Engineers: How to ask your boss to pay for the FE Civil

Many employers will help pay for your FE Civil exam and prep, but it’s usually up to you to ask. The winning approach: confirm your employer’s professional-development policy, build an itemized cost estimate, frame the request as an investment in the firm, and put it in writing before a one-on-one.

Preparing for and passing the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) Civil exam is a huge accomplishment for civil engineers, and one that most employers are willing to help with. The FE is a crucial part of the professional engineer (PE) pipeline, serving as the entry point for full professional licensing.

Plenty of engineers enter the workforce before taking the FE, choosing to build relevant experience before pursuing licensure. This can also give an agency or firm the opportunity to support your licensing and exam journey by covering some or all of the related costs. If you clearly explain how the FE fits into your career plans, you’ll have a strong chance of getting your exam fees (and possibly preparation costs) covered by your employer.

About the FE Civil

The FE Civil exam is a comprehensive, computer-based assessment with 110 questions, administered during a 6-hour appointment. This appointment includes a short tutorial and a scheduled break, leaving approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes for testing. Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the exam evaluates recent graduates’ and early-career professionals’ mastery of fundamental civil engineering concepts, from mathematics to hydraulics to transportation engineering. Because it is offered year-round, candidates can schedule the FE Civil exam at a time that works for them and their employers.

Passing the FE Civil exam marks a major benchmark toward earning your Professional Engineer (PE) license. A passing score qualifies you for the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, a credential employers value for entry-level civil engineering positions. After receiving this designation, the remaining steps to become a PE are gaining three to four years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed engineer and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in your chosen field. This title allows you to lead projects, pursue senior roles, and increase your pay, and it all begins with the FE.

Most offices, firms, and companies are willing to support internal employee training and promotion over hiring new PEs, as it saves them time and money in the long run. Plus, exam and prep costs can be written off as business expenses, providing valuable tax advantages. Having more PEs at a firm boosts credibility, which is why many agencies encourage their employees to pursue the full licensing pathway.

Step 1: Know the FE Civil requirements

First off, it’s important to know about the eligibility requirements for all FE exams. The FE exam is open to graduates of (or students approaching graduation from) a four-year, ABET/Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)-accredited undergraduate program. This means that if you’re a college student in your senior year completing an internship, you could qualify to take the test.

If you did not graduate from an accredited program, or if your primary engineering education was gained through a graduate program, you may still be able to qualify to take the test by petitioning your local state engineering board. Though the FE Civil is a nationally standardized exam, official certification is done at the state level, and each state has slightly different policies around engineering licenses. For example, some states, such as New York and Arizona, require you to file an application before testing, which may incur an additional fee.

Confirm your eligibility and any other requirements you may need to fulfill with your state board before approaching your employer, as this will provide you with a more realistic testing timeline and cost estimate. Thankfully, the FE exam is not always a requirement for entry-level roles, so you can enter the field even before beginning the certification process.

Step 2: Check your employer’s policies around professional development and training

Before you ask, find out what your firm’s policies are around testing, training, and available resources.

The majority of public agencies, i.e., city, state, and federal offices, will pay exam fees and prep costs. Some firms may offer a quarterly or annual lump sum per employee for professional development initiatives, which you can request to use for your test and prep. Some agencies may be generous enough to offer direct reimbursement for licensing and preparation, and possibly even allow employees to seek tutoring or dedicate time to study during work hours.

Every place is different, though most will have some policy around employee reimbursements for training costs.

Step 3: Create an itemized cost estimate

Once you have an idea of what your company will cover, put together a list of possible expenses. This doesn’t have to be the final list, just an idea of what you might need. Keep in mind that it costs $225 to take the FE exam, and that many preparation programs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Be honest in your assessment: don’t go overboard, but try to get a sense of the maximum amount based on your testing and study needs. Your employer may try to negotiate you down, which is fine: better to have part of your costs reimbursed than to underestimate them and ask for more funding down the line. Frame the request as an investment in your future and a boost to the firm’s operation and reputation.

Step 4: Put in the request

Now it gets real: asking your employer to cover your FE Civil exam cost and other associated fees. Depending on your relationship with your manager, an email or a direct, polite conversation can work, though sending an email first is recommended so you can provide details on your possible expenditures.

In your written request, explain to your manager how the FE exam fits into your career goals. Be sure to demonstrate long-term interest in staying with the firm and the value that becoming a PE will add to your company or office. Some employees offer a retention trade, promising to stay for at least a year after passing their FE Civil and expressing excitement about gaining progressive experience at their current workplace.

When is the best time to ask?

Time your request at least two or three days before a scheduled one-on-one meeting to give your manager time to consider it. If you do not have a meeting scheduled, you may propose one in your initial request to discuss further. Make sure to ask at least two to three months before your desired testing date to reserve ample time for preparation and scheduling.

There is no work experience requirement for the FE exam, so you can effectively ask to take it at any point. However, you may want to wait at least a year in your current job so your manager has a sense of your work ethic, abilities, and career trajectory.

