The FE Electrical and Computer exam rewards fast pattern recognition. A circuit problem, power problem, signal problem, or digital logic problem usually gives away its path if you know what to look for. This guide gives you the topic map, the high-return study order, worked examples, and a 12-week plan that keeps your practice focused on the questions most likely to move your score.
FE Electrical Exam at a Glance
- 64% first-time / 31% repeat pass rate (NCEES Squared 2025)
- $225 NCEES fee — see the full cost breakdown
- 110 questions in 5 hours 20 minutes (computer-based, year-round)
- 17 topic areas — Mathematics and Circuit Analysis are the largest, at 11–17 questions each
- Big 5 topics (Mathematics, Circuits, Power, Digital, Electronics) account for ~41–63% of the exam
- NCEES provides the FE Reference Handbook digitally — no outside notes allowed
- Plan on about 110 study hours within a year of school, up to about 185 at 12+ years out
What Is the FE Electrical and Computer Exam, and Why Take It?
NCEES gives FE Electrical and Computer candidates 110 questions and 5 hours and 20 minutes at a Pearson VUE testing center, on a computer that also carries the digital FE Reference Handbook. Treat the handbook as part of your workflow: recognize the topic, jump to the right equation or table, then use the calculator cleanly enough that arithmetic does not steal the point.
Pass, and you hold the Engineer Intern (EI) or Engineer in Training (EIT) designation, depending on your state. For anyone headed toward power, utilities, or consulting work, that is the start of the PE track: the required experience, typically four years under a licensed PE, then makes you eligible for the PE exam and full licensure.
Career Benefits of Passing the FE Exam
- PE licensure pathway: A PE license is legally required to sign and seal engineering drawings, offer services directly to the public, and hold certain senior engineering positions, which in electrical work often means power, utilities, or consulting.
- Competitive advantage: Even before you earn your PE, the EIT shows employers you have cleared an exam that spans circuits, power, electronics, and computer systems.
What Are the 17 Topic Areas on the FE Electrical and Computer Exam?
The FE Electrical and Computer Engineering exam draws from 17 distinct knowledge areas. The NCEES exam specification (effective July 2020) gives each area a range for the number of questions out of 110; the weight column is that range divided by 110 and rounded. Below is each topic area with its official question range, largest areas first.
| Topic Area | NCEES Questions | Weight | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 11–17 | 10–15% | HIGH |
| Circuit Analysis (DC and AC Steady State) | 11–17 | 10–15% | HIGH |
| Power Systems | 8–12 | 7–11% | HIGH |
| Digital Systems | 8–12 | 7–11% | HIGH |
| Electronics | 7–11 | 6–10% | HIGH |
| Control Systems | 6–9 | 5–8% | MEDIUM |
| Engineering Economics | 5–8 | 5–7% | MEDIUM |
| Linear Systems | 5–8 | 5–7% | MEDIUM |
| Signal Processing | 5–8 | 5–7% | MEDIUM |
| Communications | 5–8 | 5–7% | MEDIUM |
| Computer Systems | 5–8 | 5–7% | MEDIUM |
| Probability and Statistics | 4–6 | 4–5% | LOW |
| Ethics and Professional Practice | 4–6 | 4–5% | LOW |
| Properties of Electrical Materials | 4–6 | 4–5% | LOW |
| Electromagnetics | 4–6 | 4–5% | LOW |
| Computer Networks | 4–6 | 4–5% | LOW |
| Software Engineering | 4–6 | 4–5% | LOW |
Practice Coverage by Topic
The weights above come from the NCEES specification. The table below is ours: how many questions our FE ECE bank actually carries for each official topic, how many distinct subtopics they cover, and what share are rated hard.
