While the decision to take the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam ultimately depends on your personal goals and aspirations, obtaining your FE license can provide numerous benefits and set a strong foundation for your engineering career: professional licensure, industry recognition, career opportunities, and professional development. Here are some resources to guide you through the process:
- The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing professional licensure for engineers and surveyors. NCEES develops and scores the FE exam, the first step to becoming a professional licensed engineer (PE). The FE exam may be taken as early as your last year in an undergraduate engineering degree program. NCEES offers study materials and practice exams.
- The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) works to promote and protect the engineering profession and the interests of its members. NSPE offers advocacy, professional development, networking, and licensing and regulation. Student memberships are free.
- McKelvey Engineering offers several FE Review courses (all 1 credit pass/fail and offered in spring):
- JCE4950 – FE Review for Civil Engineers (JEP)
- JME4950 – FE Review for Mechanical Engineers (JEP)
- JEE4950 – FE Review for Electrical Engineers (JEP)
- MEMS4001 – FE Review for Mechanical Engineers (WUSTL students)
- ESE401 – FE Review for Electrical Engineers (WUSTL Students)
- Note: JME4950 and JCE4950 is required for JEP students in those programs.
- Review these tips for FE exam prep.
Why Take the FE Exam?
- To pursue a professional engineering license (PE), you must first pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination. Check the State Licensing Board where you will take the exam for specific eligibility requirements.
When Should You Take the FE Exam?
- You can take the FE exam at any time during or after your senior year. However, since the FE exam covers material that is fresh in your mind while you are still a student, it is recommended that you take the FE exam during your senior year, or shortly thereafter.
What Material is Covered in the FE Exam?
- The FE exam covers subject matter taught in a typical EAC/ABET, Inc. accredited B.S. engineering degree program. It appropriately covers a comprehensive range of subjects in engineering. (See the NCEES website for details.) Note: Be sure to register for the discipline-specific version (chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, or other discipline) of the FE exam for your engineering major.
What is the Format of the FE Exam?
- Examinees have 6 hours to complete the exam, which contains 110 multiple-choice questions. The 6-hour time also includes a tutorial, a break, and a brief survey at the conclusion. The actual exam time is 5 hours 20 minutes. You can learn more about the examination experience by visiting the NCEES YouTube Channel.
Registration for the FE exam is done on line through the NCEES web site. To register for an FE exam, log in to your MyNCEES account, select the REGISTER button, and follow the onscreen instructions. An exam fee of $225 is payable directly to NCEES during the registration process.
This information has been excerpted from https://ncees.org/exams/.
