Did you know that, according to data reported by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for 2025, nearly 50,000 engineering graduates take the FE exam every year?
Whether you’re wrapping up your undergraduate engineering studies or just curious about possible next steps on the path to becoming a licensed professional engineer, you’ve probably heard a lot about the FE exam. Got questions? Maybe you’re wondering what the test is, who takes it, and why it’s such a big deal.
That’s where I come in.
I’ll break it down for you in plain English—and I won’t ever ask you to break out some old textbook as a reference.
Key Takeaways
- Essential First Step: The FE exam is the first of two exams that you need to pass to become a licensed professional engineer in the U.S.
- Who Takes It: Usually senior year engineering students or recent grads from an ABET-accredited program.
- It Covers the Fundamentals: The questions cover most topics in undergraduate engineering courses, including chemistry, physics, and specific discipline topics like mechanical or civil engineering.
- Year-Round Testing: You can take the FE exam on various dates throughout the year.
- It Can Jumpstart Your Career: Passing the FE sets you up for actual licensure, more responsibility, and a bigger paycheck.
What Is the FE Exam, Exactly?
The FE exam, which stands for Fundamentals of Engineering exam, is like the gateway or gatekeeper boss in a video game. You need to beat it before you can move on to the next level of your engineering career. The exam is designed to test what you learned and, ahem, remember from college, and covers a range of topics. For most engineers, it’s the first step in the licensure process.
The test is officially administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). You can also take the FE exam for several different types of engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical, computer, industrial, and environmental engineering.
Who Should Take the FE Exam?
If you’re in your senior year of a bachelor’s degree program in engineering or your graduation was recent, then the FE is calling your name. A lot of students will tackle it before the ink dries on their diplomas, but they may depend on your career path. Some won’t take the FE exam until they’re already established engineers, and that might be because the company they work for wants them licensed.
Here’s who usually needs to take the exam:
- Recent college grads from ABET-accredited engineering programs.
- Students in their final year of college. And honestly, I think this is a good idea, because you still have everything fresh in mind.
- Engineers already in the field who want the licensure process.
What Does the FE Exam Cover?
This is a little off the wall, but think of the engineering exam as something like a greatest hits album. The test covers the fundamentals of engineering—the name of the exam is a pretty big clue there!—and pulls questions from all the core classes that you powered through in school.
The specific discipline you’re going for will shape your exam, but you’ll see topics like:
- Mathematics and statistics.
- Chemistry and physics.
- Engineering economics.
- Ethics and professional practice.
- Discipline-specific content (civil, mechanical, chemical engineering, and more).
So if you’re a chemical engineer, you can expect lots of chemistry. If you’re into electrical and computer engineering, brush up on circuits and code. Whatever version of the FE you take will focus on the NCEES fundamentals of that discipline.
How Do You Register for the FE Exam?
Ready to take the plunge? Here’s a quick breakdown of what your next steps:
- Create an account with NCEES and find your state board’s requirements.
- Choose your discipline. Pick the FE exam that matches your field.
- Find FE exam dates. The exam is offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers across the country.
- Pay your fee and click the register button.
- Show up on exam day with your approved calculator and photo ID.
Word to the wise: Make sure your calculator is on the NCEES-approved list! Nobody wants to get booted out over a TI-89.
What Happens After You Pass the FE Exam?
Passing is a big deal. It means you’ve completed the first two exams you need to become licensed as a professional engineer. You’ll have earned the title Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI). Some might say it’s just a fancy way of saying that you’re only halfway to where you really want to be, but I say, “Own it!” You worked hard for this.
After you pass, you’ll need to:
- Gain four years of engineering experience under a licensed professional engineer (PE).
- Apply for and pass the PE exam, which is the second exam you’ll need for full licensure.
- Celebrate!
Why Is the FE Exam So Important?
Here’s the deal. The FE exam will open doors for you. Once you pass, you’re in the pipeline to a licensed professional engineer, and that can mean bigger projects, signing off on plans, or even running your own business someday. Plus, engineers who have their FE license often make more money and have a bit more job security.
Think of passing the FE as leveling up your career. Like you’ve finally beaten that impossible boss level you’ve been stuck on for weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about a career in engineering, the FE exam is just part of the journey. But it’s a big one. So whether you’re a student, a recent grad, or a professional who’s ready to level up, start planning now. With the right prep, an approved calculator, and probably a boatload of caffeine, you’ll be ready for exam day.
FAQs
Pass rates vary by discipline, but most hover between 70% and 79% for recent graduates taking the test for the first time. While it isn’t a guarantee, be sure to prepare!
The FE exam covers the basics from your undergraduate engineering curriculum, while the PE exam tests your knowledge after you’ve had some experience in the field. You need to pass both to become a licensed professional engineer.
For a lot of students, two months of focused study will be enough, especially if you’ve just recently finished school. But it will depend on several variables.
Just having passed the exam probably won’t be enough for a pay increase, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
Absolutely! It puts you on the path to becoming a licensed professional engineer. It will open doors to more responsibility, potentially better job opportunities, and even a bigger paycheck down the line.