| Official topic | NCEES questions | Practice questions | Per exam question | Subtopics | Rated hard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 11–17 | 218 | shared pool | 26 | 21% |
| Probability and Statistics | 4–6 | 142 | shared pool | 65 | 21% |
| Ethics and Professional Practice | 4–6 | 82 | shared pool | 20 | 20% |
| Engineering Economics | 5–8 | 117 | shared pool | 22 | 26% |
| Properties of Electrical Materials | 4–6 | 68 | 13.6 | 40 | 19% |
| Circuit Analysis (DC and AC Steady State) | 11–17 | 179 | 12.8 | 58 | 28% |
| Linear Systems | 5–8 | 92 | 14.2 | 44 | 26% |
| Signal Processing | 5–8 | 90 | 13.8 | 77 | 29% |
| Electronics | 7–11 | 117 | 13 | 51 | 26% |
| Power Systems | 8–12 | 133 | 13.3 | 60 | 25% |
| Electromagnetics | 4–6 | 71 | 14.2 | 35 | 27% |
| Control Systems | 6–9 | 99 | 13.2 | 39 | 29% |
| Communications | 5–8 | 90 | 13.8 | 68 | 21% |
| Computer Networks | 4–6 | 70 | 14 | 41 | 16% |
| Digital Systems | 8–12 | 131 | 13.1 | 79 | 19% |
| Computer Systems | 5–8 | 86 | 13.2 | 38 | 21% |
| Software Engineering | 4–6 | 62 | 12.4 | 35 | 19% |
Circuit Analysis ties Mathematics for the largest exam weight at 11–17 questions. Its current question mix is 28% rated hard against a bank average of 23%. Practice both circuit interpretation and the calculations needed to solve each circuit.
Counts are from the live FE ECE bank (1847 questions) as of 2026-10-06, matched to the official topic names in the current NCEES specification. Mathematics, ethics, and economics questions come from a pool shared across all FE disciplines, so no per-exam-question ratio is shown for them. Difficulty ratings are ours, not NCEES.
Worked Examples
Four problems from circuit analysis, electronics, power, and networking - the setup, the worked solution, the calculator keystrokes, and the handbook section each relation lives on.
Show the answer and worked solution
Answer: C. 15.0 V
Worked solution
- Identify: Thevenin circuit with load → voltage divider
- Formula: Vload = VTH × (Rload)/(RTH + Rload)
- Substitute: Vload = 20 × (15)/(5+15) = 20 × 0.75 = 15.0 V
- Check: Vload must be less than VTH ✓; approaches VTH as Rload ≫ RTH
Why other options are wrong: Option A (5.0 V) applies the voltage divider with the wrong resistance in the numerator. Option B (10.0 V) splits the voltage equally, ignoring the resistance ratio. Option D (20.0 V) assumes no voltage drop across the source resistance.
On the TI-36X Pro:
Step 1: 5 + 15 enter 20 ohm. Step 2: 20 × 15 ÷ 20 enter 15.0 V.
Handbook: Circuit Analysis > Thevenin's Theorem
Show the answer and worked solution
Answer: D. 7.5 V
Worked solution
- Identify: Non-inverting summing amplifier → two stages: averaging then gain
- Find V+ (voltage at non-inverting input): V+ = (V1+V2)/2 = 2.5 V (equal resistors → average)
- Find non-inverting gain: A = 1 + Rf/Rg = 1 + 20k/10k = 3
- Compute output: Vout = 3 × 2.5 = 7.5 V
Why other options are wrong: Option A (5.0 V) sums V1+V2 and applies unity gain, ignoring the amplifier gain. Option B (15.0 V) applies the gain to the full sum instead of the averaged input. Option C (2.5 V) correctly averages the inputs but omits the gain.
On the TI-36X Pro:
Step 1: Average the equal-resistor inputs: (2 + 3) ÷ 2 enter 2.5 V STO 1; Step 2: Non-inverting gain: 1 + 20 ÷ 10 enter 3; Step 3: Output: 3 × 2nd recall 1 enter 7.5 V.
Handbook: Electronics > Operational Amplifiers > Summing Amplifier
Show the answer and worked solution
Answer: D. 2,765 W
Worked solution
- Identify: Three-phase wye power calculation from line voltage and phase impedance
- Find phase voltage: Vp = VLL/√(3) = 480/1.732 = 277.1 V
- Find impedance magnitude: |Z| = √(302+402) = 50 Ω
- Find phase current: Ip = Vp/|Z| = 277.1/50 = 5.542 A
- Compute total power: P = 3Ip2 R = 3(5.542)2(30) = 2,765 W
Why other options are wrong: Option A (4608 W) uses line voltage as phase voltage without dividing by √(3) for wye. Option B (1382 W) computes only single-phase power without multiplying by 3. Option C (4147 W) uses P = 3*Vp2/|Z| without extracting the resistive component.
