Engineering Update Institute

The Department of Professional Engineering

About the FE/EIT Exam

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is typically the first step in the process leading to the P.E. license. It is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree. The FE is a computer-based exam that is administered year-round in testing windows at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers.

The FE contains 110 multiple-choice questions. The exam appointment time is 6 hours long, which includes a nondisclosure agreement, tutorial (8 minutes), the exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), a scheduled break (25 minutes), and a brief survey.

FE exam specifications
The FE is offered in seven disciplines. Specifications for the exams are as follows:

FE Chemical
FE Civil
FE Electrical
FE Environmental
FE Industrial
FE Mechanical
FE Other Disciplines
Exam fees and requirements
An exam fee of $225 is payable directly to NCEES during the registration process. Some licensing boards may require examinees to file a separate application and pay an application fee as part of their approval process in order to be qualified for seating for an NCEES exam. You will be notified during the registration process if the licensing board you selected has additional requirements.

Reference Materials
The NCEES FE Reference Handbook is the only reference material that can be used during the exam. It is provided onscreen electronically during the exam. It is also available for purchase as a hard copy and for free download electronically on the NCEES website.

Scoring and reporting
FE exam results are typically available 7–10 days after you take the exam. You will receive an email notification from NCEES with instructions to view your results in your MyNCEES account. Results include information specific to your licensing board regarding how you should proceed based on your performance.

The Current FE/EIT Exam

How To Prepare for This Exam

Department of Professional Engineering

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chemical Engineering

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
CHEMICAL CBT Exam Specifications
Effective Beginning with the January 2014 Examinations

 
The FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT). It is closed book with an electronic reference.
Examinees have 6 hours to complete the exam, which contains 110 multiple-choice questions.
The 6-hour time also includes a tutorial, a break, and a brief survey at the conclusion.
The FE exam uses both the International System of Units (SI) and the US Customary System (USCS).

Knowledge                                                                                                         Number of Questions

1. Mathematics                                                                                                             8–12
A. Analytic geometry
B. Roots of equations
C. Calculus
D. Differential equations


2. Probability and Statistics                                                                                             4–6
A. Probability distributions (e.g., discrete, continuous, normal, binomial)
B. Expected value (weighted average) in decision making
C. Hypothesis testing
D. Measures of central tendencies and dispersions (e.g., mean, mode,
standard deviation)
E. Estimation for a single mean (e.g., point, confidence intervals)
F. Regression and curve fitting


3. Engineering Sciences                                                                                                  4–6
A. Applications of vector analysis (e.g., statics)
B. Basic dynamics (e.g., friction, force, mass, acceleration, momentum)
C. Work, energy, and power (as applied to particles or rigid bodies)
D. Electricity and current and voltage laws (e.g., charge, energy, current,
voltage, power, Kirchhoff, Ohm)


4. Computational Tools                                                                                                 4–6
A. Numerical methods and concepts (e.g., convergence, tolerance)
B. Spreadsheets for chemical engineering calculations
C. Simulators


5. Materials Science                                                                                                     4–6
A. Chemical, electrical, mechanical, and physical properties (e.g., effect of
temperature, pressure, stress, strain)
B. Material types and compatibilities (e.g., engineered materials, ferrous and
nonferrous metals)
C. Corrosion mechanisms and control

6. Chemistry                                                                                                                8–12
A. Inorganic chemistry (e.g., molarity, normality, molality, acids, bases,
redox reactions, valence, solubility product, pH, pK, electrochemistry,
periodic table)
B. Organic chemistry (e.g., nomenclature, structure, qualitative and
quantitative analyses, balanced equations, reactions, synthesis,
basic biochemistry)


7. Fluid Mechanics/Dynamics                                                                                       8–12
A. Fluid properties
B. Dimensionless numbers (e.g., Reynolds number)
C. Mechanical energy balance (e.g., pipes, valves, fittings, pressure
losses across packed beds, pipe networks)
D. Bernoulli equation (hydrostatic pressure, velocity head)
E. Laminar and turbulent flow
F. Flow measurement (e.g., orifices, Venturi meters)
G. Pumps, turbines, and compressors
H. Compressible flow and non-Newtonian fluids


8. Thermodynamics                                                                                                     8–12
A. Thermodynamic properties (e.g. specific volume, internal energy,
enthalpy, entropy, free energy)
B. Properties data and phase diagrams (e.g. steam tables, psychrometric
charts, T-s, P-h, x-y, T-x-y)
C. Thermodynamic laws (e.g., 1st law, 2nd law)
D. Thermodynamic processes (e.g., isothermal, adiabatic, isentropic)
E. Cyclic processes and efficiency (e.g., power, refrigeration, heat pump)
F. Phase equilibrium (e.g., fugacity, activity coefficient)
G. Chemical equilibrium
H. Heats of reaction and mixing


9. Material/Energy Balances                                                                                     8–12
A. Mass balance (steady and unsteady state)
B. Energy balance (steady and unsteady state)
C. Recycle/bypass processes
D. Reactive systems (e.g., combustion)


