FE: Industrial Engineering Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Practice Test

Eligibility is determined by your state's licensing board (typically under the jurisdiction of a Board of Professional Engineers). Most boards allow current engineering students in their final year or graduates from an ABET-accredited engineering program to take the exam. Some states may have additional requirements. You must apply directly through your state board and, upon approval, register with NCEES to schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center.

The exam is computer-based and consists of 110 questions to be completed in 5 hours and 20 minutes. It is divided into two sections: a 2-hour, 20-minute session for the first 55 questions, an optional 25-minute scheduled break, and a final 3-hour session for the remaining 55 questions. The exam includes multiple-choice questions and alternative item types (e.g., point-and-click, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank). An electronic reference handbook (the NCEES FE Reference Handbook) is provided on-screen and is the only reference material allowed.

Effective preparation requires a structured plan. Begin by downloading the official NCEES FE Industrial Engineering exam specification, which details the exact topics and their weightings. Use the provided NCEES FE Reference Handbook extensively during study to become familiar with its layout and formulas. Combine comprehensive review materials (textbooks, review manuals) with extensive practice using problem banks and the official NCEES practice exam. Allocate study time proportionally to topic weightings, and ensure you practice under timed conditions to build speed and endurance.

NCEES does not publish a specific passing score, as it is determined through a psychometric process that standardizes difficulty across different exam forms. Results are reported as Pass/Fail. The exam is scored by NCEES, and results are typically available within 7-10 business days. Your state board will notify you of your official result. If unsuccessful, you can retake the exam after a waiting period (as defined by your state board), which is typically every 2-3 months.

The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam is the first of two exams required for licensure. Passing it grants you the title of Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI). The PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam is the second step. To qualify for the PE exam, you must first pass the FE and then acquire four years of progressive engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. Passing the PE exam grants you the Professional Engineer license, allowing you to sign and seal engineering documents, offer services to the public, and take legal responsibility for projects.