FE Civil FAQ

Answers to the most common questions about the FE Civil exam.

What is the passing score for the FE Civil exam?

The passing score for the FE Civil exam changes each exam cycle. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) employs a psychometrically scaled scoring system based on exam difficulty and test-taker performance. Raw scores (the number of questions a candidate answers correctly) are converted to scaled scores, which are used to determine whether a candidate passes or fails the exam.

Minimum passing scores are not published, though it's recommended to aim for a raw score of at least 70%.

Can I use a calculator on the FE Civil exam?

Calculators are permitted on the FE Civil exam. However, NCEES has strict limitations on the kinds of calculators test takers are allowed to use. The list of approved calculators is reviewed every year and can be accessed on NCEES’ website.

How do I become a Professional Engineer (PE)?

To earn the PE certification, candidates must follow the following steps:

Earn a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
Pass the FE exam in their chosen discipline
Gain work experience under a licensed PE (4 years are required for civil engineers)
Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam

Because the PE designation is granted by state licensing boards, the process for earning the certification differs from state to state. Candidates should review their jurisdiction’s policies to ensure they have met all requirements. A PE allows practicing engineers to stamp and seal designs, bid for government contracts, own their own firms, and advertise services to the public.

Does NCEES provide reasonable accommodations for examinees?

Yes, candidates may request ADA exam accommodations through Pearson VUE, the test service provider. Accommodations may include adjustments to the physical testing environment, additional testing time, and approved use of auxiliary aids or services.

Does NCEES offer exceptions to members of the military?

Yes, active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses stationed outside the U.S. may take the exam in the country where they are currently located.

Can international students / professionals take the FE Civil?

Outside the U.S., NCEES exams can be taken in a limited number of foreign countries (Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan) and certain Canadian provinces. Like domestic candidates, you must apply for licensure in a specific state to become fully certified as a PE in the U.S.

Because many international candidates have degrees from programs that are not accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), their academic credentials will need to be independently evaluated.