How to Pass the FE Exam

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the gateway to professional engineering licensure in the United States. Managed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), it tests the foundational knowledge gained during an undergraduate engineering program. Passing this exam is not only a professional requirement for future engineers but also a valuable credential that enhances career opportunities and long-term earning potential.

The FE exam is known for its breadth of topics, strict time limits, and relatively modest pass rates. According to NCEES pass rate data, first-time examinees from ABET-accredited programs achieve pass rates between 66% and 76%, while repeat takers face significantly tougher odds. This makes a strong preparation strategy essential for success.

This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to help you pass the FE exam, from understanding its structure to building a study plan, practicing effectively, and applying proven strategies on test day.

Key Takeaways

  • The FE exam is the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the U.S.
  • It is a 6-hour, computer-based exam with 110 multiple-choice questions across fundamental engineering topics.
  • Pass rates for first-time ABET-accredited graduates are around 66–76%, but much lower for repeat takers.
  • Success requires not only technical knowledge but also familiarity with the NCEES FE Reference Handbook and effective time management.
  • With a clear study plan, consistent practice, and exam-day strategies, passing the FE exam is highly achievable.

Understanding the FE Exam Structure

Before diving into preparation, it’s essential to understand exactly what the FE exam looks like. Many candidates underestimate the scope and timing, which can impact their performance. By knowing the structure in advance, you can align your study plan with the actual demands of the test.

Exam Format

The FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT) administered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. Candidates can schedule their exam at a time convenient to them, subject to seat availability.

  • Duration: 6 hours total
    • 5 hours and 20 minutes of actual exam time
    • 25 minutes for a tutorial and review
    • 25-minute scheduled break
  • Questions: 110 multiple-choice questions
  • Question Types: Mostly traditional multiple-choice, but some may involve fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, or interactive formats
  • Scoring: Results are pass/fail and typically released within 7–10 days of the exam date

Exam Disciplines

The FE exam is offered in seven discipline-specific versions. Choosing the right one is critical, as it should align with your undergraduate degree or the field you plan to practice in:

  1. Civil Engineering
  2. Mechanical Engineering
  3. Electrical and Computer Engineering
  4. Chemical Engineering
  5. Industrial and Systems Engineering
  6. Environmental Engineering
  7. Other Disciplines (a general version for fields not covered above)

Most candidates select the discipline closest to their degree since exam questions reflect the knowledge base of that program. For example, civil engineering candidates will face questions on structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and hydraulics, while mechanical candidates will see thermodynamics, heat transfer, and mechanical design.

Content Breakdown

Each exam version follows an NCEES exam specification, which details the percentage of questions from each topic area. For example, in the FE Civil exam, the breakdown looks like this:

  • Mathematics & Statistics – 8–12%
  • Ethics & Professional Practice – 4–6%
  • Engineering Economics – 4–6%
  • Statics – 8–12%
  • Dynamics, Kinematics, and Vibrations – 4–6%
  • Mechanics of Materials – 7–11%
  • Fluid Mechanics – 7–11%
  • Materials Science – 4–6%
  • Structural Analysis – 7–11%
  • Transportation Engineering – 6–9%
  • Geotechnical Engineering – 10–15%
  • Environmental Engineering – 6–9%
  • Construction – 4–6%
  • Surveying – 4–6%
  • Probability & Statistics – 3–5%

This ensures the exam tests not just one area of expertise but a broad understanding of engineering fundamentals.

The FE Reference Handbook

The only resource allowed during the exam is the official NCEES FE Reference Handbook. This electronic manual is provided within the exam interface and includes key equations, formulas, and unit conversions. Success depends heavily on how quickly and effectively you can navigate it, making it important to practice with the handbook during your preparation.

Scoring and Pass/Fail Decision

NCEES does not release exact scores or passing thresholds. Instead, the exam uses a scaled scoring system to ensure fairness across different versions. Candidates receive only a “pass” or “fail” result, with a diagnostic report provided to those who fail. This report outlines performance in each subject area, which can guide preparation for a retake.

How to Choose the Right FE Discipline

One of the most important steps before registering for the FE exam is deciding which discipline to take. Since the FE exam is offered in seven versions, selecting the right one can significantly influence your chances of success. The good news is that the choice is usually straightforward for most candidates, but there are cases where a bit of strategy is required.

