Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

Becoming a licensed professional engineer is a two-step process. First, a student who has graduated from an accredited four-year engineering program (or is within 20 credit hours of graduating) must take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam (Part A). This is an eight-hour exam given in April that covers the basic subject matter that is fundamental to all engineering disciplines.

Date:  April 17, 2010
Location:  Newman Gymnasium, Bartels Hall, Cornell University

After passing this test, the Engineer in Training (EIT) can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, (Part B) after serving under a registered engineer for a minimum of four years post B.S. degree (and in some states, four years of experience after passing the FE exam).

Why Do I Need a PE License?

• Opportunities for private practice and/or owning your own engineering firm
• Recognition as a professional
• Career advancement
• NY Education Law, Section 6512.1: “Class E felony for anyone not authorized to practice who practices or offers to practice or holds himself out as being able to practice professional engineering.”
• Section 7202: Practice of engineering and use of title “professional engineer”: “Only a person licensed or otherwise authorized under this article shall practice engineering or use the title “professional engineer.”