What Is the FE Exam?

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam — formerly called the EIT (Engineer in Training) exam — is the first step in the path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. It is administered by NCEES and typically taken in the final year of an ABET-accredited engineering program or shortly after graduation.

The FE exam tests foundational engineering knowledge across mathematics, science, and your chosen engineering discipline. It's a prerequisite for the PE exam, which you can take after gaining engineering experience.

Available FE Disciplines

  • FE Civil
  • FE Electrical and Computer
  • FE Mechanical
  • FE Chemical
  • FE Environmental
  • FE Industrial and Systems
  • FE Other Disciplines (for those not covered above)

Exam Format

The FE exam is computer-based (CBT) and consists of 110 questions administered over 5 hours and 20 minutes (including a 25-minute break). You have access to the NCEES FE Reference Handbook electronically during the exam — no other materials are allowed.

Questions are a mix of multiple-choice and alternative item types (drag and drop, fill in the blank, etc.).

What to Study

Download the official FE exam specification from NCEES.org for your discipline — it lists every topic that could be tested and the approximate percentage of questions from each area. For FE Electrical and Computer, for example, the major topic areas include:

  • Mathematics (linear algebra, differential equations, statistics)
  • Circuit Analysis (KVL, KCL, AC circuits, three-phase)
  • Electronics (diodes, transistors, op-amps)
  • Digital Systems (logic gates, Boolean algebra, state machines)
  • Power (transformers, motors, generators)
  • Electromagnetics and signals
  • Computer Networks and Communications

Study Strategy

Most candidates need 3–4 months of preparation studying 1–2 hours per day. Use a comprehensive review manual as your primary resource and supplement with practice problems. The NCEES Practice Exam is the most realistic preparation tool available.

Focus heavily on the topics you studied least in school — these are typically the areas where candidates lose the most points.

Mobile Exam Prep

Apps like FE Electrical & Computer Exam Prep Guide, FE Civil Exam, and FE Mechanical Exam let you review concept flash cards and practice questions during commutes, lunch breaks, or any free moment — maximizing your study time efficiency.