Available FE Exam Disciplines

NCEES currently offers the FE exam in the following formats:

  • FE Civil
  • FE Mechanical
  • FE Electrical and Computer
  • FE Chemical
  • FE Industrial and Systems
  • FE Environmental
  • FE Other Disciplines (general exam)

1. Match the Exam to Your Degree

The simplest and most common approach is to select the exam that corresponds to your undergraduate degree. For example:

  • Civil Engineering graduates → FE Civil
  • Mechanical Engineering graduates → FE Mechanical
  • Electrical Engineering graduates → FE Electrical and Computer

NCEES designs each discipline’s exam to reflect the knowledge base of students who studied in that specific program. Choosing the exam aligned with your degree usually gives you the strongest foundation.

2. Consider Your Career Path

If your degree is broad or interdisciplinary, your career goals may play a bigger role in the decision. For example:

  • A chemical engineering graduate pursuing a career in environmental engineering may consider FE Environmental.
  • An industrial engineering graduate moving toward operations management may stick with FE Industrial and Systems.
  • Graduates in general engineering or physics may opt for the FE Other Disciplines exam, which provides a wide coverage of fundamental topics.

3. FE Other Disciplines: Who Should Take It?

The FE Other Disciplines exam is designed for candidates who come from less traditional engineering majors, such as:

  • Engineering physics
  • Materials engineering
  • Bioengineering
  • General engineering

It covers a broad mix of math, ethics, statics, dynamics, fluids, and basic engineering science. While versatile, it can feel more challenging because it spans multiple areas rather than focusing deeply on one field.

4. International Graduates and Non-ABET Programs

If your degree was earned outside the U.S. or at a non-ABET-accredited institution, your choice may depend on the professional licensing board in the state where you plan to practice. Some boards recommend or even require international candidates to take the FE Other Disciplines exam. It’s always wise to confirm with your state board via the NCEES Member Boards directory.

5. Long-Term Licensing Requirements

While the FE exam is standardized nationally, some states may have preferences for certain disciplines when it comes to the PE exam stage. If you plan to work in a highly specialized field (e.g., structural engineering in California), it’s worth considering the discipline that aligns best with your long-term licensure path.

Quick Decision Checklist

When choosing your FE discipline, ask yourself:

  • Does my degree directly match one of the FE exam versions?
  • If not, which discipline is closest to my coursework?
  • Does my career path suggest focusing on a specific discipline?
  • Do state licensing requirements influence my choice?

Building an Effective Study Plan

Passing the FE exam requires more than just technical knowledge — it requires structured preparation. With 110 questions covering a wide range of engineering topics, an organized study plan ensures you cover all the material, practice efficiently, and walk into test day confident.

1. Determine Your Study Timeline

The first step is to decide how much time you need to prepare. The timeline depends on your background, confidence level, and daily availability.

  • 3 Months (Most Common): Around 8–12 hours per week is sufficient for most candidates.
  • 6 Months (Extended Prep): Ideal if you’re balancing full-time work or if your coursework was years ago.
  • 1–2 Months (Accelerated): Possible if you recently graduated, have strong fundamentals, and can dedicate 15–20 hours per week.

A study conducted by PPI2Pass found that most successful candidates invested 200–300 hours of preparation for the FE exam.

2. Break Down the Content

Start by reviewing the official NCEES FE exam specifications. These outline the exact percentage of questions by topic. Focus your time proportionally — spend more hours on high-weighted topics and areas you find difficult.

For example, in FE Civil:

  • High Priority: Mathematics, Statics, Mechanics of Materials, Geotechnical, Structural, Fluid Mechanics (a large percentage of questions).
  • Medium Priority: Transportation, Environmental, Surveying.
  • Lower Priority: Construction, Ethics, Engineering Economics (smaller percentage, but still important).

3. Use the FE Reference Handbook Early

The FE Reference Handbook is your only allowed resource during the exam. Becoming familiar with it early in your preparation is critical. Don’t memorize every formula — instead, learn where and how to find equations quickly. This skill can save valuable minutes on test day.

4. Practice with Problems, Not Just Reading

Many candidates fall into the trap of reading textbooks or notes without solving enough practice problems. The FE exam is application-based, so consistent problem-solving is essential. Use:

  • Official NCEES FE Practice Exam (closest to real exam difficulty).
  • Prep books like PPI’s FE Review Manual.
  • Online question banks or prep platforms for timed practice.

