The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam confirms the technical knowledge of engineering graduates. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) in the United States administers the exam.
DO I NEED TO WRITE THE EXAM?
If you intend to practise engineering in the United States, the FE exam is usually the first step to obtaining a P.E. licence in the U.S. Engineers PEI is NOT involved in U.S. state board licensing decisions. Engineers PEI recommends that Members interested in applying to a state board contact that board directly for more information regarding their licensure requirements and application process.
If you are an Engineers PEI applicant, Engineers PEI may assign you the FE exam, on its own or with other technical exams, to confirm your technical engineering knowledge. Do NOT write the FE exam before receiving a decision from Engineers PEI, as you may not need to write it.
REGISTERING FOR THE EXAM
Engineers PEI Members and EITs and applicants may write the exam. The exam is offered monthly.
DO NOT REGISTER WITH NCEES BEFORE APPLYING TO ENGINEERS PEI OR YOU WILL BE INELIGIBLE TO WRITE THE EXAM.
Once you receive notification from Engineers PEI that you are required to take the FE exam, click here.
If you do not qualify to take the FE exam through Engineers PEI, but want to take it, you must contact NCEES directly.
You must read the NCEES Examination Guide before registering for the exam so you understand all the FE exam policies and procedures.
RESCHEDULING & CANCELLING
You must reschedule or cancel your exam through your MyNCEES account that you created when you registered. If you notify NCEES at least 48 hours before your test date, NCEES will refund your registration fee, minus a $50.00 administrative fee. Pearson VUE will charge a rescheduling fee.
Do NOT contact Engineers PEI regarding refunding, rescheduling or cancelling your FE exam.
WRITING THE FE EXAM
Engineers PEI candidates can write the exam at any Pearson VUE testing location in North America that offers the exam. The closest location to Prince Edward Island is in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The exam is 110 multiple-choice questions. You have 6 hours to complete the exam. The exam is offered in seven engineering disciplines. Choose the discipline that will give you the best chance of success. Engineers PEI will not choose the discipline for applicants.
The NCEES website lists:
- allowed reference materials
- disability accommodations
- exam specifications
- study materials
- test centre locations
EXAM RESULTS
As per the NCEES scoring method, exams results are either a pass or fail based on your total number of correct answers. You are NOT penalized for incorrect answers.
Exam results are usually available in seven to ten days. Engineers PEI will mail you a confirmation letter with your results. Your results will also be posted on your MyNCEES account.
If you failed the FE exam, NCEES will send you a report showing the subject areas that you were weak in. You can retake the exam as often as you wish.