If you're pursuing licensure as a civil engineer, the FE Civil exam is your first big milestone. It's designed to test the core concepts of civil engineering and confirm that you're ready to take the next step toward becoming a Professional Engineer (PE). Here's what you need to know about the exam:
Who Administers The Exam?
The exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). They are the official body responsible for licensure exams in the U.S., including the FE and PE series. You can register for the exam through the NCEES website, where you'll also find official specifications, policies, and scheduling tools.
What Do You Get After Passing?
Once you pass the FE Civil exam, you earn the designation of Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI), depending on your state’s terminology. This credential qualifies you to move forward and eventually sit for any PE exam after gaining the required work experience.
Is The FE Civil Exam Computer-Based?
Yes, the FE Civil exam is a computer-based test (CBT) administered year-round at Pearson VUE test centers. The exam lasts 5 hours and 20 minutes and includes 110 multiple-choice questions. You'll also get a short tutorial, a scheduled break, and a brief survey at the end.
Who Should Take The FE Civil Exam?
Whether you are fresh out of college or planning a career shift, the FE Civil exam is the first major step toward professional licensure. It is designed for a variety of aspiring engineers at different points in their journey.
Recent Graduates In Civil Engineering
If you are completing or have recently graduated from an ABET-accredited civil engineering program, you are the exam’s primary audience. Many students take the FE Civil exam in their senior year or shortly afterward, while their coursework is still fresh. Passing early can give you a strong edge in job applications and help you move more quickly toward your PE license.
International Engineers Seeking U.S. Licensure
Engineers trained outside of the U.S. who wish to practice domestically will often need to pass the FE Civil exam as the first step before applying for the PE exam. A strong performance demonstrates an understanding of U.S. engineering standards and principles, which is required by most state licensing boards.
Engineers-In-Training Retaking The Exam
If you did not pass on your first attempt, you are not alone. Many candidates retake the exam with stronger preparation and succeed. School of PE provides Live Online, On Demand, and Bootcamp formats to match different learning styles. For more strategies, review our blog on how to tackle difficult FE exam questions.
How To Register For The FE Civil Exam
Ready to take the next step? Registering for the FE Civil exam is a straightforward process, but it helps to understand each part so you do not miss any important details. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Create An NCEES Account
All registrations are completed through the NCEES website. Start by creating a free account, which allows you to register for the exam, schedule your test date, and access essential resources such as the FE Reference Handbook and exam specifications.
Step 2: Review Your State’s Requirements
Although the FE Civil exam is standardized nationally, licensing requirements can vary by state. Some boards require additional paperwork or approvals before you can register. Checking your state’s guidelines early prevents delays later in the process.
Step 3: Register And Pay The Exam Fee
Once you are ready, log in to your NCEES account and complete your registration. The exam fee is paid directly to NCEES at the time of registration and is non-refundable, so it is important to commit to a date that aligns with your study plan. For a complete breakdown of exam-related expenses beyond the registration fee, review this guide on the FE exam cost.
Step 4: Schedule Your Exam Appointment
After registration, Pearson VUE, the official testing partner for NCEES, will email you to set up your exam appointment. Exams are offered year-round, so you have the flexibility to select a date and location that works best for your schedule.
Step 5: Start Preparing
Once your exam is on the calendar, it is time to focus on prep. School of PE offers multiple options, including Live Online classes with interactive instruction, flexible On Demand courses for self-paced learning, and supplemental tools to help you build a strong, organized study plan.
What’s On The FE Civil Exam?
Understanding the topics covered on the FE Civil exam is key to building an effective study plan. The exam tests your knowledge of fundamental civil engineering concepts across multiple subject areas. Here’s what to expect:
Exam Format And Question Structure
The FE Civil exam is a computer-based test with 110 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have 5 hours and 20 minutes to complete the exam, which includes a short tutorial, a scheduled break, and a survey at the end.
Questions vary from straightforward calculations to applied engineering scenarios, designed to reflect the problem-solving tasks of an entry-level civil engineer.
