The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a critical step for aspiring engineers in the United States who want to move toward professional licensure. Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the FE exam measures your grasp of core engineering principles and is typically taken by students close to graduation or recent graduates of ABET-accredited engineering programs.

One of the most common questions candidates have before registering is: “How long is the FE exam?” The exam lasts 5 hours and 20 minutes of actual testing time, with additional time allocated for a tutorial, scheduled break, and a short survey. In total, you should plan for about 6 hours from start to finish. With 110 multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of technical subjects, the FE exam is as much a test of endurance and time management as it is of knowledge.

To succeed, candidates must not only prepare for the content but also understand the exam’s timing and structure. This article will break down the FE exam length, explain what to expect on test day, and provide time management strategies to help you perform at your best.

Key Takeaways

  • Total Duration: About 6 hours, including tutorial, break, and survey.
  • Exam Time: 5 hours and 20 minutes of active testing.
  • Questions: 110 multiple-choice questions across core engineering topics.
  • Format: Computer-based, administered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers.
  • Why It Matters: Time management is essential since the exam averages less than 3 minutes per question.

FE Exam Structure and Timing Breakdown

When preparing for the FE exam, it’s not enough to know that it lasts about six hours — you need to understand how that time is divided. The NCEES has designed the exam format to balance testing time with short breaks and pre-exam instructions. Here’s the full breakdown of the exam schedule:

1. Pre-Exam Tutorial (8 minutes)

Before the test begins, candidates are given a short computer-based tutorial to learn how the exam software works. This section introduces features such as:

  • How to navigate between questions
  • How to flag questions for review
  • Using the built-in calculator and reference handbook

This is not part of the testing time, but it helps you get comfortable with the digital interface so you don’t waste valuable minutes figuring it out later.

2. Exam Section 1 (Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes)

The first half of the FE exam consists of 55 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have around 160 minutes to complete them, which averages to less than 3 minutes per question. Since the FE covers a wide range of topics — from mathematics and probability to fluid mechanics and ethics — pacing yourself here is critical.

3. Scheduled Break (25 minutes)

After the first 55 questions, you’ll receive a 25-minute scheduled break. While optional, most candidates take it to stretch, hydrate, and reset mentally. Keep in mind that once the break starts, the clock pauses, and once it ends, you must return to your testing station promptly.

4. Exam Section 2 (Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes)

The second half mirrors the first — 55 more questions in about 160 minutes. By this point, fatigue often sets in, which makes managing your energy levels important. Many students report that the second session feels more challenging, not because of the questions themselves, but because of mental exhaustion.

5. Post-Exam Survey (5 minutes)

At the end of the exam, NCEES provides a brief survey about your testing experience. While optional, it is included in the total appointment time.

Total Appointment Time

  • Tutorial: 8 minutes
  • Exam Section 1: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Break: 25 minutes
  • Exam Section 2: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Survey: 5 minutes
  • Total: ~6 hours

This structure shows that the 5 hours and 20 minutes of testing are just part of a longer, carefully timed exam process. Being aware of how your day will flow helps you plan everything from what to eat before the exam to how you’ll pace your time across the two main sections.

Time Per Question and Why Pacing Matters

One of the most overlooked challenges of the FE exam is not the difficulty of the questions themselves, but the limited time available to answer each one. With 110 multiple-choice questions and only 5 hours and 20 minutes of active exam time, candidates must move quickly and efficiently through the material.

How Much Time Do You Really Have Per Question?

Let’s break it down:

  • Total Testing Time: 5 hours 20 minutes = 320 minutes
  • Total Questions: 110
  • Average Time Per Question: ~2.9 minutes

That means, on average, you’ll have less than 3 minutes per question.

At first, this may sound manageable, but when you consider that some problems (like structural analysis, fluid mechanics, or electrical circuits) require more detailed calculations, the time can slip away quickly. Other conceptual or definition-based questions may only take a minute, so you’ll need to balance your pace strategically.

