The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the United States. Administered by NCEES, this six-hour exam tests a candidate’s grasp of essential engineering concepts across disciplines. Passing it is crucial, yet it can be challenging—recent data shows first-time pass rates range from 60% to 73% depending on the discipline. With nearly one-third of examinees not passing on their first attempt, structured preparation is vital.
While many candidates invest in paid prep courses, numerous free resources provide quality support for building confidence and strengthening exam readiness. From online practice exams and university lecture videos to open-access study guides and community-driven tools, these resources can significantly reduce costs without compromising effectiveness.
This guide explores the best free FE exam prep resources available today, along with strategies to help candidates create a study plan that maximizes success.
Key Takeaways
- The FE exam is a mandatory step toward earning a Professional Engineer license in the U.S.
- Pass rates for first-time takers average between 60% and 73%, making strong preparation essential.
- Free prep resources include practice exams, study guides, university lectures, and online platforms.
- Strategic use of these free resources can provide the same foundational support as paid courses.
- Combining practice, consistency, and structured planning greatly improves the chances of passing on the first attempt.
Official Free Resources from NCEES
When preparing for the FE exam, it is always best to begin with the official resources from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). These materials are created by the organization that designs and scores the exam, making them the most accurate reference point for what candidates can expect on test day.
1. NCEES Examinee Guide
The NCEES Examinee Guide is a free, downloadable PDF that provides all the logistical information you need to know about the FE exam. It explains:
- Registration details and testing procedures
- Identification requirements for exam day
- Policies on breaks, calculators, and reference materials
- How scoring works and when results are released
This guide does not include practice problems, but it is essential for understanding the rules and structure of the exam so there are no surprises on test day.
2. FE Exam Specifications
NCEES publishes free exam specifications for every FE discipline, including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Environmental, and others. These specifications:
- Outline the number of questions per subject area
- Define the weight of each knowledge domain (e.g., Mathematics, Statics, Thermodynamics)
- Help candidates focus their study efforts on high-priority topics
For example, the FE Civil Exam Specification shows that Statics and Structural Analysis together make up over 20% of the test, which signals where students should devote more practice time.
3. NCEES FE Practice Exam (Paid, but Critical Reference)
While the full-length FE practice exam from NCEES is not free (currently $60), it deserves mention because it is considered the closest simulation of the real exam. Candidates can still get value without buying it by studying the specifications and free sample problems that NCEES shares on its site.
Why These Resources Matter
Many students underestimate the importance of beginning with NCEES materials, but they provide two major advantages:
- Authenticity: They reflect the actual style, format, and difficulty of FE exam questions.
- Clarity: They help prevent wasted time on irrelevant material by showing exactly what will be tested.
By using the NCEES Examinee Guide and exam specifications as a foundation, candidates can then turn to free third-party resources with confidence, knowing they are aligning their efforts with official exam expectations.
University & Open-Access Resources
Many universities and educational institutions provide free FE exam prep materials to support their engineering students, and the best part is that most of these resources are publicly accessible. They often include lecture videos, practice questions, and structured study guides that can rival paid platforms in quality.
1. Marshall University – FE Review Course (YouTube)
Marshall University’s Civil Engineering Department has uploaded an entire FE Review Course on YouTube, covering subjects like:
- Mathematics and Probability
- Statics and Mechanics of Materials
- Structural Engineering
- Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering
The videos are clear, concise, and designed to align with NCEES specifications. This resource is especially valuable for visual learners who prefer lecture-style explanations.
2. University of Colorado Boulder – FE Exam Study Guide
The University of Colorado Boulder provides a free FE Exam Study Guide (PDF), which organizes topics by discipline and suggests study strategies. It also includes:
- Recommended problem-solving techniques
- Key equations to remember
- Practice problems with solutions
This guide is an excellent companion for candidates who want a structured roadmap to follow during self-study.
3. Penn State University Libraries – Free E-Books
Penn State offers an online library guide for FE exam prep, including free e-books and study materials. These resources cover core engineering concepts and include problem sets. While some require PSU login, several listed references are open-access or available through interlibrary loan, making them a useful starting point for cost-conscious learners.