On the TI-36X Pro:
Step 1: Phase voltage: 480 ÷ √3 enter 277.1 V; Step 2: Use CMPLX abs on 30 + 40i to get |Z| = 50 ohm; Step 3: Phase current: 277.1 ÷ 50 enter 5.542 A; Step 4: Real power: 3 × 5.542 x² × 30 enter 2765 W.
Handbook: Power Systems > Three-Phase Power > Wye-Connected Loads
Show the answer and worked solution
Answer: B. 62
Worked solution
- Identify: Subnet calculation — find usable hosts from CIDR notation
- Find host bits: 32 - 26 = 6 bits for hosts
- Total addresses: 26 = 64
- Subtract network and broadcast addresses: 64 - 2 = 62 usable hosts
- Remember: Always subtract 2 for network address (all 0s) and broadcast (all 1s)
Why other options are wrong: Option A (30) uses a /27 subnet (5 host bits, 25 - 2 = 30) instead of /26, confusing the number of host bits. Option C (64) computes 26 = 64 total addresses but forgets to subtract 2 for the network and broadcast addresses. Option D (126) uses a /25 subnet (7 host bits, 27 - 2 = 126), applying one too many host bits.
On the TI-36X Pro:
Step 1: Host bits: 32 − 26 enter 6; Step 2: Total addresses: 2 xʸ 6 enter 64; Step 3: Usable hosts: 64 − 2 enter 62 hosts.
Handbook: Computer Networks > IP Addressing > Subnetting
These are FE Electrical and Computer practice questions from our bank, not official NCEES items. Keystrokes are for the TI-36X Pro; the Casio fx-115ES PLUS differs in the memory and solver keys. Handbook references point at FE Reference Handbook 10.6 — confirm the version assigned to your exam date.
Where to Review the Highest-Return FE Electrical and Computer Topics
Use this map to turn the long topic list into a study path. Start with the handbook lanes you will use on exam day, then use the external refreshers only when a concept is weak enough to slow your practice.
Practice phasors, impedance, and three-phase work together.
Do not split circuits and power too far apart. AC circuit setup, complex arithmetic, real/reactive power, transformers, and three-phase relationships reinforce each other.
- Handbook move: mark the circuit, AC power, and conversion sections before timed sets.
- Practice move: write magnitudes, angles, and units explicitly to avoid calculator-mode mistakes.
Know the behavior before hunting for device equations.
Diodes, BJTs, MOSFETs, op-amps, filters, and small-signal assumptions reward pattern recognition. Start by predicting the operating region or ideal op-amp rule.
- Handbook move: group device models and op-amp relationships by circuit type.
- Practice move: annotate polarity and current direction before solving.
Turn logic questions into tables, states, or binary arithmetic.
Boolean algebra, logic gates, flip-flops, counters, number systems, memory, and computer architecture become easier when you force a structured representation.
- Handbook move: keep digital logic and computer-system references separate in your notes.
- Practice move: redraw state or truth tables even when the question feels simple.
Connect Laplace, transfer functions, and frequency response.
Signals and controls problems are often lookup-friendly if you know whether the task is transform, block-diagram algebra, stability, or Bode interpretation.
- Handbook move: learn where transforms, system response, and controls tables begin.
- Practice move: label input, output, and transfer function before simplifying.
Protect the shared-topic points that do not require EE depth.
Complex numbers, matrices, probability distributions, expected value, and engineering economics appear alongside technical topics. They are good recovery points on a hard exam.
- Handbook move: mark math identities, probability tables, and economic factors.
- Practice move: build calculator fluency for complex numbers and distributions.
Source note: topic names and question ranges should be checked against the current NCEES FE exam page. The MIT OpenCourseWare and Khan Academy links teach full courses, and FE Electrical and Computer tests a slice of each, so use them to repair a concept and the handbook to rehearse the lookup.
Each topic below lists what the exam actually asks for, which leans more on recognising standard circuit forms than on deriving them.
1. Mathematics (11–17 questions)
Tied with Circuit Analysis as the largest area on the exam. Covers algebra and trigonometry, analytic geometry, calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, vector analysis, complex numbers, and discrete mathematics. You will need to solve integrals, work with matrices, and apply Euler's formula. The NCEES FE Reference Handbook includes key formulas, but you need to know how to apply them quickly.
