Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam confirms the technical knowledge of engineering graduates. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) in the United States administers this exam.
Do I Need to Write the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam?
If you intend to practise engineering in the United States, the FE exam is usually the first step to obtaining a P.E. licence in the U.S. APEGA is not involved in US state board licensing decisions. APEGA recommends that Members interested in applying to a state board contact that board directly for more information regarding their licensure requirements and application process.
If you are an applicant, the APEGA Board of Examiners (BOE) may assign you the FE exam – on its own or with other technical exams – to confirm your technical engineering knowledge. Do not write the FE exam before receiving a decision from the BOE, as you may not need to write it.
Registering for the FE Exam
APEGA Members, Members-in-Training, and applicants may write the exam. The exam is offered year-round.
You can register for the exam in myAPEGA. You must pay a non-refundable administration fee to APEGA at this time. Once we have processed your request, we will email you instructions on how to register with NCEES.
Do not register with NCEES before applying to APEGA or you will be ineligible to write the exam.
If you do not qualify to take the FE exam through APEGA but want to take it, you must contact NCEES directly.
You must read the NCEES Examinee Guide before registering for the exam so you understand all the FE exam policies and procedures.
Exam Fees
| Payable to APEGA | $75 CAD + GST |
| Payable to NCEES | $225 USD |
Rescheduling & Cancelling
If you must reschedule or cancel your exam you must do so through your MyNCEES account that you created when you registered. For information on the policies regarding rescheduling and cancelling of the FE exam please view the NCEES Examinee Guide.
Do not contact APEGA regarding refunding, rescheduling, or cancelling your FE exam.
Writing the FE Exam
APEGA candidates can write the exam at any Pearson VUE testing location in North America that offers the exam. In Alberta, there are locations in Edmonton and Calgary.
Check for Pearson VUE testing locations
The exam has 110 multiple-choice questions. You have six hours to complete it. The exam is offered in seven disciplines. Choose the discipline that will give you the best chance of success. The BOE will not choose the discipline for applicants.
The NCEES website lists:
- allowed reference materials
- disability accommodations
- exam specifications
- study materials
- test centre locations
Exam Results
Per the NCEES scoring method, exam results are either pass or fail based on your total number of correct answers. You are not penalized for incorrect answers.
Exam results are usually available in 7 to 10 days. APEGA will mail you a confirmation letter with your results. Your results will also be posted on your MyNCEES account and in myAPEGA.
If you failed the FE exam, NCEES will send you a report showing the subject areas that you were weak in. You can retake the exam as often as you wish. To retake the exam through APEGA, please re-apply through the myAPEGA.