4. Coursera & EdX Engineering Courses (Audit for Free)
Platforms like Coursera and edX host university-level engineering courses from institutions such as Georgia Tech, MIT, and UC Berkeley. While not branded as “FE exam prep,” these courses can reinforce foundational knowledge in subjects like:
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Probability & Statistics
- Structural Analysis
By choosing the free audit option, students can access lectures and some assignments at no cost.
5. University FE Review Sessions (PDFs & Slides)
Many engineering schools post review session slides and sample problem sets online for their students, which are often available to the public. Examples include:
- Texas A&M University – Civil Engineering FE Review Notes
- University of Florida – Electrical & Computer FE Review Problems
- Louisiana Tech University – Mechanical FE Review Handouts
These resources may not be as polished as commercial prep books, but they provide direct exposure to practice-style problems from an academic perspective.
Why University Resources Are Valuable
- Academic Rigor: Created by professors and tailored for engineering students.
- Cost-Free Access: Most materials are openly available online without subscription fees.
- Coverage of Core Topics: These resources often focus on the same fundamental concepts tested on the FE exam.
By combining university lectures, free PDFs, and online courses, candidates can replicate much of what paid prep platforms provide—at zero cost.
Free Practice Exams & Question Banks
Working through practice questions is the single most effective way to prepare for the FE exam. Since the test consists of 110 multiple-choice questions in a six-hour session, practicing in a similar environment helps candidates strengthen speed, accuracy, and problem-solving strategies. Thankfully, many platforms provide free practice exams and question banks that mimic the real exam format.
1. PrepFE – Free Mini Practice Exams
PrepFE is one of the most recognized platforms for FE prep. While most of their resources are paid, they offer free mini practice exams in downloadable PDF format across multiple disciplines, including Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical.
Features include:
- Exam-like multiple-choice questions
- Printable PDFs for offline study
- Solutions with step-by-step explanations
These practice sets are especially useful for getting a quick snapshot of your readiness in specific subjects.
2. PPE Headquarters – Free FE Sample Questions
PPE Headquarters provides a large collection of free FE exam practice questions on its website. The problems are organized by topic, such as:
- Mathematics and Probability
- Engineering Economics
- Ethics and Professional Practice
Since they are available online, candidates can practice directly in their browser without downloading extra material.
3. Study for FE – Free Practice Problems & Blog Resources
Study for FE offers free practice problems and study guides through its blog section. Many of these questions come with detailed solutions and explanations, which help reinforce theory along with application.
This site also shares updates about FE exam pass rates and scoring, making it a good resource for exam trends in addition to practice.
4. YouTube Channels with Problem Walkthroughs
Several engineering educators upload free problem-solving walkthroughs on YouTube. Some notable channels include:
- Marshall University FE Review Playlist – covers Civil Engineering practice questions.
- Random problem-solving channels where tutors break down Thermodynamics, Statics, or Electrical problems in an FE-style format.
These walkthroughs allow candidates to see step-by-step methods, which is useful for tricky topics like differential equations or fluid mechanics.
5. Reddit & Engineering Forums (Peer-Sharing)
Online communities such as Reddit’s r/FE_Exam often share free problem sets, cheat sheets, and question banks uploaded by past test-takers. While unofficial, these materials are crowd-sourced and can provide unique practice opportunities that supplement official prep.
Why Practice Exams Matter
- Exam Simulation: Builds familiarity with timing and structure.
- Error Recognition: Helps identify weak areas quickly.
- Confidence Boost: Repeated practice reduces test anxiety and improves problem-solving speed.
Candidates who consistently work through free practice exams often find they perform better under pressure, making this a non-negotiable part of any prep plan.
Free Study Guides, Cheat Sheets & Reference Materials
While full-length practice exams help with problem-solving, study guides and cheat sheets are invaluable for quick revision. They condense large amounts of information into digestible formats and help candidates focus on the most frequently tested formulas, equations, and concepts.
1. Engineering Cheat Sheets (PPI & Third-Party Sources)
PPI (Professional Publications, Inc.), a well-known exam prep provider, occasionally releases free sample study sheets that cover essential FE exam formulas. While their full prep books are paid, the downloadable samples include:
- Unit conversions
- Fundamental equations in Statics and Mechanics of Materials
- Probability distributions and statistics references
Third-party platforms like PPE Headquarters also publish short formula sheets for key FE exam topics.
