FE exam Vs PE exam – Differences and Similarities

The FE exam is often seen as a precursor to the PE exam. But are they really that similar? In this post, we’ll compare and contrast the two exams and help you decide which is best.

Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t always simple! Read on to learn more.

Both exams are rigorous, but there are some key differences. The electrical FE exam focuses on theory, while the Power PE exam is more practice-based. The FE exam also has a broader range of topics, whereas the PE exam specializes in a few areas.

Which one is right for you? That depends on your career goals and experience level.

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams are challenging in their own respects.

In this post, I will focus on the FE exam vs the PE exam. Both of these exams have undergone some format changes in 2022. In this article, we will conduct a side-by-side comparison of both exams.

FE Electrical vs PE Power – Which Exam to Take First?

When planning your path to licensure, many engineers wonder whether to take the FE Electrical and Computer exam or the PE Power exam first. The FE Electrical exam, also called the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, is designed to test your core knowledge in mathematics, circuits, electronics, power systems, and engineering ethics. Passing it earns you the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation and is usually the first step before qualifying for the PE.

The PE Power exam, or Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, is more advanced and focuses specifically on power systems, protection, machines, and analysis. In most states, you must pass the FE exam and gain the required work experience under a licensed Professional Engineer before you can sit for the PE Power exam.

Difference Between FE Exam and PE Exam – [FE exam Vs. PE exam]

Although both exams assess your knowledge of engineering fundamentals, understanding the specific differences in content, difficulty, format, and length is essential for proper preparation.

Content Focus and Difficulty Level:

The FE Exam serves as a broad assessment of your grasp of core engineering principles across various disciplines. This might include topics like mechanics, thermodynamics, and engineering economics.

The PE Exam, on the other hand, dives deeper into a specific engineering discipline you choose, such as civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering. This deeper focus requires a more nuanced understanding of the practices, codes, and standards relevant to your chosen field. As a result, the PE Exam is generally considered more challenging and demands a more in-depth application of your engineering knowledge.

Exam Format and Time Commitment

The FE Exam is typically a computer-based exam lasting approximately 6 hours. It primarily consists of multiple-choice questions, requiring you to select the best answer from a set of options. The PE Exam format varies depending on the specific engineering discipline.

It often combines multiple-choice questions with open-ended problems that test your ability to analyze and solve complex engineering scenarios. Some PE Exams include essay questions, requiring you to explain your engineering thought process and design decisions. The PE Exam can take significantly longer, sometimes up to 9.5 hours.

Understanding these distinctions between the FE and PE Exams allows you to tailor your study approach accordingly. For the FE Exam, focus on solidifying your understanding of core engineering principles across disciplines. For the PE Exam, delve deeper into the codes, practices, and problem-solving techniques relevant to your chosen engineering field.

Strategy: Should You Take Exams Back-to-Back?

Deciding whether to take the FE Electrical exam and the PE Power exam back-to-back depends on your career timeline and how fresh your academic knowledge is.

For many engineers, tackling the PE exam soon after passing the FE can be advantageous, since concepts like circuits, power systems, and controls are still top of mind. However, the PE Power exam also requires documented work experience under a licensed Professional Engineer, so not everyone is eligible right away.

If you qualify, back-to-back testing can help you build momentum and reach licensure faster, but if you need more practical experience, spacing the exams out may be the smarter long-term strategy.

Get a Title After Passing the FE Exam

After passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination, you will achieve the Engineering In Training (EIT) title.

The EIT certification or title can just serve to highlight your knowledge of engineering fundamentals and capacity for more challenging tasks. It also lets the employers know that you have aced your FE exam and are all set to attain the PE license.

Contrarily:

You will be awarded the Professional Engineer (PE) after you clear your Principles and Practice Engineering exam, which grants you legal benefits such as signing and sealing stamps.

Related Reading

• What Is On The FE Exam And How You Can Ace It
• Important Phases For NCEES FE Exam Prep Success
• Spaced RePEtition Studying Technique
• FE Electrical And Computer Exam – 5 Common Reasons For Failure
• Tips To Decrease Studying Distractions For FE And PE Exam
• How To Take Breaks Effectively While Studying FE Electrical & PE Power
• What Is Pomodoro Technique? How To Use For FE And PE Exams
• Understanding Of Concepts Of FE Electrical & PE Power
• FE Electrical Tips If You Are Taking Exam Next Month

Conclusion

There is no substitute for studying hard and by putting in the conscious effort you will only increase your chance of success. But equally important is studying smart. I’ve authored several books on the topic of FE Electrical & Computer and PE Power exams and created online courses for both exams and understand the challenges involved in preparing for these exams.

When I was preparing for the FE exam I had to strategically allocate my time and effort to maximize my chance of success. For instance, I never took Control Systems as an undergraduate and it carries a similar exam weight as Linear Systems and Signal Processing. I made sure that I was proficient in Linear Systems and Signal Processing before investing too much time into Control Systems.

Recent graduates and final-year students may find FE preparation easier while working professionals (especially those in design engineering) will probably find PE exam preparation easier.

In either scenario, the best way to ensure success is by keeping yourself motivated and focused, maintaining exam preparation momentum, and putting in ‘conscious and well-planned effort‘ because failing to plan is planning to fail.

We hope that we’ve put in our very best to help you clarify the differences between the FE exam Vs. the PE exam.

If you want more information on the FE and the PE exams, we recommend you browse through our blog section.