Before you invest months of your life studying for the FE exam, you probably want to know: what are my chances? The answer depends on your discipline, whether you are a first-time or repeat taker, and how you prepare. Here is what the data actually shows.

Key Takeaways

  • First-time FE pass rates range from ~62% to ~69% depending on discipline
  • Repeat takers pass at much lower rates (~30–40%)
  • ABET-accredited program graduates pass at significantly higher rates
  • The pass rates prove preparation matters far more than natural ability

FE Exam Pass Rates by Discipline

NCEES publishes pass rate data periodically. The following table reflects approximate first-time pass rates based on the most recently available data. Note that NCEES rounds figures and does not always break out every detail, so treat these as reliable approximations rather than exact percentages.

FE Discipline First-Time Pass Rate Repeat Pass Rate
Civil ~69% ~33%
Mechanical ~68% ~35%
Chemical ~65% ~30%
Environmental ~64% ~31%
Electrical & Computer ~62% ~29%
Industrial & Systems ~66% ~32%
Other Disciplines ~58% ~28%

Source: NCEES publishes aggregate pass rate data. Individual state boards may also publish state-specific data. Rates fluctuate year to year by a few percentage points.

What the Numbers Actually Tell You

Most first-time takers pass

Across all disciplines, roughly 6 to 7 out of every 10 first-time test takers pass the FE exam. That is a majority — meaning the exam is very passable with adequate preparation. If you study properly, the odds are literally in your favor.

The first-time vs repeat gap is huge

The most striking pattern in the data: repeat takers pass at roughly half the rate of first-time takers (or less). This does not mean the exam gets harder on your second attempt — it means the factors that caused someone to fail the first time (insufficient preparation, poor time management, knowledge gaps) tend to persist unless actively addressed.

If you are retaking the FE: Do not simply “study more.” Diagnose specifically what went wrong. Was it time management? Specific topic areas? Exam anxiety? A different study approach — not just more hours of the same approach — is what moves the needle on a retake.

ABET accreditation matters

First-time takers from ABET-accredited engineering programs pass at notably higher rates than those from non-accredited programs. This makes sense: ABET programs are designed to cover the exact foundational topics the FE exam tests. If your program was not ABET-accredited, you may need extra preparation to fill gaps. See our guide on taking the FE without a traditional degree.

Why Do People Fail the FE Exam?

Understanding common failure patterns helps you avoid them. Based on community feedback and exam preparation data, here are the most frequent reasons:

  1. Insufficient study time. The number one reason. Engineers who study fewer than 150 hours pass at dramatically lower rates. See how long to study for the FE exam for realistic time estimates.
  2. Ignoring weak topics. The FE is a breadth exam. You cannot afford to write off entire topic areas. Even if Ethics and Engineering Economics seem boring, they are easy points if you study them — and lost points if you do not.
  3. Poor time management on exam day. With 110 questions in 5 hours 20 minutes, you have about 2 minutes 54 seconds per question. Spending 8 minutes on a hard problem means you are rushing 3 others. Practice with a timer.
  4. Not using the reference handbook. Many test takers underuse the on-screen FE Reference Handbook because they did not practice navigating it. Knowing where to find a formula quickly can mean the difference between getting a question right or running out of time. Our handbook guide covers navigation strategies.
  5. Not practicing under exam conditions. Studying topics in isolation is different from answering 110 questions in a row with a countdown timer. Full-length timed practice exams build the stamina and pacing skills you need.

What Pass Rate Should You Aim For in Practice?

NCEES does not publish the exact passing score — they use a scaled scoring method called “cut score” that varies slightly by exam form. However, based on widely reported estimates:

Practice Exam Score Targets

  • Below 50%: You need significantly more study time. Focus on fundamentals.
  • 50–60%: You are in the danger zone. Identify and shore up weak areas.
  • 60–70%: You are in the passing range, but do not get complacent. Keep practicing.
  • 70%+: You are likely well-prepared. Focus on time management and exam-day strategy.
  • 80%+: You are over-prepared for the FE. Schedule your exam and go take it.

Keep in mind that practice exams are not perfectly calibrated to the real exam’s difficulty. Aim to consistently score 65–70%+ on practice exams to give yourself a comfortable margin.

Pass Rates Over Time

FE pass rates have been relatively stable over the past decade, fluctuating by a few percentage points year to year. The transition from pencil-and-paper to computer-based testing (completed in 2014) initially caused some disruption, but rates have since stabilized. The current year-round testing format (replacing the old twice-a-year schedule) has made it easier for candidates to choose a test date that works with their study plan.

How to Put Yourself in the Passing Majority

The data is clear: preparation is the deciding factor. Here is a simple action plan:

  1. Start early. Give yourself 3–6 months, not 3 weeks. See our detailed study schedule.
  2. Use the right resources. Practice problems with detailed explanations teach you more than passive reading. See best FE prep books for our recommendations.
  3. Take timed practice exams. There is no substitute for simulating exam conditions.
  4. Know your calculator. The TI-36X Pro has features that save real time if you practice with it.
  5. Cover every topic. Even a quick review of low-weight topics is better than skipping them entirely.
  6. Review your mistakes. Every wrong answer on a practice problem is a learning opportunity. Understand why you got it wrong, not just what the right answer is.
The most important stat: The pass rate for well-prepared first-time takers is almost certainly higher than the published averages, because the averages include people who barely studied. If you follow a real study plan, your personal odds are better than 70%.

Discipline-Specific Study Guides

For detailed topic breakdowns and strategies tailored to your specific FE exam, see our discipline study guides:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FE exam pass rate?

The overall FE exam first-time pass rate is approximately 60–70%, depending on discipline and year. First-time takers from ABET-accredited programs pass at significantly higher rates than repeat takers. The FE Civil exam typically has the highest pass rate at around 69%, while the FE Electrical and Computer exam tends to be lower at around 62%.

Which FE exam discipline has the highest pass rate?

The FE Civil exam consistently has one of the highest first-time pass rates at approximately 69%. The FE Mechanical exam is close behind at roughly 68%. These higher rates likely reflect the large number of test takers and well-established study resources for these disciplines.

What is the FE exam pass rate for repeat takers?

Repeat takers pass at significantly lower rates than first-time takers, typically around 30–40%. This is not because the exam gets harder on subsequent attempts. Rather, repeat takers often face the same preparation gaps that caused them to fail the first time. A targeted study plan focusing on weak areas identified from the first attempt is essential for improving on a retake.