The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam is an assessment conducted by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). It is the first step for those seeking to become licensed professional engineers in the United States.
The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam is an assessment conducted by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). It is the first step for those seeking to become licensed professional engineers in the United States. The exam is designed to test the fundamental knowledge and understanding of engineering principles necessary for entry-level engineering practice. It covers a wide range of topics, including mathematics, engineering sciences, ethics, and professional practice. The FE exam is computer-based and consists of multiple-choice questions. Passing the FE exam is a requirement to progress towards becoming a licensed professional engineer.
The decision to take the FE exam depends on your goals, aspirations, and the requirements of your chosen field. It may be helpful to consult with professors, mentors, or professionals in your industry to gain insights and make an informed decision.
Some item to consider:
- Career goals: If you aspire to become a licensed professional engineer, taking and passing the FE exam is typically a necessary step in the licensure process. It can open up opportunities for advancement in your engineering career.
- Licensure requirements: Check the licensure requirements in your state or the state where you plan to work. Many jurisdictions require passing the FE exam as a prerequisite for professional engineering licensure.
- Field of engineering: Some engineering disciplines may place more emphasis on professional licensure than others. Consider the requirements and expectations in your specific field of engineering.
Yes, the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam offers different disciplines to cater to the varied fields and specializations within engineering. The available disciplines may vary depending on your location and the requirements set by the licensing board. However, here are some common disciplines for the FE exam:
- Chemical Engineering (CHE)
- Civil Engineering (CE)
- Electrical and Computer Engineering (EE)
- Environmental Engineering (ENV)
- Industrial and Systems Engineering (IE)
- Mechanical Engineering (ME)
- Other Disciplines (often referred to as General Engineering or Other Engineering Disciplines), which may include topics from various engineering fields.
These topics provide a general overview, and you should refer to the NCEES website or guidelines specific to your chosen discipline to understand the detailed content outline for the FE exam in your field.
- Mathematics: Topics can include calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, probability, and statistics.
- Engineering Economics: Concepts related to economic analysis, time value of money, cost estimation, and financial decision-making.
- Ethics and Professional Practice: Questions on professional ethics, codes of conduct, professional responsibility, and legal aspects of engineering practice.
- Statics: Basic concepts of statics, including force systems, equilibrium, free-body diagrams, and moment calculations.
- Dynamics: Topics related to the study of motion, including kinematics, kinetics, work-energy relationships, and impulse and momentum.
- Mechanics of Materials: Concepts of stress, strain, deformation, material properties, and analysis of axial, bending, and torsional loading.
- Materials Science: Knowledge about material properties, behavior, selection, and processing.
- Thermodynamics: Principles related to energy transfer, thermodynamic processes, ideal gases, heat transfer, and power cycles.
- Fluid Mechanics: Topics covering fluid properties, fluid statics, fluid flow, Bernoulli’s equation, pumps, and piping systems.
- Electrical Fundamentals: Basics of circuits, voltage, current, resistance, power, and electrical measurements.
Washington University has a class offered in the Spring. It is MEMS 4001 Fundamentals of Engineering Review
The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) uses PPI to provide engineering licensure test prep for the FE, PE, and SE exams. PPI is part of the Kaplan Professional family, a global leader in test prep, certification programs, and educational services to colleges, universities, and corporations throughout the world.
Visit the NCEES Website. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is the organization responsible for administering the FE exam. Their website provides comprehensive information about the exam, including eligibility requirements, registration process, exam specifications, and reference materials.
