Taking the FE Exam While You’re Still In College

Posted by Wasim Asghar on September 30th, 2021

The FE exam stands for “Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.” It is mandatory for engineering students to take this exam as it will help them in creating an incredible future by becoming a professional engineer or PE. The best part of the FE exam is that you can easily take it from your preferred state or region as it is a computer-based test.

If you are wondering about how to take this national examination (FE exam) or what would be the best time for taking this exam, then you’re at the right place. In this article, you will get to know the answers to all those questions, along with detailed information regarding what the FE exam exactly does to help potential students (especially college students).

Best Time to Take the FE Exam

The best time to take the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam depends upon everyone’s personal situation. It is good to take the FE exam once you are graduated or experienced enough but it is not necessary. Probably, it will be more beneficial for you if you take the FE exam while you are still in college.

The chances of college students performing more efficiently than many graduated candidates are higher in the FE exam. It is because the data and knowledge that is required to pass the FE exam would be fresh in college students’ minds as they are regularly learning it by attending classes in colleges. This better understanding increases their chances of scoring better.

Importance of the FE Exam

Many students think that they will only get good results if they take at least a year for the FE (fundamentals of engineering) exam preparation after graduation. However, the longer a student takes to appear in the FE exam, the harder it gets for him to score good marks in it.

So, delaying the FE exam isn’t a good idea. To get better results, it is advised to take the FE exam while you are in your last year or as soon as you graduate.

According to research by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), taking the FE exam while you’re still in college increases the likelihood of passing that exam. There are some colleges where passing the FE exam is compulsory for students to obtain their graduate degrees.

If you want to be eligible for taking the ‘licensing exam of a professional engineer,’ then appearing in the FE exam is an initial and compulsory stage in many states. So, it is better to take and pass this test as early as possible. You can find further information regarding eligibility criteria from the State Licensing Board.

Format and Timing of the FE Exam

Every year, the FE exam is given during the months of January to February, April to May, July to August, and November to October.

The FE (fundamentals of engineering) exam is basically a comprehensive test of all the information and knowledge that students have gathered during their undergraduate studies of engineering. This exam consists of 110 multiple choice questions, which candidates have to complete in the given time of six hours.

During the given six hours, candidates get a tutorial video to watch, break time, and also a short survey at the end of the exam. This way, the actual time to complete the FE exam becomes 5 hours and 20 minutes.

The FE Exam Registration Procedure

Students can easily get themselves registered for the FE exam just by sitting at home. All they need to do for registration is to visit the NCEES website and log in to their accounts. After that, click the “Register” button and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

Cost and Passing Ratio of the Exam

An amount of 5 will be required to complete the registration process. However, the passing score to clear the FE exam is 70%.

Benefits of Taking the FE Exam

Following are the few benefits of taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination:

• Easy to get jobs

• Higher earning

• Considered as an authoritative license

• Allowed to sign legal documents

• It is worth the cost

• Evidence of your eligibility

• More working opportunities

Conclusion

We hope that, by now, you are convinced to appear in the FE exam at your soonest possible time (i.e. while you’re still in college). Now, if you are worried about how to start preparing for the FE exam, then relax.

You can easily get an ample amount of information regarding the FE exam course through the internet.  Furthermore, you can get the FE exam handbook online that will help you in a better understanding of engineering concepts. All you need is to stay focused and try your best to understand each and every concept you study during your college life. Best of luck!