Key concepts to master:
- Complex numbers: rectangular/polar conversion and Euler’s formula
- Derivatives, integrals, and first/second-order ODEs
- Matrix operations, determinants, eigenvalues, and Boolean/discrete math
2. Probability and Statistics (4–6 questions)
Expect questions on probability distributions (normal, binomial, Poisson), measures of central tendency, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and expected values. Many of these problems are straightforward if you understand the underlying distributions.
Key concepts to master:
- Normal, binomial, and Poisson distributions—and when to apply each
- Mean, variance, standard deviation, and expected value
- Linear regression and basic hypothesis testing
3. Ethics and Professional Practice (4–6 questions)
Short scenarios built on the NCEES Model Rules of Professional Conduct, with public health, safety, and welfare first and licensure and sealing rules close behind. There is nothing to calculate—read the ethics section in the reference handbook carefully because focused review can turn this into a reliable scoring area.
Key concepts to master:
- NCEES Model Rules and duty to protect public health, safety, and welfare
- Conflicts of interest, gifts, and competitive bidding rules
- Licensure requirements and signing/sealing authority
4. Engineering Economics (5–8 questions)
Topics include time value of money, present and future worth analysis, annual cost comparisons, benefit-cost analysis, rate of return, and depreciation. Master the standard factor formulas (P/F, F/P, A/P, etc.) and you will handle these efficiently.
Key concepts to master:
- Time-value factors: P/F, F/P, A/P, A/F, P/A, F/A
- Present worth, annual cost, and rate of return comparisons
- Straight-line and declining-balance depreciation
5. Properties of Electrical Materials (4–6 questions)
Focuses on conductivity, resistivity, dielectric properties, magnetic permeability, and semiconductor physics. Understand the differences between conductors, insulators, and semiconductors, along with basic material behavior under varying conditions.
Key concepts to master:
- Resistivity, conductivity, and temperature coefficients of resistance
- Dielectric constant, breakdown strength, and magnetic permeability
- Semiconductor basics: doping, p-n junctions, and intrinsic vs. extrinsic materials
6. Circuit Analysis (DC and AC Steady State) (11–17 questions)
Tied with Mathematics as the largest area on the exam. Covers DC and AC steady-state circuit analysis, Kirchhoff's laws, series and parallel equivalents, Thevenin and Norton equivalents, node and loop analysis, waveform analysis (RMS, average, frequency, phase), impedance, phasors, and power factor. Transient response of RL, RC, and RLC circuits falls under Linear Systems in the current specification. This is a must-master category.
Key concepts to master:
- KVL/KCL, node and mesh analysis, superposition
- Thevenin/Norton equivalents and maximum power transfer
- Phasor analysis of RLC circuits, impedance, and power factor
7. Linear Systems (5–8 questions)
Focuses on Laplace transforms, transfer functions, impulse and step responses, convolution, and system stability. Understanding how to move between time-domain and frequency-domain representations is essential.
Key concepts to master:
- Laplace transforms and inverse Laplace transforms
- Transfer functions, poles, zeros, and BIBO stability
- Impulse response, step response, and convolution
8. Signal Processing (5–8 questions)
Covers Fourier series and transforms, sampling theory (Nyquist), discrete-time signals, z-transforms, and basic filter design (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass). Know Shannon's sampling theorem and how aliasing occurs.
Key concepts to master:
- Fourier series and Fourier transforms of common signals
- Nyquist sampling theorem and aliasing
- Z-transforms and digital filter basics (FIR/IIR, low-/high-/band-pass)
9. Electronics (7–11 questions)
Another high-weight topic. Includes diode circuits, BJT and MOSFET analysis, amplifier configurations (common emitter, common source), operational amplifier circuits, biasing, and frequency response. You should be comfortable analyzing both ideal and non-ideal op-amp circuits. The specification also places instrumentation (measurements, data acquisition, transducers) and power electronics (rectifiers, inverters, converters) in this area.
Key concepts to master:
- Diode circuits: rectifiers, clippers, clampers, and Zener regulators
- BJT and MOSFET biasing and small-signal analysis
- Ideal op-amp circuits: inverting, non-inverting, summing, differentiator, integrator
10. Power Systems (8–12 questions)
Covers three-phase systems, power generation and transmission, transformers, per-unit analysis, power factor correction, fault analysis, and motor fundamentals. This is one of the most heavily tested areas—spend significant study time here.
