FE Exam Passing Score

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first major step toward earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license, making it one of the most important milestones for engineering graduates. A common question among candidates is: What is the FE exam passing score? While NCEES (the organization that administers the exam) does not publish a fixed passing percentage, the exam is scored using a scaled system to ensure fairness across different exam versions.

On average, students should aim to correctly answer around 70–80% of the questions to feel confident about passing. The exam itself includes 110 questions covering a wide range of engineering topics, and test-takers have approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes of actual testing time within a six-hour appointment. Pass rates vary by discipline, but recent data shows that first-time test takers often achieve success rates above 65–75%, with civil, mechanical, and chemical engineering being among the most popular disciplines.

Understanding how the exam is scored—and what benchmarks you should aim for—can make your preparation more focused and effective.

Key Takeaways

  • No fixed passing score: The FE exam uses scaled scoring, so there is no single published percentage that guarantees a pass.
  • Aim for 70–80%: Achieving this raw score benchmark gives you a safe margin above the likely passing threshold.
  • 110 total questions: Delivered through Pearson VUE testing centers with ~6 hours total appointment time.
  • Pass rates differ by discipline: Ranging from about 65% to 75% for first-time test takers.
  • Diagnostic report provided if you fail: Helps identify weak areas for targeted preparation.

How the FE Exam is Scored

Understanding how the FE exam is scored is crucial for anyone preparing to take it. Unlike many standardized tests, where you can clearly identify a percentage that guarantees a passing grade, the FE exam uses a more complex system designed to ensure fairness across different test forms and administrations. This scoring process involves raw scores, scaled scores, and a cut score determined by psychometric experts. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Raw Score: The Number of Questions You Answer Correctly

At its most basic level, your performance on the FE exam starts with the raw score, which is simply the number of questions you get right out of the 110 multiple-choice questions on the exam. There are no penalties for incorrect answers, meaning you should always attempt every question.

For example, if you answered 78 questions correctly, your raw score would be 78. However, this number alone does not determine whether you pass or fail. That’s where scaling comes in.

2. Scaled Score: Ensuring Fairness Across Different Exam Versions

Every FE exam administration may have slightly different questions. To make sure the difficulty level doesn’t unfairly impact results, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) uses a statistical process called equating to convert raw scores into a scaled score.

This process adjusts for differences in difficulty between test versions. For instance, if one exam form is slightly more challenging than another, the raw scores are scaled so that a candidate’s ability is judged consistently, regardless of which set of questions they faced.

The scaled score is what NCEES actually uses to determine whether a candidate passes.

3. The Cut Score: What Defines Passing

The cut score is the benchmark used to separate passing candidates from failing candidates. This score is not a fixed percentage like “70%” across all exams. Instead, it is set by a panel of subject matter experts (SMEs) in engineering who review the exam content and apply psychometric methods to define the minimum level of knowledge and ability required to be considered competent at the entry-level.

This process is repeated periodically to maintain consistency and fairness as the exam evolves. Because of this, the cut score may vary slightly across exam cycles, which is why NCEES does not publish a specific passing percentage.

4. What This Means in Practical Terms

Although NCEES doesn’t release the exact passing score, many engineering educators and test prep providers recommend aiming to correctly answer about 70–80% of the questions during practice exams. This target range provides a comfortable margin above most reasonable cut-score thresholds and helps reduce the risk of narrowly missing the pass mark.

For example, if the exam has 110 questions, you should try to answer at least 77 to 88 questions correctly in your practice sessions. Doing so ensures you’re not just meeting the likely passing threshold, but exceeding it.

5. The Role of Diagnostic Reports

If you don’t pass, NCEES provides a diagnostic report rather than a numerical score. This report categorizes your performance into different knowledge areas (such as mathematics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis for civil engineers). Each area is shown with a performance indicator so you can see whether you were near, above, or below the passing standard.

This system has two benefits:

  • It protects the integrity of the exam by not disclosing raw cut scores.
  • It helps you target your weak areas for a stronger performance on your next attempt.

