Should I take the FE exam?

The short answer: If you’re an engineering student or recent graduate, taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is almost always worth it, even if your job doesn’t require it. Passing earns you Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) status. It also keeps the path to a professional engineer (PE) license open, and it’s easiest to pass while your coursework is still fresh. 

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FE exam at a glance

What is the Fundamentals of Engineering exam?

The FE exam is a 110-question, computer-based exam developed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). It’s offered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers and covers topics studied in undergraduate engineering courses. The exam appointment lasts about six hours. That includes 5 hours and 20 minutes of exam time, plus a tutorial and a scheduled break. 

The FE is the first of two engineering exams you must pass to become a licensed PE in the United States. After you pass, you can earn an EIT certification. Depending on your state, you’re then considered either an EIT or an EI. 

Who should take the FE exam?

Whether you’re still in school or several years into your career, the FE exam is a good fit for: 

• Engineering Seniors in EAC/ABET-Accredited Programs: Some programs, particularly in civil and environmental engineering, require students to take or pass the FE exam before they graduate.
• New Graduates Entering Licensure-Heavy Fields: In civil engineering, EIT certification is often a prerequisite for promotions, so employers expect new hires to pass early. 
• Working Engineers a Few Years Out of School: If your role is moving toward consulting, public works, or design work that requires a PE’s seal, the FE exam is your starting point. 
• Graduates of Engineering Technology or Related Programs: You may still be eligible, depending on your state board’s education and experience requirements. Learn more about taking the FE exam without an engineering degree. 

Should I take the FE exam if it’s not required for my job?

Many engineers work in roles that don’t require a license, especially in manufacturing and industry. Even so, there are strong reasons to take the FE exam:

• Your Career May Change: A role that doesn’t require licensure today could lead to one that does. Examples include consulting, public-sector work, and any position where you’d need to sign and seal plans.
• It’s Easier Now Than Later: The FE exam tests fundamentals from your undergraduate courses, and that knowledge fades the longer you’re out of school.
• It Keeps the PE Path Open: Passing the FE exam is the first step toward PE licensure, so taking it now saves you from relearning the fundamentals years from now.

Before you register, factor in the cost. As of October 2026, the NCEES exam fee is $225, and some state boards charge a separate application fee. Fees are subject to change, so confirm the current costs with NCEES and your state licensing board. It’s also worth asking your school or employer whether they offer reimbursement. 

If you’re certain your career will stay in the area where licensure is uncommon, the FE exam may matter less. Even then, many engineers find the EIT credential helps their resume stand out. 

What are the benefits of taking the FE exam?

Taking the FE exam has several benefits, especially if you want to advance your career and earn a competitive salary. These are the main advantages of passing the FE exam and earning EIT certification:

• The FE Exam is the First Step Toward PE Licensure: This is the most important benefit. After you pass the FE exam, you’ll typically gain about four years of engineering experience under a licensed PE, depending on your state. Then you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam and apply for your license. A PE license shows employers, the state, and the public that you meet the standards of professional competency, follow the rules for professional conduct, and protect the public interest. It also gives you the authority to sign and seal plans and drawings.
• The FE Exam Makes You More Competitive: Some employers require EIT certification for certain roles and promotions. Even where it isn’t required, an EIT certificate can set you apart in a competitive job market because it shows employers you’ve mastered the fundamentals and are working toward licensure.
• Your FE Results Go With You If You Move: The FE exam is a national exam, so your passing result isn’t tied to the state where you tested. If you relocate, you can apply for EIT certification or pursue your PE license with the new state’s board without retaking the FE exam. Requirements and application steps still vary by state, so check with the board where you plan to work. 

What can I do with my EIT certification?

EIT certification lets you do engineering work under the supervision of a licensed PE. Those supervised years count toward the experience most state boards require for a PE license, so how you spend them matters. To make the most of your time as an EIT:

• Treat Every Project as Future Application Material: Your PE application will ask you to explain the engineering work you’ve done and how your role grew. When a project wraps up, write a few lines about what you designed, analyzed, or decided, and who oversaw the work. 
• Look for Work That Builds in Responsibility: State boards generally want to see progressive experience, meaning your role grows over time. Ask for assignments that develop your engineering judgment, beyond repeating the same tasks. 
• Use Your Designation: Many states let you list EIT or EI after your name on your resume, email signature, and professional profiles. Check your state board’s rules first. 

As an EIT, you can’t offer engineering services directly to the public or take legal responsibility for engineering work. Those rights come with the PE license. 

When is the best time to take the FE exam?

