Preparing for the FE Chemical Exam
The FE Chemical exam tests the fundamental knowledge expected of a chemical engineering graduate. Covering topics from thermodynamics and mass transfer to process design and safety, this exam requires a solid grasp of chemical engineering principles and the ability to apply them to practical problems.
Exam Structure
Like all FE exams, the FE Chemical is computer-based with 110 questions over 5 hours and 20 minutes. The NCEES FE Reference Handbook is provided as a searchable PDF on screen. The exam is offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers, and you can schedule it at your convenience.
Content Breakdown
- Mathematics (7-11%) - Differential equations, linear algebra, numerical methods
- Engineering Sciences (5-8%) - Statics, dynamics, electrical circuits
- Ethics and Professional Practice (3-5%) - Professional conduct standards
- Engineering Economics (3-5%) - Economic decision-making tools
- Chemistry (7-11%) - Organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry
- Chemical Engineering Fundamentals (7-11%) - Material and energy balances
- Thermodynamics (9-14%) - Phase equilibria, chemical equilibria, cycles
- Fluid Mechanics (5-8%) - Flow in pipes, pump design, fluid properties
- Heat Transfer (7-11%) - Conduction, convection, heat exchanger design
- Mass Transfer and Separation (9-14%) - Distillation, absorption, extraction
- Chemical Reaction Engineering (7-11%) - Reactor design, kinetics, conversion
- Process Design and Economics (5-8%) - PFDs, PIDs, equipment sizing
- Process Control (3-5%) - Feedback systems, controller tuning
- Safety, Health, and Environment (3-5%) - Hazard analysis, safety practices
High-Priority Study Areas
Thermodynamics and mass transfer together can account for up to 28% of the exam. These should be your top study priorities. For thermodynamics, focus on phase equilibria calculations using Raoult's Law and modified Raoult's Law, fugacity concepts, the first and second laws applied to open and closed systems, and thermodynamic property calculations using equations of state.
For mass transfer and separation, master distillation column design using McCabe-Thiele graphical methods, absorption tower calculations, and liquid-liquid extraction. Understand the concepts of theoretical stages, reflux ratios, and minimum reflux.
Material and Energy Balances
Material and energy balances form the backbone of chemical engineering. Every chemical engineering course builds on this foundation, and the FE exam tests it directly. Practice solving multi-unit process balance problems, including those with recycle streams, purge streams, and bypass streams. Be comfortable with both steady-state and transient balance equations.
Study Schedule Recommendation
Allocate 10 to 14 weeks of study time. Chemical engineering graduates often find that the breadth of the exam is the biggest challenge, since it covers material from nearly every course in the curriculum. Create a weekly schedule that covers two to three content areas per week, with the final three weeks reserved for practice exams and targeted review.
Use practice problems from NCEES and other reputable sources. The FE Chemical exam requires you to apply concepts rather than simply recall definitions, so active problem-solving practice is essential. Aim to complete at least 500 practice problems before your exam date.