The FE Exam Guide

By Erin Hasinger, Tests.com

The Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE) is required for engineers who plan on seeking professional licensure. Once a candidate has passed the FE exam, an Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate is issued.

Exam Eligibility

FE exam requirements vary in every state. Each state has standards that tend to include:

• A four-year engineering or engineering technology degree from an ABET-accredited university, or
• At least some coursework in a four-year, ABET-accredited engineering program, or
• Some engineering work experience (minimum requirements vary from three to 15 years), or
• Some combination of engineering coursework and work experience

Because state requirements vary so greatly, FE candidates must verify their qualifications with their state licensing board prior to applying for the exam.

In California, for example, someone without a degree, but with three years engineering work experience, is qualified to take the FE exam, but in Delaware, that same person would need at least 15 years experience. In Pennsylvania, only candidates with either an engineering degree or engineering work experience are qualified to sit for the exam, but in Minnesota, someone with a degree in any field may sit for the exam, so long as 32 semester credits are in engineering science coursework and 16 are in engineering design coursework. In West Virginia, only candidates with a four year engineering degree may take the FE exam.

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

The FE exam is eight hours long, offered in two four-hour sessions with a break for lunch in between. The exam is comprised of 180 multiple-choice questions. Every exam candidate takes the same general engineering exam in the morning session, but during the afternoon session, candidates may elect to take either a specialized or general exam for the last 60 questions.

The first general session includes 120 questions that cover:

• Chemistry
• Computers
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Engineering Economics
• Engineering Mechanics, Statics and Dynamics
• Engineering Probability and Statistics
• Ethics and Business Practices
• Fluid Mechanics
• Materials Properties
• Mathematics
• Strength of Materials
• Thermodynamics

During the afternoon session, candidates may continue with the general engineering exam and be tested on:

• Advanced Engineering Mathematics
• Application of Engineering Mechanics
• Biology
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Engineering Economics
• Engineering of Materials
• Engineering Probability and Statistics
• Fluids
• Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

Or, instead of the general exam in the afternoon, candidates may elect to take a specialized exam in:

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical pencils and references are provided to test takers. Only approved calculators are permitted.

Exam Registration and Fees

Individual registrations are handled by the state boards. Thirty-seven states offer online registration through ELSES LLC at www.els-examreg.org. Here, candidates can select their state and create an account for registration. States not listed do not participate in the ELSES registration program, and candidates must contact the state board directly for registration instructions.

Exam applications may require college or university transcripts, exhibits of work, employment verification or recommendation letters. Application and exam fees vary greatly, just as requirements do.

Scores

Test takers receive their scores within 12 weeks of the exam by mail. Passing candidates are sent a letter of notification, while those who fail the exam also receive a diagnostic report that helps to identify areas of weakness.

Are you ready to start preparing for the FE exam? Be sure to visit our FE Test Directory to find handy study guides and other preparation materials.

Sources: ABET Inc., abet.org; California Licensing Board, pels.ca.gov; Delaware Association of Professional Engineers, dape.org; ELSES LLC, els-examreg.org; Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design, aelslagid.state.mn.us; National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, ncees.org; Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists, dos.state.pa.us/eng; Virginia Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects, dpor.virginia.gov; West Virginia Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, wvpedbd.org