2. Free Formula Sheets from Universities
Many engineering schools publish formula sheets and study notes online for their students, which are publicly accessible. Examples include:
- Texas A&M University FE Review Sheets (covering Civil Engineering topics)
- University of Florida FE Review Handouts (Electrical & Computer focus)
- Louisiana Tech University Mechanical FE Notes
These documents typically summarize equations and shortcuts aligned with NCEES exam specifications.
3. NCEES FE Reference Handbook (Digital Copy)
The most important reference document for the FE exam is the NCEES FE Reference Handbook, which is free to download.
Why it’s essential:
- It is the only reference allowed during the actual exam.
- Contains all equations, unit conversions, and constants needed for problem-solving.
- Provides sample formulas across Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical engineering.
Students are strongly advised to study directly from this handbook since knowing where formulas are located can save crucial time during the exam.
4. Student-Created Study Guides (Shared Online)
Online communities such as Reddit’s r/FE_Exam and engineering forums often share student-made cheat sheets and study guides. While unofficial, these guides often provide:
- Mnemonics for remembering formulas
- Condensed one-page “last-minute review” sheets
- Problem-solving strategies for common question types
These resources can be particularly useful for quick night-before review sessions.
5. Open-Access Textbooks
Platforms like OpenStax provide free engineering textbooks in subjects such as Physics, Statistics, and Thermodynamics. While not written specifically for the FE exam, they provide thorough explanations of core concepts tested on the exam, making them a strong supplement to formula sheets.
Why Reference Materials Are Important
- Time-Saving: Quick access to formulas prevents wasting time during practice or the real exam.
- Exam Realism: Familiarity with the FE Reference Handbook is crucial since it is the only allowed aid.
- Confidence: Concise notes reduce cognitive overload before exam day.
Incorporating cheat sheets and the NCEES Reference Handbook into daily study sessions ensures candidates don’t just memorize equations but also know where to find them during the actual test.
Community & Peer-Support Resources
Preparing for the FE exam can feel overwhelming, but connecting with peers can make the process more manageable. Online communities, study forums, and social platforms provide free spaces to share resources, ask questions, and get advice from past test-takers.
1. Reddit – r/FE_Exam
The r/FE_Exam subreddit has thousands of members, including students currently preparing for the test and licensed engineers who have already passed.
What you’ll find:
- Shared study guides and cheat sheets
- Discussions on exam strategies
- Feedback on prep resources (both free and paid)
- Motivational stories from successful candidates
This is one of the most active online spaces for FE prep discussions and a good place to crowdsource advice.
2. Discord Study Groups
Several engineering students have created Discord communities dedicated to FE prep. These groups allow real-time communication, group problem-solving, and accountability check-ins.
Benefits include:
- Working through practice problems together
- Joining virtual study sessions
- Getting instant feedback from peers
While some servers are private, many are shared through Reddit or engineering student networks.
3. LinkedIn Groups
Professional platforms like LinkedIn host groups where engineers and students preparing for the FE exam connect. For example:
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Network
- FE and PE Exam Study Community
Joining these groups provides access to career advice, networking opportunities, and mentorship alongside exam prep support.
4. Facebook Study Groups
There are several active Facebook groups dedicated to FE and PE exam prep. These groups often share:
- Free problem sets and downloadable resources
- Advice on discipline-specific exam prep (Civil, Mechanical, etc.)
- Encouragement and accountability posts
Some groups even organize live Q&A sessions with engineers who have already passed the FE.
5. Online Student Forums (Eng-Tips, Engineer Boards)
Engineering forums like Eng-Tips and Engineer Boards have dedicated sections for licensing exams. Candidates can post questions about specific FE problems, study resources, and scheduling logistics.
These communities are particularly useful when dealing with niche questions that aren’t easily answered in textbooks or video lectures.
Why Peer Support Matters
- Motivation: Studying with others keeps you consistent.
- Clarification: If you’re stuck on a problem, peers may provide alternative approaches.
- Resource Sharing: Many members share free PDFs, formula sheets, and problem banks.
- Experience-Based Insights: Past test-takers often share what worked for them and what to avoid.
Incorporating community support into your prep routine not only builds accountability but also ensures you’re not preparing in isolation.
How to Build a Study Plan Using Free Resources
Having access to free resources is a huge advantage, but success on the FE exam depends on how well you organize your study time. Since the exam covers a wide range of topics in a six-hour session, candidates need a plan that balances content review, problem-solving, and timed practice.
