Can I take the FE Exam in Canada?

If you are wondering if you can take the FE Exam in Canada, then this guide will give you the clarity you need to move forward confidently knowing that you are doing the right thing.

We know that understanding the unique ins and outs of the FE Exam can be daunting.

So at Prepineer, we set out to answer the most common questions we get coming in so that you can focus on the more important aspects of FE Exam prep.

In this resource, we will share what we have learned about this unique process while helping Canadians prepare for and pass the FE Exam.

Enjoy.

Do I need to take the FE Exam in Canada?

Let’s start here, as we need to be sure that we are on the same page when discussing taking the FE Exam in Canada.

Let’s be real – no one wants to be taking a test that they don’t need to be taking.

The question that will drive where we go from here is this:

Are you planning on working as an engineer in the United States or in Canada?

If you live in Canada and plan to practice engineering in Canada, you do not need to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam.

The FE Exam is designed for individuals who intend to become licensed Professional Engineers (PE) in the United States.

It’s important to note here that the designation of Professional Engineer (PE) in the US is not the same as the designation of Professional Engineer (P. Eng) in Canada.

Both are Professional Engineers licensed to practice engineering in their respective states (provinces), but not across borders – but that’s beyond the scope of this question, so let’s get back to it.

When one passes the FE Exam, they will become eligible to apply and become an Engineer In Training (EIT) in the US state where they reside.

A graduate of a Canadian university, on the other hand, is regarded as an Engineer In Training right out of college and does not need to take and pass any exam to establish this status.

However, as a Canadian (just as it is with the PE and the P. Eng), this designation does not cross borders into the United States. If you are planning to work as an engineer in the States, even though you may be considered an EIT in Canada, you will need to take and pass the FE Exam in the US to become a certified EIT.

So do you need to take the FE Exam in Canada? It comes down to where you will be working and what you are after.

What is the FE Exam?

The Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE Exam) is the first of two exams that an engineer will take in route to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer in the United States.

This exam is administered and graded by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and adopted by each state’s Board of Professional Engineers as a means of validating that those desiring to practice engineering are competent to practice.

The exam itself is 110 questions in length and spans a broad range of fundamental engineering subjects in which the individual gets 5 hours and 20 minutes to complete.

Every question is crafted to ascertain the individual’s proficiency in the core principles of engineering.

The FE Exam is a computer-based and closed-book exam.

However, each examinee will be granted the use of two tools:

1. The NCEES FE Reference handbook: This handbook contains the most commonly used formulas and other useful information related to the material that is being tested on.
   
   You can download a free copy of the NCEES FE Reference Handbook using the steps outlined here.
2. An NCEES-approved calculator: This tool is something the individual brings into the exam room. It’s not a graphing calculator, but can be the most powerful, yet underutilized tool used on the FE Exam.
   
   The most up-to-date list of NCEES approved calculators can be found here.

The FE Exam has 7 different exam specifications that one can choose from, though all will lead to the same results when passed – becoming an Engineering Intern (or EIT) in the state you reside.

The exam is offered year-round at local Pearson-Vue testing centers throughout four different testing windows, which are:

• January – March
• April – June
• July – September
• October – December

Though at Prepineer, we are all about being “one and done”, an individual is allowed to take the FE Exam once per testing window, but not more than 3 times in a 12-month period from the date of their first attempt.

To illustrate this, say your first attempt is January 17, 1776 – you take it and fail.

You take the exam again on July 4, 1776 and then again on September 21, 1776.

That would be 3 failed attempts in a 12-month span and you wouldn’t be allowed to take it again until January 18, 1777.

As you are learning more about taking the FE Exam in Canada, you may also hear it referred to as the EIT Exam (Engineer In Training Exam) or the EI Exam (Engineering Intern Exam), all of which are referring to the same exam.

What is the difference between EIT and FE exam?

Though we just closed out the last section touching on the difference between these two terms in the engineering exam world, it’s worth iterating again so that there is no confusion.

You will see the terms FE Exam and EIT Exam used interchangeably depending on which state or province you are looking to take the exam.

So again, two terms referring to the exact the same exam.

The NCEES officially refers to it as the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE Exam) while some states (or provinces) may refer to it as the Engineer in Training Exam (EIT Exam ).

At the end of the day, whether you are looking to work in a place that refers to it as the EIT Exam or the FE Exam, you can rest knowing that it’s a single exam that must be taken in route to becoming a licensed professional engineer in the United States.

Can I take FE exam in Canada?

If you intend to work as an Engineer in the United States, the FE exam is a solid first step to take – and you don’t need to travel to the States to take it.

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which administers the FE Exam, has authorized Pearson VUE testing centers in various countries, allowing candidates from around the world to take the exam.

The NCEES currently has agreements in place with the following foreign entities to administer the FE Exam.

