FE Electrical & Computer
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is generally the first step in the process of becoming a licensed professional engineer (P.E.). NCEES describes it as designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. It is a computer-based exam administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson test centers, and the $225 exam fee is payable directly to NCEES. The FE exam includes 110 questions. The exam appointment time is 6 hours long and includes a nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes), a tutorial (8 minutes), the exam itself (5 hours and 20 minutes), and a scheduled break (25 minutes). The Electrical and Computer exam is offered in three disciplines: Computer Engineering; Electrical and Electronics; and Power. Results are typically available within 7–10 business days and are reported as pass or fail; if you fail, you receive a diagnostic report showing your performance for each of the major topics covered on the exam. Because the exam is administered year-round, you can register and schedule through your MyNCEES account and choose from available exam dates and locations. Prepare by working through the exam specifications for your discipline, refreshing core analysis methods, and practicing timed problem sets under exam-like conditions. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NCEES.
What you'll study
About FE Electrical & Computer preparation
How long is the FE exam, start to finish?
The exam appointment time is 6 hours long. It includes a nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes), a tutorial (8 minutes), the exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), and a scheduled break (25 minutes). Plan for the full appointment window at the Pearson test center, not just the scored portion.
How many questions are on the FE exam?
The FE exam includes 110 questions. That count applies to the exam you sit for, so budget your 5 hours and 20 minutes of exam time accordingly. Practice with timed sets so you build a sustainable pace rather than spending too long on early items.
What does it cost and who do I pay?
A $225 exam fee is payable directly to NCEES. Registration and scheduling happen through your MyNCEES account, where you select your exam location and then choose from available exam dates. Note that some international administrations list different fees and additional application steps with the local licensing body.
When and where can I take it?
The FE exam is a computer-based exam administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson test centers. After registering in MyNCEES, you select your exam location and are shown available exam dates; if the choices do not suit you, you can browse available dates at other NCEES-approved test centers.
How soon do I get results, and what do they show?
Exam results are typically available within 7–10 business days. You receive an email notification from NCEES with instructions to view results in your MyNCEES account. All results are reported as pass or fail. If you fail, you receive a diagnostic report showing your performance for each major topic.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
The source material for this page does not state a retake policy, attempt limits, or waiting periods for the FE exam, so we do not quote one. Check the NCEES Examinee Guide and your licensing board for the current rules before you plan a second attempt.
Which Electrical and Computer discipline should I choose?
NCEES lists three Electrical and Computer disciplines: Computer Engineering; Electrical and Electronics; and Power. Your choice should match the coursework and work experience you can defend, since the topic mix differs by discipline. Review the exam specifications for your intended discipline before registering.
How should I structure my study time?
Start from the exam specifications for your discipline and rank topics by both weight and your own weakness. Refresh fundamentals first, then move to timed mixed sets so you practice switching between topics. Reserve the final stretch for full-length timed practice and reviewing the errors you repeat most often.
What are the most common ways candidates lose points?
Pacing is the usual culprit: spending too long on a few hard items and rushing the rest. Other frequent losses come from unit and sign errors, misreading what is being asked, and skipping the reference material provided during the exam. Practicing under timed conditions exposes all three before exam day.
Are accommodations available?
Reasonable accommodations are available for examinees who meet certain eligibility criteria and sufficiently document their request. If you believe you qualify, begin the request process early, because documentation takes time and approval should be settled before you schedule your appointment.