Your Complete PE Exam & Engineering License Guide
Everything you need to know about FE, PE, and professional engineering licensing in all 50 states.
What is the PE License?
The Professional Engineer (PE) license is the highest standard of competence, a symbol of achievement and assurance of quality.
The PE license is a legal requirement for engineers who offer their services directly to the public or whose work affects public safety.
Learn MoreCivil, Structural, and Mechanical engineers often require licensure. It is highly valued in consulting and government roles.
Check EligibilityThe NCEES exam fee is typically $350. Additional costs include state application fees and study materials.
View BreakdownThe Pathway to Licensure
Most states follow the NCEES standard two-exam pathway requiring both the FE and PE exams.
Fundamentals of Engineering — the first step toward licensure, typically taken during your senior year of college.
- Eligibility: Engineering student or graduate
- Format: 110 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 6 hours including break
- Cost: $175 (NCEES fee)
- Pass Rate: 71% average
- Scheduling: Year-round at Pearson VUE
Principles and Practice of Engineering — taken after gaining at least 4 years of professional engineering experience.
- Eligibility: FE passed + 4 years experience
- Format: 80 questions (varies by discipline)
- Duration: 8-9 hours
- Cost: $350 (NCEES fee)
- Pass Rate: 67% average
- Scheduling: Specific dates (CBT format)
Study Resources That Actually Work
We've vetted the top study guides, courses, and practice exams to help you pass on your first attempt.
The industry standard reference manual for FE exam preparation. Comprehensive coverage of all topics.
Personalized study plan with thousands of practice questions and expert-led video lessons.
Highly rated live and on-demand courses with a 95% pass rate for dedicated students.
Intensive review courses with a focus on problem-solving techniques and exam strategies.
Official practice exams from the creators of the PE exam. The closest experience to the real thing.
Focused study materials and practice exams for specific PE exam disciplines.
The definitive reference manual for the Civil PE exam, updated for the latest NCEES standards.
Specialized review course for the Electrical and Computer FE exam with deep technical dives.
State-by-State Licensing Requirements
Requirements vary by board. Use our filter to find your state.
PE Exam Timeline Calculator
Not sure when you're eligible to take the PE exam? Enter your details below to get a recommended study schedule and eligibility forecast.
- Official eligibility forecast
- Recommended study milestones
- Links to state application portals
- Automatic reminders for exam dates
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