10. Heat Transfer                                                                                                     8–12
A. Conductive heat transfer
B. Convective heat transfer (natural and forced)
C. Radiation heat transfer
D. Heat transfer coefficients (e.g., overall, local, fouling)
E. Heat transfer equipment, operation, and design (e.g., double pipe,
shell and tube, fouling, number of transfer units, log-mean temperature
difference, flow configuration)


11. Mass Transfer and Separation                                                                         8–12
A. Molecular diffusion (e.g., steady and unsteady state, physical property
estimation)
B. Convective mass transfer (e.g., mass transfer coefficient, eddy diffusion)
C. Separation systems (e.g., distillation, absorption, extraction, membrane
processes)
D. Equilibrium stage methods (e.g., graphical methods, McCabe-Thiele,
efficiency)
E. Continuous contact methods (e.g., number of transfer units, height
equivalent to a theoretical plate, height of transfer unit, number of
theoretical plates)
F. Humidification and drying


12. Chemical Reaction Engineering                                                                     8–12
A. Reaction rates and order
B. Rate constant (e.g., Arrhenius function)
C. Conversion, yield, and selectivity
D. Type of reactions (e.g., series, parallel, forward, reverse, homogeneous,
heterogeneous, catalysis, biocatalysis)
E. Reactor types (e.g., batch, semibatch, continuous stirred tank, plug flow,
gas phase, liquid phase)


13. Process Design and Economics                                                                     8–12
A. Process flow diagrams and piping and instrumentation diagrams
B. Equipment selection (e.g., sizing and scale-up)
C. Cost estimation
D. Comparison of economic alternatives (e.g., net present value, discounted
cash flow, rate of return, expected value and risk)
E. Process design and optimization (e.g., sustainability, efficiency, green
engineering, inherently safer design, evaluation of specifications)


14. Process Control                                                                                               5–8
A. Dynamics (e.g., time constants and 2nd order, underdamped, and
transfer functions)
B. Control strategies (e.g., feedback, feed-forward, cascade, ratio, and PID)
C. Control loop design and hardware (e.g., matching measured and
manipulated variables, sensors, control valves, and conceptual process
control)


15. Safety, Health, and Environment                                                                    5–8
A. Hazardous properties of materials (e.g., corrosivity, flammability, toxicity,
reactivity, handling and storage), including MSDS
B. Industrial hygiene (e.g., noise, PPE, ergonomics)
C. Process safety and hazard analysis [e.g., layer of protection analysis,
hazard and operability studies (HazOps), fault-tree analysis or event tree]
D. Overpressure and underpressure protection (e.g., relief, redundant control,
intrinsically safe)
E. Waste minimization, waste treatment, and regulation (e.g., air, water,
solids, RCRA, CWA, EPA, OSHA)


16. Ethics and Professional Practice                                                                     2–3
A. Codes of ethics (professional and technical societies)
B. Agreements and contracts
C. Ethical and legal considerations
D. Professional liability
E. Public protection issues (e.g., licensing boards)

About the FE/EIT Exam
 

How To Prepare for This Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Civil Engineering

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
CIVIL CBT Exam Specifications
Effective Beginning with the January 2014 Examinations



The FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT). It is closed book with an electronic reference.
Examinees have 6 hours to complete the exam, which contains 110 multiple-choice questions.
The 6-hour time also includes a tutorial, a break, and a brief survey at the conclusion.
The FE exam uses both the International System of Units (SI) and the US Customary System
(USCS).

 

Knowledge                                                                                                         Number of Questions

1. Mathematics                                                                                                             7–11
A. Analytic geometry
B. Roots of equations
C. Calculus
D. Differential equations


2. Probability and Statistics                                                                                             4–6
A. Measures of central tendencies and dispersions (e.g., mean, mode,
standard deviation)
B. Estimation for a single mean (e.g., point, confidence intervals)
C. Regression and curve fitting
D. Expected value (weighted average) in decision making


3. Computational Tools                                                                                                 4–6
A. Spreadsheet computations
B. Structured programming (e.g., if-then, loops, macros)

4. Ethics and Professional Practice                                                                                 4–6
A. Codes of ethics (professional and technical societies)
B. Professional liability
C. Licensure
D. Sustainability and sustainable design
E. Professional skills (e.g., public policy, management, and business)
F.  Contracts and contract laws

5. Engineering Economics                                                                                             4–6
A. Discounted cash flow (e.g., equivalence, PW, equivalent annual worth,
FW, rate of return)
B. Cost (e.g., incremental, average, sunk, estimating)
C. Analyses (e.g., breakeven, benefit-cost, life cycle)
D. Uncertainty (e.g., expected value and risk)


6. Statics                                                                                                                     7–11
A. Resultants of force systems
B. Equivalent force systems
C. Equilibrium of rigid bodies
D. Frames and trusses
E. Centroid of area
F. Area moments of inertia
G. Static friction


7. Dynamics                                                                                                                 4–6
A. Kinematics (e.g., particles and rigid bodies)
B. Mass moments of inertia
C. Force acceleration (e.g., particles and rigid bodies)
D. Impulse momentum (e.g., particles and rigid bodies)
E. Work, energy, and power (e.g., particles and rigid bodies)


