The short version: The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first exam on the road to a Professional Engineer license. NCEES gives it year-round on computers at Pearson VUE test centers. It has 110 questions, takes a 6-hour appointment, and costs $225. Pass it and most states let you call yourself an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI).
Apollo Technical recruits engineers every week, and passing the FE is one of the first things hiring managers look for on a new graduate’s resume. This guide covers what the exam looks like, what it costs, and how to pass it the first time.
FE exam at a glance
| Who gives it | NCEES |
| Format | Computer-based, at Pearson VUE test centers |
| When | Year-round |
| Questions | 110 |
| Appointment | 6 hours, including 5 hours 20 minutes of exam time and a 25-minute break |
| Fee | $225, paid to NCEES |
| Results | Usually 7 to 10 business days, reported as pass or fail |
| Retakes | One attempt per testing window, no more than three in 12 months |
What is the FE exam?
The FE exam tests whether you have the core knowledge of an engineering graduate. NCEES designed it for students close to finishing an EAC/ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree and for recent graduates. It is not a test of work experience. It covers the math, science, and engineering fundamentals you learned in school.
Passing the FE is step two of the four standard steps to a PE license: an accredited degree, the FE exam, about four years of experience, and the PE exam. Our guide on how to get a PE license walks through the whole path.
FE exam disciplines
You choose one of seven FE exams. Pick the one that matches your degree or the work you plan to do:
- FE Civil for civil, structural, geotechnical, transportation, and water resources work
- FE Mechanical for mechanical, HVAC, and machine design work
- FE Electrical and Computer for power, electronics, controls, and computer engineering
- FE Chemical for process and chemical engineering
- FE Environmental for water, wastewater, air quality, and remediation
- FE Industrial and Systems for manufacturing, operations, and systems engineering
- FE Other Disciplines for degrees that do not fit the others, such as aerospace, biomedical, or engineering management
Your FE discipline does not lock you into the same PE exam later, but matching them makes studying easier. Not sure which branch fits? See our guide to the types of engineering.
How to register for the FE exam
- Check your state board. Some boards let you register with NCEES directly. Others want an application first. Minnesota, for example, charges a $25 application fee before you can register as a Minnesota candidate.
- Create a MyNCEES account and pick your exam discipline.
- Pay the $225 fee to NCEES.
- Schedule a date at a Pearson VUE center near you.
What to expect on exam day
The 6-hour appointment includes a 2-minute nondisclosure agreement, an 8-minute tutorial, 5 hours and 20 minutes of exam time, and a scheduled 25-minute break. NCEES provides an electronic copy of the FE Reference Handbook on screen during the test, so you do not bring your own books or notes.
You can only use a calculator from the NCEES-approved list, which includes certain Casio fx-115 and fx-991, HP 33s and 35s, and TI-30X and TI-36X models. Check the current list on the NCEES site before you buy one, and practice with the exact model you will bring.
How to study for the FE exam
- Take it early. Your senior year or the months right after graduation are the best time, while your coursework is fresh.
- Learn the Reference Handbook. Download the free handbook from NCEES and practice finding equations fast. Search speed matters more than memorizing.
- Work the exam specification. NCEES publishes the topics and number of questions for each discipline. Spend your time where the questions are.
- Take full practice exams. At least one timed, full-length practice test helps you pace 110 questions.
- Plan a study window. Most people study for several weeks to a few months, depending on how long they have been out of school.
After you pass
Results usually arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you pass, apply to your state board for the EIT or EI designation, though some states grant it automatically. Then start logging your engineering experience for the PE. If you fail, NCEES sends a diagnostic report by topic so you know where to focus before your next attempt.
Passing the FE also makes you a stronger candidate. Many employers list EIT as preferred for entry-level civil, structural, and MEP roles, and some pay for the PE exam once you are on staff. See which engineering jobs pay the most and compare pay with our engineering salary calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the FE exam cost?
The NCEES fee is $225. Some state boards charge their own application fee on top of that.
Can I take the FE exam before I graduate?
Yes. NCEES designed the exam for students close to finishing an EAC/ABET degree, and many boards allow seniors to take it. Check your board’s rules.
How many times can I take the FE exam?
NCEES allows one attempt per testing window and no more than three attempts in any 12-month period.
Is the FE exam open book?
Sort of. You cannot bring materials, but NCEES gives you a searchable electronic FE Reference Handbook during the exam.
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