6. Pass Rates as a Reference Point

While you won’t know your exact score, NCEES does publish pass rates by discipline for first-time examinees. These statistics give a sense of how challenging the exam can be and help you benchmark your expectations. For instance:

  • FE Civil: ~65% pass rate for first-time takers
  • FE Mechanical: ~72% pass rate
  • FE Chemical: ~73% pass rate
  • FE Environmental: ~74% pass rate

These numbers are not tied to specific passing scores, but they show how well-prepared candidates typically perform depending on their discipline.

Key Insights to Remember

  • Your raw score is the number of questions you answered correctly out of 110.
  • NCEES converts this to a scaled score to account for variations in exam difficulty.
  • Passing is determined by a cut score set by experts, not a fixed percentage.
  • In practice, aiming for 70–80% accuracy in study sessions is a safe benchmark.
  • If unsuccessful, you’ll receive a diagnostic report to guide your preparation for the next attempt.

FE Exam Pass Rates by Discipline and What They Mean for You

One of the best ways to understand the FE exam’s level of difficulty is to look at pass rate data published by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). While the exam is standardized in structure, pass rates vary by discipline, largely due to the breadth of material covered, differences in university curricula, and how soon candidates attempt the exam after graduation.

Why Pass Rates Are Important

Pass rates don’t tell you exactly what score you need to pass, but they give perspective on how challenging the exam tends to be within your field. A high pass rate often means the exam content aligns well with what students recently studied in school, while lower rates may suggest a wider or more complex range of topics.

Latest FE Exam Pass Rates by Discipline (First-Time Takers)

According to the most recent NCEES reports, here is how first-time examinees perform across various engineering disciplines:

  • Chemical Engineering: ~73%
  • Civil Engineering: ~65%
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering: ~69%
  • Environmental Engineering: ~74%
  • Industrial and Systems Engineering: ~62%
  • Mechanical Engineering: ~72%
  • Other Disciplines (General, Agricultural, etc.): ~68%

The numbers reflect candidates who are taking the exam for the first time. Repeat takers usually perform significantly lower, often with pass rates closer to 30–40%. This makes timing—ideally, soon after graduation when coursework is fresh—an important factor.

What the Numbers Suggest for Different Disciplines

  • Civil Engineering
    With a pass rate of around 65%, civil has the lowest among the major FE exams. The reason is the breadth of subjects: structural, geotechnical, transportation, hydrology, and construction are all tested. Civil candidates must prepare broadly rather than focusing on just one or two areas.
  • Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
    Both hover around 72–73%. These exams benefit from strong alignment between the FE specifications and common undergraduate curricula. Most students see much of the tested material during their degree programs, which helps boost performance.
  • Environmental Engineering
    At ~74%, this is among the highest pass rates. The subject matter tends to be focused, and candidates often take the exam shortly after finishing specialized coursework.
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
    With a pass rate of about 69%, this group sits in the middle. The exam includes advanced mathematics, circuits, digital systems, and signal processing, which require careful and targeted review.
  • Industrial and Systems Engineering
    At ~62%, industrial engineering has one of the lowest pass rates. Much of this comes down to the exam’s heavy emphasis on probability, statistics, and engineering economics—areas that some students have not recently practiced or may not have studied in depth.

What This Means for You

Pass rates are not a predictor of your personal outcome but a guide to how much effort you may need to invest. If your discipline has a lower pass rate, such as civil or industrial engineering, it means preparation must cover a wide variety of topics, and consistent practice is essential. If your discipline has a higher pass rate, you should still approach the exam seriously, because while more candidates pass, the standard to achieve a passing score is the same.

Strategies to Maximize Your Chances of Passing the FE Exam

Passing the FE exam is not just about reviewing formulas and definitions—it requires a deliberate, structured approach to preparation. Since the test covers a broad range of topics in a timed format, effective strategies can make the difference between struggling on exam day and performing with confidence. Below are proven methods to maximize your chances of success.

1. Start Early and Build a Study Schedule

The FE exam covers 110 questions drawn from multiple knowledge areas. Trying to review all this content in a short time is overwhelming. A smarter approach is to:

  • Begin preparing 3–4 months in advance.
  • Allocate 8–12 hours per week for study, increasing intensity as the exam date nears.
  • Break down your study sessions into topic-specific blocks (e.g., statics one week, fluid mechanics the next).

