Preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam can feel overwhelming. It’s a 6-hour, 110-question test spanning up to 18 subjects, but you don’t need to master everything to succeed. Follow these steps to ensure you’re well-prepared for the exam.

To pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam: Register via NCEES, choose your discipline, download the FE Handbook, and use an approved calculator. Focus on practice exams, quality materials, and your strongest subjects. Study 100-150 hours, stay consistent, and plan for PE prep after passing.

The remainder of the post will break down each step in detail, from registering for the exam to building an effective study plan. You’ll find actionable tips and resources to help you confidently prepare for the FE exam and set yourself up for success.

Step 1: Research the Path to Becoming a Professional Engineer (PE)

Understand the Requirements: The process of becoming a Professional Engineer (PE) differs by state in the USA and for international applicants. Research the specific requirements for the state or country where you plan to apply for your PE license. Visit the NCEES Website for details.

Contact the Licensing Board: Reach out to the applicable state board or international engineering council for accurate information. They can clarify the steps, including FE exam requirements, work experience, and additional credentials needed for the PE exam.

Plan Your Path: Outline a clear timeline and steps leading up to your PE license. Having a defined path in mind provides clarity and keeps you motivated as you prepare for the FE exam.

Step 2: Sign Up for the FE Exam

Create an NCEES Account: Visit the NCEES website and set up a MyNCEES account. Complete the registration process, but refrain from purchasing materials until your registration is confirmed to avoid unnecessary expenses in the case you are not eligible to sign up.

Review the NCEES Examinee Guide: Download the guide here. It outlines essential details for candidates preparing for NCEES exams, including registration, scheduling, exam-day protocols, and scoring. Key sections cover managing exam registration (steps to create accounts, pay fees, and request accommodations), handling exam appointments (scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellations), test-day preparation (check-in, required materials, and rules), and understanding the exam format and scoring process. The guide also addresses irregularities, appeals, and disruptions, with appendices providing testing dates, rules, agreements, and diagnostic report samples. Contact information for NCEES, Pearson VUE, and licensing boards is also included.

Select Your Test Discipline: Visit the FE Exam NCEES Page and choose the FE exam discipline that aligns with your engineering background. Review the exam specifications to understand the subjects covered and the distribution of questions.

Register for a Test Date: Before you begin studying for the PE exam, it is recommended to register and pay for the test immediately. Having a set exam date provides a clear goal, creates external pressure, and helps you stay accountable, reducing the likelihood of procrastination. Aim to schedule your exam 3 to 4 months out, giving yourself ample time to prepare effectively. This deadline serves as a motivator to establish and stick to a study schedule, ensuring steady progress.

Step 3: Acquire FE Exam Study Material

Download the FE Reference Handbook: The FE Reference Handbook provided on the NCEES website is the single most important study resource for the exam. It is the only document provided during the test for accessing formulas, so becoming extremely familiar with its layout is crucial. Use it every time you study to build the speed and accuracy needed to quickly find equations during the exam.

Recommended Study Guide: Invest in reputable study guides, I recommend the book in this link by Michael R. Lindeburg.

NCEES Study Material: Additionally, consider purchasing practice exams from NCEES to simulate the test environment.

Step 4: Purchase Two NCEES-Approved Calculators for the FE Exam

Approved Calculator: Use only NCEES-approved calculators during your preparation and the exam. This ensures compliance with exam policies and helps you become proficient with the device.

Backup Calculator: Purchase an identical backup calculator a few weeks before your FE exam and get comfortable using it. On exam day, keep this backup calculator in the locker provided. This ensures that if your primary calculator malfunctions, runs out of battery, or breaks during the exam, you’re prepared with a familiar replacement. Having a backup eliminates unnecessary stress and allows you to focus entirely on solving problems without worrying about technical setbacks. The worst-case scenario—being unable to complete the exam due to a broken calculator—is easily avoided by having a reliable spare ready to go.

Step 5: Plan an FE Exam Study Routine

Creating a study schedule is essential to prepare effectively for the FE exam. Aim for 100-150 hours of study time, spread out over about three months. Break this into manageable weekly goals, dedicating 8-12 hours per week to consistent and focused sessions. Short, daily study blocks of 30-45 minutes are more effective than infrequent, long sessions, as they promote better retention and reduce burnout.

Designate specific times and places for studying to build a routine. Early mornings or evenings after work often work best for many candidates. Ensure your study environment is free from distractions, such as a quiet room or library. Stick to your schedule as much as possible, and treat these sessions like non-negotiable appointments. This consistency will keep you on track and ready for exam day.

Step 6: Follow the ABC Method for FE Exam Study Topics

Focus your energy where it matters most using the ABC approach, as outlined in the book 30-Minute EIT: How to Beat the FE Exam Without Beating Your Head.  I recommend purchasing this book for more details. The summary of the ABC method is as follows:

Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Divide the exam subjects into three categories:

• Category A: Strong subjects you’re confident in (aim for 85% correct).
• Category B: Mediocre subjects you can handle with effort (aim for 60% correct).
• Category C: Weak subjects that are not worth significant time (guess and aim for 25% correct).

Prioritize Your Time: Allocate the most study time to your Category A subjects, as they’ll form the bulk of your points. Spend moderate time on Category B subjects and minimal time on Category C subjects.

Calculate Your Target Score: Using the NCEES subject range, estimate the number of questions from each category. Multiply those by your expected success rates (85%, 60%, and 25%) to predict your score. Adjust your plan to meet or exceed the FE Exam passing threshold of about 60% correct answers.

Step 7: Take Practice FE Exams

Timed Practice Problems: Practicing under timed conditions is essential for building speed and accuracy. Simulate the exam environment by setting a timer, avoiding interruptions, and using only allowed resources. Regular timed practice trains you to manage time effectively and highlights areas needing improvement.

Review and Reflect: After each practice session, review your answers to understand mistakes and reinforce learning. Focus on why errors occurred and revisit concepts as needed. Tracking recurring mistakes helps refine your strategy, ensuring better performance and fewer errors on exam day.

Step 8: Seek Support from Those Who Passed the FE Exam

Connecting with individuals who have successfully passed the FE exam is a great way to gain insights and refine your preparation strategy. Licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) or recent exam passers can provide advice on study materials, effective scheduling, and test-taking strategies. Joining a study group can also help you collaborate with peers, share resources, and clarify difficult concepts in a supportive environment.

Additionally, take advantage of online resources tailored for FE exam candidates. Explore forums, YouTube tutorials, and websites offering free practice problems and detailed solutions. Engaging with these communities can keep you motivated and help you address weak areas with confidence.

Step 9: Review Exam Taking Strategies for the FE Exam

The 3-Pass Strategy provides a proven framework for managing time efficiently, minimizing stress, and optimizing performance. This method guides you through prioritizing questions and allocating time strategically to maximize results. Learn more about this approach to test-taking and how it can support your success in the following link.

The 3-Pass Strategy: Mastering Computer-Based Exams

Step 10: Plan for the PE Exam After Passing the FE Exam

After passing the FE exam, seek advice on preparing for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and resources to help you prepare for the next step in your engineering career.

By following these steps, you’ll have a clear path and structured approach to successfully pass the FE exam and move closer to earning your PE license.

Bonus FE Exam YouTube Resources