1. Set a Realistic Timeline
Most candidates spend 2 to 4 months preparing for the FE exam, depending on how much time they can dedicate weekly.
- If you’re a current student: You may only need 6–8 weeks, since coursework is fresh in your mind.
- If you’ve been out of school for years: Plan at least 3–4 months of consistent study.
Aim for 8–12 hours per week of focused preparation, broken into smaller daily study sessions.
2. Start with Official NCEES Materials
- Download the FE Reference Handbook and become comfortable with navigating it.
- Review the NCEES Exam Specifications, which outline the weight of each subject.
- Use these as a roadmap to know which topics deserve more time.
3. Use University & Open-Access Lectures for Concept Review
When revisiting difficult topics:
- Watch Marshall University’s YouTube FE Review for Civil Engineering.
- Use Coursera/edX free audit courses to strengthen fundamentals in Thermodynamics, Statistics, or Fluids.
- Refer to open-access textbooks (like OpenStax) for deeper theory review.
4. Incorporate Practice Early
Don’t wait until the end of your study schedule to attempt practice problems. Instead:
- Solve 5–10 problems daily from PrepFE’s free exams.
- Use PPEHQ for topic-specific problems.
- Track your accuracy and focus on weak areas.
5. Build a Formula & Quick-Reference System
- Practice navigating the FE Reference Handbook during timed problem-solving.
- Supplement with free cheat sheets from universities for quick recall.
- Use community-shared formula sheets for last-minute revision.
This saves precious time during the exam since you won’t need to memorize every equation.
6. Simulate the Exam
At least two weeks before your test date, schedule a full-length practice exam session:
- Set aside six hours in a quiet place.
- Use free question banks or combine smaller sets into a mock exam.
- Take breaks only as allowed in the real exam.
Simulating conditions helps with stamina and time management, two factors that often make or break performance.
7. Leverage Peer Communities for Accountability
- Join Reddit’s r/FE_Exam or a Discord study group to stay motivated.
- Post your progress and discuss tricky problems.
- Use group study sessions for discipline-specific challenges.
Accountability partners ensure consistency, especially when motivation dips.
8. Final Review Phase (Last 1–2 Weeks)
- Focus on weak areas identified during practice exams.
- Do quick daily reviews of formulas and constants in the Reference Handbook.
- Spend more time on high-weight subjects (e.g., Statics for Civil, Circuits for Electrical).
- Reduce study intensity in the final 48 hours — light review and confidence-building are key.
Sample 10-Week Study Plan (Flexible)
| Week | Focus Area | Resources to Use | Hours/Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Core Concepts (Math, Probability, Ethics) | NCEES specs, OpenStax, Marshall YouTube | 8–10 |
| 3–4 | Discipline Fundamentals (e.g., Statics, Circuits, Thermo) | University notes, Coursera/edX | 10–12 |
| 5–6 | Problem-Solving Integration | PrepFE, PPEHQ practice sets | 12 |
| 7–8 | Mixed Question Practice | StudyForFE blog, community question banks | 12–14 |
| 9 | Full Exam Simulation | Combine practice exams into 110-question set | 6 (1 session) |
| 10 | Final Review & Formula Recall | NCEES Handbook, Cheat Sheets | 8 |
Why a Structured Plan Works
Without structure, candidates risk spending too much time on comfortable topics and neglecting weak ones. A plan ensures:
- Balanced coverage across all tested areas.
- Consistent practice under realistic conditions.
- Confidence on exam day, knowing you’ve prepared systematically.
Tips for Maximizing Free Resources
Free resources can be just as effective as paid ones if used strategically. However, many students fall into traps like over-collecting materials, relying only on passive study, or skipping exam simulations. The following tips will help candidates make the most of the resources we’ve covered so far.
1. Don’t Overload Yourself with Too Many Resources
With so many free materials available, it’s tempting to download everything at once. This often leads to information overload. Instead:
- Select one or two resources per category (e.g., Marshall University for lectures, PrepFE for practice problems, NCEES Handbook for formulas).
- Stick to them consistently rather than jumping from one source to another.
2. Actively Practice, Don’t Just Read
Simply reading through guides or watching videos is not enough. The FE exam tests your ability to solve problems quickly under time constraints. To maximize retention:
- Work through problems daily.
- Check answers and rework incorrect questions until you understand them.