Consistency is key—steady progress helps retain material better than cramming.

2. Use the FE Reference Handbook Effectively

Every FE exam is accompanied by the NCEES FE Reference Handbook, a searchable PDF provided at the testing center. Memorizing everything isn’t practical; instead, learn how to navigate the handbook quickly.

  • Familiarize yourself with the handbook layout during practice.
  • Practice finding constants, formulas, and conversion factors in seconds.
  • Use it while doing practice problems so your speed on exam day improves.

3. Prioritize High-Weight Topics

Not all subjects are tested equally. For example, civil engineering candidates see a heavier emphasis on structural analysis, geotechnical, and transportation, while mechanical candidates face more on mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid systems. Review the official NCEES exam specifications for your discipline and adjust study time to focus more on high-weight areas without ignoring the rest.

4. Take Full-Length Practice Exams

One of the best ways to gauge readiness is by simulating the test:

  • Complete 110-question practice exams under timed conditions.
  • Aim for a pace of 1–1.2 questions per minute (you have about 5 hours and 20 minutes total).
  • Review mistakes thoroughly, identifying whether they were due to lack of knowledge, careless errors, or poor time management.

This builds both familiarity with question styles and the stamina required for a six-hour test session.

5. Develop Test-Taking Strategies

Beyond content mastery, test-taking skills are vital:

  • Guess strategically: There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank.
  • Mark and return: If a problem looks too time-consuming, mark it and come back after addressing easier questions.
  • Use elimination: Narrowing down multiple-choice answers improves your odds of guessing correctly.

6. Balance Breadth and Depth

The FE exam is broad, but you don’t need to be an expert in every subject. Instead:

  • Gain a working understanding of all tested topics so you can solve standard problems.
  • Deepen knowledge in areas weighted heavily on your exam specification.
  • Avoid spending disproportionate time on fringe topics that are unlikely to contribute many points.

7. Take Advantage of Review Courses and Prep Resources

While self-study works for many, structured programs offer additional benefits:

  • Access to video lectures, problem banks, and instructor guidance.
  • Accountability through structured schedules.
  • Exposure to exam-style questions that mirror NCEES’s wording and difficulty.

Some candidates find review courses especially useful if they’ve been out of school for a few years or struggled with certain subjects during college.

8. Manage Exam-Day Logistics

Preparation isn’t just academic—it’s also practical:

  • Sleep well the night before the exam. Fatigue can drastically reduce performance on a long test.
  • Eat a balanced meal to maintain energy and focus.
  • Bring a valid ID and arrive early to reduce stress at check-in.
  • Use the scheduled break to rest, hydrate, and reset before the second half of the exam.

9. Learn From Diagnostic Reports if Needed

If you don’t pass, use the NCEES diagnostic report strategically. It highlights which subject areas fell below the standard. This allows you to focus on weaker areas rather than repeating the same study plan. Many repeat candidates improve significantly once they tailor their preparation to these insights.

10. Adopt the Right Mindset

Finally, approach the FE exam with the right attitude:

  • Treat it as an entry-level competency test, not an impossible challenge.
  • Build confidence by practicing consistently and tracking your progress.
  • Remember, most candidates who prepare thoroughly do pass—especially first-time examinees.

What Happens If You Fail the FE Exam?

Failing the FE exam can feel discouraging, but it’s important to remember that many engineers do not pass on their first attempt. The exam is designed to be comprehensive and challenging, and NCEES has clear policies in place for retakes. More importantly, a failed attempt can become a valuable learning experience if you know how to interpret your results and adjust your preparation strategy.

1. Retake Policies and Limits

NCEES allows candidates to retake the FE exam if they do not pass, but there are restrictions:

  • Up to 3 attempts per 12-month period are permitted.
  • There must be a minimum 60-day waiting period between attempts.
  • Each attempt requires paying the exam registration fee again (currently $175).

Some state boards may impose additional rules, so it’s wise to check with your state engineering licensure board for specific retake guidelines.

