The short answer: it depends on your state. The standard path to the FE exam requires an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program, but there are legitimate alternative pathways for people with non-ABET degrees, engineering technology degrees, foreign credentials, or extensive work experience. Here is what you need to know.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard path requires enrollment in or graduation from an ABET-accredited engineering program
  • Many states accept non-ABET engineering degrees with additional experience requirements
  • Engineering technology (ET) degrees are accepted in many states, sometimes with extra experience
  • Foreign degrees are accepted in most states, often with a credential evaluation
  • A few states allow candidates with no degree but significant engineering experience
  • Your state board has the final say — always check directly with them

The Standard Path: ABET-Accredited Engineering Degree

The most straightforward path to the FE exam is graduating from (or being enrolled in the final year of) an engineering program accredited by ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC). ABET accredits programs at roughly 850 colleges and universities worldwide.

If your program is ABET EAC-accredited, every state board in the U.S. will accept your application to take the FE exam. This is the path that roughly 80% of FE exam candidates follow.

You can check whether your program is accredited at abet.org/accreditation/find-programs.

Path 2: Non-ABET Engineering Degree

If you have an engineering degree from a program that is not ABET-accredited (perhaps a smaller university, a newer program, or a school that chose not to seek accreditation), your options depend on your state:

  • Many states accept non-ABET degrees but require additional years of engineering experience (typically 2–4 years beyond what ABET graduates need)
  • Some states require a curriculum evaluation to verify that your coursework is equivalent to an ABET-accredited program
  • A few states only accept ABET-accredited degrees — in these states, you may need to apply through a different state that accepts your credentials
Comity licensing: If your state does not accept your degree, you may be able to get licensed in a state that does, then transfer your license to your home state through comity (reciprocal licensing). This is a longer path but is a legitimate option.

Path 3: Engineering Technology Degree

Engineering technology (ET) programs are different from engineering (E) programs. ET programs are accredited by ABET’s Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC), not the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC). The distinction matters because some state boards treat them differently.

State Policy What It Means for ET Graduates
Full acceptance ET degree treated the same as an engineering degree for FE eligibility. Some states in this category.
Acceptance with extra experience ET graduates can take the FE but need 2–4 additional years of engineering experience. This is the most common policy.
No acceptance ET degrees are not accepted for FE exam eligibility. This is less common but does exist in some states.

If you have a 4-year ABET ETAC-accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, check your state board first. If your state does not accept ET degrees, consider applying through a state that does.

Path 4: Foreign Engineering Degree

Engineers educated outside the United States can take the FE exam in most states. The process depends on whether your degree program is recognized internationally:

Washington Accord countries

If your degree is from a program accredited by a signatory of the Washington Accord (which includes accrediting bodies in the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries), your degree is generally treated as equivalent to an ABET-accredited degree. This makes the process straightforward.

Non-Washington Accord countries

If your degree is from a program not covered by the Washington Accord, most states will require:

  1. A credential evaluation from an approved agency. Common agencies include:
    • World Education Services (WES)
    • Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
    • NCEES Credentials Evaluation service
  2. Possible additional experience: Some states require 1–4 additional years of U.S.-based or equivalent engineering experience for non-Washington Accord degrees.

Credential Evaluation Timeline

Budget 4–8 weeks for credential evaluation, plus time to gather translated transcripts and degree certificates. Start this process well before you plan to register for the FE exam. Some agencies offer expedited services for an additional fee.

Path 5: No Engineering Degree (Experience Only)

A small number of states allow candidates to take the FE exam based on engineering work experience alone, without any engineering degree. This is the least common pathway and typically requires:

  • 8–20+ years of progressive engineering experience
  • Work under a licensed PE for some or all of that experience
  • Documentation of your engineering work, often requiring PE references

This path exists because engineering licensure boards recognize that some people gain genuine engineering competence through decades of on-the-job training and experience, even without a formal degree. However, it is a narrow exception, not the norm.

