Frequently asked Questions about the FE/EIT Exam
- What is the EIT/FE?
- Who creates the EIT/FE?
- When is the EIT/FE given?
- When should I register for the EIT/FE?
- How do I register?
- How much does it cost to take the EIT/FE?
- How long does it take to get my scores back?
- What is a good score on the EIT/FE?
- When should I start preparing for the EIT/FE?
- How much math do I need before I can start preparing for the EIT/FE?
- What calculator may I use for my FE exam?
What is the EIT/FE?
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step in getting your Engineering license. Once you pass the test, you are known as an Engineering Intern (EI) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT). The FE exam is an assessment tool, split into a morning and afternoon session. The morning session generally covers the first five semesters of engineering coursework. The afternoon session gives you a choice between a general exam and a discipline-specific exam. The FE is a closed book exam; however, students are given a Supplied-Reference Handbook containing reference formulas and tables that you are not expected to have memorized.
Who creates the EIT/FE?
The FE exam is regulated by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for all licensing boards. Find information specific to the licensing board in your area at http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/
When is the EIT/FE given?
The exam is offered in October and April each year. Test dates for the next ten years are as follows:
YEAR FE Test Dates 2007 April 21, October 27 2008 April 12, October 25 2009 April 25, October 24 2010 April 17, October 30 2011 April 9, October 29 2012 April 14, October 27 2013 April 13, October 26 2014 April 12, October 25 2015 April 18, October 31 When should I register for the EIT/FE?
Contact your state's licensing board for registration requirements and deadlines. (http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/)
How do I register?
Contact your state's licensing board for details about exam registration. (http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/)
How much does it cost to take the EIT/FE?
Fees and exam schedules vary by state. Contact your local Licensing Board for information at http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/
How long does it take to get my scores back?
You will be contacted by your licensing board with your scores within 12 weeks of the test date. The exam is scored on a pass/fail basis.
What is a good score on the EIT/FE?
The FE is scored on a pass/fail basis. Below are the pass rates for the April 2006 exam.
All modules Examination Module First-time takers Repeat takers Chemical 85% 52% Civil 73% 34% Electrical 70% 19% Environmental 78% 23% Industrial 65% 31% Mechanical 79% 36% General 73% 27% When should I start preparing for the EIT/FE?
Most students take the FE exam the last semester of their final year, or shortly after graduation, while the technical information they studied is still fresh and they are still in 'test mode'.
How much math do I need before I can start preparing for the EIT/FE?
The FE exam is structured as follows:
MORNING SESSION (120 questions in 12 topic areas)
- Mathematics
- Engineering Probability and Statistics
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Ethics and Business Practices
- Engineering Economics
- Engineering Mechanics (Statics and Dynamics)
- Strength of Materials
- Material Properties
- Fluid Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Thermodynamics
AFTERNOON SESSION IN OTHER/GENERAL ENGINEERING (60 questions in 9 topic areas)
- Advanced Engineering Mathematics
- Engineering Probability and Statistics
- Biology
- Engineering Economics
- Application of Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering of Materials
- Fluids
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
See http://www.ncees.org/exams/fundamentals/fe_exam_specs.pdf for specific subject matter covered in each topic.
What calculator may I use for my FE exam?
Following is a list of the ONLY calculators that will be allowed in the testing room for 2008 exams:
- Hewlett Packard - HP 33s or HP35S
- Casio - All FX 115 models. Any Casio calculator must contain FX-115 in its model name.
- Texas Instruments - TI 30X or TI 36X. Any Texas Instruments calculator must contain either TI-30X or TI-36X in its model name.
Each year, NCEES will review the approved calculator list and announce updates by November 15.
