The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a computer-based exam which allows an electronic resource. The FE exam includes 110 questions and is offered in seven disciplines: Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Computer, Environmental, Industrial and Systems, Mechanical, and Other Disciplines. Click on the tabs below to learn more about the exam.
FE Exam Details Overview
The NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE exam) is the first exam you will need to pass in order to become a professional licensed engineer (PE). You can take the FE exam as early as your last year in an undergraduate engineering degree program. Many exam candidates take the FE exam right after graduation. We recommend taking the FE exam as soon as possible. That way you have ample time to gain relevant work experience if you decide to take your PE exam down the road.
The FE exam includes 110 questions. The exam appointment time is 6 hours long and includes:
- Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
- Tutorial (8 minutes)
- Exam (5 hours and 20 minutes)
- Scheduled break (25 minutes)
The FE exam is administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers.
FE Civil Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the FE Civil exam is 69%.
Topics covered include:
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Engineering Economics
- Statics
- Dynamics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Materials
- Fluid Mechanics
- Surveying
- Water Resources and Environmental Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Construction Engineering
FE Mechanical Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the FE Mechanical exam is 75%.
Topics covered include:
- Mathematics
- Probability and Statistics
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Engineering Economics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Statics
- Dynamics, Kinematics, and Vibrations
- Mechanics of Materials
- Material Properties and Processing
- Fluid Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Heat Transfer
- Measurements, Instrumentation, and Controls
- Mechanical Design and Analysis
FE Chemical Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the FE Chemical exam is 74%.
Topics covered include:
- Mathematics
- Probability and Statistics
- Engineering Sciences
- Materials Science
- Chemistry and Biology
- Fluid Mechanics/Dynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Material/Energy Balances
- Heat Transfer
- Mass Transfer and Separation
- Solids Handling
- Chemical Reaction Engineering
- Economics
- Process Control
- Process Design
- Safety, Health, and Environment
- Ethics and Professional Practice
FE Electrical & Computer Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the FE Electrical & Computer exam is 72%.
Topics covered include:
- Mathematics
- Probability and Statistics
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Engineering Economics
- Properties of Electrical Materials
- Circuit Analysis
- Linear Systems
- Signal Processing
- Electronics
- Power Systems
- Electromagnetics
- Control Systems
- Communications
- Computer Networks
- Digital Systems
- Computer Systems
- Software Engineering
FE Industrial and Systems Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the FE Industrial exam is 65%.
Topics covered include:
- Mathematics
- Engineering Sciences
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Engineering Economics
- Probability and Statistics
- Modeling and Quantitative Analysis
- Engineering Management
- Manufacturing, Service, and Other Production Systems
- Facilities and Supply Chain
- Human Factors, Ergonomics, and Safety
- Work Design
- Quality
- Systems Engineering, Analysis, and Design
FE Environmental Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the FE Environmental exam is 76%.
Topics covered include:
- Mathematics
- Probability and Statistics
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Engineering Economics
- Fundamental Principles
- Environmental Chemistry
- Health Hazards and Risk Assessment
- Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics
- Thermodynamics
- Surface Water Resources and Hydrology
- Groundwater, Soils, and Sediments
- Water and Wastewater
- Air Quality and Control
- Solid and Hazardous Waste
- Energy and Environment
FE Other Disciplines Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the FE Other Disciplines exam is 68%.
Topics covered include:
- Mathematics
- Probability and Statistics
- Chemistry
- Instrumentation and Controls
- Engineering Ethics and Societal Impacts
- Safety, Health, and Environment
- Engineering Economics
- Statics
- Dynamics
- Strength of Materials
- Materials
- Fluid Mechanics
- Basic Electrical Engineering
- Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
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