- Time yourself to build exam endurance.
3. Focus on High-Weight Topics
Each FE discipline has a set of topics weighted differently in the NCEES exam specifications. For example:
- FE Civil devotes over 20% of questions to Statics and Structural Analysis.
- FE Electrical includes heavy emphasis on Circuits and Power Systems.
Prioritize these areas in your study plan since mastering them has the greatest impact on your score.
4. Master the NCEES Reference Handbook
Since this is the only reference allowed in the exam, familiarity is key. To maximize its usefulness:
- Practice locating formulas during problem-solving.
- Create your own tabs or digital bookmarks for quick access.
- Work problems exclusively using the Handbook instead of personal notes in the final weeks.
5. Use Free Platforms for Accountability
Peer support is a free but powerful resource:
- Join Reddit’s r/FE_Exam or Discord groups for accountability.
- Share study goals weekly.
- Ask questions when stuck instead of wasting time in isolation.
Accountability partners help maintain momentum and reduce procrastination.
6. Simulate Test Conditions Regularly
Practicing under exam-like conditions builds stamina and reduces anxiety. Even if you don’t have a full-length exam, you can:
- Combine free practice sets into a 110-question mock test.
- Set a timer and replicate the six-hour window.
- Review mistakes carefully afterward.
7. Balance Free Resources with Focused Review
Free resources often cover broad concepts but may not always provide depth. To maximize efficiency:
- Use free textbooks (like OpenStax) for a deeper review of weak areas.
- Save problem-solving for PrepFE or PPEHQ question banks.
- Use community cheat sheets for last-minute recall.
8. Track Your Progress
Keeping track of your scores across practice exams helps identify weak areas. Create a simple spreadsheet to log:
- Date of practice session
- Topic covered
- Number of questions attempted vs. correct
- Notes for improvement
This transforms your prep into a data-driven process instead of guesswork.
Why These Tips Work
By combining consistency, prioritization, and exam simulation, candidates can replicate the benefits of paid prep courses while relying entirely on free tools. The key is not the number of resources used, but how effectively they’re integrated into a structured, focused strategy.
Conclusion: Building Your Free FE Exam Prep Strategy
Preparing for the FE exam does not have to be expensive. While commercial prep courses can cost hundreds of dollars, the internet and academic communities provide a wealth of free, high-quality resources that cover every aspect of exam preparation. From the official NCEES Handbook and specifications to university lectures, open-access textbooks, practice questions, and online study groups, students have access to nearly everything they need to succeed.
The challenge lies not in finding resources, but in using them effectively. Candidates who create a structured study plan, focus on high-weight topics, actively practice problem-solving, and simulate test conditions stand the best chance of passing on their first attempt. With pass rates ranging between 60% and 73% depending on the discipline, smart and consistent preparation makes the difference.
By carefully selecting the right free resources and combining them with discipline and accountability, engineering students and graduates can maximize their chances of success—without spending a dime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it possible to pass the FE exam using only free resources?
Yes, many students have successfully passed using only free materials. The key is consistency, active practice, and focusing on the NCEES FE Reference Handbook since it is the only resource allowed during the exam. Free practice problems, university lectures, and open textbooks can provide the same foundational support as paid programs.
2. How long should I study for the FE exam?
On average, candidates spend 3–4 months preparing with about 10–15 hours per week of study time. However, the timeline depends on your familiarity with the subjects and how long it has been since you graduated. Structured planning and weekly goals are more important than the exact duration.
3. What is the best free resource for FE exam preparation?
The NCEES FE Reference Handbook is the most important resource since it is provided during the actual exam. Beyond that, combining free practice exams from PPEHQ or PrepFE, Marshall University video lectures, and open textbooks like OpenStax creates a strong, well-rounded preparation toolkit.
4. What is the pass rate for the FE exam?
According to NCEES, first-time pass rates typically range between 60% and 73%, depending on the discipline. For repeat takers, the rate is significantly lower, which is why proper preparation is essential.
5. Should I still consider paid prep courses if free resources are available?
Free resources are often sufficient, but paid prep courses may be worthwhile if:
- You struggle with self-discipline and need structured schedules.
- You prefer guided video lessons tailored to exam topics.
- You want access to advanced question banks and analytics.
For most students, starting with free resources is a smart choice, and upgrading to paid options can be a backup plan if more support is needed.