Financing the FE Exam: A Complete Breakdown of FE Exam Expenses

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is an important step for engineers in obtaining their Professional Engineer (PE) license. There is an upfront fee to take the exam, which varies depending on several factors. This blog aims to clarify these factors, and then we will go over various aspects that contribute to the overall financial cost of preparing and taking the FE exam, such as registration fees, study materials, and other miscellaneous items.

In this blog,

FE Exam Cost Breakdown:

1. Registration Fee

2. Study Materials

3. Calculator

4. Travel Expenses

5. Retake Fees

6. Additional Costs

Cost Breakdown

1. Registration Fee: The FE exam comes has a registration fee. Starting January 1, 2024, the registration fee for the FE exam in the United States is $225. These fees are subject to change, and some licensing boards require additional application fees, so it is advisable to check the current pricing at the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) website.
   
   There are also reasonable accommodations for which examinees can apply. Please visit the Exam Resources section on the NCEES website.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Study Materials: Examines should expect to invest in study materials such as textbooks, reference guides, practice exams, and online courses in preparation for the FE exam. Pricing for all the various study materials will vary wildly depending on the format and quality. One can expect to pay at least $50 for a single textbook or study guide and up to a few hundred dollars for comprehensive online courses or review packages.
   
   
3. Calculator: NCEES requires all calculators used during the examination to meet specific criteria. Casio FX-115 series calculators are commonly used by examinees, but other calculators are also allowed. Please see the complete list below:
   
   
   
   
   

   Calculators vary in price. However, some examinees may already own an approved calculator, so this cost may be negligible for them.
   
   
4. Travel Expenses: Depending on the location of the exam center, candidates may incur some travel expenses. This can include costs such as transportation (flights, gas, or public transport), accommodation (if the exam center is far from their residence), and meals. The extent of these expenses varies for each candidate based on their proximity to the exam center.
   
   
5. Retake Fees: In the unfortunate chance that a candidate does not pass the FE exam on their first attempt, they are able to retake it, but they will need to pay the registration fee again for each subsequent attempt. It is important to consider this potential cost since everyone won’t pass on their first attempt.
   
   
6. Additional Costs: A cost that may not always be considered is the cost in time away to study. There will be a social cost where examinees will forgo going out with friends and family, a professional cost where vacation days or paid time off will be needed to adequately prepare for the test, and other costs associated with dedicating time and focus to studying.

Conclusion

It is worth noting that the costs mentioned above are approximate and can vary based on a multitude of personal circumstances and situations. We recommend visiting the official NCEES website or contacting their customer service for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the cost of the FE exam.

Remember, investing in proper preparation for the FE exam is crucial for success. It can save you money in the long run by avoiding retake fees and accelerating your path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer.

Another great way to save yourself effort, money, and time is to take an exam review course with School of PE. Our courses boost your chances of passing to a whopping 93%! Check out our exam review 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.