2. Receiving Your Diagnostic Report

When you fail the exam, you won’t see your exact score. Instead, NCEES provides a diagnostic report. This report breaks your performance down by knowledge areas (e.g., mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, or structural analysis) and compares your results to the minimum passing level.

The diagnostic report typically uses three performance bands:

  • Above the passing standard – You performed at or above the required level in this subject.
  • Near the passing standard – You were close, but slightly under the expected competency.
  • Below the passing standard – You need significant improvement in this area.

This breakdown helps you understand exactly where to focus your next round of study instead of reviewing everything equally.

3. Common Reasons Candidates Fail

Many test-takers who fall short do so because of:

  • Poor time management – Spending too long on difficult problems instead of moving forward.
  • Inadequate coverage – Focusing on only a few subjects instead of the full exam blueprint.
  • Overconfidence in certain areas – Relying on strong knowledge in one subject without strengthening weaker areas.
  • Lack of practice with the reference handbook – Struggling to find formulas and data quickly under exam conditions.

4. How to Improve Before Retaking

A failed attempt can actually set you up for success if you approach it strategically:

  • Use the diagnostic report as a guide: Concentrate on weak subjects first, while maintaining your strengths.
  • Rebuild your study plan: Add more practice exams, timed problem sets, or review courses.
  • Simulate testing conditions: Time yourself on 110-question practice exams to build endurance.
  • Focus on efficiency: Learn shortcuts in the NCEES reference handbook so you can answer questions faster.
  • Seek support if needed: Join study groups, online forums, or consider an FE review course if self-study hasn’t worked.

5. Mindset After Failing

It’s easy to see a failed attempt as a setback, but many successful engineers have failed once before passing. Key points to remember:

  • The FE exam measures minimum competency, not perfection.
  • Pass rates for repeat takers are lower than for first-timers, but those who use diagnostic feedback effectively often close the gap.
  • Each attempt builds familiarity with the exam format, environment, and pressure.

How Many Questions Do You Need to Get Right to Pass the FE Exam?

One of the most common concerns among FE candidates is figuring out exactly how many questions they must answer correctly to pass. Since the FE exam has 110 multiple-choice questions, it’s tempting to look for a fixed percentage or a “magic number.” However, because of the way NCEES scores the exam, there is no published universal passing score. Instead, the exam uses a scaled scoring system that makes the exact cutoff vary slightly from one administration to another. Still, understanding how this works—and setting a practical target—can help you prepare more effectively.

1. No Fixed Percentage

The FE exam does not have a consistent “70% = pass” rule. Instead, NCEES applies psychometric scaling to account for differences in exam difficulty. This means that two candidates taking different versions of the exam might have slightly different cut scores, even if the exam blueprint is the same.

So, if one version is a little harder than another, the passing threshold may be slightly lower, and vice versa. The end goal is fairness, ensuring that all passing candidates meet the same minimum standard of engineering competency.

2. Practical Rule of Thumb: 70–80% Correct

While the exact cut score is never revealed, most FE prep providers and engineering educators agree that aiming for 70–80% raw correctness during practice is the safest strategy.

  • At 70% (≈77 questions correct), you are likely hovering around the minimum passing level.
  • At 75–80% (≈83–88 questions correct), you give yourself a comfortable buffer, reducing the risk of falling short if the exam form is slightly more difficult.

This rule of thumb aligns with how psychometric cut scores are typically set and ensures you aren’t relying on a razor-thin margin to pass.

3. Time Management and Scoring Strategy

Because there’s no penalty for wrong answers, your best scoring strategy is to:

  • Attempt every single question, even if you’re unsure.
  • Use elimination to rule out obviously incorrect choices before guessing.
  • Save difficult, time-consuming problems for later so you can secure as many correct answers as possible early on.

Even one or two extra correct guesses could make the difference between passing and failing.

4. Why You Should Aim Above the Minimum

It’s natural to ask, “What’s the least I need to do to pass?” But relying on the bare minimum is risky for two reasons:

  1. Uncertainty in scaling – Since NCEES doesn’t publish cut scores, you’ll never know if you’re just above or just below the passing threshold.
  2. Test-day variables – Anxiety, fatigue, or an unfamiliar topic could cause you to miss more questions than expected.

