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Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is the first step in the process of becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.). Becoming a P.E. is an absolute requirement for having a career in a number of industries, especially the power industry/utilities. Although you can take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam later on, it is much easier to take it while you are in school because it tests your knowledge of undergraduate material. Ideally, Clemson ECE students should take the exam during their final semester of classes.

Why should you take the FE Exam?

  • Right to publicly represent yourself as an engineer
  • Opportunity to work as a consultant
  • Recognition that you have the necessary academic and professional experience to practice in the engineering profession
  • Once registered by the exam, you can usually obtain, by reciprocity, the right to practice in other states
  • Added value to you in the job market

Who can take the FE exam?

The following individuals are eligible to take the FE Examination:

  • An undergraduate student who is within two full-time semesters (not including summer sessions) of graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program. 
  • A graduate student enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. engineering program may take the FE exam. 

The FE Exam is administered by NCEES throughout the year at approved testing centers. It is a computer-based exam with supplied reference information consisting of a morning session and a afternoon session. The examination is discipline specific. NCEES policy allows an examinee to take the FE exam no more than three times during a twelve-month period.

 

What is on the Electrical and Computer Engineering Discipline FE Exam?

 

Information about exam content can be found on NCEES's FE exam website. There you can find details on the ECE exam, exam preparation materials, and more resources.

 

How to register for the FE exam

Register for the exam on the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying website.

FE exam locations

Test center locations

The approved test center location closest to Clemson University is in Greenville, SC.

For more information

For more information on the FE Exam, visit the CECAS information page.