The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Other Disciplines exam is the FE option for engineers whose degree doesn't match a discipline-specific exam — for example aerospace, biomedical, nuclear or general engineering. It covers the broad core of an engineering degree: mathematics, statistics, chemistry, mechanics, materials, fluids, electrical engineering and thermodynamics.
Exam format at a glance
| Format | 110 multiple-choice and alternative-item questions, taken by computer at a Pearson VUE center. The appointment is 6 hours, including a tutorial and a scheduled break; exam time is 5 hours 20 minutes. |
| Cost | NCEES lists the FE exam fee as $225 (NCEES Exam Guide, July 2025). Check NCEES for current pricing. |
| Scoring | Pass/fail. NCEES does not publish a cut score, so practice scores here use a 70% line as an estimate, not a prediction. |
| Validity | Passing the FE is typically required to become an Engineer Intern (EI or EIT). Licensing requirements are set by each state board. |
Who this exam is for
- Engineering seniors and graduates in disciplines without their own FE exam
- Engineers in training preparing for the EIT designation
- Working engineers returning to take the FE
How to actually study for it
- Fluid mechanics is the largest area at 12 to 18 questions — know continuity, Bernoulli and pipe-flow losses.
- Statics, dynamics, strength of materials and thermodynamics are each 9 to 14 questions; build depth there.
- Don't skip the smaller areas — chemistry, instrumentation and safety add up.
- Use the searchable FE Reference Handbook during practice so you can find formulas fast.
Where to go next
Start with the free 10-question diagnostic to see where you actually stand, or go straight to the one-page FE Other Disciplines cheat sheet. The full FE Other Disciplines practice exam covers every domain at the real exam's weighting, with every answer explained.