FE exam pass rates by discipline

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a core assessment for aspiring engineers, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). As an entry-level exam and step toward professional licensure, the NCEES FE exam evaluates foundational engineering knowledge through a series of discipline-specific tests. These open-book exams draw on approximately three to four years of undergraduate-level academic and practical engineering education, assessing students’ understanding of key concepts spanning fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and more.

Choosing between the different types of FE exams is crucial, as each discipline offers distinct content and challenges. Importantly, the FE exam pass rate can vary significantly by discipline and whether a candidate is taking the exam for the first time or as a repeat attempt. By analyzing FE exam statistics across the various fields, you can make more informed decisions about which engineering pathway suits you best. Knowing these pass rates can also help prospective test-takers estimate the dedication and preparation required to succeed on their chosen NCEES FE exam.

What is the FE exam?

The NCEES FE exam is specifically designed for recent graduates and students nearing completion of an undergraduate engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program.

Key information about the FE exam:

• Administration: The exam is entirely computer-based.
• Schedule: Offered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson test centers.
• Cost: The current FE exam fee is $225.
• Number of questions: Each exam comprises 110 questions.
• Length of exam: The FE exam lasts approximately 6 hours, including scheduled breaks.
• Calculator policy: Candidates may use calculators, but only those approved by NCEES are permitted.
• Reference policy: The FE Reference Handbook is the only resource allowed during the exam; it provides candidates with key formulas, definitions, and data.

Although the exam is available year-round, testing administrations are divided into four quarterly windows (January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December). This system places limits on exam availability within each period. As the first step toward professional engineering licensure in the U.S., passing the FE exam is vital for engineers, along with fulfilling both educational and work experience requirements.

Each FE exam covers engineering topics comprehensively, including mathematics, physical sciences, statistics, engineering economics, materials science, process design, safety, and professional standards. About half of the questions test core engineering concepts common to all examinees, while the remainder focus on discipline-specific subjects such as chemical reaction engineering, computer systems, environmental management, or hydrology.

While the precise subjects differ by discipline, fundamental math and science topics such as calculus, geometry, and physics remain fairly consistent across all FE exam versions.

How are FE exams scored?

All FE exams are evaluated using a consistent scoring system: out of the 110 exam questions, only 100 count toward your official results, while the remaining questions are designated for “pretesting” new material. The number of correct answers determines the score; there are no penalties for incorrect responses. After the exam, the raw scores are carefully converted into scaled scores to account for small variations in difficulty across different versions of the FE exam.

Unlike some standardized tests, there is no fixed, published FE exam passing score. Instead, passing scores for the FE exam are established after each testing cycle by analyzing overall performance and the relative difficulty of individual exam forms. Although estimates suggest that the pass rate across all FE exam types ranges from 65% to 70%, the specific FE exam passing score required for individual candidates is not publicly disclosed and may change with each administration. Therefore, aiming for the highest possible number of correct answers is the most effective strategy to maximize your chances of surpassing the FE exam passing score.

Types of FE exams

FE exam candidates can choose from seven types of FE exams, each tailored to evaluate their foundational engineering knowledge within specific disciplines:

• FE Chemical
• FE Civil
• FE Electrical and Computer
• FE Environmental
• FE Industrial and Systems
• FE Mechanical
• FE Other Disciplines

These exams are designed to assess core topics relevant to each engineering field as well as domain-specific information. The FE Other Disciplines exam is the broadest option, covering fundamentals such as probability, chemistry, instrumentation, statics, fluid mechanics, and introductory electrical engineering concepts. Selecting the appropriate FE exam depends on your academic background and professional interests, as each exam focuses on the foundational knowledge required for success in its respective discipline.

Which FE exam should I take?

The best approach for deciding which FE exam you should take is to select the exam that closely matches your long-term career objectives. Each FE exam is tailored to prepare candidates for the skills and knowledge required in specific engineering disciplines and to lay the foundation for specialized Professional Engineer (PE) exams. To advance toward becoming a licensed PE and taking on greater professional responsibilities, engineers must first pass the FE exam and then complete four years of relevant work experience, applying academic concepts in practical, real-world engineering scenarios.

Although your choice of FE exam does not permanently restrict you to a single field, starting the process with a clear understanding of the type of engineering you intend to pursue can make your path smoother. For those seeking broader opportunities or unsure of a specific discipline, the Other Disciplines FE exam offers a flexible route that keeps multiple career options open. Ultimately, aligning your choice with your professional aspirations will help you determine which FE exam to take for your future endeavors.