8. Mechanics of Materials                                                                                            7–11
A. Shear and moment diagrams
B. Stresses and strains (e.g., axial, torsion, bending, shear, thermal)
C. Deformations (e.g., axial, torsion, bending, thermal)
D. Combined stresses
E. Principal stresses
F. Mohr's circle
G. Column analysis (e.g., buckling, boundary conditions)
H. Composite sections
I. Elastic and plastic deformations
J. Stress-strain diagrams


9. Materials                                                                                                                4–6
A. Mix design (e.g., concrete and asphalt)
B. Test methods and specifications (e.g., steel, concrete, aggregates,
asphalt, wood)
C. Physical and mechanical properties of concrete, ferrous and nonferrous
metals, masonry, wood, engineered materials (e.g., FRP, laminated
lumber, wood/plastic composites), and asphalt


10. Fluid Mechanics                                                                                                    4–6
A. Flow measurement
B. Fluid properties
C. Fluid statics
D. Energy, impulse, and momentum equations


11. Hydraulics and Hydrologic Systems                                                                     8–12
A. Basic hydrology (e.g., infiltration, rainfall, runoff, detention, flood flows,
watersheds)
B. Basic hydraulics (e.g., Manning equation, Bernoulli theorem, open-channel
flow, pipe flow)
C. Pumping systems (water and wastewater)
D. Water distribution systems
E. Reservoirs (e.g., dams, routing, spillways)
F. Groundwater (e.g., flow, wells, drawdown)
G. Storm sewer collection systems

 
12. Structural Analysis                                                                                                6–9
A. Analysis of forces in statically determinant beams, trusses, and frames
B. Deflection of statically determinant beams, trusses, and frames
C. Structural determinacy and stability analysis of beams, trusses, and frames
D. Loads and load paths (e.g., dead, live, lateral, influence lines and moving
loads, tributary areas)
E. Elementary statically indeterminate structures

 
13. Structural Design                                                                                                 6–9
A. Design of steel components (e.g., codes and design philosophies,
beams, columns, beam-columns, tension members, connections)
B. Design of reinforced concrete components (e.g., codes and design
philosophies, beams, slabs, columns, walls, footings)


14. Geotechnical Engineering                                                                                    9–14
A. Geology
B. Index properties and soil classifications
C. Phase relations (air-water-solid)
D. Laboratory and field tests
E. Effective stress (buoyancy)
F. Stability of retaining walls (e.g., active pressure/passive pressure)
G. Shear strength
H. Bearing capacity (cohesive and noncohesive)
I. Foundation types (e.g., spread footings, deep foundations, wall
footings, mats)
J. Consolidation and differential settlement
K. Seepage/flow nets
L. Slope stability (e.g., fills, embankments, cuts, dams)
M. Soil stabilization (e.g., chemical additives, geosynthetics)
N. Drainage systems
O. Erosion control


15. Transportation Engineering                                                                                8–12
A. Geometric design of streets and highways
B. Geometric design of intersections
C. Pavement system design (e.g., thickness, subgrade, drainage, rehabilitation)
D. Traffic safety
E. Traffic capacity
F. Traffic flow theory
G. Traffic control devices
H. Transportation planning (e.g., travel forecast modeling)


16. Environmental Engineering 6–9
A. Water quality (ground and surface)
B. Basic tests (e.g., water, wastewater, air)
C. Environmental regulations
D. Water supply and treatment
E. Wastewater collection and treatment


17. Construction                                                                                                     4–6
A. Construction documents
B. Procurement methods (e.g., competitive bid, qualifications-based)
C. Project delivery methods (e.g., design-bid-build, design build, construction
management, multiple prime)
D. Construction operations and methods (e.g., lifting, rigging, dewatering
and pumping, equipment production, productivity analysis and
improvement, temporary erosion control)
E. Project scheduling (e.g., CPM, allocation of resources)
F. Project management (e.g., owner/contractor/client relations)
G. Construction safety
H. Construction estimating


18. Surveying                                                                                                         4–6
A. Angles, distances, and trigonometry
B. Area computations
C. Earthwork and volume computations
D. Closure
E. Coordinate systems (e.g., state plane, latitude/longitude)
F. Leveling (e.g., differential, elevations, percent grades)

About the FE/EIT Exam

How To Prepare for This Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER CBT Exam Specifications
Effective Beginning with the January 2014 Examinations


The FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT). It is closed book with an electronic reference.
Examinees have 6 hours to complete the exam, which contains 110 multiple-choice questions.
The 6-hour time also includes a tutorial, a break, and a brief survey at the conclusion.
The FE exam uses both the International System of Units (SI) and the US Customary System
(USCS).

