FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering), eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$225
Provider
NCEES
Validity
Lifetime (EIT designation)
Available
USA
Education
Check official exam requirements
Experience
6-12 months of relevant experience recommended
Specific Requirements
- No universal prerequisite from NCEES. The FE is designed for students close to finishing an EAC/ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering program and for recent graduates.
- Each state licensing board sets its own eligibility rules, and you select your board during registration. Some boards require you to be within a set number of terms of graduation.
- A MyNCEES account is required to register, to download the reference handbook, and to view results.
- Some state boards charge their own application fee in addition to the $225 NCEES exam fee. Check your board's entry on the NCEES FE exam page before you register.
- International candidates approved through an entity other than Canada must take the exam at an NCEES-approved test center in that country.
Number of Questions
110 questions, including a limited number of unscored pretest items that NCEES does not identify
Duration
6-hour appointment: 2-minute nondisclosure agreement, 8-minute tutorial, 5 hours 20 minutes of testing, and a 25-minute scheduled break
Question Format
Traditional multiple choice with one correct answer, Multiple correct options, Point and click on part of a graphic, Drag and drop to match, sort, rank, or label, Fill in the blank with a numerical response
Passing Requirement
NCEES does not publish the passing score. Raw scores are converted to a scaled score and compared with a standard set by subject-matter experts, and results are reported only as pass or fail. There is no deduction for wrong answers and no partial credit.
How It Is Delivered
Computer-based at NCEES-approved Pearson test centers, year-round, on a 24-inch monitor. No online-proctored option.
Languages Offered
English only. NCEES states in its Examinee Guide that all NCEES exams are given in English.
Visit the official NCEES certification page
Create an account and select your exam
Choose a test center or online proctoring option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation email
- For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering)?
No universal prerequisite from NCEES. The FE is designed for students close to finishing an EAC/ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering program and for recent graduates.. Each state licensing board sets its own eligibility rules, and you select your board during registration. Some boards require you to be within a set number of terms of graduation.. A MyNCEES account is required to register, to download the reference handbook, and to view results.. Some state boards charge their own application fee in addition to the $225 NCEES exam fee. Check your board's entry on the NCEES FE exam page before you register.. International candidates approved through an entity other than Canada must take the exam at an NCEES-approved test center in that country..
How much does the FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) cost?
The FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam costs $225. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering)?
Visit the official NCEES certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering)?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.
Ready to prepare for FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering)?
Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.
View FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) Guide