FE Exam Passing Score: What Do You Need to Pass?

If you’re getting ready to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), you definitely need to know all there is to know about the FE exam passing score.

But here’s the catch:

An exact number doesn’t exist.

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) doesn’t release an FE exam passing score. So, unlike some other professional exams, there isn’t a guaranteed pass number.

Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have to walk into your FE exam prep blind. In this article, I’ll tell you all I know about a solid FE exam passing score, exam scoring, and exam results. I’ll also include some info from engineers who have already based their computer-based exams and obtained passing scores.

Key Takeaways

• Complex Scoring Process: The FE exam scoring process utilizes psychometric statistical methods to ensure fairness. It converts raw scores (the number of questions answered correctly) to scaled scores that accurately reflect examinees’ ability levels and account for test difficulty.
• Passing Score Variability: The passing score is not fixed and varies with each exam form to adjust for differences in difficulty. It generally hovers around 65-70%, with slight fluctuations to account for ambiguously worded questions and statistical outliers.
• Effective Scoring: Only 100 out of the 110 questions on the FE exam count towards your final score, with the remaining questions being field questions. Achieving a high percentage of correct answers is crucial for passing.
• Aim High for Confidence: Instead of aiming for the approximate passing score of 70%, aim for 80% or higher to ensure a confident pass and avoid any uncertainty.

FE Exam Scoring Process

The exact passing score for the FE exam isn’t publicly disclosed, as it varies with each exam form to account for differences in difficulty.

So, can you pass with a 50? 60? 70?

As one engineer put it, “Honestly, it is controversial question, nobody knows!

That said, aiming for 70% might not be your best strategy. Instead, aim for an 80% or higher. This approach ensures that you not only pass but do so confidently, leaving no doubt in your mind as you walk out of the exam room.

It’s worth noting that out of the 110 questions on the exam, only 100 are actually counted towards your final score. The remaining questions are field questions used to test potential future exam questions. Thus, a high percentage of correct answers is crucial, as missing too many could mean you won’t earn an FE exam passing score.

Scaling Specifics

Here’s more about how it works:

The FE exam scoring process is complex, utilizing psychometric statistical methods to ensure fairness. The passing score is not a fixed number but is determined through a process that accounts for the difficulty of the exam form you receive. Different exam forms may have minor differences in difficulty, so a scaled score is used to represent an examinee’s ability level accurately.

• Raw Score vs. Scaled Score: The raw score is the number of questions answered correctly. The scaled score adjusts this raw score to account for test difficulty. The NCEES does not publish the exact passing score, but it is set to reflect the minimum ability level required to pass.
• Exam Specifications: The exam specifications outline the topics covered in the test. This ensures all exam takers are evaluated against the same standard despite minor variations in the exam questions.
• Diagnostic Report: After the exam, examinees receive a diagnostic report. This report highlights the subject areas where they performed well or poorly, helping them prepare for a retake if necessary.

Preparing for the FE Exam

Effective preparation is crucial for passing the FE exam. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Understand the Exam Specifications: Familiarize yourself with the topics covered in your specific engineering discipline. Use the FE reference handbook provided by NCEES.
2. Take Practice Exams: Practice exams simulate the test day experience and help identify your relative strengths and weaknesses.
3. Scheduled Breaks and Exam Day Strategies: Plan for the scheduled break during the exam and manage your time effectively on exam day.
4. Use Approved Tools: Only use approved tools like Texas Instruments calculators during the exam.

Exam Retakes

If you do not pass the FE exam on your first attempt, you can retake it. Use the diagnostic report to focus on areas that need improvement. Many exam takers pass on their second or third attempts. Understanding your previous performance and focusing on exam preparation can significantly improve your chances of passing the FE exam. You can retake the FE exam up to 3 times in a 12-month period.

Conclusion

While the exact passing score for the FE exam isn’t publicly disclosed, aiming for FE exam scores of 70-80% or more can help ensure you pass confidently. The scoring process is complex, using psychometric methods to adjust for exam difficulty, with only 100 out of 110 questions counting towards your score. Effective preparation with FE prep courses, understanding exam specifications, and taking practice exams are crucial strategies to achieve a high percentage of correct answers and secure a pass.

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