Two Exams on the Path to Licensure
The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam and the PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam are the two examinations required for professional engineering licensure in the United States. While they share the common goal of ensuring engineering competence, they test different levels of knowledge and serve different purposes in your engineering career. Understanding these differences helps you prepare appropriately for each exam.
Purpose and Timing
FE Exam
The FE exam tests your knowledge of fundamental engineering concepts typically learned during your undergraduate engineering education. It is designed for students nearing graduation or recent graduates. Passing the FE exam earns you the EIT (Engineer in Training) designation, which is the first step toward PE licensure.
PE Exam
The PE exam tests your ability to apply engineering knowledge at the level expected of a competent practicing engineer with several years of experience. It is taken after you have accumulated the required years of professional experience (typically 4 years under a licensed PE). Passing the PE exam, combined with meeting all other state requirements, earns you a Professional Engineer license.
Content Depth and Breadth
FE Exam: Broad and Fundamental
The FE exam covers a wide range of topics across the engineering curriculum. Questions test fundamental concepts, basic calculations, and understanding of core principles. The difficulty level corresponds to what you should know at the end of a 4-year engineering program. You need to know a little about a lot of topics.
PE Exam: Deep and Applied
The PE exam focuses on a single engineering discipline and tests topics in much greater depth. Questions require applying engineering principles to realistic practice scenarios, often involving design decisions, code compliance, and professional judgment. You need to know a lot about your specific practice area.
Exam Format Comparison
- FE Exam: 110 multiple-choice questions, 5 hours 20 minutes, computer-based at Pearson VUE, NCEES FE Reference Handbook provided, on-screen calculator only
- PE Exam: Format varies by discipline. Many PE exams are computer-based with multiple-choice questions. Some disciplines include alternative item types (multiple correct answers, drag and drop, fill in the blank). The NCEES PE Reference Handbook is provided for the discipline. Some PE exams are 8 hours long, while others follow different formats depending on the discipline.
Eligibility Requirements
FE Exam
Generally requires an engineering degree (or enrollment in an engineering program nearing completion). Some states allow non-engineering graduates with sufficient coursework or experience. No professional experience is required.
PE Exam
Requires passing the FE exam (in most states), an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent), and typically 4 years of progressive professional experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. Requirements vary by state.
Difficulty Level
Comparing difficulty between the FE and PE exams is not straightforward because they test different things. The FE exam is considered easier in terms of the depth of knowledge required, but its breadth can be challenging if you have significant gaps in fundamental topics. The PE exam is considered more difficult because it tests complex, applied engineering problems that require professional judgment and deeper technical knowledge.
However, many engineers find the PE exam somewhat easier to prepare for because by the time they take it, they have years of professional experience in their specific discipline. The material on the PE exam often overlaps with what they do at work every day.
Study Time Comparison
The typical study time for each exam:
- FE Exam: 150 to 300 hours over 8 to 16 weeks
- PE Exam: 200 to 400 hours over 12 to 20 weeks
These ranges are approximate and depend on your baseline knowledge, how recently you studied the material, and your study efficiency.
Pass Rates
FE exam first-time pass rates generally range from 60 to 80% depending on the discipline. PE exam pass rates are generally lower, typically ranging from 50 to 70% for first-time takers, reflecting the increased difficulty and the higher stakes of professional licensure.
Career Impact
EIT (After Passing FE)
The EIT designation demonstrates fundamental engineering competence. It is valued by employers as evidence of your technical foundation. In some states and for some positions, EIT certification is required or preferred. It is also a prerequisite for the PE exam in most states.
PE License (After Passing PE)
The PE license authorizes you to practice engineering independently, seal and sign engineering documents, take legal responsibility for engineering work, and offer engineering services directly to the public. It is required for engineers in responsible charge of engineering projects, especially in public works, building design, and infrastructure.
Strategic Planning
The best time to take the FE exam is during or shortly after completing your engineering degree, when coursework is fresh. Do not delay the FE exam, as the material becomes harder to recall with each passing year. Plan to take the PE exam after accumulating the required experience, and begin studying well in advance of your target date.