Is FE Exam Important for a Mechanical Engineer?

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If you want to become a licensed Professional Engineer, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first of the two exams you must pass to get your PE license. Read on to know more about the FE Mechanical exam and why you should consider taking it.

FE Exam Overview

The FE exam is essentially the first step in the process of getting your PE license.

• Who Can Take Up the FE Exam?

Students in their senior year of an EIC/ABET-accredited undergrad engineering program or recent graduates can appear for the FE exam.

• FE Exam Format

The FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT) that can be taken year-round at NCEES approved Pearson VUE test centers.

The FE exam is 6 hours long and comprises 110 multiple-choice questions. You will have 5 hours and 20 minutes to solve these questions, and there is a scheduled break for 25 minutes.

Is the FE Exam Hard?

It is not too hard to pass if you have a sound prep plan. However, it is crucial to take the exam in your final year of college or soon after graduation. If you are appearing for the FE exam several years after your undergrad program, you will be out of touch with the basic engineering concepts, and it will be much harder to pass the exam.

What to Do After Passing the FE?

Once you pass the FE exam, you can apply for the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. Your state board will review your application and grant you an official designation as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI).

Why Should I Consider Taking the FE exam?

The primary reason to take the FE exam is to become a licensed Professional Engineer. To be eligible to appear for the PE exam, you must pass the FE exam and have a minimum of four years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed PE.

You may come across blogs or social media posts that advocate pursuing a PE in Mechanical discipline is not valuable compared to other engineering disciplines like Civil, Electrical, or Structural. However, that is not entirely true. Obtaining the PE licensure is an achievement to be proud of regardless of your choice of discipline, and it helps you reach new heights in your career.

Having an FE/EIT gives the employer the impression that you have a long-term plan, and a PE is in the offing. It also shows the employer you have the technical prowess required to pass an exhaustive engineering test.

Does the EIT Guarantee Employment?

Having an EIT is a feather in your cap and adds value to your resume. Some companies prefer candidates with an EIT over others. But passing the FE exam does not guarantee job opportunities.

However, to start your own firm or work in top government agencies, a PE license is required. So, passing the FE and PE exam is essential to land high-paying jobs in the future. According to The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), licensed Mechanical Engineers earn about 10% more in terms of salary each year.

Obtaining a PE license early in your career is a wise decision. It can open up an array of high-paying job opportunities and demands respect from the public and co-workers. So, give a head start to your career by taking up the FE exam and enroll in a FE prep course from popular platforms like the School of PE to improve your odds of passing the exam.

Good luck!