• Alberta, Canada (APEGA)
• British Columbia, Canada (EGBC)
• Egypt (AUC)
• Egypt (EES)
• Emirate of Sharjah (AUS)
• Japan (JPEC)
• Korea (KPEA)
• Manitoba, Canada (Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba)
• New Brunswick, Canada (APEGNB)
• Nova Scotia, Canada (Engineers NS)
• Prince Edward Island, Canada (Engineers PEI)

– NCEES currently in discussions with Engineers PEI to administer the FE Exam

• Qatar (TAMUQ)
• Saskatchewan, Canada (APEGS)
• Saudi Arabia (SCE) – Engineering
• Saudi Arabia (SCE) – Surveying
• Taiwan (CIE)

The Canadian locations are bolded and linked to the approved entity so that you are able to get more detailed and specific information about taking the FE Exam in Canada.

Can I take my FE exam online?

You can’t take the FE Exam online.

It will be administered at a local Pearson Vue testing center in your region. We have listed out a number of locations throughout Canada in the section above.

Once you register and gain approval by the NCEES to take the exam, you will receive an email that will give you options for approved testing centers in your province as well as available dates and times at those locations.

You can reference a current list of locations approved in your province by the Board of Professional Engineers to take the FE Exam here:

Approved FE Exam locations

Exam day availability can be scarce, so it’s important to schedule the FE Exam as far in advance as possible to ensure your desired date.

Each Pearson Vue testing center is limited in capacity, so seats are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

How do I register for the FE Exam in Canada?

Registering for the FE Exam in Canada is much the same process as one would follow here in the States.

Here’s a rundown of the steps:

1. Create an NCEES account

Visit the NCEES website and create an account. This account will allow you to register for the exam and access important information you will need moving forward.

2. Review the NCEES Examinee Guide

Familiarize yourself with the NCEES Examinee Guide here, which contains essential information about exam policies, procedures, and the content of the FE exam.

At this time, it may also be wise to flip through the latest version of the FE Reference Handbook to get a more detailed understanding of the material that will be covered on the exam.

3. Choose your exam discipline

Determine which specific discipline of the FE exam you want to take.

The FE exam is available in 7 different disciplines, such as civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and in our preferred specification here at Prepineer, the FE Other Disciplines Exam.

4. Register for the exam

Log in to your NCEES account and register for the FE exam.

You will need to provide your personal information and select a Pearson VUE test center in Canada where you want to take the exam.

5. Pay the exam fee

Pay the required examination fee as specified by NCEES.

6. Receive exam authorization

Once your registration and payment are processed, you will receive an authorization email from NCEES, which will include important details about scheduling your exam.

7. Schedule your exam

Use the information in the authorization email to schedule your exam appointment at a Pearson VUE test center in Canada.

8. Prepare for the exam

Study and prepare for the FE exam.

Prepineer provides a full, in-depth material review combined with personal coaching to ensure our students are prepared, confident and passing the exam on their first attempt.

Use this link to get a FREE 7-day trial to a proven system of prep that works.

9. Take the exam

Show up at the Pearson VUE test center on your scheduled exam date and time to take the FE exam.

10. Receive your results

You will receive your FE exam results from NCEES approximately 7-10 business days after your exam. If you pass, you can proceed to the next steps in your engineering licensure process.

This will be either applying to become an EIT, taking the PE Exam or both. The process is unique for each individual state, you can dive into those specific requirements:

FE Exam Requirements by State

The process for taking the FE Exam is tried and trued, but can change a bit over time.

Be sure to check the NCEES website and contact them directly for the most up-to-date information and requirements for taking the FE exam in Canada, as policies and procedures may change over time.

How much does it cost to take the FE exam?

If you are taking the exam in one of the States that adopt the automatic approval model, then the FE Exam will cost $175 and will be paid directly to the NCEES at the time of registering.

However, taking the FE Exam in Canada presents a unique scenario.

The cost of the FE in Canada can vary depending on the province or territory in which you plan to take it. Each province or territory in Canada has its engineering regulatory body (linked in a previous section), and they have the authority to set their own fees for taking the FE exam.

The fees are subject to change over time, so it’s essential to check with the specific regulatory body in your province or territory or visit their website for the most up-to-date fee information.

Here are some general considerations regarding FE exam fees in Canada:

• Provincial or Territorial Variations

Each province and territory may have different fees for the FE exam. These fees can cover the cost of exam administration, registration, and other related services.

• Discipline-Specific Fees

Depending on the province or territory, there may be additional fees if you choose a discipline-specific version of the FE exam, such as civil engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering.

• Exam Rescheduling or Retake Fees

If you need to reschedule your exam appointment or retake the exam, there may be additional fees associated with these actions.

• Application or Membership Fees

Some regulatory bodies may require you to become a member or apply for membership in addition to exam fees.

To find out the specific FE exam fees for your province or territory in Canada, I recommend visiting the website of your provincial or territorial engineering regulatory body that we linked in a previous section.

Look for a section related to the FE exam or licensure process, where you can find detailed information on fees, registration procedures, and other relevant details.

