FE Civil Review Manual

Available in Print or eTextbook

Michael R. Lindeburg, PE’s FE Civil Review offers complete coverage of the NCEES Civil FE exam knowledge areas and the relevant elements—equations, figures, and tables—from the NCEES FE Reference Handbook. With concise explanations of thousands of equations, and hundreds of figures and tables, the FE Civil Review manual contains everything you need to successfully prepare for the FE Civil exam.

The FE Civil Review book organizes the Handbook elements logically, grouping related concepts that the Handbook has in disparate locations. All Handbook elements are featured in blue boxes for easy identification, familiarizing you with the only reference you will have on exam day. Equations, and their associated variations and values, are clearly presented. Descriptions are succinct and supported by exam-like example problems, with step-by-step solutions to reinforce the theory and application of fundamental concepts. Thousands of terms are indexed to facilitate cross-referencing. 

Book Features Include:

  • Complete coverage of all exam knowledge areas
  • Equations, figures, and tables of the NCEES FE Reference Handbook in blue boxes to familiarize you with the only reference you’ll have on exam day
  • Concise explanations supported by exam-like example problems, with step-by-step solutions to reinforce the theory and application of fundamental concepts

  • A robust index with thousands of terms to facilitate referencing

Civil Engineering Topics Covered:

  • Computational Tools
  • Construction
  • Dynamics
  • Engineering Economics
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Ethics and Professional Practice
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Hydraulics and Hydrologic Systems
  • Materials
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Statics
  • Structural Analysis
  • Structural Design
  • Surveying
  • Transportation Engineering
*eTextbook access benefits include:

  • One year of access
  • Ability to download the entire eTextbook to multiple devices, so you can study even without internet access
  • An auto sync feature across all your devices for a seamless experience on or offline
  • Unique study tools such as highlighting in six different colors to tailor your study experience
  • Features like read aloud for complete hands-free review

Sample PDFs

FE Civil Review
$149.00
PUB YEAR
2017
PAGE COUNT
732
FORMAT
Paperback and eTextbook
PRINT ISBN
9781591265290
PID# 580688

FAQs

No. Once you pass the FE exam, the result does not expire. Your Engineer-in-Training (EIT) status remains valid indefinitely in nearly all states. There are no continuing education (CE) requirements. You can take the PE exam years later without re-taking the FE. (Always confirm with your specific state licensing board, as a few have their own rules.)
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the NCEES exam that tests the core undergraduate engineering principles every engineer should know. It is the first of two exams on the path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE); passing it qualifies you as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI). It is best taken during your senior year or shortly after graduating.
No, the FE exam is not legally required for every engineer, but it is the first step toward a Professional Engineer (PE) license and is strongly encouraged. Many roles in civil, structural, and public-sector engineering effectively require it, and passing earns the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation that employers value for hiring and promotions. Engineers in some private-industry roles may never need it, but it keeps the most career paths open.
They're two sides of the same milestone. The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) is the exam; the EIT (Engineer-in-Training, also called Engineer Intern or EI in some states) is the designation you earn after passing it and applying to your state board. You take the FE, then become an EIT on the path to full PE licensure.
The FE exam is a closed-book, computer-based test (CBT) of 110 multiple-choice and alternative-item-type questions. You cannot bring reference books; the only available reference is the NCEES-provided searchable electronic FE Reference Handbook provided on-screen during the test. The total appointment is 6 hours (2-minute NDA, 8-minute tutorial, 5 hours 20 minutes of testing, and a 25-minute break).
The FE exam fee is $225, paid directly to NCEES. Some state licensing boards charge an additional, separate application fee.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (or passport/military ID) that matches your NCEES registration, and your appointment confirmation. You may bring one NCEES-approved calculator, eyeglasses, and any item on the NCEES Comfort Aid List. No personal reference materials, notes, or phones are allowed. The FE Reference Handbook is provided on-screen.
You can take the FE exam once per three-month testing window and a maximum of three times per year.
The FE exam is offered year-round. To register, create or log in to your MyNCEES account, select the FE exam and your discipline, pay any fees, and schedule your date and Pearson VUE test center location.
The FE exam is challenging but very passable, especially if you take it near graduation. Per NCEES (January 2026), first-time pass rates were: FE Chemical 68%, FE Civil 61%, FE Electrical & Computer 64%, FE Environmental 67%, FE Industrial & Systems 62%, FE Mechanical 69%, and FE Other Disciplines 61%. Examinees who test within 12 months of finishing their degree pass at notably higher rates compared to those who sit for the exam later in their careers. Please see the NCEES website for more details.
PPI uses a continuous-improvement process to keep materials aligned with the latest NCEES exam specifications and FE Reference Handbook. We hire subject matter experts (SMEs) current to the latest exam for each discipline to create and review all published content. Our practice questions are exam-like: they reference the correct Handbook sections, match the real exam's length and multiple-choice format, and span a realistic difficulty range so you're prepared for exam day.
Most successful examinees study 3–5 months and prioritize working practice problems over re-reading notes. A proven path: (1) get the NCEES FE Reference Handbook and practice navigating it; (2) take a diagnostic exam to find weak areas; (3) build a study schedule covering every exam topic; (4) work problems daily, prioritizingyour weaker subjects; (5) take full-length practice exams to build pace (about 3 minutes per question). PPI's FE review courses and practice problems in the Learning Hub structure this study for you.