Why Pacing Is Critical

  1. Avoiding Time Traps
    Some questions are designed to test your ability to manage complexity. Spending 8–10 minutes stuck on one problem can leave you scrambling later. Recognizing when to skip and return is essential.
  2. Maintaining Energy
    Six hours of problem-solving is mentally exhausting. Working at a steady pace helps preserve energy for the second half of the exam, when fatigue usually sets in.
  3. Maximizing Accuracy
    Rushing through questions often leads to mistakes. On the other hand, spending too much time can force you to guess later. The key is striking the right balance between speed and accuracy.
  4. Flagging and Returning
    The NCEES exam software allows you to flag questions. A good pacing strategy is to attempt every problem quickly, flag uncertain ones, and circle back if time allows. This ensures you don’t leave any questions unanswered.

Time Management Example

Suppose you divide the 55 questions in each section into blocks of 10. That gives you about 29 minutes per block. By monitoring your progress in intervals, you’ll know whether you’re ahead or behind pace.

Here’s a sample breakdown:

BlockQuestionsTarget TimeRunning Total
11–1029 minutes29 minutes
211–2029 minutes58 minutes
321–3029 minutes1 hour 27 min
431–4029 minutes1 hour 56 min
541–5029 minutes2 hours 25 min
651–5515 minutes2 hours 40 min

This structured pacing allows some cushion for harder problems without derailing your progress.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Walking into your FE exam appointment prepared not only for the content but also for the test-day logistics can make a significant difference in your performance. Many candidates report that understanding the process ahead of time helps reduce anxiety and keeps them focused once the exam begins.

1. Arrival and Check-In

  • Arrive Early: NCEES advises arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
  • Identification: Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. The name must exactly match the one on your NCEES account.
  • Security Procedures: Expect fingerprinting, digital signatures, and a photo as part of the check-in. You’ll also be assigned a locker to store personal belongings, since no bags, phones, or notes are allowed inside the testing room.

2. Test Center Environment

The FE exam is administered at Pearson VUE test centers. These centers maintain a strict testing environment:

  • Quiet, climate-controlled testing rooms
  • Individual workstations with computer monitors
  • Scratch paper and pencils provided by the center
  • Access to the NCEES FE Reference Handbook in digital format on-screen

You will not be allowed to bring your own notes, paper, or calculators, though the software provides an on-screen calculator approved by NCEES.

3. Exam Structure Recap

Once seated, you’ll first go through the 8-minute tutorial before the exam begins. After completing the first 55 questions, you’ll have the option to take a 25-minute scheduled break. The second half of the exam resumes afterward with another 55 questions, followed by the closing survey.

4. Break Rules

  • During the break, you can step outside the testing room, use the restroom, and eat a snack or drink water from your locker.
  • Once the 25 minutes are up, you must return promptly. If you’re late, the exam clock resumes without you.

5. Ending the Exam

At the end of the test, you’ll be asked to complete a short survey about your experience. Your results will not appear immediately on-screen; instead, you’ll receive official results via your MyNCEES account within 7–10 business days.

Why This Matters for Time Management

Knowing the exam-day flow helps you mentally prepare for the long appointment window of around six hours. From the moment you check in until you walk out, everything is scheduled and timed, so eliminating surprises can help reduce stress and keep you focused on pacing through questions.

FE Exam Pass Rates and What They Reveal About Timing and Preparation

The FE exam is challenging, but not impossible. One of the best ways to understand its difficulty — and why time management is so critical — is to look at the official pass rates published by NCEES. These rates vary by discipline, educational background, and whether you are a first-time taker or a repeat candidate.

Current FE Exam Pass Rates

According to the latest NCEES pass rate data:

  • First-time takers with a degree from an ABET-accredited program:
    • FE Civil: 66%
    • FE Mechanical: 72%
    • FE Electrical and Computer: 72%
    • FE Chemical: 72%
    • FE Environmental: 66%
    • FE Other Disciplines: 62%
    • FE Industrial & Systems: 62%
    • FE Mining and Geological: 88%
  • Repeat takers see a significantly lower success rate, often below 40% across most disciplines.

What These Numbers Mean

  1. First-Time Advantage
    The higher pass rates for first-time takers show that approaching the FE exam early, usually around graduation, gives candidates an edge. This is when your coursework is still fresh and you can move more quickly through questions without spending extra time relearning concepts.
  2. The Role of Timing
    With less than 3 minutes per question, successful candidates often prepare not just by studying content but also by practicing under timed conditions. Those who fail often cite running out of time as one of their biggest challenges.
  3. Endurance is a Skill
    A six-hour exam is a test of mental stamina. Students who pace themselves and manage their breaks effectively are more likely to maintain accuracy throughout the second half, where fatigue sets in.
  4. Preparation Strategy Matters
    Data shows that candidates who use practice exams that simulate real timing perform better. By training under timed conditions, you develop a rhythm that matches the real exam pace.

