Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) Exam – Mechanical Engineering
As a part of the outcomes assessment process required for accreditation of our mechanical engineering program, our department requires graduating seniors to take the nationally-administered Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Seniors take the exam as a part of the course requirements for ME 479/479L – Mechanical Systems Design II, usually during their final semester at the university.
Passing this exam is the first step in the process of becoming a licensed engineer and opens the door to many future career paths.
Signing Up for the FE Exam
Registration is open year-round.
- Apply for approval to take the FE exam through the South Dakota Board of Technical Professions.
- Register for the FE exam with National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.
The sooner you complete this step, the more choices you will have for exam dates and times.
- A link to register is currently unavailable. Contact John VerSteeg for updates.
- Create an account and complete the online application for approval to register for the FE exam. Leave sections blank that do not apply to you.
- After submitting your initial application to the South Dakota Board of Technical Professions, you will receive further instructions indicating that you have been approved to register with the NCEES for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Go to the to sign up for an exam time.
It’s important to complete the steps in order. Apply to the South Dakota Board first. Upon approval, go to the NCEES site to register for the exam. You will need to create a MyNCEES account. General information about the is available at NCEES.
A reference manual and other study aids (optional) is provided on the NCEES website. The provides review materials and a reduced cost. College of Engineering faculty will hold review sessions on the various subjects during the semester. Try to attend some of the sessions during the previous semester.
There will be multiple windows of time when you can schedule an appointment to take the exam. Most students will find the ÈÕ±¾avÊÓƵ Testing Center on campus to be the most convenient place to take the exam. Another nearby location is the Pearson Professional Center in Sioux Falls. There are other sites available that may be closer to your home town. You can find additional locations and requirements at the .
Please contact your ME 478 or ME 479 instructor if you have any questions.