By aiming for 80% correctness in practice, you not only prepare to pass, but you also build confidence that you can overcome test-day pressure.

5. Using Practice Exams to Gauge Readiness

Full-length practice exams are the best way to estimate how many questions you’re getting right under real conditions. If you consistently hit 80+ correct answers out of 110 in your practice runs, you are well-positioned to pass the real exam.

Tips for Using Practice Exams Effectively

Practice exams are one of the most powerful tools in your FE exam preparation. They not only measure how much you know but also train you to manage time, handle exam pressure, and navigate the NCEES FE Reference Handbook efficiently. However, simply taking a few practice tests is not enough—you need to use them strategically. Below are detailed tips on how to get the most out of practice exams.

1. Simulate Real Exam Conditions

The FE exam is a six-hour commitment with 110 questions and a built-in break. To truly prepare your body and mind, practice exams should replicate this experience as closely as possible.

  • Set a timer for 5 hours and 20 minutes (actual testing time) to match the exam environment.
  • Work in a quiet space without distractions, just as you would in a Pearson VUE testing center.
  • Take the scheduled break halfway through, so you train your brain and stamina for the full duration.

This builds endurance and helps you avoid mental fatigue on exam day.

2. Track Your Accuracy

Don’t just take a test—analyze it. After each practice exam:

  • Count how many questions you answered correctly.
  • Calculate your raw percentage (e.g., 82/110 ≈ 74%).
  • Compare it to the 70–80% target range recommended for a safe margin above the passing threshold.

Consistently hitting this range in practice is one of the best indicators of readiness.

3. Analyze Mistakes Thoroughly

Mistakes are more valuable than correct answers. After each practice test:

  • Categorize errors: Were they due to lack of knowledge, careless mistakes, or time pressure?
  • Revisit weak subjects: If you missed multiple questions in fluid mechanics or probability, go back to review those areas.
  • Use the reference handbook: If you struggled to find formulas quickly, practice navigating the PDF until it feels natural.

This kind of post-test reflection ensures each practice exam becomes a targeted learning experience.

4. Mix Full-Length and Shorter Sets

While full-length practice exams are essential for endurance, shorter sets are equally valuable for skill-building.

  • Full-length (110 questions) → Best for stamina, pacing, and confidence.
  • Mini-sets (20–40 questions) → Perfect for daily practice and focusing on specific subjects like statics or thermodynamics.

Alternating between the two keeps your study plan manageable while covering all bases.

5. Learn to Pace Yourself

You’ll need to maintain a steady pace of 1–1.2 minutes per question to complete the exam. Practice exams help you monitor and improve your speed.

  • Mark and move: If a question is too time-consuming, flag it and return later.
  • Identify time sinks: After each practice run, note which types of problems consume the most time and adjust your strategy.

Good pacing prevents you from rushing through the final section of the exam.

6. Use NCEES Official Practice Exams

The NCEES FE Practice Exams are the closest match to the real test in terms of difficulty, style, and format. Using them ensures you aren’t surprised by the wording or structure of the actual questions. Pair them with third-party resources for variety, but always prioritize the official practice tests.

7. Review Under Timed Conditions—Then Without Time Pressure

After finishing a timed practice test, go back through the entire exam slowly:

  • Solve problems again without the clock ticking to see if time pressure affected your performance.
  • Take notes on concepts you struggled with and create a list of topics for follow-up review.

This dual approach helps distinguish between knowledge gaps and exam-day stress factors.

8. Track Your Progress Over Time

Keep a log of each practice exam, recording:

  • Raw score (e.g., 82/110).
  • Percentage correct.
  • Weak subjects identified.
  • Average time per question.

Seeing your improvement builds confidence and highlights when you’re ready to schedule your official exam.

Common Mistakes Students Make While Preparing for the FE Exam

Preparing for the FE Exam is a big commitment, and while many students study hard, not all study smart. Avoiding common mistakes can make the difference between passing on the first attempt and having to retake the exam. Below are the most frequent pitfalls candidates fall into—and how to sidestep them.

