Fundamentals of Engineering: Home

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is required for certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT), which is the first step towards being certified as a Professional Engineer (PE). The Exam is administered by NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying), with certification through the State of Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations. (NOTE: Students who are moving to a different state can generally transfer their certification, by following instructions provide by their state's Division of Professions and Occupations.)

EIT and PE certification are required for careers in some fields, most frequently those involving human safety issues. The certification serves as a national standard indicating that a consistent level of proficiency, in engineering fundamentals has been achieved. The ME Department has a very high pass rate for the FE Exam, with approximately 80% of the students passing on their first attempt. 

You can find general information and details about the content of the Mechanical Engineering FE Exam on the NCEES website.

• The FE exam is made up of 110-questions in over a dozen topic areas.
  • For a list of the number of questions by topic area visit the NCEES website.
• The exam is 6 hours long and includes:
  • A non-disclosure agreement
  • A brief tutorial about the exam
  • The exam itself
  • And a scheduled 25 minute break
• NCEES requires all exam takers review the Examinee Guide.
  • This 36 page booklet describes the policies and procedures.