FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) Pass Rate 2026
Complete analysis of FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam difficulty, pass rates, and strategies to pass on your first attempt.
Pass Rate
Difficulty Verdict
Moderately Challenging
Recommended Study Time
4-8 weeks
Typical Attempts
1-2 attempts typical
FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering)'s ~71% (first-time) pass rate means roughly 29 out of 100 candidates fail. For a medium-difficulty NCEES exam, this is in line with expectations. Success requires covering all exam objectives — not just the ones you're comfortable with. At $225 per attempt, failing is costly. If you fail, you'll wait Next testing window before retaking. The certification is valid for Lifetime (EIT designation), so investing in solid prep pays off long-term.
Top Reasons Candidates Fail FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering):
Do This for FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering)
- Take during or right after college for best results
- 110 questions in 5 hours 20 minutes
- NCEES Reference Handbook provided digitally — learn to navigate it
- Available in 7 disciplines (Other Disciplines is most general)
Avoid This
- Not practicing with the approved calculator model
- Trying to memorize formulas instead of learning to find them in the handbook
- Ignoring less common topics that still appear on the exam
- Not taking timed practice exams to build speed
Ready to Beat the Odds?
Get our complete FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) study guide with practice questions.