Decoding the FE Exam: Your Ultimate Guide to Success

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, or the Engineer in Training (EIT) exam, is the crucial first step towards obtaining a Professional Engineering (PE) license in the United States. The FE exam is a computer-based exam designed to test an engineer's cumulative knowledge and skills. There are various disciplines to choose from, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The intent of this blog is to properly explore what the FE is, what is covered in the general examination, and what other specialized exams an engineer can take.

In this Blog,

1. What Is the FE

2. FE General

3. FE Civil

4. FE Mechanical

5. FE Electrical

What Is the FE

Designed for recent graduates and students who are on their way to finishing their undergraduate engineering degree, the FE is a computer-based exam offered year-round by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). It is the first of two exams that an engineer will need to pass in order to obtain their PE license in the United States.

Covering the fundamentals of engineering, the FE will test an examinee's knowledge in a wide range of topics, including mathematics, ethics, and professionalism. It is a 110-question exam that needs to be completed within approximately 5 and a half hours. Participants are not allowed cheat sheets during the exam, but they are provided with a virtual reference handbook, which can be obtained earlier and reviewed using the instructions from the "How to get the latest FE Reference Handbook" blog.

Now, let us go over the different types of FE that an engineer can take.

FE General

The FE General, or Other Disciplines, exam is unique compared to the other available exams because it is not discipline-specific, meaning that it does not test advanced engineering principles in a particular field. The exam will cover various engineering topics, such as mathematics, statistics, chemistry, ethics, and safety.

While not discipline-specific, the general examination will test on topics from the other specifications: strength of materials, fluid mechanics, basic electrical engineering, and thermodynamics and heat transfer.

As of January 2023, the passing rate for the FE General exam was recorded to be 55%, according to the NCEES.

FE Civil

For those who are interested in obtaining their EIT certification or PE license in civil engineering, there is a discipline-specific FE exam designed with them in mind, the FE Civil exam. While still testing the same general topics of the FE Other Disciplines exam, the Civil exam is more geared toward the field of civil engineering. Examinees will be questioned on their knowledge of surveying, water resources and environmental engineering, structural engineering, transportation, and construction.

Civil engineers are highly encouraged or required to take the FE. Without holding an EIT certification, civil engineers may be disqualified for promotions and other job opportunities. It is crucial for those who want to advance in their career as a civil engineer to pass the FE or even obtain their PE license.

As of Jan 2023, the passing rate for the FE Civil exam was recorded to be 55%, according to the NCEES.

FE Mechanical

For those who are looking to become a PE in mechanical engineering, they must pass the FE Mechanical exam. Again, this discipline-focused exam will still cover the same general topics as the FE Other Disciplines exam; however, as the name implies, this exam will focus more on topics required in the field of mechanical engineering. Examinees will be tested on their knowledge and understanding of Statics, Kinematics, Mechanics and Materials, and Mechanical Design and Analysis.

While not a requirement, like for civil engineers, mechanical engineers are still encouraged to pursue their PE for more career opportunities and salary raises.

As of Jan 2023, the passing rate for the FE Mechanical exam was recorded to be 65%, according to the NCEES.

FE Electrical

Before becoming a PE in electrical engineering, you must first pass the FE Electrical & Computer exam. Unlike the previous two discipline-specific FEs, the Electrical and computer exam covers topics for both electrical engineering and computer engineering.

However, like all other discipline-focused FEs, the Electrical and Computer FE will test for the same general topics that the FE Other Disciplines exam covers. Examinees for this exam will have to study the Properties of Electrical Materials, Circuit Analysis, Power Systems, Computer Systems, and Software Engineering.

For electrical engineers, the requirement for a PE varies depending on the job and industry that they are pursuing. For example, those working in product development will not need to take the PE, while those in public power generation will.

As of Jan 2023, the passing rate for the FE Electrical and Computer exam was recorded to be 64%, according to the NCEES.

Conclusion

The FE exams are essential for anyone who wants to become a licensed Professional Engineer in the United States. While the general FE exam covers a broad range of engineering topics, the FE Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical exams are designed to test a candidate's knowledge of specific engineering principles and concepts. The examples provided demonstrate the importance of choosing the correct exam to match the candidate's chosen field of study and ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the discipline-specific knowledge required to become a licensed Professional Engineer.

Moreover, taking any FE exam can lead to improved job prospects, higher salaries, and greater opportunities for career advancement, reflecting the value and recognition of the PE license in the related engineering industry. Additionally, passing the exam can provide a sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction, indicating the individual's dedication, discipline, and intelligence in the field of engineering.

If you are planning to take the FE exam, you want to be confident that you are fully prepared to tackle its challenging questions. This is where School of PE comes in. They offer a variety of review courses specifically designed to help you succeed in any type of FE exam, whether it is the general FE, FE Civil, FE Mechanical, or FE Electrical exam. With experienced instructors and a comprehensive curriculum that covers all the necessary topics, you can rest assured that you'll be well-equipped to ace the exam. So, whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional looking to take your career to the next level, School of PE has the tools and resources you need to achieve your goals. Check out our exam prep options today!

About the Author: Khoa Tran

Khoa Tran is an electrical engineer working at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently pursuing his master's in electrical Power from the University of Southern California. He is fluent in both Vietnamese and English and is interested in outdoor activities and exploring new things.