The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam for Nuclear Engineers - A Guide to Becoming a Licensed Nuclear Professional Engineer (P.E.)

Sep 19, 2026

Guide for nuclear engineering candidates preparing for licensure through the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam and the subsequent Professional Engineer (P.E.) process. Explains the FE exam scope, exam structure, delivery method, and who administers it, plus FE pass-rate context for nuclear disciplines. Outlines professional licensure purpose, benefits, requirements to practice and sign/seal work, and a step-by-step pathway: pass FE, earn an ABET-accredited degree, gain supervised experience, pass the PE exam, and maintain the license.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

FE Exam

What the FE Exam is

Who develops and administers the FE Exam

FE Exam pass rates

PE Exam

Professional licensure overview

Why become a licensed nuclear P.E.

Pathway to P.E. licensure

Preparation tips

Tips to prepare for the FE Exam

Amp up your career

The FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING EXAM for Nuclear Engineers Start your Journey to become a Nuclear Professional Engineer (P. E.) Become a Licensed Nuclear Professional Engineer (P.E.) The Nuclear Professional Engineer (P. E.) licensure establishes you as one who is dedicated to solving problems with integrity, with creativity, and ethically. It demonstrates your proficiency, professionalism, and responsibility to public health and safety. It sets you apart even when licensure is not required for your position. Your path to obtaining this valuable credential begins with successfully passing the FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING EXAM. Step 1: Take the FE EXAM What is the FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING (FE) EXAM? 􀁹 A broad knowledge type of exam that covers many of the topics required for an engineering degree 􀁹 Designed for recent graduates and students close to earning an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program, usually taken during the senior year of college 􀁹 Approximately 50,000 examinees annually, 70% students 􀁹 Offered in seven disciplines; most often selected by nuclear engineers: FE Mechanical or FE Other Disciplines 􀁹 A computer-based exam administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE Test Centers 􀁸 Six hours 􀁸 Closed book (onscreen, searchable reference book provided with the exam) 􀁸 110 multiple-choice questions Who develops and administers the FE EXAM? National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying – NCEES 􀁹 Coalition of member licensing boards from all 50 states and 5 U.S. jurisdictions 􀁹 Developed “Model Law” based on best practices 􀁹 Promotes uniform requirements for licensure FE EXAM Pass Rates 􀁹 Among first-time examinees who attended EAC/ABET-accredited engineering programs and took the FE exam within 12 months of graduation 􀁸 Pass rates ranged from 67% to 79% depending upon exam discipline -85% pass rate for students in a nuclear program -Note: FE Other Disciplines had the highest pass rate! 􀁸 Among those in a nuclear program, 90% passed the “Other Disciplines” exam 􀁸 Pass rates decrease with time since being enrolled in college: -Still enrolled: 75% -Within 2 years of Graduation: 52% -Within 3-5 years of Graduation: 40% Step Step 2: Take the PE EXAM What is Professional Licensure? 􀁹 Authority granted by a state to practice a particular profession that affects public safety, health, and welfare 􀁹 Recognized professions: Engineering, Medicine, Law, Accounting, and Nursing 􀁹 Professions subject to licensure share common elements: 􀁸 Code of ethics 􀁸 Rules for professional conduct 􀁸 Minimum standards of professional competency 􀁸 Strong desire to be worthy of the public’s trust 􀁸 Continuing professional competency 􀁸 Protect public interests by enforcing standards and imposing disciplinary action when necessary Why become a licensed Professional Engineer (P. E.) in Nuclear? Licensed nuclear engineers: 􀁹 Command higher salaries 􀁹 Experience faster career advancement 􀁹 Are qualified to work independently as consultants or business owners 􀁹 Demonstrate a level of proficiency, education, and experience The P. E. license is required to: 􀁹 Offer engineering services to the public 􀁹 Perform consulting services for pay 􀁹 Sign/seal engineering plans and documents 􀁹 Use the title Professional Engineer/Engineer 􀁹 Act as a qualified expert witness (depending on jurisdiction) 􀁹 And, may be required to teach engineering design courses Pathway to P. E. Licensure 􀁹 Pass the FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING (FE) EXAM 􀁹 Earn a four-year degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program 􀁹 Gain acceptable work experience (typically a minimum of four years); in most cases, this must be completed under the supervision of a P. E. 􀁹 Pass the PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF ENGINEERING (PE) EXAM administered by NCEES 􀁹 Apply for and maintain your P. E. license as required by your

FAQs

What does the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam cover for nuclear engineers?

The FE exam is a broad knowledge test covering many topics required for an engineering degree. It is designed for recent graduates and students close to earning an undergraduate engineering degree, and it is offered in seven disciplines.

How is the FE exam administered and what is included in the exam format?

The FE exam is computer-based and administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE Test Centers. It is six hours, closed book with an on-screen searchable reference book, and contains 110 multiple-choice questions.

What steps lead to becoming a licensed Nuclear Professional Engineer (P.E.)?

Candidates must pass the FE exam, earn a four-year engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program, gain acceptable work experience typically under the supervision of a P.E., pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam administered by NCEES, and then apply for and maintain the P.E. license per state requirements.

Sep 19, 2026

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