Knowledge                                                                                                         Number of Questions

1. Mathematics                                                                                                             11–17
A. Algebra and trigonometry
B. Complex numbers
C. Discrete mathematics
D. Analytic geometry
E. Calculus
F. Differential equations
G. Linear algebra
H. Vector analysis


2. Probability and Statistics                                                                                           4–6
A. Measures of central tendencies and dispersions (e.g., mean, mode,
standard deviation)
B. Probability distributions (e.g., discrete, continuous, normal, binomial)
C. Expected value (weighted average) in decision making
D. Estimation for a single mean (e.g., point, confidence intervals,
conditional probability)

 
3. Ethics and Professional Practice                                                                                 3–5
A. Codes of ethics (professional and technical societies)
B. NCEES Model Law and Model Rules
C. Intellectual property (e.g., copyright, trade secrets, patents)


4. Engineering Economics                                                                                             3–5
A. Time value of money (e.g., present value, future value, annuities)
B. Cost estimation
C. Risk identification
D. Analysis (e.g., cost-benefit, trade-off, breakeven)


5. Properties of Electrical Materials                                                                             4–6
A. Chemical (e.g., corrosion, ions, diffusion)
B. Electrical (e.g., conductivity, resistivity, permittivity, magnetic
permeability)
C. Mechanical (e.g., piezoelectric, strength)
D. Thermal (e.g., conductivity, expansion)

6. Engineering Sciences                                                                                               6–9
A. Work, energy, power, heat
B. Charge, energy, current, voltage, power
C. Forces (e.g., between charges, on conductors)
D. Work done in moving a charge in an electric field (relationship between
voltage and work)
E. Capacitance
F. Inductance


7. Circuit Analysis (DC and AC Steady State)                                                       10–15
A. KCL, KVL
B. Series/parallel equivalent circuits
C. Thevenin and Norton theorems
D. Node and loop analysis
E. Waveform analysis (e.g., RMS, average, frequency, phase, wavelength)
F. Phasors
G. Impedance
 

8. Linear Systems                                                                                                    5–8
A. Frequency/transient response
B. Resonance
C. Laplace transforms
D. Transfer functions
E. 2-port theory


9. Signal Processing                                                                                                5–8
A. Convolution (continuous and discrete)
B. Difference equations
C. Z-transforms
D. Sampling (e.g., aliasing, Nyquist theorem)
E. Analog filters
F. Digital filters


10. Electronics                                                                                                     7–11
A. Solid-state fundamentals (e.g., tunneling, diffusion/drift current,
energy bands, doping bands, p-n theory)
B. Discrete devices (diodes, transistors, BJT, CMOS) and models and
their performance
C. Bias circuits
D. Amplifiers (e.g., single-stage/common emitter, differential)
E. Operational amplifiers (ideal, non-ideal)
F. Instrumentation (e.g., measurements, data acquisition, transducers)
G. Power electronics


11. Power                                                                                                           8–12
A. Single phase and three phase
B. Transmission and distribution
C. Voltage regulation
D. Transformers
E. Motors and generators
F. Power factor (pf)

12. Electromagnetics                                                                                         5–8
A. Maxwell equations
B. Electrostatics/magnetostatics (e.g., measurement of spatial relationships,
vector analysis)
C. Wave propagation
D. Transmission lines (high frequency)
E. Electromagnetic compatibility


13. Control Systems                                                                                         6–9
A. Block diagrams (feed-forward, feedback)
B. Bode plots
C. Closed-loop and open-loop response
D. Controller performance (gain, PID), steady-state errors
E. Root locus
F. Stability
G. State variables


14. Communications                                                                                     5–8
A. Basic modulation/demodulation concepts (e.g., AM, FM, PCM)
B. Fourier transforms/Fourier series
C. Multiplexing (e.g., time division, frequency division)
D. Digital communications


15. Computer Networks                                                                               3–5
A. Routing and switching
B. Network topologies/frameworks/models
C. Local area networks


16. Digital Systems                                                                                    7–11
A. Number systems
B. Boolean logic
C. Logic gates and circuits
D. Logic minimization (e.g., SOP, POS, Karnaugh maps)
E. Flip-flops and counters
F. Programmable logic devices and gate arrays
G. State machine design
H. Data path/controller design
I. Timing (diagrams, asynchronous inputs, races, hazards)


17. Computer Systems                                                                             4–6
A. Architecture (e.g., pipelining, cache memory)
B. Microprocessors
C. Memory technology and systems
D. Interfacing


18. Software Development                                                                     4–6
A. Algorithms
B. Data structures
C. Software design methods (structured, object-oriented)
D. Software implementation (e.g., procedural, scripting languages) About the FE/EIT Exam

About the FE/EIT Exam

How To Prepare for This Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
ENVIRONMENTAL CBT Exam Specifications
Effective Beginning with the January 2014 Examinations

The FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT). It is closed book with an electronic reference.
Examinees have 6 hours to complete the exam, which contains 110 multiple-choice questions.
The 6-hour time also includes a tutorial, a break, and a brief survey at the conclusion.
The FE exam uses both the International System of Units (SI) and the US Customary System
(USCS).

Knowledge                                                                                                             Number of Questions

1. Mathematics                                                                                                                     4–6
A. Analytic geometry
B. Numerical methods
C. Roots of equations
D. Calculus
E. Differential equations

2. Probability and Statistics                                                                                                3–5
A. Measures of central tendencies and dispersions (e.g., mean, mode,
standard deviation)
B. Probability distributions (e.g., discrete, continuous, normal, binomial)
C. Estimation (point, confidence intervals) for a single mean
D. Regression and curve fitting
E. Expected value (weighted average) in decision making
F. Hypothesis testing

3. Ethics and Professional Practice                                                                                   5–8
A. Codes of ethics (professional and technical societies)
B. Agreements and contracts
C. Ethical and legal considerations
D. Professional liability
E. Public protection issues (e.g., licensing boards)
F. Regulations (e.g., water, wastewater, air, solid/hazardous waste,
groundwater/soils)

