This page provides information and resources about taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Whether you plan to take it in the fall, spring, or after graduation, you'll need to prepare appropriately.
Contact the engineering librarian or your FE exam department representative with questions or comments. Good luck on the exam!
Check out this presentation for more information on what to expect and exam prep tips.
The exam is offered in seven disciplines. Ultimately, it doesn't matter which version you take; what matters is that you pass the exam. Below are suggestions on which test to take based on your major.
| Major | Suggested FE Exam subject |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | Mechanical Engineering or Other Disciplines |
| Computer Engineering | Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| Electrical Engineering | Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| General Engineering | Other Disciplines |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering or Other Disciplines |
| Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering | Other Disciplines |
| Nuclear Engineering | Mechanical Engineering or Other Disciplines |
| Ocean Engineering | Other Disciplines |
| Weapons, Robotics, & Controls Engineering | Other Disciplines |
As of this writing, the closest test centers that offer this exam are in Columbia, MD, and Washington, DC and these centers have limited capacity so plan ahead with guidance from your department rep.
FE Exam department contacts:
| Aerospace Engineering | ||
| Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering | LT Eric England | eengland@usna.edu |
|
Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering and General Engineering |
|
|
|
Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering and Ocean Engineering |
LT Jason Gamble |
|
| Weapons, Robotics and Control Engineering |
If you can no longer take the FE Exam on your scheduled date due to a cancellation of your MO, you may qualify for a no-fee rescheduling of your exam if you can explain that you missed owing to Military Duty. Cancellation of your MO is cancellation of your excusal to leave the Yard to take the exam, making it your military duty to miss the exam.
Follow these steps.
1. Reach out to your Department FE Rep as soon as possible and keep them informed every step of the way. Your department rep will not be able to speak to NCEES on your behalf, but they can guide you and provide necessary paperwork.
2. Reach out to help@ncees.org or 1-800-250-3196 as soon as possible to tell them that you had to (or will have to) miss the exam due to military duty. Get guidance on whether you need to submit paperwork to reschedule without a fee.
3. The help desk will potentially ask you for "documentation from your commanding officer proving that military duty prevented you from attending the exam." Reach out to your Department FE Rep for paperwork on this (they will act as your commanding officer on this). Forward the signed documentation to caseattachments@pearson.com
If you pass the FE Exam, you will be given the option to apply for an Engineer In Training Certificate (EIT) through the state of Maryland (or in whatever state you take your exam).
We recommend that you do so as soon as you can, since your "engineering experience clock" technically starts upon receipt of your EIT. You need 5 years of experience to sit the PE Exam and because some tours (e.g., power school, boat time...) count towards your "experience," it's important that you start the clock right away.
The cost is $17 in Maryland, and Maryland does not need proof of graduation or transcripts to award you a certificate. While each state may have different costs/rules for awarding EIT certificates, the state in which you get your certificate does not matter and you can go on to get a PE license in any state with your EIT.