Engineering Practice Questions

FE Exam Practice Questions

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) ExamThe FE Exam is the first step toward your PE license - and it's not something you want to walk into without serious preparation. Practice with these sample questions covering the core engineering topics tested on the FE. Then unlock the full 500-question bank to build real exam confidence.

110
Total Questions
5 hours 20 minutes (includes 25-minute break)
Time Limit
Pass/Fail (scaled score; approximately 50-55% correct needed)
Passing Score
$175
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 500+ FE Exampractice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

Three concurrent forces act at a point: F1 = 100 N due east, F2 = 150 N due north, and F3 = 80 N at 45° south of west. What is the magnitude of the resultant force, rounded to the nearest newton?

AA) 112 N
BB) 134 N
CC) 127 N
DD) 158 N
2

Find the general solution to the differential equation dy/dx + 2y = 4e^x.

AA) y = (4/3)e^x + Ce^(-2x)
BB) y = 2e^x + Ce^(2x)
CC) y = (4/3)e^(-x) + Ce^(2x)
DD) y = 4e^x + Ce^(-x)
3

Water flows through a horizontal pipe that narrows from a diameter of 0.2 m to 0.1 m. If the velocity in the larger section is 2 m/s and the pressure there is 200 kPa, what is the pressure in the narrower section? (Assume water density = 1000 kg/m³, neglect head losses.)

AA) 215 kPa
BB) 190 kPa
CC) 224 kPa
DD) 170 kPa
4

A piece of equipment costs $50,000 today and will save $12,000 per year for 6 years. The salvage value at the end of year 6 is $5,000. If the minimum attractive rate of return (MARR) is 10%, what is the present worth of this investment?

AA) $5,240
BB) $2,174
CC) -$1,820
DD) $8,615
5

A steel rod with a cross-sectional area of 500 mm² and a length of 2 m is subjected to an axial tensile load of 80 kN. If the modulus of elasticity of steel is 200 GPa, what is the total elongation of the rod?

AA) 1.6 mm
BB) 3.2 mm
CC) 0.8 mm
DD) 2.4 mm

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About the FE Exam

Format & Structure

Total Questions
110
Time Limit
5 hours 20 minutes (includes 25-minute break)
Format
Computer-based (CBT), multiple choice with reference handbook

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
Pass/Fail (scaled score; approximately 50-55% correct needed)
Registration Fee
$175

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FE Exam?

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is a national licensing assessment administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). It's the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Most candidates take it after completing or nearly completing an ABET-accredited engineering degree. Passing the FE grants you the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) designation, which is required before you can sit for the PE Exam after gaining work experience.

Who needs to take the FE Exam?

Anyone pursuing a Professional Engineer (PE) license in the United States needs to pass the FE Exam as the first step. Engineering graduates - whether in civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, or other disciplines - typically take it near the end of their degree program or shortly after graduation. Some employers and state licensing boards also recognize the EIT credential for advancement purposes even before the PE license is obtained.

How many questions are on the FE Exam?

The FE Exam consists of 110 questions total and is divided into two 2-hour 40-minute sessions with a 25-minute scheduled break in between, for a total testing time of 5 hours and 20 minutes. A digital version of the NCEES FE Reference Handbook is provided throughout the entire exam - you don't need to memorize formulas, but you do need to know how and when to use them efficiently.

What FE Exam disciplines are available?

NCEES currently offers 8 FE Exam disciplines: Civil, Electrical and Computer, Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental, Industrial and Systems, Other Disciplines, and Structural (a newer addition). The FE Civil is the most commonly taken version. Each discipline has a unique set of topics and knowledge areas outlined in the official NCEES exam specifications, which you should download and use as your primary study guide.

What score do I need to pass the FE Exam?

NCEES uses a scaled scoring method and reports results as Pass or Fail - not as a raw percentage or point total. The passing threshold varies slightly by exam form, but candidates generally need to answer approximately 50-55% of questions correctly to pass. NCEES publishes performance feedback after each attempt showing which topic areas you did well in and which need improvement. Aiming for 65%+ correct in practice gives you a comfortable buffer on the real thing.

Can I use a calculator on the FE Exam?

Yes, a calculator is allowed and absolutely essential on the FE Exam. However, only NCEES-approved calculator models are permitted. The most popular approved models are the Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro and the Casio fx-115 series. You cannot use graphing calculators, programmable calculators, or any calculator with wireless connectivity. Check the current NCEES approved calculator list before exam day - it's updated periodically.

How many times can I retake the FE Exam?

You can attempt the FE Exam up to 3 times per 12-month period. Between each attempt, you must wait at least 60 days. If you've used all 3 attempts in a year, you'll need to wait until the next 12-month window opens before registering again. Each retake requires paying the full $175 registration fee. If you didn't pass, NCEES provides a diagnostic report that highlights your weaker topic areas - use it to guide your next round of studying.

How should I study for the FE Exam?

Start by downloading the free NCEES FE Reference Handbook and getting comfortable navigating it quickly - your speed with the handbook directly impacts your score. Work through practice problems for each major topic area and time yourself. Don't just solve problems; study where the relevant formulas and tables live in the handbook. Focus extra effort on high-weight topics like mathematics, statics, and the core topics specific to your discipline. A structured 8-12 week study plan with consistent daily practice tends to work well for most candidates.

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