1. Relying Too Much on Memorization

The FE exam is open-book in the sense that you can use the NCEES FE Reference Handbook during the test. Many students waste time trying to memorize every formula, only to forget them under pressure.

  • Better approach: Get comfortable navigating the handbook PDF quickly. Practice using it during problem-solving sessions so that looking up formulas becomes second nature.

2. Ignoring Weak Areas

It’s tempting to spend most of your time on subjects you enjoy or already understand, but the FE exam is broad and balanced. Neglecting topics like probability, ethics, or materials science can cost valuable points.

  • Better approach: Track your performance across all subjects with practice tests. Focus study sessions on your weakest areas while maintaining a baseline review of stronger ones.

3. Not Practicing Under Timed Conditions

Some students prepare by solving problems at their own pace, but the real challenge of the FE exam is speed and stamina. With 110 questions in just over 5 hours, pacing is crucial.

  • Better approach: Simulate test conditions with full-length practice exams. Train yourself to keep a steady pace of about one minute per question, flagging difficult ones to revisit later.

4. Overlooking the Exam Format and Computer Tools

Many underestimate the exam’s computer-based format. Struggling with the interface, calculator functions, or digital handbook navigation can waste precious time on test day.

  • Better approach: Practice with the NCEES demo exam and become familiar with the Pearson VUE testing environment. Use your approved calculator daily so you don’t fumble with it during the exam.

5. Cramming in the Final Days

The FE exam covers years’ worth of material. Trying to relearn everything in the last week often leads to stress, confusion, and burnout.

  • Better approach: Spread out your studying over 2–3 months (or more, depending on your background). Use the last week for review, light problem-solving, and confidence-building—not for cramming new concepts.

6. Skipping Official NCEES Practice Exams

Third-party materials can be helpful, but the NCEES practice exam is the closest match in difficulty, format, and wording. Many students skip it and end up surprised by the style of questions on test day.

  • Better approach: Always take the official practice exam at least once, preferably under timed conditions, and use it as a benchmark for readiness.

7. Poor Time Management During Study

Some students study only sporadically, while others overcommit and burn out. Both extremes can hurt retention and performance.

  • Better approach: Create a structured study plan with consistent daily or weekly goals. Balance intense problem-solving with review sessions and rest.

8. Neglecting Exam-Day Logistics

Even well-prepared students sometimes fail due to poor exam-day planning—arriving late, forgetting required IDs, or being unprepared for the testing environment.

  • Better approach: Read the NCEES exam-day guidelines carefully. Prepare your ID, calculator, and Pearson VUE confirmation the night before. Get good rest and arrive early to reduce stress.

9. Not Reviewing Mistakes in Depth

Some candidates take practice exams but only glance at the score without analyzing errors. This leads to repeated mistakes.

  • Better approach: After each practice test, go through every incorrect answer, identify the reason for the mistake (knowledge gap, careless error, or time pressure), and address it directly.

10. Underestimating the Psychological Side

Test anxiety, fatigue, and stress can be just as damaging as a lack of preparation. Some students ignore this entirely.

  • Better approach: Practice stress management—deep breathing, scheduled breaks, and maintaining a positive mindset. The FE exam is challenging, but it’s also very passable with smart preparation.

Why the FE Exam Doesn’t Have a Fixed Passing Score

The FE exam is administered year-round at Pearson VUE centers, with each candidate receiving a different mix of questions from a large test bank. While all questions are tied to the official NCEES FE Exam Specifications, some versions of the test may be slightly harder or easier than others.

If a strict fixed score (like 70%) were required across all versions, it would unfairly disadvantage candidates who happen to get a harder set of questions. To solve this, NCEES uses statistical equating to adjust scores so that passing decisions remain consistent no matter which form of the exam you take.

