Staying Current with FE Exam Changes
NCEES periodically updates the FE exam to reflect evolving engineering practice, educational standards, and testing technology. Staying informed about these changes ensures your preparation aligns with the exam you will actually take. This guide covers recent updates and how to stay current with future changes.
Exam Specification Updates
NCEES reviews and updates the exam specifications (content areas and their weightings) on a regular cycle, typically every 5 to 7 years. These updates are based on surveys of practicing engineers to ensure the exam tests knowledge that is relevant to current engineering practice.
When exam specifications change, the content areas and their percentage weights may shift. Some topics may be added, removed, or moved between content areas. The total number of questions and exam duration may also change. Always check the NCEES website for the current exam specification before beginning your study plan.
Reference Handbook Updates
The FE Reference Handbook is updated periodically to correct errors, add new content aligned with specification changes, and improve the organization of existing material. Each update is assigned a new version number. Always study with the version of the handbook that will be used on your exam date. NCEES posts the current version on their website, and it is free to download.
When a new handbook version is released, review the change log (if provided) to identify what has been added, removed, or reorganized. If you have been studying with a previous version, pay special attention to formulas or tables that have moved to new locations.
Testing Format Changes
The transition to computer-based testing was the most significant format change in FE exam history. Since that transition, NCEES has made ongoing improvements to the testing software, including enhancements to the reference handbook search function, calculator features, and the exam navigation interface.
These software improvements are generally positive for test-takers, but they mean the interface may look slightly different from practice exams you took months earlier. Taking the NCEES practice exam close to your actual exam date ensures you experience the current software version.
Policy Changes
NCEES occasionally updates its policies regarding:
- Exam eligibility: Who can sit for the exam and when
- Retake policies: Waiting periods and limits on the number of attempts
- Fees: Exam registration and administration costs
- Score reporting: Timeline and format of results communication
- Accommodations: Processes and requirements for disability accommodations
Policy changes may also come from individual state licensing boards, which set their own requirements for FE exam eligibility and EIT certification. Check your state board's website for state-specific policies.
How to Stay Informed
- NCEES website: The primary source for all exam-related information, including specifications, handbook versions, fees, and policies
- NCEES email updates: Sign up for NCEES communications when you create your account
- State licensing board websites: For state-specific requirements and policy changes
- Engineering professional societies: ASCE, ASME, IEEE, and other societies often share updates about licensure exam changes
- FE exam preparation communities: Online forums and social media groups where test-takers share information and experiences
Impact on Your Preparation
When exam changes are announced, evaluate how they affect your study plan:
- New content areas: If a new topic has been added, incorporate it into your study plan. Check whether it was already partially covered under a different content area heading.
- Removed content: If a topic has been removed, you can deprioritize it (though understanding it may still help with related topics).
- Weight changes: If the weight of a content area has increased or decreased, adjust your study time allocation accordingly.
- New handbook version: Download and switch to the new version immediately. Re-familiarize yourself with the locations of key formulas.
If you are in the middle of a study plan when changes take effect, do not panic. Changes between exam versions are usually incremental rather than dramatic. Review the change summary, make targeted adjustments, and continue your preparation.
Transition Periods
When major changes are announced, NCEES typically provides a transition period during which both the old and new exam specifications may be in effect. Pay attention to the effective date of any changes to ensure you are studying for the correct version of the exam. If your exam date falls near a transition, clarify with NCEES which specification applies.