Key concepts to master:
- Three-phase power: P = √3 · VLL · IL · cosθ
- Transformer turns ratio, impedance reflection, and per-unit analysis
- Power factor correction, symmetrical fault analysis, and motor fundamentals
11. Electromagnetics (4–6 questions)
Topics include electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic wave propagation, transmission lines, and Smith charts. Focus on applying Gauss's law, Faraday's law, and understanding standing wave ratios.
Key concepts to master:
- Gauss’s law, Faraday’s law, and Ampère’s law
- Plane-wave propagation, intrinsic impedance, and polarization
- Transmission lines: characteristic impedance, reflection coefficient, VSWR
12. Control Systems (6–9 questions)
Covers block diagrams, feedback systems, stability criteria (Routh-Hurwitz, Bode plots, Nyquist), root locus, PID controllers, and steady-state error analysis. Be comfortable interpreting Bode magnitude and phase plots.
Key concepts to master:
- Block-diagram reduction and closed-loop transfer functions
- Stability: Routh-Hurwitz, Bode gain/phase margins, Nyquist criterion
- Root locus, PID controller tuning, and steady-state error
13. Communications (5–8 questions)
Includes AM and FM modulation, noise, bandwidth, channel capacity (Shannon's theorem), digital modulation schemes, and basic information theory. Know how to calculate signal-to-noise ratio and channel capacity.
Key concepts to master:
- AM and FM modulation: bandwidth, modulation index, spectrum
- Digital modulation: ASK, FSK, PSK, QAM
- Shannon capacity C = B·log2(1+SNR) and noise figure
14. Computer Networks (4–6 questions)
Covers the OSI and TCP/IP models, routing, switching, network topologies, protocols, and basic network security concepts. These tend to be more conceptual and definition-based.
Key concepts to master:
- OSI and TCP/IP layer models and common protocols at each layer
- IPv4/IPv6 addressing, subnetting, routing vs. switching
- Basic LAN/WAN topologies and network security primitives
15. Digital Systems (8–12 questions)
Another major topic area. Covers Boolean algebra, logic gates, combinational and sequential circuits, flip-flops, counters, registers, state machines, and memory architectures. Practice simplifying logic expressions with Karnaugh maps and Boolean identities.
Key concepts to master:
- Boolean algebra and simplification with Karnaugh maps
- Combinational logic: adders, multiplexers, decoders
- Sequential logic: flip-flops, counters, registers, and state machines
16. Computer Systems (5–8 questions)
Covers microprocessors, memory technology and systems, and interfacing. Expect questions on computer architecture and instruction sets, memory hierarchies, and how a processor exchanges data with memory and peripherals. Understand concepts like pipelining and cache memory.
Key concepts to master:
- Microprocessor architecture, instruction sets, and CPU pipelining
- Memory technology, cache memory, and memory hierarchy
- Interfacing a processor with memory and peripherals
17. Software Engineering (4–6 questions)
Covers algorithms (sorting, searching, complexity, and big-O notation), data structures (lists, trees, vectors, structures, and arrays), and software implementation: iteration, conditionals, recursion, control flow, scripting, and testing.
Key concepts to master:
- Sorting and searching algorithms and big-O complexity
- Data structures: lists, arrays, vectors, and trees
- Iteration, recursion, control flow, and basic testing
Which Topics Should You Prioritize?
Not all 17 topics carry equal weight. Circuit analysis is tied with mathematics as the largest block on this exam, and it also underpins electronics, power, and signal questions. Time spent there compounds; time spent on the smaller specialty topics does not.
The Big Five (45–69 questions, ~41–63% of the exam)
- Mathematics (11–17 questions) — tied for the largest area, and the foundation that supports nearly every other area
- Circuit Analysis (11–17 questions) — tied for the largest area, and the backbone of electrical engineering
- Power Systems (8–12 questions) — heavily tested and formula-driven
- Digital Systems (8–12 questions) — very learnable with practice
- Electronics (7–11 questions) — requires solid device-level understanding of diodes, transistors, and op-amps
If you can consistently answer these five topic areas correctly, you are well on your way to passing.
After mastering those, move to the mid-weight topics: Control Systems, Engineering Economics, Linear Systems, Signal Processing, Communications, and Computer Systems. These collectively represent another 31–49 questions (roughly 28–45% of the exam). Many are formula-driven and very learnable in a focused study block.
