The NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) test is the first of two necessary exams/tests for engineers to be licensed professional engineers (PE) in the United States. Before taking the P.E. exam, engineering college seniors or working engineers must pass the F.E. exam and four years of engineering work exposure. The examinee is referred to as a licensed professional engineer after acing the P.E. exam (P.E.). A licensed professional engineer has the full legal authority to stamp and seal any engineering documents for distribution to the general public.

Specific conditions must be met to be qualified to take the F.E. exam.

To begin, you must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution. ABET certification ensures that a college or university program satisfies the quality requirements of the profession for which it teaches students.

Additionally, you can be enrolled in an EAC/ABET engineering program and still be eligible to take the F.E. exam. However, to take the F.E. exam, you must be in your final year of college or university. The exam is to be brought within one year of graduating from college if you are already a graduate.

If ABET does not accredit your program, you can request a review to check if your educational background meets the engineering standards. Because getting your examination isn't always cheap, checking with your state board is advisable to see whether you're eligible.

 Assessment with The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying must be completed if you are eligible for one. You will compare your collegiate education to the NCEES Engineering Education Standard during an evaluation.

The NCEES Engineering Education Standard specifies 96 semester hours: 32 higher mathematics/basic sciences + 16 general education + 48 engineering science/design. Go to the NCEES website and follow the instructions to complete an evaluation.

Unfortunately, suppose you are ruled ineligible, or your degree is not accepted. In that case, you will need to complete a four-year degree in an ABET-accredited engineering program to be eligible to take the F.E. exam.

If you are not enrolled in an ABET-accredited B.E. program, you will require six years of experience for the F.E. exam and 12 years for the P.E. exam. This experience will be valid if it is done under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer. Finally, using the NCEES website to apply can be considered a necessity for taking the F.E. exam.