The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a standardized test for aspiring engineers that serves as the initial gateway to professional licensure. For mechanical engineers, the necessity of passing this examination depends heavily on the specific path they choose within the field. Achieving this certification is widely recommended for the long-term flexibility and professional growth it offers.
Defining the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is a comprehensive assessment of foundational knowledge typically gained in an undergraduate engineering program. It is the first major milestone in the four-step sequence toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). The exam is managed and administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the body responsible for developing the licensure exams used across the United States.
The FE exam is entirely computer-based and is offered year-round at approved testing centers. It is discipline-specific, meaning mechanical engineers take a version tailored to their curriculum, distinct from those taken by civil or electrical engineering candidates. The entire appointment is six hours long, which includes a tutorial, a scheduled break, and five hours and twenty minutes dedicated to answering 110 multiple-choice questions.
Is the FE Exam Required for Mechanical Engineers?
The requirement for a mechanical engineer to hold a Professional Engineer license, and therefore to take the FE exam, is not absolute and depends primarily on the sector of employment. Many roles in mechanical engineering, such as those in manufacturing, research and development (R&D), or product design, do not legally require the engineer to be licensed by a state board. These private-sector positions often focus on proprietary systems or internal products that do not directly interface with public infrastructure or safety.
However, the FE exam becomes a practical necessity for any mechanical engineer whose work involves public health, safety, and welfare. This includes roles in consulting, government agencies, forensic engineering, and specific design fields like large-scale Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. An engineer must possess a PE license to legally seal or stamp engineering documents submitted to governmental bodies for approval. Without the FE and subsequent PE license, a mechanical engineer cannot sign off on public infrastructure projects or offer services directly to the public as a consulting engineer.
The Four Steps to Professional Engineer Licensure
The FE exam initiates a structured, sequential path toward achieving the Professional Engineer license. The first step involves successfully passing the FE examination, which demonstrates a mastery of fundamental engineering principles. Passing the FE exam allows the candidate to apply for certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) from their state’s licensing board.
The second step requires the EIT to gain acceptable professional work experience, typically a minimum of four years. This experience must be progressive and completed under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer. This supervised experience ensures the candidate applies academic knowledge to real-world projects competently.
The third step is passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, specifically the Mechanical Engineering depth exam. The PE exam is a rigorous, discipline-specific test that evaluates an engineer’s ability to practice competently in their chosen field. Once the candidate has satisfied all educational, experience, and examination requirements, they can apply to their state board for the official PE license.
Content Areas on the FE Mechanical Exam
The FE Mechanical exam is structured to test the breadth of knowledge expected of a graduate from an accredited mechanical engineering program. The exam is divided into several major knowledge areas, ensuring candidates are well-rounded in the core competencies of the discipline.
- Mathematics and Engineering Science, including foundational topics such as analytic geometry, calculus, differential equations, probability, and statistics.
- Electrical Engineering, covering electricity, magnetism, basic circuits, and the application of Kirchhoff’s and Ohm’s laws.
- Statics and Dynamics, including the analysis of force systems, equilibrium of rigid bodies, kinematics, Newton’s second law, and work-energy principles.
- Materials Science, focusing on mechanics of materials, stress and strain analysis, failure theories, and the selection of engineering materials.
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, covering fluid properties, flow analysis, energy, heat, work, and the application of the first and second laws to various systems.
- Heat Transfer, exploring conduction, convection, and radiation, and the analysis of thermal transfer problems.
- Mechanical Design and Analysis, focusing on the design of machine elements, failure theories, stress analysis, and kinematic principles.
- Measurement, Instrumentation, and Controls, covering engineering measurement principles, instrumentation, sensors, transducers, and basic control logic.
Eligibility and Registration Requirements
Eligibility to take the FE exam is determined by the specific licensing board in the state where the candidate plans to practice. In most cases, candidates must either be a graduate of an ABET-accredited engineering program or be enrolled in the final year of such a program. Some states may allow candidates with a certain number of years of work experience in lieu of an accredited degree, but the requirements vary significantly.
The registration process is managed directly through the NCEES website, where candidates create an account and pay the required exam fee. Once eligibility is confirmed by the state board, the candidate can schedule their exam date at an approved Pearson VUE test center. The FE exam is available year-round, but candidates are generally limited to taking the exam a maximum of three times within a 12-month period.
Long-Term Career Advantages of PE Licensure
Completing the licensure track, which begins with the FE exam, offers long-term benefits that extend beyond immediate job requirements. A Professional Engineer license increases an engineer’s marketability, providing a competitive edge. The PE designation is recognized as the engineering profession’s standard of competence and is a signal to potential employers.
Licensed mechanical engineers often see an increase in salary potential and are typically prioritized for promotions to senior management or supervisory roles. The license grants the authority to establish an independent consulting firm, as only a licensed engineer can legally offer engineering services directly to the public. The ability to sign and seal engineering documents opens doors to work on high-impact projects that unlicensed engineers cannot access.