Pass Rates and Exam Discipline

It’s worth noting that disciplines like Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical — the most common FE exams — have the largest testing pools and pass rates around 66–72%. Meanwhile, smaller disciplines like Mining and Geological Engineering show higher pass rates, but with far fewer test takers.

This tells us that the exam’s difficulty is consistent across fields, but your preparation and ability to manage the timing and pressure directly influence outcomes.

Strategies for Managing Time During the FE Exam

Passing the FE exam isn’t just about knowing the material; it’s about managing your limited time wisely. With only 2.9 minutes per question on average, you need a clear approach to pacing. Below are proven strategies that help test-takers stay on track and avoid running out of time.

1. Master the NCEES Reference Handbook

The FE Reference Handbook is the only resource allowed during the exam, provided digitally within the testing software.

  • Learn how to search quickly using keywords.
  • Bookmark formulas and tables you’ll likely need.
  • Practicing with the handbook during study sessions saves valuable seconds on exam day.

2. Use the “Two-Pass” Strategy

Not all questions are created equal. Some are straightforward, others require longer calculations.

  • First Pass: Answer all quick, easy, and familiar questions. Flag the tougher ones.
  • Second Pass: Return to flagged questions and allocate more time.
    This prevents getting stuck early and running out of time for questions you could have answered easily.

3. Keep an Eye on the Clock

The exam software displays a timer, but don’t check it obsessively. Instead:

  • Break each 55-question section into smaller blocks (e.g., 10–15 questions).
  • Set “checkpoints” for yourself (e.g., finish 30 questions in the first 90 minutes).
  • If you’re behind pace, adjust quickly by skipping harder problems.

4. Use Approximation and Elimination

Sometimes full calculations aren’t necessary.

  • Eliminate obviously wrong answers to improve your odds if guessing is needed.
  • Estimate when calculations are long — often, only one option is close enough to be correct.
  • Remember: there is no penalty for guessing on the FE exam, so never leave a question blank.

5. Manage Your Energy

Time management isn’t just about speed — it’s about stamina.

  • Use the 25-minute break wisely: hydrate, eat a light snack, and rest your eyes.
  • Avoid reviewing notes during the break (not allowed inside anyway); focus on refreshing your mind.
  • Pacing yourself early helps you maintain accuracy during the second half when fatigue sets in.

6. Practice Under Real Conditions

During preparation, simulate the actual exam environment:

  • Take full-length practice exams to build endurance.
  • Train with the same on-screen calculator provided by NCEES.
  • Stick to timed practice sessions rather than untimed problem-solving.

Why These Strategies Work

Candidates who prepare under timed conditions and follow a pacing plan often report feeling less stressed and more in control during the exam. By practicing time management beforehand, you ensure that exam day feels like just another rehearsal, not a new challenge.

How to Register and Schedule the FE Exam

Before you sit for the FE exam, you’ll need to go through the official registration and scheduling process. Since the exam is offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers, you have flexibility in choosing a date that fits your preparation timeline. Understanding the process ahead of time ensures you don’t run into last-minute delays.

1. Create an NCEES Account

The first step is to create an account on the MyNCEES portal. This account allows you to:

  • Register for the FE exam
  • Select your discipline (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
  • View your results once they’re released
  • Access resources such as the FE Reference Handbook

2. Exam Fees

The registration fee for the FE exam is $175, paid directly through the NCEES website. Some state boards may require an additional application or approval step, so it’s best to check your state’s licensing board requirements before registering.

3. Choosing Your Exam Discipline

When registering, you’ll select one of the following FE exam disciplines:

  • Civil
  • Mechanical
  • Electrical and Computer
  • Chemical
  • Environmental
  • Industrial and Systems
  • Other Disciplines
  • Mining and Geological

This choice should align with your educational background and career goals.

4. Scheduling Through Pearson VUE

After registration and payment, you’ll receive an authorization email from NCEES with instructions to schedule your exam through Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE offers testing year-round, and you can typically choose from multiple dates and times depending on seat availability at your nearest test center.

5. Rescheduling and Cancellations

Life happens, and sometimes you may need to change your test date. NCEES allows you to reschedule or cancel your exam through Pearson VUE, but fees may apply depending on how close you are to your test date:

  • 30 days or more before exam: Full refund minus a small administrative fee
  • 5–29 days before exam: Partial refund with higher fees
  • Less than 5 days before the exam: No refund available

6. Confirmation and Exam-Day Preparation

Once your exam is scheduled, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It’s important to:

  • Double-check the date, time, and location of your exam
  • Plan your travel in advance to avoid being late
  • Review test-day rules regarding ID, permitted items, and check-in procedures

Why Registration and Scheduling Matter for Time Management

Registering early ensures you secure your preferred test date and location. It also gives you a clear countdown timeline, which helps structure your study plan. Many successful candidates recommend scheduling your exam within a few months of graduation to maximize retention of coursework and minimize the need for extensive review.

Study Tips and Common Challenges

The FE exam covers a wide range of engineering fundamentals, and while every candidate’s study approach is different, there are proven strategies that can help maximize your efficiency and minimize stress. At the same time, it’s important to recognize the common challenges test-takers face so you can plan around them.

Study Tips for the FE Exam

1. Start Early and Build a Schedule

  • Give yourself at least 2–3 months of preparation.
  • Create a weekly study plan that divides topics into manageable sections.
  • Dedicate more time to areas you struggled with during college coursework.

2. Use the NCEES FE Reference Handbook Daily

  • Since this is the only resource allowed during the exam, practice solving problems with it from the start.
  • Learn how to search formulas quickly. This can save precious time during the exam.

3. Take Full-Length Practice Exams

  • Simulate the 6-hour testing environment at least once before exam day.
  • Focus on pacing: practice answering questions in under 3 minutes each.
  • Review not only your incorrect answers but also the ones you got right slowly — could you have answered them faster?

4. Focus on High-Yield Topics

  • According to exam specifications, certain topics like mathematics, probability, statistics, and ethics appear frequently.
  • Prioritize subjects that carry more weight in your chosen discipline.

5. Join Study Groups or Prep Courses

  • Many students find it easier to stay motivated with peers.
  • Prep courses (like those from PPI2Pass or School of PE) provide structured timelines and practice materials designed around exam pacing.

6. Balance Content Review with Test Strategy

  • Don’t just memorize formulas — practice solving problems under time pressure.
  • Develop shortcuts for common problem types (unit conversions, quick approximations, and formula recognition).

Common Challenges Candidates Face

1. Time Pressure

Many candidates report running out of time, especially on calculation-heavy problems. Practicing under strict timing conditions is key to avoiding this.

2. Mental Fatigue

Six hours of problem-solving can drain your focus. The 25-minute break is essential for recharging. Skipping it often backfires.

3. Over-Studying Rare Topics

Some students waste time diving deep into low-weighted subjects. Instead, review the official exam specifications and allocate study time proportionally.

4. Calculator Misuse

The on-screen calculator is functional but limited. Candidates who don’t practice with it beforehand lose time figuring it out during the exam.

5. Anxiety and Overthinking

Exam stress can lead to spending too much time double-checking answers. Train yourself to trust your preparation and move on when needed.

The Bottom Line on Studying

Successful FE candidates combine content mastery with timing discipline. It’s not enough to know the formulas — you must practice applying them quickly, using the tools provided, in a test-like setting.

Career Benefits of Passing the FE Exam

While much of the focus is on the length and difficulty of the FE exam, it’s important to remember why the effort matters. Passing the FE opens professional doors and sets the foundation for long-term success in engineering.

1. The First Step Toward Professional Licensure

  • Passing the FE is the prerequisite to becoming an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI), depending on your state.
  • From there, gaining work experience under a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) qualifies you to take the PE exam.
  • Ultimately, licensure allows you to sign off on projects, lead teams, and assume greater responsibility.

2. Expanded Career Opportunities

Many engineering firms, government agencies, and consulting companies view FE certification as proof of competence.

  • Some employers make passing the FE a condition of employment or advancement.
  • Holding a credential can give you an edge over other candidates in a competitive job market.

3. Higher Earning Potential

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that licensed engineers generally earn more than non-licensed engineers. While the FE alone won’t guarantee a salary boost, it positions you for licensure, which increases your long-term earning power.

4. Professional Credibility and Trust

  • Passing the FE demonstrates that you’ve mastered the fundamentals of engineering.
  • Even before obtaining a PE license, the EIT/EI designation shows employers, clients, and colleagues that you’re committed to the profession.

5. Mobility Across States and Fields

Since the FE is administered nationally by NCEES, passing it provides recognition across states. This makes it easier to:

  • Relocate for new opportunities
  • Transition into different engineering sectors
  • Qualify for government or defense-related roles that require licensure pathways

6. Long-Term Security

Engineering careers are built on credibility. Passing the FE early in your career provides long-term stability by putting you on the licensure track, ensuring you can take on leadership and design roles as your career progresses.

Why This Matters

The FE exam is not just an academic hurdle — it’s an investment in your professional future. While preparing for a 6-hour exam may feel overwhelming, the rewards include career growth, higher earning potential, and opportunities that would otherwise be closed off.

Conclusion: Mastering Time for FE Exam Success

The FE exam lasts about six hours in total, with 5 hours and 20 minutes of actual test-taking time spread across 110 questions. While the length can seem daunting, success comes down to preparation, pacing, and endurance. By understanding the exam’s structure, practicing under timed conditions, and learning to manage both your energy and your time, you position yourself for success on test day.

Beyond just passing a test, earning your FE credential is the first major step toward professional licensure. It opens career opportunities, builds credibility, and lays the foundation for long-term advancement in engineering.

The key takeaway is simple: prepare strategically, pace yourself effectively, and approach exam day with confidence. With the right plan, the FE exam is not just manageable — it’s an opportunity to prove your readiness for the professional path ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long is the FE exam in total?

The FE exam consists of 5 hours and 20 minutes of actual test-taking time, but when you include the pre-exam tutorial, scheduled break, and post-exam survey, the entire appointment lasts about 6 hours. Candidates should plan to spend the better part of their day at the test center. This extended timeframe includes:

  • 8 minutes for the on-screen tutorial
  • 2 hours 40 minutes for the first set of 55 questions
  • 25 minutes for a scheduled break
  • 2 hours 40 minutes for the second set of 55 questions
  • 5 minutes for the closing survey

Understanding this breakdown helps you plan meals, rest, and travel to ensure you’re mentally prepared for a long testing session.

2. How many questions are on the FE exam, and how much time does that give me per question?

There are 110 multiple-choice questions on the FE exam. With 320 minutes of test time, this averages to about 2.9 minutes per question. While some problems can be solved in under a minute (such as ethics or definition-based questions), others — particularly in areas like fluid mechanics or structural analysis — may take longer. Successful candidates develop a pacing strategy, often using the “two-pass method”: answer quick questions first, flag longer ones, and return later.

3. What happens if I run out of time on the FE exam?

If time runs out, the exam automatically submits all the answers you’ve completed up to that point. Any unanswered questions are marked incorrect, since there’s no partial credit. This is why time management is crucial — leaving a question blank is never a good strategy. Instead, make sure to at least select an answer for every question before time expires, since there is no penalty for guessing. Flagging and revisiting harder problems can ensure you maximize your score even under time pressure.

4. How can I best prepare for the time limits of the FE exam?

The most effective preparation involves practicing under real exam conditions. Here are some proven methods:

  • Take full-length practice exams in a single sitting to build stamina.
  • Use the NCEES FE Reference Handbook while studying so you can search it quickly on exam day.
  • Practice using the on-screen calculator provided in the exam software, since outside calculators aren’t permitted.
  • Break your practice into timed blocks (e.g., 10–15 questions in 30–45 minutes) to simulate the pacing required.
    By training yourself to work within the strict time limits, you’ll enter exam day with confidence and familiarity.

5. How long will it take to get my FE exam results?

Unlike some exams that provide immediate scores, the FE exam requires a short processing period. Results are typically released 7–10 business days after your exam date through your MyNCEES account. You’ll receive a pass or fail result, along with diagnostic feedback if you don’t pass. Since the FE is scored on a scaled system, your performance is measured against a standard rather than a fixed percentage, ensuring fairness across different exam versions.