Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
The FE exam is the first exam on the path to becoming a licensed professional engineer. It is designed for recent graduates and students nearing the end of an accredited engineering degree, and passing it is generally the first step toward the PE license.
Issued by National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) · Official page
Who can apply
- Designed for recent graduates and students close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET accredited program.
- Registration and eligibility rules are set by each state licensing board.
Exam
- Exam
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Format
- Computer based test (CBT) administered year round at NCEES approved Pearson test centers
- Questions
- 110
- Time
- 5 hours 20 minutes of exam time within a 6 hour appointment
The 6 hour appointment also includes a tutorial, a nondisclosure agreement, and a 25 minute break. Examinees get one attempt per testing window and no more than three attempts in a 12 month period. The exam is offered in discipline specific versions.
Official fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam fee (paid to NCEES) | $225 | Some state boards may charge separate application fees. Refunds for eligible cancellations are reduced by a $50 processing fee. | Official page |
Only fees published by the issuer or regulator are listed. Blank amounts mean no official figure was available to verify.
Renewal and continuing education
- Cycle
- Not applicable
- Requirement
- The FE is a one time exam, not a renewable credential.
Notes
The exam is national, but each state licensing board sets registration requirements and certifies engineer interns (EI/EIT).
Related careers
| Occupation | National median wage |
|---|---|
| Civil engineers | $100,840 |
| Mechanical engineers | $104,110 |
| Electrical engineers | $120,630 |
Sources
- FE Exam, accessed October 18, 2026
- NCEES Exams, accessed October 18, 2026
- NCEES Model Law (August 2025), accessed October 18, 2026
Verification notes
The FE exam page does not mention the engineer intern (EI) or EIT designation; that link comes from the NCEES Model Law, which says intern certification requires a qualifying degree and passing the FE. The page does not list question types or a reference handbook in the text that was read.
ConnectPrep is not affiliated with National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Credential names may be trademarks of their owners.