Main Topics Covered
According to the NCEES exam specifications, the FE Civil exam covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, ethics and professional practice, engineering economics, statics and dynamics, mechanics of materials, materials, fluid mechanics, hydraulics, structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering, transportation, environmental engineering, and construction.
Each subject area contributes a certain number of questions, so understanding the topic breakdown helps you prioritize your study time effectively. If you’re unsure where to start, School of PE’s structured FE Civil prep courses align directly with these specifications.
Types Of Questions You’ll Encounter
You will see a mix of conceptual questions that test theory, calculation-based problems that require quick reference to the FE Reference Handbook, and applied scenarios where you’ll need to analyze data or choose the most efficient solution.
Practicing with questions modeled on the actual exam format is essential. School of PE’s practice materials and problem-solving sessions are designed to match NCEES standards, ensuring you build both accuracy and speed. For additional strategies, check out these tips for solving difficult FE exam questions.
FE Civil Practice Resources That Actually Help
When it comes to passing the FE Civil exam, practice isn’t optional. It’s essential. The right resources reinforce key concepts and help you become confident with the exam format, pacing, and question types. Here’s how to take your practice to the next level:
Start With The FE Reference Handbook
The FE Reference Handbook is the only resource allowed during the actual exam, so it’s important to be comfortable navigating it efficiently. Download the latest version directly from NCEES and use it during every practice session.
School of PE integrates the handbook across all course materials, so you’ll naturally become fluent with its layout and formulas as you go.
Simulate The Exam With Full-Length Practice Tests
Full-length practice exams are one of the most powerful tools for preparation. They help you build the mental stamina needed for a 6-hour test, sharpen your time management, and reveal which areas need more attention.
School of PE offers realistic practice exams modeled after the actual FE Civil test format. These simulations give you an authentic feel for what to expect on exam day, no surprises.
Target Weak Areas With Focused Practice Problems
For deeper reinforcement, focused practice on specific subjects such as fluid mechanics or geotechnical engineering is key. School of PE’s instructor-prepared materials include chapter-based problems, timed quizzes, and step-by-step solutions. These targeted resources help you identify weak points and adjust your study plan without wasting time on areas you’ve already mastered.
A consistent routine, rather than last-minute cramming, leads to stronger retention and less stress as test day approaches. For a detailed guide to planning your schedule, review our breakdown on how long to study for the FE exam.
Why Choose School Of PE For FE Civil Prep
With so many prep options available, it’s important to choose a program that fits your learning style, schedule, and career goals. School of PE has helped thousands of aspiring engineers pass the FE Civil exam by offering flexible, comprehensive, and proven study resources. Here's why so many students trust us:
Structured Courses Designed For All Experience Levels
As a recent graduate or returning to engineering after a long break, the School of PE meets you where you are. Our FE Civil exam prep is created by experienced instructors who know how to simplify complex concepts and teach with real exam strategies in mind. Every course is built around the official NCEES exam specifications, so you're always studying the right topics in the right sequence.
Flexible Learning Formats That Fit Your Schedule
You can choose the learning format that works best for your routine. Take a Live Online class with live lectures and instructor Q&A, or go with an On Demand course to study at your own pace. For those on a tight timeline, our Bootcamp format delivers focused, accelerated review. No matter your schedule, there's an option that fits.
Instructor-Prepared Practice And Study Tools
All course content, including lectures and problem sets, are developed by subject-matter experts. Our programs include full-length practice exams, access to the FE Reference Handbook, chapter-specific quizzes, and flashcards to reinforce what you’ve learned. These tools are designed not just to help you memorize, but to help you apply knowledge the way the exam requires.
Start Preparing For The FE Civil Exam Today
Passing the FE Civil exam is more than just a checkbox; it’s a career-defining step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. Whether you're just starting your journey or need a second chance at success, having the right preparation partner makes all the difference.
At School of PE, we don’t just offer study materials; we deliver a complete exam prep experience designed to fit your life, learning style, and goals. With flexible formats, instructor-led content, and tools built around the NCEES exam specifications, you'll get the clarity and structure you need to pass.