How Scaled Scoring Works

Here’s the process NCEES follows:

  1. Raw Score Collection
    • Your raw score is the total number of correct answers out of 110 questions. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
  2. Exam Difficulty Adjustment
    • Because not every test form is equally difficult, NCEES compares your raw score against the difficulty of the version you took.
  3. Conversion to Scaled Score
    • Through psychometric scaling methods, your raw score is converted to a scaled score that accounts for exam difficulty.
  4. Pass/Fail Determination
    • NCEES sets a minimum level of knowledge required for competency. If your scaled score meets or exceeds this benchmark, you pass. If not, you fail.

The Role of the Angoff Method

NCEES often uses a statistical process known as the Modified Angoff Method to determine the passing threshold. Here’s how it works:

  • A panel of subject-matter experts (licensed engineers and educators) reviews each question on the exam.
  • They estimate the probability that a minimally competent candidate would answer it correctly.
  • These probabilities are averaged across the exam to set the cut score—the minimum performance level required to pass.

This ensures that the passing standard reflects professional competency, not just a fixed percentage.

Why NCEES Keeps the Passing Score Confidential

NCEES does not publish the exact passing score for several reasons:

  • Fairness – Because exam difficulty varies, the raw score equivalent of passing may differ from one form to another.
  • Integrity – Releasing a fixed score might encourage rote memorization or gaming the system rather than ensuring competency.
  • Professional Standard – The goal of the FE exam is to certify readiness for engineering practice, not to hit a particular number.

What This Means for You as a Candidate

  • You don’t need to worry about hitting a specific raw score like 70/110.
  • Instead, focus on answering as many questions correctly as possible across all topics.
  • Skipping questions or leaving them blank only hurts you—there’s no penalty for guessing.
  • Since the FE exam is broad and competency-based, a well-rounded preparation strategy gives you the best chance of passing regardless of the exam form you receive.

Conclusion: Understanding the FE Exam Passing Score

The FE exam is one of the most important steps toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer, but understanding its passing score system can sometimes cause unnecessary confusion. Unlike traditional exams with a fixed percentage, the FE uses scaled scoring to ensure fairness and consistency across every test form.

The process involves converting your raw score into a scaled score, factoring in exam difficulty, and comparing it against a competency-based standard set by engineering experts. This means that while you may not know the exact number of questions required to pass, the system is designed to make sure every candidate is judged by the same professional standard—regardless of which version of the exam they take.

For exam candidates, this carries three key takeaways:

  • Don’t fixate on a magic number – There is no universal raw score that guarantees a pass.
  • Answer as many questions as possible – Since there is no penalty for guessing, every response counts toward boosting your score.
  • Focus on competency, not percentages – The exam is designed to measure your readiness as an engineer, not just test-taking ability.

In the end, the best approach is to prepare broadly across all subjects, use practice exams to identify weak areas, and go into the test confident in your knowledge. By doing so, you maximize your chances of meeting the passing standard, whatever the specific score may be on your exam form.

FAQs About the FE Exam Passing Score

1. What is the passing score for the FE exam?
There is no fixed passing score. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) uses a scaled scoring system that adjusts for the difficulty of each exam version. However, most experts suggest aiming to correctly answer around 70–80% of the questions to feel confident about passing.

2. Does the passing score change depending on the discipline?
No. The cut score (minimum passing standard) is based on overall competency, not the discipline. Whether you take the Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or another FE discipline, the scoring system applies the same way. What does vary, however, are the pass rates, which differ depending on the number of test-takers and the background of candidates in each field.

3. How many questions do I need to get right to pass?
The FE exam has 110 questions. While NCEES does not reveal the exact number needed, a safe estimate is to aim for at least 75–80 correct answers. Because the score is scaled, two students who answer the same number of questions correctly may not have the exact same outcome if they took different exam versions.

4. What happens if I fail the FE exam?
If you fail, you will receive a diagnostic report showing your performance across different knowledge areas. This helps you identify weak topics for targeted preparation before your next attempt. NCEES allows multiple retakes each year (with limits that vary by state), so failing once doesn’t prevent you from ultimately passing and moving forward in your engineering career.

5. Do unanswered questions count against me?
No. There is no penalty for guessing on the FE exam. If you’re unsure about a question, it’s always better to select an answer rather than leave it blank. Even a guess has a chance of boosting your score, while unanswered questions automatically count as incorrect.