The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) is a computer-based test that is given throughout the nation all year.

You must pass the FE first in order to pursue a PE (professional engineering) license.

The test is administered in four windows during the following months: January through March; April through June; July through September; October through December.

It is recommended that you take the exam during your senior year while the material is fresh in your mind or shortly after. Keep in mind that many companies look for candidates who have already passed their FE exam.

The exam covers a comprehensive range of topics taught in EAC/ABET, Inc. accredited B.S. engineering degree program. Remember to register for the discipline-specific version of the exam that corresponds with your major.

The test takes 6 hours to complete, including the nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes), tutorial (8 minutes), scheduled break (25 minutes). There are 110 multiple choice questions and actual testing time is 5 hours and 20 minutes.

You can only bring a photo id and an approved calculator. The most current version of the NCEES reference handbook is supplied digitally and can be downloaded for free from NCEES after you register. You cannot bring a printed version of the handbook.

The state of New Jersey requires each student to fill out an “Engineer in Training” application form and send it to the NJ State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Once you receive your application number and packet then you may continue the process.

You can register online on the NCEES website. Log in to your MyNCEES account and select the REGISTER button to follow further instructions. The exam costs $225 and is paid during the registration process.

To complete the application, you must have three references where one must have a P.E license. After you have received your application number, then you must send your official transcript and a letter from the college verifying academic status and anticipated graduation date to the State Board. Make sure that your application number is included on all supporting documents.

After you pass your FE you need to obtain 4 years of experience that are deemed acceptable by your State Licensing Board before you take your discipline specific PE Exam.

You can only attempt the FE Exam once within each of the following periods: January through March; April through June; July through September; October through December. So, if you take it in January and fail, the earliest you can take it again is April. If you take it in April and fail again, then you have to wait until July for another attempt. Additionally, if you fail the FE Exam three times within any rolling 12-month period, you cannot register for it again until the point when you’ve only failed it twice in the previous 12 months.

You can find the nearest testing session by following this link: https://ncees.org/exams/test-center-locations/. Before you can find the location and schedule the exam, you need to register first through MyNCEES.