5. Create a Weekly Study Schedule

A good study plan balances review and practice:

Sample 12-Week Plan (FE Civil Example):

  • Weeks 1–2: Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, Ethics, Economics.
  • Weeks 3–5: Statics, Mechanics of Materials, Dynamics.
  • Weeks 6–7: Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulics, Environmental.
  • Weeks 8–9: Structural, Geotechnical.
  • Week 10: Transportation, Surveying, Construction.
  • Week 11: Full-length practice exam and timed sessions.
  • Week 12: Weak areas review + strategy refinement.

6. Balance Study with Work or School

If you’re preparing while working full-time, try shorter, consistent study sessions (e.g., 1–2 hours daily). Weekends can be reserved for longer practice sessions or mock exams. Consistency is far more effective than cramming.

7. Track Progress and Adjust

Regularly test yourself under timed conditions. If practice scores show weakness in certain areas, reallocate study time. Most candidates improve significantly when they identify and close gaps early.

Top Study Resources for the FE Exam

Having the right study resources is one of the biggest factors that determines FE exam success. With so many books, courses, and practice materials available, it’s important to know which ones provide the most value. Here are the most effective resources to include in your preparation.

1. Official NCEES Resources

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) provides the most authoritative preparation tools:

  • FE Reference Handbook (Free PDF Download):
    The only resource allowed during the exam. Learn to navigate it early. Available for free once you create an NCEES account.
  • NCEES FE Practice Exam ($60):
    Each discipline has its own practice exam booklet. These contain 100+ retired questions that most closely match the real test in style and difficulty.

These two resources should form the foundation of your prep.

2. Comprehensive Review Books

Several publishers specialize in FE exam prep books that provide in-depth coverage, practice problems, and study tips:

  • PPI2Pass – FE Review Manual (by Michael R. Lindeburg):
    Considered the gold standard among review books. Covers all exam topics with clear explanations, equations, and hundreds of practice problems.
  • PPI2Pass – FE Practice Problems:
    Companion workbook with additional problem sets to reinforce concepts.
  • School of PE Review Guides:
    Offers structured books with chapter-wise practice aligned to NCEES specifications.

3. Online Prep Courses

For candidates who prefer guided study with structured lessons, online prep platforms are highly effective. These include:

  • PPI2Pass Online Courses: Instructor-led or self-paced courses with homework, video lectures, and practice tests.
  • School of PE: One of the most popular platforms, known for live online classes, on-demand sessions, and detailed notes.
  • Civil Engineering Academy (CEA): Affordable, focused resources especially strong for FE Civil exam prep.
  • Udemy & Coursera: Budget-friendly courses for brushing up on fundamentals like math, statistics, or fluids.

4. Problem-Solving Platforms

Practice is the single most important part of FE prep. Consider these resources:

  • PrepFE: A digital platform offering large question banks, timed quizzes, and detailed solutions.
  • StudyForFE: Offers both FE review notes and large sets of practice problems.
  • Quizlet: Free flashcards to memorize formulas and key concepts.

5. Free Resources and Communities

  • NCEES YouTube Channel: Tutorials on registration, exam-day policies, and the exam interface.
  • Reddit (r/FE_Exam): A community where past takers share tips, study plans, and exam experiences.
  • Engineering student forums & LinkedIn groups: Helpful for networking and peer study support.

6. Building a Resource Mix

No single resource is enough. A balanced study toolkit looks like this:

  • Core: NCEES FE Reference Handbook + NCEES Practice Exam
  • Review: PPI2Pass FE Review Manual (or equivalent)
  • Practice: Online question bank (e.g., PrepFE)
  • Support: Community forums or study groups for motivation

Effective Test-Taking Strategies for the FE Exam

Even with thorough preparation, the way you approach the exam on test day can make the difference between passing and failing. Since the FE exam is long, fast-paced, and covers a wide range of material, having a strategy ensures you use your time efficiently and stay focused throughout.

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Interface

Before test day, review the NCEES computer-based testing demo. Understanding how to navigate the screen, use the on-screen calculator, and access the FE Reference Handbook will save valuable time during the exam.

2. Time Management is Key

You’ll have 110 questions in 5 hours and 20 minutes — about 3 minutes per question on average. Since not all questions carry equal difficulty, time management is critical.