If you’re an intern eager to take your FE exam, it may be too soon to ask for reimbursement and make a promise of continued employment, though there may be an exception for those hired at places with strong intern-to-full-time hiring pipelines.

Email template for a formal request

Your email to your boss should include your desire to test, the planned test date, the amount you are requesting, and your plans for pursuing professional licensure. Be specific: research FE Civil prep programs ahead of time to select the one you’re interested in taking, name it, and provide a quote for the cost of their resources.

Here’s an email template you can follow:

Subject: Professional development request: FE Civil Exam

Hi [Manager Name],

I am planning to sit for the NCEES FE Civil exam in [Target Month/Year], with the goal of advancing toward my Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Becoming a licensed PE will allow me to take on [specific tasks, e.g., routine grading, design reviews/independent calculations] and take on more responsibility, while saving the [office/firm/agency] billable hours.

I am formally asking that the [office/firm/agency] support my professional development by helping cover my exam fee and related preparation costs.

Please see below an estimate of total costs:

• Exam fee: $225
• Prep course/material ([Provider Name]): [$Cost]
• Total requested: [$Total]

To ensure accountability, I am happy to sign an agreement to stay with the company for at least 12 months post-exam. I understand that I am responsible for preparing on my own time and will ensure that my preparation does not interfere with my day-to-day professional obligations.

Do you have 10 minutes this week to discuss if this can be covered under our professional development budget? Thank you in advance.

Best,

[Your Name]

This template covers the basics, but feel free to modify it based on your specific needs.

Step 5: Clarify what they’re willing to reimburse

After your manager reviews your email, they will let you know if your request has been fully or partially approved. Your employer may cover all or part of the costs of the exam and preparation, or either one. You can determine how payment will be disbursed and other details in further meetings, though most firms will likely have an established policy. Afterward, you may go ahead and register with the NCEES for your exam date and select your prep program of choice.

Keep in mind: Your manager may ask why you need to pay for a preparation course rather than self-study. If this happens, stay calm and remain polite. Let your manager know that the FE exam’s unique format and question style demand dedicated preparation, and that using reputable test materials will provide you with guidance and structure.

Ensure you communicate your intent to pass the exam on your first try, and feel confident that an organized course that shows you when, how, and what to study will be worth it to achieve this.

Step 6: Provide them with information about your testing date

If you have not already, provide your firm with your desired testing date for full transparency. This will help you stay accountable to them for your results and give them advance notice if you need to take time off from work to sit for your test.

Step 7: Communicate with them about your results and next steps

Once you’ve finished your test and received your results, typically within seven to 10 business days after the date, you should let your employer know your results. If you passed, it’s a moment to express your gratitude to your employer for their support. If you do not pass, be honest: express your disappointment and share how you plan to approach your preparation differently and more effectively for your next attempt. Depending on your budget and policies, you may be able to access funding for your retake, though you should always confirm with your manager.

Preparing for the FE Civil exam while working full-time

The FE Civil exam is challenging, with a first-time pass rate of about 60%. The passing rate tends to decrease for test-takers who wait until after graduation to take the test, as many candidates find themselves having to review years of engineering coursework.

While refreshing content is important, it’s one part of a dedicated FE Civil prep strategy:

1. Develop an effective FE Civil study plan: Devote at least two months to preparation, though three months are often recommended for those balancing full-time workloads.
2. Practice under real FE Civil conditions: The FE exam is a test of endurance as much as it is a test of knowledge. Make sure you’re practicing with full-length tests using the FE Reference Handbook and an approved calculator model.
3. Identify and target problem areas: Keep track of areas you’re struggling with, and pinpoint them in your review. This kind of active engagement with the material is far more effective than covering everything equally.
4. Maintain a regular, but flexible, schedule: Try to devote an hour to two hours on weekdays and time during the weekend to prep, with the acknowledgment that some days may be cut short or missed due to other obligations. Having a plan to spread out your prep makes things less stressful and allows you to easily catch up if you miss a date.
5. Apply what you’ve learned: The FE Civil is an exam that asks engineers to think like professionals by applying knowledge to real-world situations. Use what you’ve observed in your everyday work, i.e., a mathematical or scientific principle in action, to better prepare for the test.

As you continue on in your studying, you’ll figure out what areas you need the most improvement in, and which tools (practice quizzes, flashcards, etc.) help you the most. Preparing for a standardized test after graduating from school can be challenging for some candidates, but it’s made easier by using time outside of work efficiently and seeking out high-quality resources.

Closing

Because the FE Civil exam plays an important role in engineer licensure and professional development, many employers are willing to cover the cost of taking it. Some also provide additional preparation and practice resources. Most civil firms and agencies reimburse exam expenses upon request, but employees are often responsible for initiating that request. By clearly explaining how the FE supports your career plans, you’ll have a good shot at getting your exam costs covered by your employer, building the foundation for a successful career.