4. Engineering Economics                                                                                               4–6
A. Discounted cash flow (e.g., life cycle, equivalence, PW, equivalent
annual worth, FW, rate of return)
B. Cost (e.g., incremental, average, sunk, estimating)
C. Analyses (e.g., breakeven, benefit-cost)
D. Uncertainty (expected value and risk)

5. Materials Science                                                                                                         3–5
A. Properties (e.g., chemical, electrical, mechanical, physical)
B. Corrosion mechanisms and controls
C. Material selection and compatibility

6. Environmental Science and Chemistry                                                                    11–17
A. Reactions (e.g., equilibrium, acid base, oxidation-reduction,
precipitation)
B. Stoichiometry
C. Kinetics (chemical, microbiological)
D. Organic chemistry (e.g., nomenclature, functional group reactions)
E. Ecology (e.g., Streeter-Phelps, fluviology, limnology, eutrophication)
F. Multimedia equilibrium partitioning (e.g., Henry’s law, octonal
partitioning coefficient)

7. Risk Assessment                                                                                                            5–8
A. Dose-response toxicity (carcinogen, noncarcinogen)
B. Exposure routes

8. Fluid Mechanics                                                                                                           9–14
A. Fluid statics
B. Closed conduits (e.g., Darcy-Weisbach, Hazen-Williams, Moody)
C. Open channel (Manning)
D. Pumps (e.g., power, operating point, parallel and series)
E. Flow measurement (e.g., weirs, orifices, flowmeters)
F. Blowers (e.g., power, operating point, parallel, and series)

9. Thermodynamics                                                                                                         3–5
A. Thermodynamic laws (e.g., 1st law, 2nd law)
B. Energy, heat, and work
C. Ideal gases
D. Mixture of nonreacting gases
E. Heat transfer

10. Water Resources                                                                                                     10–15
A. Demand calculations
B. Population estimations
C. Runoff calculations (e.g., land use, land cover, time of concentration,
duration, intensity, frequency)
D. Reservoir sizing
E. Routing (e.g., channel, reservoir)
F. Water quality and modeling (e.g., erosion, channel stability,
stormwater quality management)

11. Water and Wastewater                                                                                         14–21
A. Water and wastewater characteristics
B. Mass and energy balances
C. Conventional water treatment processes (e.g., clarification, disinfection,

filtration, flocculation, softening, rapid mix)
D. Conventional wastewater treatment processes (e.g., activated sludge, decentralized
wastewater systems, fixed-film system, disinfection, flow equalization,
headworks, lagoons)
E. Alternative treatment process (e.g., conservation and reuse, membranes,
nutrient removal, ion exchange, activated carbon, air stripping)
F. Sludge treatment and handling (e.g., land application, sludge digestion,
sludge dewatering)

12. Air Quality                                                                                                            10–15
A. Chemical principles (e.g., ideal gas, mole fractions, stoichiometry,
Henry’s law)
B. Mass balances
C. Emissions (factors, rates)
D. Atmospheric sciences (e.g., stability classes, dispersion modeling, lapse rates)
E. Gas handling and treatment technologies (e.g., hoods, ducts, coolers,
biofiltration, scrubbers, adsorbers, incineration)
F. Particle handling and treatment technologies (e.g., baghouses, cyclones,
electrostatic precipitators, settling velocity)

13. Solid and Hazardous Waste                                                                               10–15
A. Composting
B. Mass balances
C. Compatibility
D. Landfilling (e.g., siting, design, leachate, material and energy recovery)
E. Site characterization and remediation
F. Hazardous waste treatment (e.g., physical, chemical, thermal)
G. Radioactive waste treatment and disposal

14. Groundwater and Soils                                                                                     9–14
A. Basic hydrogeology (e.g., aquifers, permeability, water table, hydraulic
conductivity, saturation, soil characteristics)
B. Drawdown (e.g., Jacob, Theis, Thiem)
C. Groundwater flow (e.g., Darcy’s law, specific capacity, velocity, gradient)
D. Soil and groundwater remediation

About the FE/EIT Exam

How To Prepare for This Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
INDUSTRIAL CBT Exam Specifications
Effective Beginning with the January 2014 Examinations


The FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT). It is closed book with an electronic reference.
Examinees have 6 hours to complete the exam, which contains 110 multiple-choice questions. The 6-hour time also includes a tutorial, a break, and a brief survey at the conclusion.
The FE exam uses both the International System of Units (SI) and the US Customary System
(USCS).

