Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Prep

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.

Consult the NCEES' COVID-19 page for the latest information about taking the test in 2020.

Contact the engineering librarian or your FE exam department representative with questions or comments. Good luck on the exam!

• A cumulative test covering basic principles of engineering
• One-time passing requirement (it's good for life!)
• Qualification on your military record / resume
• Gateway to the PE (Professional Licensed Engineer) license

Check out this presentation for more information on what to expect and exam prep tips.

• You are never more prepared than in the spring semester of your final year of undergrad
• Imagine reviewing statics, calculus, and thermodynamics 5 years from now...
• If you pursue a PE license, your military career will count towards the engineering experience needed to qualify for the PE Exam (will not retroactively count)
• Some services will later refund you the cost of taking the exam (keep those receipts!)

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.

*There may be additional approvals and regulations during COVID-19; contact your department representative before scheduling the exam.*

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.

1. Contact your FE Exam department representative and inform them that you plan to register for the exam.
2. Register through NCEES.
3. Sign up for an exam date.
   • The exam is offered almost every day depending on testing center capacity.
   • You will be authorized to miss class in order to take this exam if you are sat, have instructor permission, and do not schedule the exam during first/last days of class and Academic Reserve periods.
   • Registration fee: $175 ​​​​​​
4. Have your department representative fill out an MO. 

FE Exam department contacts:

• Sign up for EM380 (FE Exam review course) in the Spring Semester
• Borrow an FE Exam Review Manual from the Nimitz Library.
  • Ask the Checkout Desk staff on the first floor for help locating this book.
• Contact your department representative for additional review materials and access to the relevant Google Drive.
• Check out the NCEES YouTube channel for a video series that introduces test takers to the exam-day experience for the computer-based exam.
• Download the NCEES Examinee Guide featuring policies and procedures for all NCEES exams. All examinees are required to read this document before starting the exam registration process.