FE exam pass rates (2024)

Another important factor in choosing which FE exam format to pursue is the pass rate and relative difficulty of each discipline. FE exam pass rates are not a perfect reflection of test difficulty, but they do provide valuable insight into how challenging candidates find each exam version.

According to the most recent 2024 FE exam pass rate data for engineering graduates and professionals, pass rates for both first-time and repeat test-takers across each engineering discipline were as follows:

FE exam pass rate statistics show that candidates with a bachelor’s degree achieve higher pass rates than those still enrolled in school, indicating that many find it advantageous to take the exam after completing their degree. Because the average FE exam taker is between 26 and 28 years old, it’s clear that a significant portion of examinees choose to gain industry experience or additional training before attempting the test. FE exam pass rates for repeat test-takers remain lower than those for first-time test-takers, suggesting that some individuals require multiple attempts to pass.

In terms of pass rates by discipline, the FE Civil and FE Other Disciplines exams had the lowest pass rates at 60% and 59%, respectively, while the FE Chemical exam reported the highest pass rate at 72%. Notably, over 24,000 candidates take the Civil Engineering exam annually, compared to approximately 2,100 for Chemical Engineering and about 3,000 for Other Disciplines. Since the number of examinees varies greatly across disciplines, direct comparisons can be difficult. However, it is evident that many engineers take the FE Civil exam each year, and that it presents considerable challenges for many test-takers.

How to become a Professional Engineer (PE)

To begin your professional journey, you must first obtain the engineer-in-training (EIT) designation, which is a crucial step on the path to earning full licensure. The initial requirements for becoming an engineer include:

• Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in your chosen engineering discipline
• Completing a four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited ABET program

To advance from EIT status and officially become a professional engineer (PE), you must complete these next steps after passing the FE exam and graduating with your engineering degree:

• Accumulating four years of progressive engineering work experience under the supervision of a licensed PE
• Passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, which serves as the final assessment for advanced engineers

The PE exam is offered in multiple specialties, including civil engineering, nuclear engineering, structural engineering, and fire protection engineering. Pass rates for the PE exam vary by specialty but generally range from about 60% to 90% for first-time candidates. Understanding these key steps is fundamental for anyone interested in becoming an engineer and achieving professional mobility in the field.

How to study for the FE exam

No matter which FE exam aligns with your chosen engineering discipline, a strategic approach is necessary when approaching your preparation. Developing an effective study plan will help guide you on the path:

• Start your FE exam preparation early. Most experts recommend dedicating two to three months, or at least 150 hours, of focused study time to ensure readiness for the FE exams.
• Develop a personalized study schedule. Consider your upcoming commitments over the next few months, whether you need to balance your FE exam preparation with work, classes, or other obligations. Establish a consistent routine tailored to your needs.
• Use trusted FE exam study materials. Take advantage of NCEES-provided resources and enhance your understanding with reputable third-party FE practice guides and review books.
• Solidify your engineering foundation. If your degree didn’t give you enough exposure to your chosen field, such as chemical, civil, or electrical engineering, or if you’re pivoting to a new specialty, consider enrolling in additional coursework or seeking practical experience.
• Regularly practice with sample FE exam questions. Familiarize yourself with the question style and timing by working through mock problems.
• Take several full-length practice FE exams. Simulate real test conditions by timing yourself, limiting distractions, and using the NCEES Reference Handbook to mirror the actual FE testing environment.
• Join an FE exam study group. If you’re still in college, connect with peers or look for departmental resources focused on FE exam prep.

Whether you’re preparing during your final year of school, in the summer after graduation, or as a working professional, finding time for thorough FE exam preparation can be challenging. Stay motivated by breaking study sessions into manageable segments, avoiding burnout, and maintaining consistent progress. By investing in a thoughtful study strategy, you’ll optimize your chances of passing the FE exam on your first attempt, moving one step closer to your goal of becoming a licensed engineer.

Conclusion

FE exams serve as a critical milestone for emerging engineers working toward professional licensure. Recognized by the NCEES, the FE exam is intentionally broad and accessible, tailored to recent engineering graduates or those early in their careers. Unlike the more specialized PE exam, the multiple FE exam types offer candidates the flexibility to demonstrate competence in the fundamentals relevant to their chosen discipline, whether in civil, mechanical, electrical, or other branches. Achieving the FE exam passing score validates an individual’s foundational engineering knowledge and assures future employers that they are ready to undertake engineer-in-training responsibilities with safety and proficiency.

Earning a passing result on the NCEES FE exam can open doors to diverse career opportunities, whether that’s helping design innovative structures, advancing sustainable energy solutions, or addressing complex modern computing challenges, all while placing you firmly on the pathway to licensure.