FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) is a six-hour, multiple-choice test that covers the basic concepts and principles of engineering. The test is designed to measure whether candidates have mastered the fundamental knowledge required for an entry-level position in engineering or related fields. This exam is offered by NCEES licensing board as part of its engineering certification program.

(You may like: PE Exam: Professional Engineer License Exam Explained)

fe exam

The NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE) is a gateway to becoming a professional licensed engineer. It follows a CBT (Computer-Based Testing) exam format and is administered by NCEES. The FE exam has a total of 110 questions. The total time for the exam is 6 hours and the hours are divided into 2 minutes of a Nondisclosure agreement, 8 minutes of tutorial, 5 hours and 20 minutes of Exam, and 25 minutes of scheduled break.


People Like this Post

FE exam can be taken at any time as per one’s interest but the earliest one can take the FE exam is during the last year of the undergraduate engineering degree program. But, generally, most students take the FE exam right after they graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree and the exam fee is also affordable. 

(You may like: Understanding The US Education System)

But, the best time to give the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is during the last year of the undergraduate program. This will allow ample time to get prepared for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. During that time, one can gather adequate work experience to get ready for the Professional Engineer exam.

Are the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Hard?

© wikiwand.com

The answer to this question fluctuates from person to person and it depends on how well that person prepared him/herself for the FE exam. A lot of people find the FE exam hard while about 1/3 of the total people giving the FE exam found it as per their expectations.

Well, what’s the truth then? Is the FE exam hard or will it be as expected?

We need more information to get to the conclusion of this question. Let’s find out more about the FE exam.

How Can I Study for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?

© NCEES

The best way to study and prepare for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam is by studying the NCEES reference materials. NCEES practice exam helps to figure out what is needed to be known for the FE exam. The practice exam of NCEES contains questions from past exams. Also, it helps to accustom students to the question patterns and questions that can be expected during the exam. In addition, the best part of the NCEES practice exams is that they provide solutions as well as feedback on the performance in each subject area. 

Moreover, one can take the NCEES reference handbook for granted. Reviewing the respective handbook of NCEES is extremely helpful for performing well in the FE exam. The NCEES doesn’t offer the e-version of the handbook but it can be purchased online at the NCEES website. All the FE Practice Exam books cost $29.95 while the FE Reference Handbook 10.0.1 costs $19.95.

Referring back to the previous question, from the information gathered from the Engineering Interns (the ones who passed the FE exam), studying the NCEES practice exam questions and referring to the handbook to the best as possible makes one ready for the FE exam. Going through these two things is the best way to achieve your goal of passing the FE exam.

Which Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Should I Take?

The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is offered in seven disciplines. The seven distinct disciplines are FE Chemical, FE Civil, FE Electrical and Computer, FE Environmental, FE Industrial and Systems, FE Mechanical, and FE Other Disciplines.

For the students pursuing or holding a degree in Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering, the respective Fundamentals of Engineering exams are to be taken. For the ones, having other Engineering programs such as Petroleum Engineering, the FE Other Disciplines Exam should be taken.

Each of these exams focuses on its subtopics that need to be prepared for the exam, For example for the FE Other Disciplines Exam, some of the topics included are Mathematics, Probability, Statistics, Chemistry, etc.

What is the Passing Score for the FE Exam?

According to the NCEES website, the NCEES doesn’t publish the passing score. The percentages of the examinees passing and failing the exams are not pre-fixed. But, it depends on the score achieved by the examinee. The exam is graded equally for all first-time takers and repeaters.

The results rely on the total number of correct answers and there are no penalties for the wrong answer. The score is then converted to a scaled score. But, the final result of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam is displayed as pass or fail.

How Do I Take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Date?

© NCEES Exam Schedule

The first step in the registration process for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is to register. You will need to register and pay for the exam using the MyNCEES portal. Then, you will receive a confirmation of your payment from NCEES in your email. After that, you can schedule a time and a location for taking the Fundamentals of Engineering exam by going back to the portal.

Where Do I Take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?

The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam location will be shown in the portal after registering and paying and can be chosen accordingly. You can take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam in several locations such as Testing Center and all those locations’ details can be accessed in the portal.

Author