The Fundamentals of Engineering exam (also known as the FE exam or EIT exam) as it is usually called, is the first of two examinations engineers must pass in order to be certified. It is open to anyone who has a degree in engineering, or is in their last year of engineering at an accredited university. It is administered by NSPE.
Everyone takes the same morning half ("AM" section). It has questions on math, physics, finance, ethics, and all the different types of engineering. A test taker can choose which section to take in the afternoon from among: Chemical engineering, environmental engineering, electrical/computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or general engineering (similar in content to the morning exam).
A test taker must get a score of 70 (approximately 50% correct) to pass.
The sections are scored independently. One can correctly answer all the questions in the morning section, but score only a 65 in the afternoon -- this would be a failure.
Those who pass the exam are considered to be engineers in training. They are partway done the certification process. After a 5 year apprenticeship, they qualify to take the Professional Engineer (PE) exam. Certification is awarded on successful completion of the PE exam.
