Getting a job with the Fundamentals of Engineering FE Exam exam
article
April 30, 2024

Getting a job with the Fundamentals of Engineering FE Exam exam

Job Roles Associated

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, often considered the first step towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), is crucial for graduates aiming at a career in various engineering fields. Successful completion of the FE Fundamentals of Engineering exam opens up several job roles, including but not limited to:

  • Civil Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Industrial Engineer

Responsibilities and Duties of Each Job Role

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure projects and systems in the public and private sector, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment.

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products.

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service.

Key Tasks Performed by Each Job Role

photo-1581092583537-20d51b4b4f1b.jpg

Civil Engineer

  • Analyze long range plans, survey reports, maps, and other data to plan and design projects.
  • Consider construction costs, government regulations, potential environmental hazards, and other factors during the planning and risk-analysis stages.

Mechanical Engineer

  • Analyze problems to see how mechanical and thermal devices might help solve a particular problem.
  • Design or redesign mechanical devices using analysis and computer-aided design.

Electrical Engineer

  • Design new ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products.
  • Perform detailed calculations to develop manufacturing specifications.

Chemical Engineer

  • Conduct research to develop new manufacturing processes.
  • Establish safety procedures for those working with potentially dangerous chemicals.

Industrial Engineer

  • Review production schedules to ensure that production levels are met.
  • Develop management control systems to make financial planning more efficient.

Average Salary for Each Job Role

Civil Engineer: Typically around $86,640 per year.
Mechanical Engineer: Approximately $88,430 per year.
Electrical Engineer: Around $100,830 per year.
Chemical Engineer: Generally about $108,770 per year.
Industrial Engineer: Usually $87,040 per year.

Top Companies Hiring for the Role

Several leading companies across industries seek engineers who have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering test. Some top employers include:

  • Boeing
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Google
  • ExxonMobil
  • General Electric

Future Prospects for the Role

The demand for skilled engineers continues to grow as technology evolves. For instance:

Civil Engineering

Expected growth in infrastructure projects is likely to boost demand for civil engineers.

Mechanical Engineering

Innovations in automation and robotics are propelling demand for mechanical engineers in manufacturing industries.

Electrical Engineering

The rise in renewable energy sources is expected to increase demand for electrical engineers who can innovate energy solutions.

Chemical Engineering

Advancements in biotechnology and healthcare are driving demand for chemical engineers.

Industrial Engineering

Efficiency improvements across various sectors will continue to drive the need for industrial engineers.

Each of these roles not only requires passing the FE Fundamentals of Engineering exam but also continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies and methodologies in their respective fields.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

What is the FE Exam?

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, also known as the FE EIT exam, is a critical step for aspiring engineers on the path to becoming licensed professional engineers (P.E.). It is designed primarily for recent graduates and students who are close to completing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program.

Who administers the FE Exam?

The FE Exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and is offered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers.

What are the requirements to sit for the FE Exam?

Candidates must be nearing completion or have completed an undergraduate degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Specific registration requirements can vary by state, so it's recommended to check with your local state board.

How is the FE Exam structured?

The FE Exam includes 110 questions and is conducted in a 6-hour session which includes:

  • Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
  • Tutorial (8 minutes)
  • Scheduled break (25 minutes)
  • Actual exam time (5 hours and 20 minutes)

What fees are associated with the FE Exam?

There is a $225 exam fee that must be paid directly to NCEES when you register for the exam.

How can I register for the FE Exam?

Registration for the FE exam must be done through the NCEES website. You will need to create an account, select your state or foreign jurisdiction, and follow the registration steps as prompted.

What topics are covered in the FE Exam?

The FE Exam covers a broad range of topics specific to the discipline you choose to test in, such as Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, or other engineering disciplines. Each discipline features questions that assess knowledge of fundamental engineering concepts.

Are there accommodations for examinees with disabilities?

Yes, reasonable accommodations are available for examinees who meet certain eligibility criteria. Requests for accommodations must be sufficiently documented and submitted in advance according to NCEES guidelines.

How can I prepare for the FE Exam?

Preparation can involve reviewing the NCEES FE Reference Handbook which is available for free download from their website. Additionally, many candidates benefit from taking practice exams and studying in groups or through review courses.