Knowledge                                                                                                            Number of Questions

1. Mathematics                                                                                                                    6–9
A. Analytic geometry
B. Calculus
C. Matrix operations
D. Vector analysis
E. Linear algebra

2. Engineering Sciences                                                                                                        5–8
A. Work, energy, and power
B. Material properties and selection
C. Charge, energy, current, voltage, and power


3. Ethics and Professional Practice                                                                                  5–8
A. Codes of ethics and licensure 
B. Agreements and contracts
C. Professional, ethical, and legal responsibility
D. Public protection and regulatory issues


4. Engineering Economics                                                                                            10–15
A. Discounted cash flows (PW, EAC, FW, IRR, amortization)
B. Types and breakdown of costs (e.g., fixed, variable, direct and indirect labor)
C. Cost analyses (e.g., benefit-cost, breakeven, minimum cost, overhead)
D. Accounting (financial statements and overhead cost allocation)
E. Cost estimation
F. Depreciation and taxes
G. Capital budgeting


5. Probability and Statistics                                                                                        10–15
A. Combinatorics (e.g., combinations, permutations)
B. Probability distributions (e.g., normal, binomial, empirical)
C. Conditional probabilities
D. Sampling distributions, sample sizes, and statistics (e.g., central tendency,
dispersion)
E. Estimation (e.g., point, confidence intervals)
F. Hypothesis testing
G. Regression (linear, multiple)
H. System reliability (e.g., single components, parallel and series systems)
I. Design of experiments (e.g., ANOVA, factorial designs)


6. Modeling and Computations                                                                                8–12
A. Algorithm and logic development (e.g., flow charts, pseudocode)
B. Databases (e.g., types, information content, relational)
C. Decision theory (e.g., uncertainty, risk, utility, decision trees)
D. Optimization modeling (e.g., decision variables, objective functions, and
constraints)
E. Linear programming (e.g., formulation, primal, dual, graphical solutions)
F. Mathematical programming (e.g., network, integer, dynamic, transportation,
assignment)
G. Stochastic models (e.g., queuing, Markov, reliability)
H. Simulation


7. Industrial Management                                                                                       8–12
A. Principles (e.g., planning, organizing, motivational theory)
B. Tools of management (e.g., MBO, reengineering, organizational structure)
C. Project management (e.g., scheduling, PERT, CPM)
D. Productivity measures


8. Manufacturing, Production, and Service Systems                                              8–12
A. Manufacturing processes
B. Manufacturing systems (e.g., cellular, group technology, flexible)
C. Process design (e.g., resources, equipment selection, line balancing)
D. Inventory analysis (e.g., EOQ, safety stock)
E. Forecasting
F. Scheduling (e.g., sequencing, cycle time, material control)
G. Aggregate planning
H. Production planning (e.g., JIT, MRP, ERP)
I. Lean enterprises
J. Automation concepts (e.g., robotics, CIM)
K. Sustainable manufacturing (e.g., energy efficiency, waste reduction)
L. Value engineering


9. Facilities and Logistics                                                                                     8–12
A. Flow measurements and analysis (e.g., from/to charts, flow planning)  
B. Layouts (e.g., types, distance metrics, planning, evaluation)
C. Location analysis (e.g., single- and multiple-facility location, warehouses)
D. Process capacity analysis (e.g., number of machines and people, trade-offs)
E. Material handling capacity analysis
F. Supply chain management and design


10. Human Factors, Ergonomics, and Safety                                                      8–12
A. Hazard identification and risk assessment
B. Environmental stress assessment (e.g., noise, vibrations, heat)
C. Industrial hygiene
D. Design for usability (e.g., tasks, tools, displays, controls, user interfaces)
E. Anthropometry
F. Biomechanics
G. Cumulative trauma disorders (e.g., low back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome)
H. Systems safety
I. Cognitive engineering (e.g., information processing, situation awareness,
human error, mental models)


11. Work Design                                                                                                8–12
A. Methods analysis (e.g., charting, workstation design, motion economy)
B. Time study (e.g., time standards, allowances)
C. Predetermined time standard systems (e.g., MOST, MTM)
D. Work sampling
E. Learning curves

 
12. Quality                                                                                                         8–12
A. Six sigma
B. Management and planning tools (e.g., fishbone, Pareto, QFD, TQM)
C. Control charts
D. Process capability and specifications
E. Sampling plans
F. Design of experiments for quality improvement
G. Reliability engineering


13. Systems Engineering                                                                                    8–12
A. Requirements analysis
B. System design
C. Human systems integration
D. Functional analysis and allocation
E. Configuration management
F. Risk management
G. Verification and assurance
H. System life-cycle engineering

About the FE/EIT Exam

How To Prepare for This Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mechanical Engineering

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
MECHANICAL CBT Exam Specifications
Effective Beginning with the January 2014 Examinations

The FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT). It is closed book with an electronic reference.
Examinees have 6 hours to complete the exam, which contains 110 multiple-choice questions.
The 6-hour time also includes a tutorial, a break, and a brief survey at the conclusion.
The FE exam uses both the International System of Units (SI) and the US Customary System
(USCS).

