FE Exam
Take the FE Exam: Your Key to Engineering SuccessBoost your career prospects with professional engineering certification
Taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam during your senior year at UW-Oshkosh is one of the smartest career investments you can make. With Wisconsin’s streamlined registration process, competitive 71% national pass rates, and immediate $16,000+ salary advantages for EIT-certified graduates, the FE exam opens doors to enhanced job prospects and long-term career advancement.
Research shows students who take the exam while coursework is fresh achieve significantly higher success rates than those who wait—and Wisconsin engineering employers increasingly prefer EIT-certified candidates for entry-level positions.
The investment is modest: approximately $250 in exam fees and 200-300 study hours over 3-4 months. The returns are substantial: enhanced employability, higher starting salaries, and a clear pathway to Professional Engineer licensure that can increase lifetime earnings by 5-20%.
Immediate Career Benefits
- $60,000-$90,000 starting salaries for EIT-certified graduates
- Enhanced job security and faster promotions
- Professional credibility with licensed engineers
- Geographic mobility through national recognition
- Competitive advantage in Wisconsin’s job market
Wisconsin Advantages
- Streamlined registration – no prior state approval needed
- Equal treatment for engineering and engineering technology graduates
- Industry partnerships with companies like Oshkosh Corporation and Mercury Marine
- Multiple testing centers in Madison and Brookfield
Success rates strongly favor current students: UW-Madison data shows 94% pass rates for students taking the exam during senior year, which drops to 85% one year after graduation and 70% two years post-graduation. The engineering knowledge you’ve gained in your UW-Oshkosh ABET-accredited program is fresh in your memory now—waiting only reduces your chances of success.
Long-term Career Advancement and PE Licensure Pathway
Professional Engineer licensure represents the pinnacle of engineering credibility and opens the door to the highest-paying career opportunities. The pathway is straightforward: pass the FE exam (which you can do now), gain four years of supervised engineering experience, then take the PE exam to become a fully licensed Professional Engineer.
PE licensure delivers substantial long-term financial benefits: NSPE data shows that Professional Engineers earn 20% higher salaries than non-licensed engineers, with immediate salary increases of $2,000-$15,000 upon achieving PE status.
Career advancement opportunities multiply with PE licensure. Many senior technical and management positions require PE certification, particularly in civil engineering, consulting, and government roles. PE licensure provides legal authority to sign, seal, and submit engineering plans to public authorities, enables independent consulting opportunities, and offers the option to start your own engineering business.
Comprehensive Preparation Resources and Study Strategies
Success on the FE exam requires structured preparation, but extensive resources are available to help you succeed. Research shows that students who dedicate 200-300 total study hours over 3-4 months achieve optimal pass rates, with 8-12 weeks representing the minimum effective preparation timeline.
Commercial Preparation Programs:
- PPI (A Kaplan Company): Industry gold standard (~$1,500-1,700)
- School of PE: 93% pass rates, pass guarantees (~$1,500)
- Excel Test Prep: Comprehensive coverage with 78+ hours of instruction
Free Resources:
- Texas A&M FE Review: Free PDF notes and recorded lectures
- NCEES Official Materials: Reference Handbook and practice exams ($29-50)
- Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers: Free student membership with discounts
UW-Oshkosh Program Resources and Support
The UW-Oshkosh Engineering Technology program is positioned to provide exceptional support for student FE exam success. Based on research of successful university programs nationwide, several proven support models could be implemented:
- Partnership with commercial prep providers: 70% discounts available with minimum 5-student participation
- Faculty coordination system: Designated FE exam coordinators to guide students through preparation
- Student success incentives: Potential awards for students who pass before graduation
- Professional organization partnerships: Connections with Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers
Testing Logistics and Registration Process
The FE exam registration and testing process is straightforward and student-friendly. Wisconsin’s automatic approval model means you can register directly with NCEES without prior state board approval—a significant advantage over many other states.
Total cost is approximately $250 for the exam fee, with no additional Wisconsin state charges, making it one of the most affordable professional certification investments available.
Registration Steps:
- Create your MyNCEES account at ncees.org
- Select your FE discipline (Other disciplines typically recommended for engineering technology students)
- Choose preferred testing location
- Pay the $250 exam fee
- Schedule your appointment through Pearson VUE
Testing is available year-round at Prometric centers throughout Wisconsin, including locations in Madison and Brookfield within driving distance of Oshkosh.
The exam format consists of 110 multiple-choice questions delivered over 6 hours (5 hours 20 minutes actual exam time plus optional 25-minute break). You’ll have access to the digital NCEES Reference Handbook during the exam.
Ready to begin your FE exam journey?
Visit ncees.org to create your account and register for the exam.
Join the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers for free student membership and preparation discounts.
Contact the Engineering Technology program for guidance on preparation resources and study strategies tailored to your academic background and career goals.
Engineering and Engineering Technology