How to Register for the FE Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is an important step for you to become licensed in your particular engineering discipline. Choosing your exam date will play a critical role in how you plan your studies and is typically done early on in your studies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Steps To Register
- FE Exam Requirements
- When To Register
- Exam Schedule
- Exam Day Checklist
- Scores
- Re-taking the FE Exam
Steps to Register for the FE Exam
To register for the FE exam, create an NCEES account, select an exam discipline and location, and pay the exam fee. By following these steps, you can take the first step towards becoming a licensed professional in your field.
Create an NCEES Account
To create an account you will need to establish a username and password along with basic contact information with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
Submit Required Documentation
When registering for the FE exam, you will need to provide some documentation to complete the registration process. The specific requirements may vary depending on your location and exam discipline, but generally, you will need to provide:
- Personal information such as your name, email address, and contact information
- Educational information like your school name and degree
- Some sort of ID like a passport or government-issued ID
- If you need special accommodations
Pay the FE Exam Registration Fee
In addition to the documents needed to register, you’ll also need to pay the exam fee using a credit or debit card. The cost can vary depending on location and exam discipline. The standard fee to register for the FE exam is $175 USD in most states.
It's also worth noting that if you need to reschedule your exam or make changes to your registration, there may be additional fees involved.
Schedule an Exam Date
The FE exam is offered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers. Pick a date that gives you enough time to prepare for the FE exam.
Note that some states may require you to have completed a certain number of credit hours or have a certain amount of work experience before scheduling an exam date.
Before You Schedule an FE Exam Date Download the Preparing for the FE Exam eBook
FE Exam Requirements
The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the first step in the process of becoming a licensed Professional Engineer in the United States. The requirements to take the FE exam may vary slightly by state, but generally include the following:
- Having the appropriate educational background
- Being 18 years of age or older
- Having a government-issued ID
- Registering and paying the exam fee
Education Requirements
The education requirements for registering for the FE exam can differ depending on which state or jurisdiction you are located in. Most states require applicants to have completed an ABET-accredited engineering or engineering technology program or an equivalent program recognized by the state licensing board.
In some cases, you may need to provide transcripts or degree certificates to verify your education.
Some states may even have specific requirements related to the number of credit hours you have completed or the types of courses you have taken.
Check with your state licensing board or the NCEES to determine the specific education requirements in your area before registering.
Calculator Requirements
You are allowed to use a calculator on the FE exam. The NCEES allows candidates to use TI-30Xa or TI-30XaS, and the Casio fx-115ES, fx-570ES, or fx-991ES.
Calculators should not be programmable and not have graphing capabilities.
When Should I Register for the FE Exam?
The best time to take the FE exam depends on your personal circumstances and career goals. Make sure you plan to spend around 12-14 weeks studying before registering. Some questions to answer to help you decide if you are ready to register for the FE exam can be:
- Are you currently in college or recently graduated?
- If your state has one, do you meet your state’s work experience requirement?
- Do you have enough time to study?
- Are you looking to pursue a PE license?
Ultimately, the decision of when to register is a personal decision that should take all of these factors into consideration.
FE Exam Schedule
The FE exam is offered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers. In general, you can schedule an exam appointment on any available date and time that suits you, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and register for the exam in advance.
Some test centers may have limited availability during peak exam periods, such as around graduation time so it’s recommended that you schedule your exam date early on in your prep to ensure you can secure a date and time that works for you.
Before FE Exam Day Checklist
You will undoubtedly be thinking about exam day the night before so to help you prepare for the FE exam consider developing a checklist of things to bring with you and be prepared for on exam day.
- Set a timer for when you need to leave in order to get to the testing center on time
- If you are easily distracted by loud noises grab some earplugs
- Pack your bag the night
- Have a screenshot of your exam appointment confirmation
- Make sure you have fresh batteries in your calculator
- Plan your exam day breakfast ahead of time
- Try to get a good night’s rest
- Dress in comfortable clothes on exam day
- Bring some of your favorite snacks and drinks to the testing center
How Long Till I Get My FE Exam Scores?
The length of time it takes to receive your FE exam scores can vary depending on which specific exam you took and where you took it but generally, you can expect to receive your results within 7-10 business days after the exam date.
Once your exam results are available, you will receive an email notification from the NCEES, and from there you can log in to your account to see your results.
If you pass the FE exam your results will display that you are “approved” or “passed.” If you fail, you’ll see that you have “not been approved” or “failed.”
Next Steps After Passing The FE Exam >>
How Many Times Can I Take the FE Exam?
Normally, the NCEES will allow candidates to take the FE exam once during any two-month testing window and no more than three times in a 12-month period.
If you do not pass the exam, you may need to wait at least 15 days before retaking the exam. After a third attempt, you might have to wait 12 months from the date of your last attempt to retake the exam.
Each state may have specific rules regarding the number of times you can take the FE exam or the length of time you need to wait before retaking, so check with your state’s licensing board for specific requirements in your area.
Ready to Start Preparing for the FE Exam?
Passing the FE exam requires careful preparation, dedication, and hard work. By starting early, and signing up for a PPI Prep Course you’ll get everything you need to pass your FE exam.
Ready to ace the FE exam?
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