Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering

Information on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination

What is the Fundamentals of Engineering examination?

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination is the first step towards obtaining a professional engineer (PE) license. The National Council of Engineering Examiners and Surveyors (NCEES) conducts the FE examination. twice a year nationwide (April and October) in two four-hour sessions. In the  morning session, called the “general” section, exam takers are tested on basic subjects common for most engineering disciplines (i.e. mathematics, chemistry, statics/dynamics etc.). In the afternoon session, there is an option between another general section or an engineering discipline of your choosing (i.e. civil, mechanical, industrial, electrical engineering etc.)

Refresher Course for Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination

ENGR 400 is a catalog course aimed at preparing students in various engineering programs at GMU for the FE examination. However, the ENGR 400 credits will not be counted towards any degree. This course is only offered in the spring semesters. The same course is also offered as a FE refresher course which is available for non-GMU students.  The FE refresher course is organized in the following two separate tracks:

Course content:

Track G: A review of foundation courses for major engineering disciplines will be conducted. Topic areas will include engineering mathematics, chemistry, engineering science and mechanics (i.e. statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, mechanics of materials etc.), engineering economics, computers, electric circuits, and other fundamentals of engineering. Also to be covered in this track are topics on engineering ethics and professionalism, need for life-long learning, and professional licensure. Thermodynamics, material science and thermodynamicsare not covered.

Track C: Most Civil Engineering subjects are covered Additional information about FE examination: While many practicing engineers do take the FE examination several years after they graduate, it is to your advantage to take the FE examination while you are still in school – especially in your junior or senior years. The application process is handled differently for practicing engineers and students who are still in the engineering program. If you are within 30 hours of graduation from an accredited engineering program, you can take the FE examination. Practicing engineers apply via a different process. For the application process, you should check with your college advisor or your state board of licensing. More information on the FE examination can be obtained from:  http://www.ncees.org/exams/fundamentals/

Credits: This course will count towards 2.1 (Track G) and 3.3 (Tracks G and C combined) credits of continuing education. No credits will be given towards the degree requirements of any engineering program.

Schedule: Beginning Third week of Jan, the class meets for 3 hours per week.

Venue: GMU Fairfax Campus

Track options and Fee: Course registrants must choose one of the following options.

1. Track G only: Fee TBD
2. Tracks G and C: Fee TBD
   • Note that Track C cannot be taken separately from Track G.
   • GMU Alumni will get a 10% discount; Current GMU Students will get a 50% discount
   • This fee does not include book. [Credit Cards accepted.

Contact information: