by Patty Mamola, PE
Former Executive Director, Nevada Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Why Taking the NCEES FE Exam Should Be a No-Brainer for Your Engineering Career
Hey there, future engineers! Let’s talk about something that might not be on your radar yet, but absolutely should be: the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Sure, it might sound like just another test, but passing it is the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE)—and trust us, that’s a big deal.
Why? Because without it, you’re putting some serious limits on your future. Let’s break it down.
1. Keep Your Career Options Wide Open
Ever thought about running your own consulting firm someday? Signing off on big projects? Calling the shots? None of that can happen without a PE license, and guess what? You can’t get a PE license without passing the FE exam.
If you skip the FE exam:
- You’ll never be able to offer services to the public on your own.
- You’ll always have to work under a licensed PE, which means you’ll be taking orders instead of giving them.
Basically, not taking the FE exam now is like slamming the door on some seriously cool opportunities before you even get started.
2. Now Is the Perfect Time
Let’s be real: studying for exams is way easier when the material is fresh in your brain. The FE exam is all about the engineering basics you’re learning right now in class. Wait a few years, and you’ll have to juggle work, life, and relearning concepts you haven’t thought about since college.
Pro tip: Take the FE exam as soon as you’re eligible—usually during your senior year. Future you will thank you.
3. Employers Will Love You for It
Passing the FE exam doesn’t just check a box; it makes you stand out. When employers see you’ve passed it, they know you’re:
- Serious about your career.
- On track to become a licensed PE (which makes you a valuable asset).
- Dedicated to mastering your craft.
Think of it as putting a shiny star next to your name on your résumé.
4. Be the Engineer in Charge
What’s cooler than having “Professional Engineer” after your name? A PE license is like the ultimate engineering badge of honor. It lets you:
- Work on public projects like roads, bridges, and buildings.
- Approve plans and designs that impact public safety.
- Take responsibility for your work (in a good way).
Without it, you’re stuck working under someone else’s license, no matter how talented you are.
5. The FE Exam Is a Stepping Stone
Think of the FE exam as the first checkpoint in your journey to PE greatness. It also sets you up for success when you’re ready to tackle the NCEES Professional Engineering (PE) exam. Taking it now gets you one step closer to your dream career.
Don’t Limit Your Potential
Look, we get it. You’ve got a lot on your plate—classes, labs, maybe even internships. But skipping the FE exam now could seriously hold you back later. Taking it is your ticket to career freedom, leadership opportunities, and the chance to truly make your mark on the world.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit NCEES.org and register for the FE exam. Your future self (and your future paycheck) will thank you.
You’ve got this!
Have questions? The Nevada Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (NVBPELS) is here to help. Check out our website, NVBPELS.org or reach out for guidance as you start your licensure journey.
