FE Exam
To graduate, you must take the FE Exam your senior year – during your last two semesters.
You will receive a P grade in EGEN 488 once you have taken the exam. You do not have
to pass the FE Exam to get a P-grade for the class. You just have to take the FE and
make a good effort.
Registering for the Exam
- For more information and registration go to: http://ncees.org/exams/fe-exam/
- Register any time, up to one year in advance, for an exam appointment during the scheduled windows at any testing center.
- The NCEES registration cost will be $225.00.
- You will receive an email from NCEES after you register with instructions on how to choose a test center and schedule a time.
- You must also register for EGEN 488 the same semester you take the exam. You should take the FE Exam (and EGEN 488) one of your last two semesters.
Exam Dates, Times, and Places
- The FE Exam can be taken on computer at any Pearson Vue Test Center – MSU currently is a Pearson Vue Test site with 10 stations in the MSU library basement, Room 19, (other test centers are in Helena, Billings, Missoula, etc.)
- The MSU Test Center will be open Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm, plus Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 8:00pm.
- You can retake the exam up to 3 times in a 12 month period, but only once in the 2 month windows listed above
Exam Format
- The computer-based FE Exam takes approximately 6 hours - 110 questions - with a scheduled 25 minute break in the middle (based on completion, not time) 7 free standing exams: Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Computer, Environmental, Industrial, Mechanical, and Other Disciplines.
- Please take the exam appropriate to your major.
- Industrial Engineering students must take the Industrial Engineering specific exam. For a list of the subjects covered go to http://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/FE-Ind-CBT-specs-2.pdf
- Mechanical Engineering students must take the Mechanical Engineering specific exam. For a list of the subjects covered go to http://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/FE-Mec-CBT-specs.pdf.
- MET students are recommended to take the Mechanical Engineering specific exam. For a list of the subjects covered go to http://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/FE-Mec-CBT-specs.pdf. You are allowed to take the Other Disciplines exam if you prefer, but MET students are typically most successful with the ME Exam. For a list of those subjects go to http://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/FE-Other-CBT-specs-1.pdf.
- Split screen format - exam on one side, reference handbook on the other
- Reference Handbook and sample exams available through NCEES www.ncees.org at “Prepare for Your Exam” link http://ncees.org/exams/study-materials/
- The FE reference handbook will be available to you electronically during the exam. For a free pdf of this handbook please go to this site to download, http://ncees.org/exams/study-materials/download-fe-supplied-reference-handbook/. You can purchase a paper copy at the same place for $13.95.
- Sample exams are also available online at NCEES – 2.5 hours, online, $49.95
- Only certain calculators are allowed for the FE Exam please review the list at NCEES.org to be sure you are prepared
- You must upload confirmation of your results to the EGEN 488 D2L, as your proof of having taken the exam to earn your passing grade in EGEN 488.
- Exam results will be available within 7-10 days after the test is taken.
What should you do if you are ready to sign up?
- Go to the NCEES website www.ncees.org for details on the exam and registration
- Plan ahead! Register well in advance so that you can get an exam appointment that fits your schedule
- Prepare for the exam
- Review the FE Reference Handbook http://ncees.org/exams/study-materials/download-fe-supplied-reference-handbook/
- Sample exams are available through NCEES http://ncees.org/exams/study-materials/
- Study guides are available for purchase online and at the MSU library
- Questions? See Dr. Ruhul Amin (ME), Kevin Cook (MET), or Kathy Campbell