FE Exam

All EVEN seniors are required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam as a graduation requirement.  You must take the FE Exam during your final two semesters. See below for information about the registration process for the exam, and how to complete the graduation requirement.

This test serves two purposes: 

  1. Provides you with the opportunity to complete the first step toward Professional Engineer (PE) status 
  2. Provides the Environmental Engineering Program with a useful assessment of engineering proficiency attained by EVEN graduates. 

About the FE Exam:

The FE Exam is the first step to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer.  It is a nationwide, standardized exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Achieving licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) is a particularly important credential for engineers working as consultants. The FE Exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and is offered year round.

Steps to complete the FE exam:

  1. Create an account on the NCEES website and pay the $225 registration fee for the FE Exam.  Choose your exam date and location.
    ***If you are unable to register for the FE Exam due to financial hardship, please contact your advisor.
  2. Email your advisor with your exam date so we know you're on track to complete this requirement before graduation.
  3. Forward your advisor the "verifiable link" to your exam results that you receive from NCEES.  You should receive your results approximately 7-10 days after taking the exam.
  4. Your degree audit will be updated to show completion of the FE Exam requirement.
  5. If you passed the FE Exam and want to obtain your Engineer Intern (EI) certification in the state of Colorado, you need to submit an application to the State of Colorado Division of Regulatory Agencies (Colorado DORA) to become an Engineer Intern (EI).  Information is on the Colorado DORA website.
  6. click on “Applications” then “Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer Intern (EI) – Original License by Application or Endorsement (Apply Online).”
  7. You must provide proof of your ABET-accredited engineering degree as part of the application process.  Information on ordering transcripts is on the Registrar's Office website.  Make sure to wait until after degrees are posted to transcripts - you can find this date on the graduation calendar.

CU Boulder students have historically done very well on the FE exam. For more information and other program assessment information, click here.