Explore FE Exam

What is the FE Exam?

The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is for any engineer graduating from an accredited university like Virginia Tech. The FE Exam is the first step to getting a Professional Engineering License and may be required (depending on the role) or increase your pay in industry.

When is it Worth it to Take the FE?

The FE is worth it if you plan to work in:

  • Consulting engineering firms

  • Process design / EPC firms

  • Energy, utilities, chemicals, pharma

  • Environmental engineering

  • Government / regulatory work

  • Any role where you might sign off on designs

If you ever want to be a PE, you must pass the FE first.

The FE is less useful if your going into fields such as: Software, data science, finance, sales or research (such as PhD).

What are the Steps to Take the FE?

Plan when to take it:

The best time to take the FE is during or right after your senior year. It is best to take it then as the concepts are still fresh in your mind.

Register for the Exam:

  • Create a free MyNCEES account 

  • Find the FE Exam and choose the Chemical discipline

  • Select a testing window, a Pearson VUE testing center near you and a test date and time

  • To take the exam there is a $225 Fee

  • Remember to register early as seats at popular centers fill up fast

Complete any required Virginia DPOR forms:

  • EIT Designation Application

  • EIT Degree Verification Form

  • EIT Reference Form

These are forms from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, these are required for the official EIT designations, which is the state’s title once you pass the FE.


Prepare for the exam:

There are a few materials that you can use to study for your exam. These include,

  • The NCEES FE Reference Handbook (This is the official handbook used during the exam - learn how to use it)

  • Prep materials available at the VT library, if you search for chemical engineering FE review manuals/problems you will find a few at the library

  • ESM 4404 - Fundamentals of Professional Engineering is a class designed to help you review and prepare for being a professional engineer.

  • Review your notes, the chemical engineering FE will have questions about all of the topics you have covered in your classes from mass and energy to UO Lab.