Knowledge                                                                                                                                                 Number of Questions

1. Mathematics                                                                                                                                                          6–9
A. Analytic geometry
B. Calculus
C. Linear algebra
D. Vector analysis
E. Differential equations
F. Numerical methods


2. Probability and Statistics                                                                                                                                     4–6
A. Probability distributions
B. Regression and curve fitting


3. Computational Tools                                                                                                                                          3–5
A. Spreadsheets
B. Flow charts


4. Ethics and Professional Practice                                                                                                                       3–5
A. Codes of ethics
B. Agreements and contracts
C. Ethical and legal considerations
D. Professional liability
E. Public health, safety, and welfare

5. Engineering Economics                                                                                                                                    3–5
A. Time value of money
B. Cost, including incremental, average, sunk, and estimating
C. Economic analyses
D. Depreciation

6. Electricity and Magnetism                                                                                                                              3–5
A. Charge, current, voltage, power, and energy
B. Current and voltage laws (Kirchhoff, Ohm)
C. Equivalent circuits (series, parallel)
D. AC circuits
E. Motors and generators

7. Statics                                                                                                                                                             8–12
A. Resultants of force systems
B. Concurrent force systems
C. Equilibrium of rigid bodies
D. Frames and trusses
E. Centroids
F. Moments of inertia
G. Static friction

8. Dynamics, Kinematics, and Vibrations                                                                                                       9–14
A. Kinematics of particles
B. Kinetic friction
C. Newton’s second law for particles
D. Work-energy of particles
E. Impulse-momentum of particles
F. Kinematics of rigid bodies
G. Kinematics of mechanisms
H. Newton’s second law for rigid bodies
I. Work-energy of rigid bodies
J. Impulse-momentum of rigid bodies
K. Free and forced vibrations

9. Mechanics of Materials                                                                                                                           8–12
A. Shear and moment diagrams
B. Stress types (axial, bending, torsion, shear)
C. Stress transformations
D. Mohr’s circle
E. Stress and strain caused by axial loads
F. Stress and strain caused by bending loads
G. Stress and strain caused by torsion
H. Stress and strain caused by shear
I. Combined loading
J. Deformations
K. Columns

10. Material Properties and Processing                                                                                                    8–12
A. Properties, including chemical, electrical, mechanical, physical,
and thermal
B. Stress-strain diagrams
C. Engineered materials
D. Ferrous metals
E. Nonferrous metals
F. Manufacturing processes
G. Phase diagrams
H. Phase transformation, equilibrium, and heat treating
I. Materials selection
J. Surface conditions
K. Corrosion mechanisms and control
L. Thermal failure
M. Ductile or brittle behavior
N. Fatigue
O. Crack propagation

11. Fluid Mechanics                                                                                                                               9–14
A. Fluid properties
B. Fluid statics
C. Energy, impulse, and momentum
D. Internal flow
E. External flow
F. Incompressible flow
G. Compressible flow
H. Power and efficiency
I. Performance curves
J. Scaling laws for fans, pumps, and compressors

12. Thermodynamics                                                                                                                          13–20
A. Properties of ideal gases and pure substances
B. Energy transfers
C. Laws of thermodynamics
D. Processes
E. Performance of components
F. Power cycles, thermal efficiency, and enhancements
G. Refrigeration and heat pump cycles and coefficients of performance
H. Nonreacting mixtures of gases
I. Psychrometrics
J. Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) processes
K. Combustion and combustion products

13. Heat Transfer                                                                                                                               9–14
A. Conduction
B. Convection
C. Radiation
D. Thermal resistance
E. Transient processes
F. Heat exchangers
G. Boiling and condensation

14. Measurements, Instrumentation, and Controls                                                                         5–8
A. Sensors
B. Block diagrams
C. System response
D. Measurement uncertainty

15. Mechanical Design and Analysis                                                                                             9–14
A. Stress analysis of machine elements
B. Failure theories and analysis
C. Deformation and stiffness
D. Springs
E. Pressure vessels
F. Beams
G. Piping
H. Bearings
I. Power screws
J. Power transmission
K. Joining methods
L. Manufacturability
M. Quality and reliability
N. Hydraulic components
O. Pneumatic components
P. Electromechanical components

About the FE/EIT Exam

How To Prepare for This Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
OTHER DISCIPLINES CBT Exam Specifications
Effective Beginning with the January 2014 Examinations

The FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT). It is closed book with an electronic reference.
Examinees have 6 hours to complete the exam, which contains 110 multiple-choice questions.
The 6-hour time also includes a tutorial, a break, and a brief survey at the conclusion.
The FE exam uses both the International System of Units (SI) and the US Customary System
(USCS).

Knowledge                                                                                                                                                 Number of Questions

1. Mathematics and Advanced Engineering Mathematics                                                                                 12–18
A. Analytic geometry and trigonometry
B. Calculus
C. Differential equations (e.g., homogeneous, nonhomogeneous, Laplace
transforms)
D. Numerical methods (e.g., algebraic equations, roots of equations,
approximations, precision limits)
E. Linear algebra (e.g., matrix operations)

2. Probability and Statistics                                                                                                                                   6–9
A. Measures of central tendencies and dispersions (e.g., mean, mode,
variance, standard deviation)
B. Probability distributions (e.g., discrete, continuous, normal, binomial)
C. Estimation (e.g., point, confidence intervals)
D. Expected value (weighted average) in decision making
E. Sample distributions and sizes
F. Goodness of fit (e.g., correlation coefficient, least squares)

3. Chemistry                                                                                                                                                          7–11
A. Periodic table (e.g., nomenclature, metals and nonmetals, atomic
structure of matter)
B. Oxidation and reduction
C. Acids and bases
D. Equations (e.g., stoichiometry, equilibrium)
E. Gas laws (e.g., Boyle’s and Charles’ Laws, molar volume)