  • First Pass: Answer questions you know quickly.
  • Flag Difficult Ones: Don’t get stuck; mark them and return later.
  • Final Review: Use remaining time to revisit flagged questions.

This strategy prevents spending too long on a single problem at the expense of easier questions.

3. Maximize Use of the FE Reference Handbook

The FE Reference Handbook is your best friend during the exam — but only if you know how to use it efficiently.

  • Practice navigating it while studying.
  • Use the search function strategically to locate formulas.
  • Avoid wasting time flipping through sections you don’t know.

Candidates who are comfortable with the handbook gain a huge advantage over those seeing it for the first time on exam day.

4. Smart Guessing Strategy

There is no penalty for wrong answers on the FE exam. Always submit an answer.

  • Eliminate obviously incorrect options first.
  • If unsure, make an educated guess — never leave a question blank.
  • For calculation-heavy problems you can’t solve in time, try plugging answer choices back into formulas when possible.

5. Don’t Let Difficult Questions Break Your Flow

Some questions are designed to be time traps. If a problem seems too complex or requires excessive computation, flag it and move on. It’s better to score points on easier problems than to spend 15 minutes on one uncertain answer.

6. Use the Scheduled Break Wisely

The exam includes a 25-minute break at the halfway point. Use this time to:

  • Stretch and relax your body.
  • Hydrate and eat a small snack for energy.
  • Reset your focus before the second half.

Skipping the break may lead to fatigue, which can hurt performance in the later sections.

7. Manage Exam Stress

Test anxiety is common, but preparation and mindset can help:

  • Practice under timed conditions before the exam to simulate pressure.
  • Breathe deeply if you feel overwhelmed during the test.
  • Stay positive — remember that you don’t need a perfect score to pass.

8. Review Before Submitting

If time permits, revisit flagged questions. Double-check units, formulas, and calculator entries. Many points are lost due to simple mistakes rather than a lack of knowledge.

FE Exam Registration, Costs, and Logistics

Understanding how to register, what it costs, and what to expect on exam day is just as important as studying. Many candidates overlook logistics, which can add unnecessary stress. Here’s a breakdown of the process.

1. Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility to take the FE exam varies by state. In most cases:

  • You must be a senior or recent graduate from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
  • Some states allow you to take the exam before graduation, while others require proof of degree completion.
  • International or non-ABET graduates may need additional documentation, evaluated by their state licensing board.

Always confirm with your state’s licensing authority through the NCEES Member Boards directory.

2. Registration Process

The registration process is straightforward and handled directly through NCEES:

  1. Create an NCEES Account: Sign up at the NCEES website.
  2. Select Your Exam Discipline: Choose one of the seven FE exam options.
  3. Pay the Exam Fee: A flat fee of $175 (as of 2025) paid directly to NCEES. Some states may charge an additional application or processing fee.
  4. Schedule Your Exam: Once registered, you’ll receive instructions to schedule at a Pearson VUE testing center.

3. Exam Availability and Scheduling

  • The FE exam is year-round, offered in four testing windows: January–March, April–June, July–September, and October–December.
  • You can take the exam once per testing window and up to three times per year.
  • Seats at Pearson VUE centers are limited, so schedule early for your preferred date.

4. Exam-Day Requirements

To avoid last-minute issues, ensure you have the correct items with you:

  • Valid Government ID: Must be unexpired and match the name on your NCEES account.
  • NCEES-Approved Calculator: Only specific models are allowed (e.g., TI-36X Pro, Casio FX-991ES Plus). Full list available on the NCEES calculator policy page.
  • Confirmation Email: Proof of exam appointment.
  • Personal Items: All bags, phones, and watches must be stored in assigned lockers outside the testing room.

5. What to Expect at Pearson VUE Test Centers

  • You’ll check in with your ID and have a photo, digital signature, and palm vein scan taken for security.
  • A locker will be assigned for personal belongings.
  • You’ll be guided to a computer station equipped with:
    • The FE Reference Handbook (digital version)
    • An on-screen calculator (in addition to your handheld NCEES-approved one)
  • A proctor monitors the exam at all times via cameras and walk-throughs.

6. Results and Retakes

  • Results are typically released within 7–10 days after the exam.
  • Scores are reported as Pass/Fail.
  • If you fail, you’ll receive a diagnostic report showing performance by topic area, which is valuable for targeted preparation.
  • Retakes: You may attempt the FE exam once per quarter and up to three times per year.

7. Additional Costs to Consider

While the NCEES fee is fixed at $175, candidates often spend additional money on:

  • Study Materials: $50–$300 (books, courses, practice exams).
  • Travel Costs: If the nearest Pearson VUE center is far away.
  • State Licensing Fees: Separate from the FE exam itself and required when applying for Engineer Intern (EI) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) status.

Final Preparation Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

As exam day approaches, your focus should shift from learning new material to reinforcing what you know, sharpening your test-taking skills, and avoiding common mistakes that can hurt performance. Here are some proven strategies to carry you through the final stretch.

Final Preparation Tips

1. Take a Full-Length Practice Exam Under Timed Conditions
Simulating the 6-hour testing experience is the best way to build stamina and practice pacing. Use the official NCEES practice exam or a trusted third-party exam to mirror real conditions.

2. Prioritize Weak Areas in the Last Weeks
Review your diagnostic results from practice exams. Spend the majority of your remaining study time targeting weaker topics while lightly reviewing stronger ones.

3. Practice with the FE Reference Handbook Daily
Since this is your only resource during the test, make sure navigating it is second nature. Searching for formulas quickly can save you minutes on exam day.

4. Create an Exam-Day Routine
Plan what you’ll eat, when you’ll wake up, and how you’ll travel to the testing center. Reducing uncertainty lowers stress levels.

5. Rest Before the Exam
A well-rested brain performs far better than one crammed with last-minute material. Avoid intense studying the night before — focus instead on light review and relaxation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Cramming Instead of Consistent Study
Relying on last-minute cramming rarely works for the FE exam. Success comes from months of steady practice.

2. Ignoring Low-Weight Topics
While it’s wise to focus on high-percentage areas, don’t completely skip smaller sections (like ethics or engineering economics). Every point counts.

3. Not Practicing Under Timed Conditions
Many candidates perform well at home but struggle under time pressure. Practicing with a timer ensures you can finish within the 5-hour, 20-minute window.

4. Over-Reliance on Memory
Some try to memorize every formula, only to panic when they forget one. Instead, rely on knowing how to find formulas in the Reference Handbook.

5. Skipping the Exam Break
Some students try to power through without a break. This often leads to fatigue and careless mistakes in the second half of the exam.

6. Leaving Questions Blank
Since there’s no penalty for guessing, leaving questions unanswered guarantees a lost point. Always attempt, even if it’s an educated guess.

Conclusion: Turning Preparation into Success

The FE exam is a challenging but achievable milestone that marks the beginning of your journey toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. With a clear understanding of the exam structure, the right discipline choice, an organized study plan, and effective test-taking strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Remember, success is not about perfection. You don’t need to know every concept in detail; you need a well-rounded grasp of the fundamentals, the ability to apply formulas and problem-solving techniques quickly, and the discipline to practice under realistic exam conditions.

Thousands of candidates pass the FE exam every year by preparing consistently, using the NCEES Reference Handbook wisely, and avoiding common mistakes that drain time and confidence. With determination and the right approach, you can join their ranks and take a major step forward in your engineering career.

FAQs About the FE Exam

1. How hard is the FE exam?
The FE exam is challenging because it covers a wide range of topics, from math and statistics to specialized engineering areas. However, with 200–300 hours of structured preparation and consistent practice, most candidates can pass on the first attempt.

2. How long should I study for the FE exam?
Most successful candidates study for 3–6 months, dedicating 8–12 hours per week. Recent graduates may need less time, while those who have been out of school for years may require longer preparation.

3. What score do I need to pass the FE exam?
NCEES does not publish a specific passing score. The exam is graded on a scaled pass/fail system, ensuring fairness across different test versions. Your focus should be on answering as many questions correctly as possible and managing time efficiently.

4. Can I take the FE exam without an engineering degree?
Eligibility varies by state. Most states require candidates to be senior-level students or graduates of an ABET-accredited program, but some allow other pathways. Check your state’s licensing board through the NCEES Member Boards directory.

5. What happens if I fail the FE exam?
If you don’t pass, you’ll receive a diagnostic report showing performance by subject area. You may retake the exam once per testing window and up to three times per year. Many candidates use the diagnostic report to strengthen weak areas before retaking.