What Our Customers Say

Sharker
"Good material and review, especially if you have been out of college for some time and forgot most of the subjects. This course covers the whole exam very well."
FE Customer
“The instructor was so helpful and professional, not to mention very patient with us all. I cannot thank the folks at PPI enough! They have been very helpful throughout the entire process, even before the course began. Thank you!"
Kevin
“After researching several study courses, I decided to enroll in the PPI review course for the FE. I chose it primarily for the schedule. It was flexible enough to allow me to study AND still have time for my wife and two young kids...not to mention working full time. I took the FE immediately following the course and PASSED!”
FE Customer
“I consider this an investment in my future, and I feel it has made a difference in my ability to pass the exam. If you take the time to do the homework, look at the course material, and ask questions during the class, the expense is worth it. I am confident it gave me a leg up towards passing the exam!"
DD
"As an engineer who has been out of school for awhile, this review course gave me direction and assistance in my studying. I would recommend it to anyone who needs to remember how to study again. The expectation of having to complete the assignments and quizzes got me back in the rhythm of studying, which was fantastic."
Roger
"Amazing instructor! Patient, knowledgeable, professional. My instructor not only provided us with the technical knowledge, but he also gave us test taking tips, told us the latest updates on how the test will be structured, and gave us a lot of encouragement. Solid study schedule. Really helpful lecture slides. Excellent review course!"
FE Customer
“The Live Course, with instructor and student interaction, makes it easier to be attentive to getting the homework done and working through the entire review. I cannot imagine attempting the exam with any less of a review/preparation than this course.
Peter
"As an engineer with a 30-year hiatus between undergraduate degree and taking the exam, I found the course to be a great review and overview of all the necessary engineering concepts and an excellent preparation for the FE Exam.”
Stan
"This course was well worth it. Be prepared to work hard and do your homework! The instructor was passionate about delivering quality course material and exam tips. Well worth the time and money!"
FE Mechanical Customer
"The lessons we went through in class were representative of what was on the FE exam. If anything, some of the sample problems in the lessons were a bit more involved than what was on the actual exam. This better prepared me to solve the problems."
Anthony
"I enjoyed the class and lectures and found them to be very informative and helpful in reviewing everything I learned in college. I am sure the other students in the class are well prepared as well after completing the online review course."
Joshua
"This course did a very good job helping me prepare for the FE exam. You are provided with all the tools necessary to pass the exam, and the instructor is very knowledgeable about the material, as well as exam-taking strategies."
Adrian
"This review course helped me prepare for (and pass) the FE in ways that I would not have been able to do by studying on my own. The online lectures, taught by a knowledgeable instructor, coupled with homework and quizzes, cover all subjects seen on the exam. I would recommend this course to anyone who is serious about passing the FE. In fact, I plan on taking the PE Online Review Course."
Mike
"The FE review course was very helpful, and the instructor did a great job explaining the course material. I would highly recommend taking this course for anyone who will be taking the FE exam."
Scott
"The material provided with this course was very helpful and a great way to practice for the exam. Tough homework problems drill the concepts and how to use equations. I passed the test the first time after being out of school for 4 years."
Kersen
"This course was extremely helpful to prepare for the FE exam and was a great refresher after graduating 10+ years ago. The combination of the reading materials, homework, quizzes, flashcards, handouts, office hours, and a very knowledgeable instructor really prepared me to know what to expect for the exam. I highly recommend this course."
FE Electrical Customer
“I passed right after taking this course! The course is set up to make you accountable for the homework and quizzes, and gives you the structure you need. Thanks PPI!"
Joey
"This course helped me tremendously! It’s hard for me to make and follow my own study schedule. The structure of the class was what I needed, and it was very beneficial to me. If you’ve been out of school for a few years, this is the course to take.”
Will
"The review course does an excellent job of providing many different problems for you to solve. Here's the catch: you still need to put in the effort and solve the problems. I don't normally like online format courses, but this one was better than most. The instructors are super responsive."
Phillip
"If you have been out of school for a couple of years, this course is extremely beneficial. It contains a comprehensive review of my undergraduate coursework, combined with suggested study schedules, that helped me tremendously. I utilized the quiz generator and practice exams extensively and have no doubt that they were instrumental to my preparation. I took the FE exam a month after the course and passed!"