The best time to take the FE exam is during your final year of an undergraduate engineering program or within a few months of graduating. Depending on your state, you may be able to sit for the exam before you graduate, though your board may wait until you’ve earned your degree to issue your EIT certificate.

If you’re a senior, consider testing early in your final year. Results typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so an early attempt leaves time to retake the exam before graduation if you need to.

Which FE exam should I take?

The FE exam is offered in seven disciplines, and most examinees choose the one that matches their degree. If you’re deciding between two disciplines, compare their NCEES exam specifications. Each one lists the knowledge areas covered and the approximate number of questions per area. If your degree doesn’t align with one of the six specific disciplines, the FE Other Disciplines exam covers a broader range of engineering topics. 

Pass rates can give you a sense of each exam’s difficulty, though they also reflect who takes each exam. Here are the most recent NCEES pass rates for first-time test takers, as of October 2026:

• FE Chemical: 68%
• FE Civil: 66%
• FE Electrical and Computer: 70%
• FE Environmental: 71%
• FE Industrial and Systems: 67%
• FE Mechanical: 73%
• FE Other Disciplines: 61%

For more detail, including pass rates by examinee degree, see our FE exam pass rates guide. 

How do I sign up for the FE exam?

Start with your state licensing board. Some boards let you register directly with NCEES, while others require you to apply for approval and pay a separate fee first. 

Once you’re cleared to register, create a MyNCEES account on the NCEES website and select your discipline, test center, and date. The FE exam is offered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers in four quarterly testing windows: January to March, April to June, July to September, and October to December. You can take the exam once per testing window and up to three times in a 12-month period.

As of October 2026, the NCEES exam fee is $225, not including any state board fees. Fees are subject to change, so confirm current costs with NCEES and your board before you register. 

How long should I study for the FE exam?

We recommend 12 to 14 weeks of study, for at least 3 hours per day. Your timeline may be shorter or longer depending on your background. 

To set a realistic schedule, start with a diagnostic, such as a set of practice problems from your review manual. This shows you which knowledge areas need the most work so you can spend your study hours where they count. If your engineering program offers an FE review course, as many civil engineering programs do, you may need less independent study time. 

How do I prepare for the FE exam?

Our six steps for successful FE exam prep walk through building a complete study plan. A few habits make the biggest difference: 

• Study with the FE Reference Handbook: The NCEES FE Reference Handbook is free to download. An electronic copy is the only reference you can use during the exam, so practice finding equations and tables in it quickly.
• Take a Practice Exam Under Timed Conditions: A full-length, timed attempt shows you how to pace yourself across 110 questions.
• Check the NCEES Calculator Policy Early: Only approved calculator models are allowed on exam day, so practice with the one you’ll bring. 

What happens after you pass the FE exam?

Congratulations! Here’s what to do after passing the FE exam if your goal is PE licensure:

1. Apply for EIT or EI certification with your state licensing board. Many boards require your official transcript or proof of degree.
2. Gain qualifying experience under a licensed PE, typically about four years, depending on your state.
3. Prepare for and take the PE exam.
4. Apply for your PE license once you meet all of your state’s requirements. 

What FE exam prep courses should I take?

Our FE exam prep courses cover every topic on the exam, with materials aligned to the current NCEES exam specifications. Choose from self-paced and instructor-led options to fit your exam date and learning style. Eligible courses are backed by our Pass Guarantee. 

To support your prep, we also offer free resources:

• Visit our FE Exam Resource Center for more about the FE exam and PE licensure. 
• Download our free eBook, Preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. 
• Get answers to frequently asked questions about the FE exam from our experts.

Frequently asked questions about taking the FE exam

Is the FE exam worth it if my job doesn’t require it?

For most engineering students and graduates, yes. Passing earns you EIT certification and keeps the path to a PE license open if your career goals change.

Can I take the FE exam before I graduate?

Depending on your state, yes. Many engineering seniors take the exam during their final year, though your board may wait until you’ve earned your degree to issue your EIT certificate.

How much does the FE exam cost?

As of October 2026, the NCEES exam fee is $225. Some state boards charge a separate application fee. Fees are subject to change, so confirm current costs with NCEES and your board.

How long is the FE exam?

The FE exam is 110 questions and 5 hours and 20 minutes of exam time, within a 6-hour appointment that includes a tutorial and a scheduled break.

How many times can I take the FE exam?

You can take the FE exam once per quarterly testing window, up to three times in a 12-month period.

Do I need to retake the FE exam if I move to another state?

No. The FE is a national exam, so your passing results stay valid if you relocate. You’ll still need to meet the new state board’s application requirements.