Why the FE Exam Matters
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first major step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.). It’s designed for graduates or students close to completing an ABET-accredited engineering degree.
Passing the FE exam earns you the E.I.T. (Engineer-in-Training) or E.I. (Engineering Intern) designation, which is often required for entry-level roles and is a prerequisite for taking the P.E. exam later on.
Preparing for the FE Civil Exam?
Try these Free Sample Problems
Great preparation right before the exam, realistic questions. I thought this was a very good mix of challenging problems that covered the topics well, even advanced topics in many of the subjects. Questions seemed to align with what others are saying is in the exam content lately. Step-by-step solutions were super helpful to go back and check methodology behind each problem. Definitely recommend.
- Jesse
Very helpful! It even includes problems about Construction Engineering. This was especially useful since the NCEES handbook has limited info on this topic.
- Nikki
Testimonials
Strong practice material. Going into the exam my strategy was to do as many practice problems as I could and this book was one of the better ones I picked up. Good practice overall!
- Ira
Just get it! After studying for 3 months, this was a good way to test my time management leading up to the exam. Solid questions and solutions.
- Nina
FE Civil Exam FAQs
When is the FE Exam offered?
The exam is offered year-round and can be scheduled at approved Pearson VUE testing centers, depending on availability.
Should I take the FE Exam before or after graduation?
Many students choose to take the FE exam during their final year of college when the material is fresh. However, you can also take it after graduation, but be sure to check your state board’s requirements.
How long is the FE Exam?
The total appointment time is 6 hours and includes:
• Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
• Tutorial (8 minutes)
• Exam (5 hours and 20 minutes) - The test contains 110 multiple-choice
questions
• Scheduled break (25 minutes)
What types of questions are on the exam?
The exam includes traditional multiple-choice questions as well as alternative item types (AITs). AITs can require selecting multiple answers, clicking on graphics, dragging and dropping items, or filling in the blank. All questions are scored as either correct or incorrect, with no partial credit.
What topics are on the Civil FE Exam?
Mathematics and statistics, ethics and professional practice, engineering economics, statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, materials, fluid mechanics, surveying, water resources and environmental engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and construction engineering.
No. You'll use a digital copy of the NCEES FE Reference Handbook during the exam, and only certain calculators from the NCEES approved list are allowed.
Can I bring notes?
How should I prepare?
Most people prepare using a combination of full-length practice exams, review courses, and focused study materials tailored to specific topics.
What is the passing score?
NCEES does not release exact passing scores. Results are reported as pass or fail, typically within 7 to 10 days after your exam date. NCEES will notify you via email when your results are available. You can access your score through your MyNCEES account, where you'll find detailed information, including a diagnostic report that highlights your performance in different subject areas. This feedback is valuable for identifying strengths and areas needing improvement, especially if you plan to retake the exam
What if I fail? Can I retake it?
Yes. You can attempt the exam up to three times per 12-month period, subject to NCEES and state licensing board policies.
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first major step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.). It’s designed for graduates or students close to completing an ABET-accredited engineering degree.
Passing the FE exam earns you the E.I.T. (Engineer-in-Training) or E.I. (Engineering Intern) designation, which is often required for entry-level roles and is a prerequisite for taking the P.E. exam later on.
Why the FE Exam Matters
FE Civil Exam FAQs
When is the FE Exam offered?
The exam is offered year-round and can be scheduled at approved Pearson VUE testing centers, depending on availability.
Should I take the FE Exam before or after graduation?
How long is the FE Exam?
What types of questions are on the exam?
What topics are on the Civil FE Exam?
Can I bring notes?
How should I prepare?
Many students choose to take the FE exam during their final year of college when the material is fresh. However, you can also take it after graduation, but be sure to check your state board’s requirements.
The exam includes traditional multiple-choice questions as well as alternative item types (AITs). AITs can require selecting multiple answers, clicking on graphics, dragging and dropping items, or filling in the blank. All questions are scored as either correct or incorrect, with no partial credit.
The total appointment time is 6 hours and includes 110 multiple choice questions:
• Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
• Tutorial (8 minutes)
• Exam (5 hours and 20 minutes)
• Scheduled break (25 minutes)
No. You'll use a digital copy of the NCEES FE Reference Handbook during the exam, and only certain calculators from the NCEES approved list are allowed.
Mathematics and statistics, ethics and professional practice, engineering economics, statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, materials, fluid mechanics, surveying, water resources and environmental engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and construction engineering.
NCEES does not release exact passing scores. Results are reported as pass or fail, typically within 7 to 10 days after your exam date. NCEES will notify you via email when your results are available. You can access your score through your MyNCEES account, where you'll find detailed information, including a diagnostic report that highlights your performance in different subject areas. This feedback is valuable for identifying strengths and areas needing improvement, especially if you plan to retake the exam
Most people prepare using a combination of full-length practice exams, review courses, and focused study materials tailored to specific topics.
What is the passing score?
What if I fail? Can I retake it?
Yes. You can attempt the exam up to three times per 12-month period, subject to NCEES and state licensing board policies.