Finally, review the lower-weight topics: Probability and Statistics, Ethics and Professional Practice, Properties of Electrical Materials, Electromagnetics, Computer Networks, and Software Engineering. Each carries 4–6 questions, and together they account for 24–36—and many of these are among the easiest to pick up quickly. Ethics and Economics reward light prep on this exam, and so do Properties of Electrical Materials: a small factual block that rarely changes.
Worked Examples: One Problem from Each Big Five Topic
Here are five short worked examples—one from each of the highest-weight topic areas. Work each one before reading the solution, and run Examples 1 and 2 in your calculator’s complex mode as well as by hand.
Example 1 — Mathematics: Complex Number in Polar Form
Problem: Express the complex number Z = 8 + j6 in polar form.
Solution: Compute magnitude and angle.
|Z| = √(82 + 62) = √100 = 10
θ = arctan(6/8) = 36.87°
Z = 10∠36.87°
Why it matters: Nearly every AC circuit, control system, and signal processing problem requires fluent conversion between rectangular (a + jb) and polar (r∠θ) form. The TI-36X Pro can do this with one button press—make sure you know which one.
Example 2 — Circuit Analysis: AC Series RL Circuit
Problem: A sinusoidal source Vs = 120∠0° V at ω = 377 rad/s drives a series combination of R = 100 Ω and L = 0.5 H. What is the magnitude of the current?
Solution: Compute the inductive reactance, total impedance, then current.
XL = ωL = (377)(0.5) = 188.5 Ω
|Z| = √(R2 + XL2) = √(1002 + 188.52) ≈ 213.4 Ω
|I| = |Vs| / |Z| = 120 / 213.4 ≈ 0.562 A
Why it matters: Series impedance problems with phasors are the most common circuit-analysis item on the exam. Know the reactance formulas for L (XL = ωL) and C (XC = 1/ωC) cold.
Example 3 — Electronics: Inverting Op-Amp Gain
Problem: An ideal inverting op-amp has Rf = 100 kΩ and Rin = 10 kΩ. If Vin = 0.5 V, what is Vout?
Solution: For an ideal inverting amplifier, Vout = −(Rf/Rin) · Vin.
Vout = −(100 kΩ / 10 kΩ)(0.5 V)
Vout = −(10)(0.5) = −5 V
Why it matters: Ideal op-amp shortcuts (virtual short, infinite input impedance) turn what look like multi-element circuits into one-line formulas. Memorize the gain formulas for inverting, non-inverting, summing, and differential configurations.
Example 4 — Power Systems: Three-Phase Line Current
Problem: A balanced three-phase load draws 10 kW at 0.8 lagging power factor from a 480 V (line-to-line) source. What is the line current?
Solution: Use the three-phase power relationship P = √3 · VLL · IL · cosθ.
IL = P / (√3 · VLL · cosθ)
IL = 10,000 / (1.732 · 480 · 0.8) ≈ 15.0 A
Why it matters: The factor of √3 is the single most common slip on three-phase problems. Keep the line vs. phase convention straight and most power-systems items are plug-and-chug.
Example 5 — Digital Systems: Frequency Division
Problem: A 1 MHz clock drives a 4-bit binary counter. What is the output frequency at the most significant bit (Q3)?
Solution: An n-bit counter divides the clock by 2n.
fout = fclk / 24 = 1 MHz / 16
fout = 62.5 kHz
Why it matters: Binary counters and frequency dividers are a staple of Digital Systems questions. Remember: each additional flip-flop divides the frequency by 2 and adds one bit to the counter’s modulus.
For more worked problems across FE Electrical and Computer topics, start with the FE Electrical practice problems and then run a 20-question free FE Electrical and Computer diagnostic.
How Should You Split 12 Weeks Across 17 Topic Areas?
Plan on about 110 hours within a year of school, rising to about 145 at 5 years out and 185 at 12 or more (hand-checked study-hour reports from 41 FE passers, 2024–2026, plus NCEES pass-rate data). At 10 hours a week the 12-week split below fits a recent graduate; further out, stretch the relearning weeks. It gives Circuit Analysis an early block, because electronics, power, and signals all lean on it; reorder the relearning weeks by exam weight × your diagnostic weakness:
- Week 1: Take a placement diagnostic to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Start 10-minute handbook and calculator warm-ups (handbook fluency takes 2–6 hours in all; the calculator 2–3, about 6 if you are new to the TI-36X Pro), and review Mathematics.
