FE Exam Pass Rates by Discipline (2026)
Updated data on how candidates perform on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Use this to calibrate your study plan and set realistic expectations.
Overall FE pass rate
Based on NCEES published data. This represents the approximate first-time pass rate for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam across all disciplines.
Approximately 70% of first-time FE exam candidates pass, though rates vary significantly by discipline. The exam tests 110 questions over a 6-hour appointment window (5 hours and 20 minutes of actual exam time). The FE Reference Handbook is provided digitally during the exam. Repeat test-takers pass at a much lower rate of approximately 33%.
Pass rates by discipline
NCEES offers the FE exam in 7 discipline-specific versions. Pass rates vary based on the candidate pool and subject matter difficulty.
Chemical engineering candidates tend to have strong math and science fundamentals. Topics include thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mass transfer, and chemical reaction engineering.
Covers probability and statistics, engineering economics, manufacturing, quality, and systems engineering. Candidates with strong quantitative backgrounds perform well.
Tests circuit analysis, electronics, signal processing, digital systems, and computer science fundamentals. The breadth of topics can challenge candidates who specialized early.
Covers statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and machine design. One of the most popular FE disciplines.
Includes water and wastewater treatment, air quality, solid waste, hydrology, and environmental regulations. Requires knowledge across chemistry, biology, and engineering.
The most popular FE discipline by volume. Covers structural analysis, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, environmental, and construction. The breadth of topics makes thorough preparation essential.
Designed for disciplines without a specific FE exam (e.g., aerospace, agricultural, biomedical, nuclear). The general nature of the exam means candidates may encounter unfamiliar topic areas.
Historical pass rate trends
FE exam pass rates have remained relatively stable over recent years. The transition from a pencil-and-paper format to computer-based testing (CBT) at Pearson VUE centers did not significantly alter overall pass rates, though it changed the testing experience considerably.
The current first-time pass rate of approximately 70% reflects the exam's role as a foundational competency assessment. However, the 33% repeat pass rate underscores an important pattern: candidates who do not pass on their first attempt often struggle on subsequent tries without a fundamentally different preparation approach.
Key takeaway: Your best chance of passing is your first attempt. Invest in thorough preparation upfront rather than planning to retake the exam. The cost of proper preparation is far less than the cost of multiple exam fees and delayed career progression.
Difficulty by topic area
While NCEES does not publish pass rates per topic, candidate surveys and community data consistently rank these cross-discipline topic areas by difficulty.
Calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and numerical methods. Many candidates underestimate the depth required. The FE Reference Handbook provides formulas, but you must know when and how to apply them.
Present worth, annual cost, rate of return, benefit-cost analysis, and depreciation. Straightforward once you understand the formulas, but mistakes in setup are common.
Free body diagrams, equilibrium, friction, kinematics, and kinetics. Fundamental to most engineering disciplines. Practice is key to speed and accuracy.
Engineering ethics, codes of conduct, licensure requirements, and professional responsibility. Scenario-based questions that most candidates find manageable with basic preparation.
What the pass rates tell you
A ~70% first-time pass rate means that roughly 3 in 10 candidates fail on their first attempt. While this is higher than many professional certification exams, it still represents a meaningful risk, especially given the $175 cost per attempt.
The repeat pass rate of ~33% is the critical number. If you fail the first time, your odds of passing on a retake drop dramatically. This is not because the exam gets harder, but because candidates who fail often have fundamental knowledge gaps that require a completely different study approach to address.
The FE Reference Handbook is your most important tool. Unlike many certification exams, the FE provides a comprehensive reference handbook during the exam. You do not need to memorize every formula. Instead, you need to know where to find information in the handbook and how to apply it quickly. Practice navigating the handbook during your study sessions.
Mathematics is the common denominator. Regardless of your discipline, mathematics underpins nearly every FE topic area. Candidates who are comfortable with calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations perform better across all sections. If math is a weakness, prioritize it in your study plan.
How to beat the odds
Study from the FE Reference Handbook
The same handbook is provided during the exam. Do not memorize formulas from other sources. Learn where every formula is located in the handbook and practice applying them. This is the single most impactful study strategy.
Take at least 5 full-length practice exams
Candidates who take multiple full-length practice exams pass at significantly higher rates. Practice exams build test-taking endurance for the 5+ hour exam, improve time management, and reveal weak topic areas before exam day.
Front-load mathematics review
Mathematics is the foundation for every other topic. Spend your first 1 to 2 weeks reviewing calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations before moving to discipline-specific content. Strong math skills make every other section easier.
Score 80%+ on practice exams before sitting
Consistently scoring above 80% on practice exams is a strong predictor of passing. If you are scoring below 70%, continue studying before scheduling your exam date. The $175 exam fee is better spent once than twice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the FE exam pass rate?
The FE exam first-time pass rate is approximately 70%, though it varies by discipline. Chemical engineering has one of the highest pass rates at about 76%, while the Other Disciplines exam has the lowest at approximately 60%. Repeat test-takers pass at a significantly lower rate of about 33%.
Which FE discipline has the highest pass rate?
Chemical engineering typically has the highest FE pass rate at approximately 76%. Industrial and Systems engineering follows closely at about 74%. These disciplines tend to attract candidates with strong analytical and mathematical backgrounds.
Why is the FE repeat pass rate so low?
The repeat test-taker pass rate is approximately 33%, roughly half the first-time rate. This is often because candidates who fail the first time do not significantly change their study approach. Simply retaking the exam without addressing knowledge gaps rarely leads to a different result. Structured practice exams and targeted review of weak areas are essential for repeat candidates.
Is the FE exam harder than the PE exam?
The FE exam is generally considered less difficult than the PE exam, but it covers a much broader range of topics. The FE tests foundational knowledge across many engineering subjects, while the PE tests deeper expertise in a specific discipline. The FE is typically taken by students or recent graduates, while the PE requires years of professional experience.
How can I improve my chances of passing the FE exam?
Study from the FE Reference Handbook (the same one provided during the exam), take multiple full-length timed practice exams, focus extra time on mathematics and your weakest topic areas, and aim to score 80% or above on practice exams before scheduling your test date. Candidates who use structured prep materials pass at higher rates than those who self-study without a plan.
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