13][22]Disciplines and Content
Available Exam Disciplines
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is offered in seven discipline-specific versions, each designed to align with common undergraduate engineering programs and ensure relevance to the examinee's field of study. These disciplines allow candidates to demonstrate foundational knowledge tailored to their area of expertise while covering shared engineering principles.[1] The available disciplines are:- Chemical: Focuses on chemical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and reaction engineering.
- Civil: Emphasizes civil engineering topics such as structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and transportation systems.
- Electrical and Computer: Covers electrical and computer engineering fundamentals, including circuits, electronics, and signal processing.
- Environmental: Addresses environmental engineering concepts like water and wastewater treatment, air quality, and sustainability.
- Industrial and Systems: Targets industrial and systems engineering, with emphasis on operations research, ergonomics, and manufacturing processes.
- Mechanical: Centers on mechanical engineering areas, including mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, and machine design.
- Other Disciplines: Serves as a general option for fields not specifically listed, such as biomedical, aerospace, or general engineering.[1]