- Weeks 2–4: Focus on Circuit Analysis (DC and AC steady state), tied with Mathematics as the largest area, then Electronics (diodes, transistors, op-amps) and Power Systems (three-phase, transformers, per-unit). Practice solving circuits by hand until the methods feel automatic, about 12 problems per 90-minute session.
- Week 5: Take a full 110-question timed simulation (about 40% of the way through) and review it, about 8.5 hours in all. Then start Digital Systems.
- Weeks 6–7: Cover Linear Systems, Signal Processing, Control Systems, Electromagnetics, and Communications (Boolean simplification, Laplace transforms, Fourier analysis, Bode plots, root locus, modulation), then Computer Networks, Computer Systems, Software Engineering, Probability and Statistics, Engineering Economics, Ethics, and Properties of Electrical Materials. Hold about 20% of each topic’s time for 2–3 spaced revisits.
- Weeks 8–10: Mixed timed sets at exam pace, switching from phasors to networking the way the exam does. About a quarter of your attempts should re-work earlier misses. Take a second full simulation; the official NCEES practice exam is about as hard as the real FE.
- Week 11: Hard and challenge sets on your weakest high-weight topics. Take the final full simulation at the end of the week, about 7 days before the exam.
- Week 12: Review every question you got wrong on the final simulation early in the week, then 3 days of light review with no new material.
Study Tips for Exam Day Success
- Practice under timed conditions: At roughly 2.9 minutes per question, switching from a phasor problem to a networking question costs time on its own, so practice mixed sets rather than one topic at a time.
- Focus on units and reasonableness: Electrical engineering problems frequently involve unit conversions (mA to A, kV to V, dB conversions). Carry your units through every calculation to catch errors early.
Test-Day Strategy and Common Mistakes
Electrical and Computer covers the widest span of any FE discipline, from Maxwell to software engineering. Expect to switch mental modes between questions, and do not let an unfamiliar computing question shake confidence in the circuits you do know. FE Electrical & Computer was 64% first-time pass / 31% repeat in the NCEES Squared 2025 table. With 17 topic areas, the margin usually comes down to pacing and a few avoidable errors.
What to do on test day
- Be there 30 minutes ahead. Pearson VUE check-in includes an ID check, and the ID must be valid and unexpired.
- Manage time aggressively. Under 3 minutes per question (320 minutes for 110) is enough for a phasor or counter problem and tight for root locus or an unfamiliar networking item. Flag anything that passes 4 minutes.
- Answer every question. No penalty for wrong answers — always make your best guess on every remaining question.
- Clear the circuit fundamentals first. DC/AC circuit analysis, electronics basics, and digital logic are often faster than long signals or computer-systems questions. Bank the high-confidence electrical points before a deeper lookup.
- Use the break to clear calculation residue. Phasors, decibels, binary conversions, and complex arithmetic are error-prone when you are tired. Step away, then restart by re-checking calculator mode settings and units.
- Translate unfamiliar computer topics into basics. If a networking, software, or controls question feels obscure, look for the underlying layer, state, truth table, or transfer function before assuming it is unknowable.
The most common mistakes to avoid
- Letting one computing question rattle you. An obscure software or networking item is worth the same single point as a circuit you can solve. Flag it after four minutes and bank the circuits first.
- Ignoring low-weight topics entirely. Ethics, Economics, and Probability are easy points with light prep, and together they carry 13–20 questions — enough to be the difference between passing and failing.
- Not practicing with the reference handbook. If you never open the handbook until exam day, you will waste minutes hunting for formulas. Keep it open for every practice set, so the transform tables and the three-phase relations are a search away rather than a hunt.
- Memorizing instead of understanding. The exam tests application to unfamiliar problems — focus on comprehension and problem-solving patterns, not rote formulas.
- Neglecting calculator proficiency. Your approved calculator handles matrix equations, complex numbers, base conversions, and statistics. Working a three-node system or a hex conversion by hand costs time and invites slips.
- Cramming the night before. Last-minute cramming raises anxiety and cuts sleep. If you must review, scan where the Laplace and three-phase tables sit in the handbook and leave it there.