4. Instrumentation and Data Acquisition                                                                                                           4–6
A. Sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, motion, pH, chemical constituents)
B. Data acquisition (e.g., logging, sampling rate, sampling range, filtering,
amplification, signal interface)
C. Data processing (e.g., flow charts, loops, branches)

5. Ethics and Professional Practice                                                                                                                    3–5
A. Codes of ethics
B. NCEES Model Law
C. Public protection issues (e.g., licensing boards)

6. Safety, Health, and Environment                                                                                                                 4–6
A. Industrial hygiene (e.g., carcinogens, toxicology, MSDS, lower
exposure limits)
B. Basic safety equipment (e.g., pressure relief valves, emergency
shut-offs, fire prevention and control, personal protective equipment)
C. Gas detection and monitoring (e.g., O2, CO, CO2, CH4, H2S, Radon)
D. Electrical safety

7. Engineering Economics                                                                                                                              7–11
A. Time value of money (e.g., present worth, annual worth, future worth,
rate of return)
B. Cost (e.g., incremental, average, sunk, estimating)
C. Economic analyses (e.g., breakeven, benefit-cost, optimal economic life)
D. Uncertainty (e.g., expected value and risk)
E. Project selection (e.g., comparison of unequal life projects,
lease/buy/make, depreciation, discounted cash flow)

8. Statics                                                                                                                                                         8–12
A. Resultants of force systems and vector analysis
B. Concurrent force systems
C. Force couple systems
D. Equilibrium of rigid bodies
E. Frames and trusses
F. Area properties (e.g., centroids, moments of inertia, radius of gyration)
G. Static friction

9. Dynamics                                                                                                                                                  7–11
A. Kinematics
B. Linear motion (e.g., force, mass, acceleration)
C. Angular motion (e.g., torque, inertia, acceleration)
D. Mass moment of inertia
E. Impulse and momentum (linear and angular)
F. Work, energy, and power
G. Dynamic friction
H. Vibrations

10. Strength of Materials                                                                                                                           8–12
A. Stress types (e.g., normal, shear, bending, torsion)
B. Combined stresses
C. Stress and strain caused by axial loads, bending loads, torsion, or shear
D. Shear and moment diagrams
E. Analysis of beams, trusses, frames, and columns
F. Deflection and deformations (e.g., axial, bending, torsion)
G. Elastic and plastic deformation
H. Failure theory and analysis (e.g., static/dynamic, creep, fatigue,
fracture, buckling)

11. Materials Science                                                                                                                              6–9
A. Physical, mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of ferrous
metals
B. Physical, mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of nonferrous
metals
C. Physical, mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of engineered
materials (e.g., polymers, concrete, composites)
D. Corrosion mechanisms and control

12. Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics of Liquids                                                                                     8–12
A. Fluid properties (e.g., Newtonian, non-Newtonian)
B. Dimensionless numbers (e.g., Reynolds number, Froude number)
C. Laminar and turbulent flow
D. Fluid statics
E. Energy, impulse, and momentum equations (e.g., Bernoulli equation)
F. Pipe flow and friction losses (e.g., pipes, valves, fittings, Darcy-Weisbach
equation, Hazen-Williams equation)
G. Open-channel flow (e.g., Manning equation, drag)
H. Fluid transport systems (e.g., series and parallel operations)
I. Flow measurement
J. Turbomachinery (e.g., pumps, turbines)


13. Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics of Gases                                                                                     4–6
A. Fluid properties (e.g., ideal and non-ideal gases)
B. Dimensionless numbers (e.g., Reynolds number, Mach number)
C. Laminar and turbulent flow
D. Fluid statics
E. Energy, impulse, and momentum equations
F. Duct and pipe flow and friction losses
G. Fluid transport systems (e.g., series and parallel operations)
H. Flow measurement
I. Turbomachinery (e.g., fans, compressors, turbines)

14. Electricity, Power, and Magnetism                                                                                             7–11
A. Electrical fundamentals (e.g., charge, current, voltage, resistance,
power, energy)
B. Current and voltage laws (Kirchhoff, Ohm)
C. DC circuits
D. Equivalent circuits (series, parallel, Norton’s theorem, Thevenin’s theorem)
E. Capacitance and inductance
F. AC circuits (e.g., real and imaginary components, complex numbers,
power factor, reactance and impedance)
G. Measuring devices (e.g., voltmeter, ammeter, wattmeter)

15. Heat, Mass, and Energy Transfer                                                                                             9–14
A. Energy, heat, and work
B. Thermodynamic laws (e.g., 1st law, 2nd law)
C. Thermodynamic equilibrium
D. Thermodynamic properties (e.g., entropy, enthalpy, heat capacity)
E. Thermodynamic processes (e.g., isothermal, adiabatic, reversible,
irreversible)
F. Mixtures of nonreactive gases
G. Heat transfer (e.g., conduction, convection, and radiation)
H. Mass and energy balances
I. Property and phase diagrams (e.g., T-s, P-h)
J. Phase equilibrium and phase change
K. Combustion and combustion products (e.g., CO, CO2, NOX, ash,
particulates)
L. Psychrometrics (e.g., relative humidity, wet-bulb)

About the FE/EIT Exam

How To Prepare for This Exam

 

 


Copyright (c) 2014 by Gary and Bonnie Blank and Engineering Update Institute. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED