What to bring to the FE Civil exam: The complete checklist
Table of contents
The FE Civil exam is a comprehensive, 6-hour, 110-question computer-based assessment designed to test recent graduates' and early professionals’ mastery of fundamental civil engineering concepts. This FE Civil test, administered by NCEES, is available year-round, making it convenient for candidates to schedule their FE exam at a time that suits them.
Successfully passing the FE Civil marks the first major milestone toward obtaining your Professional Engineer (PE) license. Achieving a passing score on the FE exam grants you the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, a credential highly valued by employers for entry-level civil engineering positions. Before taking the FE Civil exam, make sure you are familiar with the approved FE exam test-day policies to ensure a smooth experience.
Required items
Here are the must-haves you’ll need for test day, which you should have in order at least a few weeks before the exam to avoid any issues. Getting a new government-issued ID, for example, can sometimes take almost a month, so plan accordingly:
- Appointment confirmation letter: Be sure to bring your official exam confirmation letter, which is available in your MyNCEES account. Presenting this document (printed or digital version) will streamline your check-in process for the FE Civil exam.
- Current government-issued ID: A physical, government-issued photo ID with your signature (such as a driver’s license or passport) is required to verify your identity on FE exam day. Ensure your identification meets the FE Civil exam requirements and exactly matches your registration details.
- NCEES-approved calculator: Only an approved FE exam calculator is permitted during the FE Civil exam. Double-check that your calculator appears on the NCEES-approved list; otherwise, you won’t be able to use it for any calculations on test day. While you’ll be provided with a digital calculator in the testing interface, it will likely make it challenging to answer all questions quickly.
NCEES-approved calculator brands and models:
- Texas Instruments: All TI-30X and TI-36X models
- Casio: All fx-115 and fx-991 models
- Hewlett-Packard: HP Prime G2 and HP 300s+ models
These required items are critical for proper entry, registration, and participation, so carefully review NCEES’ guide on what to bring to the FE Civil exam to avoid delays or complications at check-in.
Other essentials
The following items are not necessary for entry, but can make a huge difference in your overall experience:
| Item category | What to pack | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition | Balanced lunch (protein + complex carbs), water, and a caffeine source if needed. | Prevents fatigue during the second half of the exam and keeps you hydrated. |
| Quick fuel (snacks) | Energy bars, nuts, or fruit. | Good for a quick blood-sugar boost before heading back in. |
| Comfort | A light jacket or sweatshirt | Testing centers often keep equipment at very cold temperatures. |
| Health | Prescription medications or over-the-counter pain relievers (aspirin/ibuprofen). | Staring at a screen for multiple hours can occasionally cause headaches or eye strain. |
| Personal care | Extra hair ties, chapstick, or backup glasses. | Small distractions can become major annoyances during a timed exam. |
Note: You aren’t allowed to take food or water into the actual testing room, but you can access them during your scheduled break. You are given a locker to store your personal items, which you can visit during your scheduled 25-minute break. You are allowed to take an unscheduled break at any point during the exam to use the restroom, drink water, access medication, or just take a breather, but the time taken will be deducted from your test.
What to leave at home:
Anything not allowed in the testing room that you don’t need during your break should stay outside the building to save locker space and minimize security wait time.
- Large bags: Keep your inside bag small; lockers are typically narrow.
- Valuables: While centers are secure, it’s best to keep non-essential electronics or expensive items out of sight in your vehicle.
Pack smart, but pack light: focus on the essentials, like your registration documents, water, and anything else you absolutely need to get you through a full day of testing.
What is provided
You are not permitted to bring your own versions of the following items when considering what to bring to the FE Civil exam or any FE exam:
NCEES Reference Handbook:
During the FE exam, you will have access to a searchable electronic PDF of the FE Reference Handbook displayed on your monitor. You do not need to bring a physical copy; the official digital version will be available for your use throughout the exam.
Scratch paper/pens:
At the testing center, you’ll receive a reusable booklet and a fine-tip marker for your calculations. Personal scratch paper or pens are not allowed.
Earplugs:
Most testing centers supply foam earplugs or noise-canceling headphones for candidates who require a quieter environment. These will be provided if needed: there’s no need to bring your own.
All necessary materials, including the digital FE Reference Handbook, scratch booklet, and marker, will be provided or approved by the testing center. This ensures a consistent and fair testing environment for all examinees.
Prohibited items
Leave these in your locker or your car. If you bring them into the testing room, your exam will be invalidated.
- Cell phones, smartwatches, or any electronic devices.
- Loose papers, notebooks, or textbooks.
- Protractors, compasses, or rulers.
- Vapes or tobacco products.
Be smart about what you bring, and only take in what you need.
Final tips
Always double-check the most recent NCEES Examinee Guide on the official NCEES website in the days leading up to your scheduled FE Civil exam. Exam policies and the list of approved items can change periodically, so staying up to date helps you avoid surprises on test day.
Successfully passing the FE Civil exam is an important moment in your journey toward becoming a licensed professional engineer. The FE exam measures the knowledge you’ve built through your studies, and your preparation gives you the confidence needed to excel. As you’re taking the FE Civil, focus on pacing yourself and work through the easier questions first. If you encounter a difficult or time-consuming question during the FE exam, make your best guess and flag it for review so that you collect as many straightforward points as possible.
Trust your study efforts, remember what to bring to the FE exam, and approach your test with confidence. Good luck!
