Overview
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is run by NCEES, the national council that prepares licensing exams for U.S. engineers and surveyors. It is the first exam on the path to becoming a licensed professional engineer. NCEES describes it as designed for recent graduates and students close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree. Licensing itself is handled by each state or jurisdiction board, so the board's own rules decide what the result is used for.
Who can apply
NCEES says the exam is aimed at recent graduates and students who are near the end of an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited programme. Board-specific application requirements differ between jurisdictions, so check with your licensing board before registering.
Exam pattern
The FE is taken on a computer, all year round, at NCEES-approved Pearson test centres. It is offered in several engineering disciplines, and the disciplines available can vary by jurisdiction. The disciplines named by NCEES include Civil, Electrical and Computer, Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental, Industrial and Petroleum, among others.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 110 |
| Exam time | 5 hours 20 minutes |
| Scheduled break | 25 minutes |
| Nondisclosure agreement | 2 minutes |
| Tutorial | 8 minutes |
| Total appointment | 6 hours |
Marking and results
Results are reported only as pass or fail. NCEES says results typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Candidates who fail receive a diagnostic report showing how they did in each major topic area; candidates who pass do not receive one.
Fees
As listed by NCEES in 2026, the exam fee is $225, paid directly to NCEES. NCEES notes the fee varies slightly for international test locations.
How to apply
Create a MyNCEES account and register there, then schedule your appointment at an available test centre during registration. Your licensing board may also have its own application steps.
After the exam
Candidates get one attempt per testing window and no more than three attempts in any 12-month period.
Is the FE exam available all year?
Yes. NCEES delivers it by computer year-round at approved Pearson test centres.
How many times can I take the FE exam?
One attempt per testing window, and no more than three attempts in a 12-month period.
Do I get a score?
No. Results are pass or fail only. Failing candidates receive a diagnostic report by topic.