Important: Even in states that allow experience-only pathways, the requirements are stringent. You typically need far more experience than a degree holder (e.g., 8 years of experience vs. 4 years for a degree holder). The FE exam itself does not change — it tests the same material regardless of how you qualified to sit for it.

How to Find Your State’s Specific Requirements

Since eligibility varies significantly by state, you must check directly with your state board. Here is how:

  1. Visit the NCEES website: ncees.org/licensure has links to every state board
  2. Contact your state board directly: Call or email them with your specific situation. Most boards are responsive and can tell you exactly what documentation you need.
  3. Ask about alternative pathways: If the standard path does not fit your situation, ask specifically about non-ABET degree acceptance, experience-based qualifications, or comity options.

Do not rely on forum posts or unofficial sources for eligibility information. Requirements change, and incorrect information could waste months of preparation. Go to the source.

What If You Are Still in School?

Most state boards allow you to take the FE exam during your final year of an engineering program. You do not need to have graduated yet — you just need to be within one year of completing your degree. This is actually the best time to take the exam, because the material is freshest in your mind.

Check with your school’s engineering department, as many universities coordinate group FE exam registrations for seniors.

Which FE Discipline Should Non-Traditional Candidates Choose?

If your background does not map neatly to one of the specific FE disciplines (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Environmental), consider the FE Other Disciplines exam. It covers a broader range of topics at a more general level, making it a good fit for candidates with diverse or non-traditional backgrounds.

However, if your work experience is concentrated in a specific discipline (even without a matching degree), you may perform better on the discipline-specific exam because it aligns with what you know from practice. Consider taking a diagnostic practice exam in both and comparing your scores. For discipline-specific guidance:

Preparation Tips for Non-Traditional Candidates

If you are taking the FE exam without a traditional ABET engineering degree, you may face additional study challenges. Here is how to address them:

  • Start with math. If your academic background did not include calculus-based mathematics through differential equations, this is your first priority. The FE exam assumes this foundation. Budget extra time — see how long to study for the FE exam.
  • Use the NCEES exam specification as your curriculum. Download the specification for your chosen FE discipline from ncees.org. It lists every topic the exam covers. Use it as a checklist to identify what you know and what you need to learn.
  • Build a longer study timeline. Where a recent ABET graduate might need 2–3 months, budget 4–6 months or more if you are learning topics for the first time rather than reviewing them. See our study schedule options.
  • Get a comprehensive review book. A good FE review manual explains concepts from the ground up, which is more useful than resources designed for people who are just refreshing.
  • The exam cost is the same for everyone. See our cost breakdown for budgeting guidance.

The Bigger Picture: FE to PE

Passing the FE exam is just the first step toward a PE license. After the FE, you will need to accumulate qualifying engineering experience (typically 4 years) before taking the PE exam. The FE vs PE comparison covers the full licensing path.

For non-traditional candidates, the experience requirement may partially overlap with the experience you already have. Some states count pre-FE experience toward the PE requirement, while others start the clock only after you pass the FE. Check with your state board.

For inspiration from engineers who took non-traditional paths to licensure, see our returning engineer guide and PE success stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the FE exam without an engineering degree?

It depends on your state. NCEES allows registration for anyone enrolled in or graduated from an ABET-accredited program. Individual state boards set their own rules: some accept non-ABET degrees, engineering technology degrees, or work experience in lieu of a degree. Contact your state board directly for specific requirements.

Can I take the FE exam with a foreign engineering degree?

Yes, in most states. If your degree is from a Washington Accord-recognized program, it is generally treated as equivalent to ABET. Otherwise, you may need a credential evaluation from an approved agency (WES, ECE, or NCEES). Some states require additional experience for non-Washington Accord degrees.

Can I take the FE exam with an engineering technology degree?

Many states accept ABET ETAC-accredited engineering technology degrees, though some require additional years of experience. A few states do not accept ET degrees at all. Check your specific state board’s requirements, as policies vary significantly.