What Study Materials Do You Need?
Two resources carry most of the weight here: the handbook itself, and enough circuit practice that standard forms are recognised rather than derived.
- NCEES FE Reference Handbook — what you will actually search during the exam. Practise the transform and Laplace tables specifically; they are the pages Electrical examinees return to most under time pressure.
- TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator — The most capable NCEES-approved calculator. Essential for matrix operations, complex numbers, and number base conversions on the ECE exam.
For a full comparison of prep books, calculators, and other resources, see our best FE exam prep books guide and calculator comparison.
Final Thoughts
Put Mathematics and Circuit Analysis first, keep the handbook open for every practice set, and sit at least two timed full-length exams before test day. Most people who fail this exam lost points outside their specialty, not inside it. Breadth is the constraint here, not depth.
FE Electrical and Computer: Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the FE Electrical exam?
The FE Electrical and Computer Engineering exam has 110 multiple-choice questions. You have 5 hours and 20 minutes to complete it at a Pearson VUE testing center. The exam is offered year-round on a computer-based format.
What are the highest-weight topics on the FE Electrical exam?
The five highest-weight topics are Mathematics (11–17 questions), Circuit Analysis (11–17), Power Systems (8–12), Digital Systems (8–12), and Electronics (7–11). Together these can account for 45–69 questions, or roughly 41–63% of the entire exam. Focus your early study time here for the biggest point payoff.
How long should I study for the FE Electrical exam?
Budget about 110 hours if you are within a year of school, rising to about 125 at 2 years out, 145 at 5, 170 at 8 and 185 at 12 or more, based on hand-checked study-hour reports from 41 FE passers (2024–2026) plus NCEES pass-rate data. At 10 hours a week a recent graduate needs about 12 weeks. Prioritize the high-weight topics where your diagnostic is weakest, especially Circuit Analysis and Electronics, then work through Power Systems, Communications, and Computer Systems. Hours are a budget, not a guarantee of a pass.
What calculator can I use on the FE Electrical exam?
Only NCEES-approved calculators are allowed. The TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES PLUS are the most popular choices. The TI-36X Pro is especially useful for its matrix operations and polynomial solver, which help with circuit analysis problems.
Is the FE Electrical exam hard?
The FE Electrical exam is challenging because it covers 17 topic areas spanning circuits, electronics, power, signals, controls, and computer engineering. A 200+ hour structured plan and consistent reference-handbook practice put candidates in a stronger position on test day.
Can I use the TI-36X Pro on the FE Electrical exam?
Yes. The TI-36X Pro is on the official NCEES approved calculator list and is especially well-suited for FE Electrical because of its complex-number (polar/rectangular) conversions, matrix determinants and inverses, polynomial root solver, and base conversions. For a detailed comparison with the Casio fx-115ES PLUS, see our FE exam calculator guide.
Should I take FE Electrical or FE Computer Engineering?
NCEES combines them into a single exam—the FE Electrical and Computer Engineering exam. There is no separate FE Computer exam. The 17 topic areas cover both disciplines (circuits, power, and electromagnetics on the EE side; digital systems, computer networks, computer systems, and software engineering on the CompE side).
What score do I need to pass the FE Electrical exam?
NCEES does not publish a fixed passing percentage. The exam is scored using a psychometric cut score set by a committee of licensed professional engineers, and results are reported as pass/fail only. Historically, candidates who can correctly answer around 70% of realistic practice problems tend to pass.
How many times can I retake the FE Electrical exam?
NCEES allows up to three attempts in any 12-month period with a minimum two-month wait between attempts. There is no lifetime cap. If you do not pass, use the NCEES diagnostic report to target your weakest topic areas during the next study cycle.
Is the FE Electrical exam worth it if I don’t plan to become a PE?
For most electrical engineers, yes. Passing earns you the Engineer Intern (EI) or Engineer in Training (EIT) designation, which many employers recognize as a signal of technical competence. It also keeps the PE path open for senior roles in power, utilities, or consulting where a PE license is often required. The FE is meaningfully easier to pass right after graduation than years later.
Disclaimer: This guide is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NCEES. The "Fundamentals of Engineering" exam, "FE" exam, and "NCEES" are trademarks of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Exam specifications and content are subject to change; always refer to the official NCEES website for the most current information.
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