The FE exam costs $225
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam costs $225, paid straight to NCEES when you register. It is usually the first step toward a Professional Engineer (PE) license. You take it on a computer at a Pearson test center, any time of year. Some state boards also charge their own application fee before you can register.
FE exam fees
| FE exam fee, paid to NCEES (US) | $225 |
|---|---|
| FE exam fee at some sites outside the US | $250 |
| State board application fee | Only in some states, set by the board |
| Where you test | Pearson test centers, year round |
| Exam length | 110 questions, 5 hours 20 minutes |
| Full appointment | 6 hours |
| Two attempts at the FE exam | $450 |
|---|
NCEES lists each state's own rules on its FE page. Some boards want you to apply to them first and pay their fee. Others let you register with NCEES right away. Sources: NCEES, FE Exam.
What this price covers
The $225 covers one sitting of the FE exam. The PE exam comes later and has its own fee.
What changes your price
- Your state. Some boards add their own application fee.
- Where you test. Some sites outside the US charge $250.
- Retakes. Each attempt costs the full fee again.
Ways to pay less
- Check your state board's rules on the NCEES page before you register.
- Take the FE near the end of your degree, while the material is fresh.
- Ask your school or employer if they pay exam fees. Many do.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the group that runs the test or sets the fee, taken from its own website. Where we show a total, we only add up that group's own fees so you can see the full amount in one place. We do not add our own guesses, and we do not use prices from test prep blogs. Fees can change, so check the official page before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much does the FE exam cost?
$225, paid to NCEES.
Do I pay my state board too?
Only in some states.
How long is the FE exam?
110 questions over 5 hours 20 minutes, in a 6 hour appointment.