2024 FE Exam Pass Rates

To become a professional engineer, you must first pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The FE exam is a computer-based test offered year-round in four testing windows: January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December. In this guide, we’ll break down the 2024 FE exam pass rates, categorized by discipline and examinee degree. We’ll also review the FE exam scoring process, the timeline for receiving results, and important information about retaking the exam, ensuring you're well-equipped to navigate this critical milestone in your engineering journey.

2024 FE Exam Pass Rates by Discipline

Here is the NCEES’s most recent FE Exam pass rate data for first-time test-takers.

2024 FE Exam Pass Rates by Examinee Degree

Review the pass rates for other FE Discipline exams broken down by examinee degree.

How does FE exam scoring work?

All FE exams are scored the same way. Your results will be based on the total number of questions you answered correctly. Your exam score is then converted to a scale score which represents the test-taker’s ability compared to the minimum ability level for the exam. There are no scoring penalties for incorrect answers on the FE exam, which is why it’s important to answer every question – even if you have to guess.

What score do I need to pass the FE exam?

All FE exam results are reported as pass or fail. You will not receive a numerical score in your exam results. The NCEES does not publish the passing scores for the FE exams because it varies based on difficulty. If you fail the FE exam, NCEES will provide you with a diagnostic report showing your performance so you can see where improvement is needed before retaking the exam.

When do I get my FE exam results?

You will be notified via email that your FE exam results are ready within 7-10 days after taking the exam. The notification email will include instructions to view your results in your MyNCEES account. Based on your performance on the exam, you will also receive information specific to your licensing board if you pass or a diagnostic report if you fail. You can download a sample diagnostic report on the NCEES website.

Can I retake the FE exam?

Yes, you can retake the FE exam if you do not pass. The NCEES policy for FE exam retakes is that you can test once per testing window (January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December), up to three times in 12 months. The 12-month cycle begins the month you take your first FE exam.

How to Increase Your Chances of Passing the FE Exam

Passing the FE exam is a huge milestone on your path to becoming a licensed engineer. While it is possible to retake the exam if you don’t pass, it’s always better to pass on your first attempt. While some FE exam disciplines have higher pass rates than others, all of the exams are challenging, which is why it’s important to devote adequate time to studying so you are ready for test day. 

Here are some ways you can increase your chances of passing the FE exam:

• Tip #1: Make a study plan. We recommend 12 to 14 weeks of studying for the FE exam for a minimum of three hours a day. This will give you plenty of time to make a study plan, identify areas for improvement, and review content.

• Tip #2: Use test prep resources. There are a wide variety of FE exam prep resources available to enhance your studies: Get a copy of the NCEES Handbook, follow an FE Review Manual, and take a realistic NCEES practice test. 

• Tip #3: Take an online course with a passing guarantee. The best way to increase your chances of passing the FE exam is to commit to an FE exam prep course with full access to practice tests, e-books, and more, with a passing guarantee and risk-free enrollment. Learn more about PPI’s FE exam prep course options.

Thinking about taking the FE exam? Download the Preparing for the FE Exam eBook.

What happens after I pass the FE exam?

Have you recently passed the FE exam? Congratulations! You are now considered an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) – or Engineering Intern (EI), depending on where you live. In order to receive your EIT certification, you’ll need to send your transcript to the state board where you want to be certified. Next, you’ll want to gain engineering work experience as an EIT. You need to acquire four years of approved work experience under a qualified PE to meet the requirements to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. While you’re working, you can start studying for the PE exam to earn your PE license. A license is required for engineers to practice in the U.S.