You can also contact the regulatory body directly for the most accurate and current fee information.

How hard is the FE Exam?

Wondering how hard the FE Exam will be is one of the first thoughts that comes to mind when you realize you need to take it.

Especially for those outside the States.

As we tell all those who ask this question, we would be blowing smoke if we claimed that we could objectively answer this for you.

The difficulty of the FE Exam differs for everyone based on so many uniquely personal factors.

Some (but not all) of these factors include:

• What is your education background?
• How long have been out of school?
• What are your current responsibilities? (family, work, etc)
• Have taken the exam before?
• When do you want to take the exam?
• How much time do you have for studying?
• How do you typically perform on timed exams?

So how hard is the FE Exam going to be for you?

I couldn’t tell you.

But what I can tell you is this.

If you relate to any of these scenarios:

• Have historically been a horrible test taker
• Have battled low confidence and wondering if you have the capability to pass.
• Have been out of college for over 35+ years.

Then we can help you prepare for and pass the FE Exam, because these are actual stories of past students.

You can read more of these Prepineer success stories here.

But the point isn’t to applaud our program, it’s to illustrate that it doesn’t matter how “hard” you think it’s going to be, it’s establishing where your current level of commitment in getting it done is.

We have seen time and time again, that it’s not a matter of knowledge, it’s a matter of will – that’s what will ultimately get you past the FE Exam.

So with all that being said, let me lay out some general statistics.

There is not one state (or province) that releases individual statistics for how many individuals are passing or failing the FE Exam in any given period of time.

However, the NCEES keeps a tally of these statistics for a single testing period for the population as a whole.

Currently, the FE Exam pass rate ranges from 35% to 83% depending on the exam discipline taken.

This is a wide range, and honestly, can’t be relied on for a number of reasons.

These statistics account only for:

1. Those who took the FE exam for the first time.
2. Those who attended an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering program.
3. Those who took the FE exam within 12 months of graduation.

I can tell you this much –

Of 100 students that come into our program at Prepineer, 95% fall outside one (or more) of these criteria.

The moral of the story, these stats reflect a population of individuals who meet the ideal testing characteristics of a candidate, not the mean characteristics as a whole.

Use them with a grain of salt.

So just know, again, that this exam is designed to ensure that those involved in engineering are qualified and able to maintain high standards when they gain engineering licensure.

It has to be challenging, just like our weed-out classes in college.

But knowing that, and expecting that, should give you a leg up when hitting the obstacles that you are sure to hit along the way.

Those that persevere can, and will, conquer the FE Exam and the PE Exam.

It doesn’t matter how hard it will be.

How long should I study for the FE exam?

The goal when taking the FE Exam should be to “go one and done” and move on to the next milestone – taking the PE Exam.

So how long should you study for the FE Exam?

As long as it takes.

I know – not an answer that does much for anyone, so let’s dive into this a bit deeper.

I will tell you, after helping students for well over a decade prepare for and pass the FE Exam, determining how many hours one should be putting in each day, or overall, is one of the hardest things to do for us as coaches.

It’s dependent on so many factors, but I can give you a general guideline as a starting point.

Over the years, we have seen individuals spend anywhere between 150-350 hours preparing for the FE Exam.

The lower end of this spectrum is typically those who are recent graduates or within a few years of graduation.

The upper end is typically those who graduated 20+ years ago and haven’t picked up a book in just as long.

Wherever you feel that you fall, at Prepineer, we encourage you to spread this time over a period of at least 90 days – but prefer to see you give yourself closer to 110-120 days to be prepared.

This historically has played out to be much more realistic in the context of real-life, day-to-day responsibilities.

To help you go deeper in defining this for your specific situation, we developed the ultimate guide in determining how long you should study for the FE Exam.

Down to what it all looks like from a daily, hourly effort.

You can access the guide here:

How long should I study for the FE Exam?

In running through this guide, you will have a much better understanding of what the effort ahead looks like for you.

How do I study for the FE exam?

As you learn more about taking the FE Exam in Canada, you will realize just how much needs to get done and how important preparing for it the right way is.

I am confident in saying that you can get this done…

But truth is, most won’t pursue the FE Exam because they will tell themselves that they can’t, for one reason or another.

At Prepineer, we have put together a proven system of coaching and material review that has helped even the most challenged individuals study for and pass the FE Exam.

If we offered to help you do the same thing, would you take it?

Click here to learn more about how Prepineer simplifies studying for the FE exam and get started for free.

In Prepineer you will:

• Get a real coach who knows how to get you to the finish line, despite how impossible you may think it is.
• A custom study plan that breaks down exactly where you should be spending your efforts.
• Proven material that has helped even the most challenged find success.

Use Prepineer for 7 days free, with no obligations.

What is the difference between a PE and a P. Eng?

As we close this resource out, we see fit that we touch lightly on the engineering licensure process in both the United States and Canada.

In both the United States and Canada, the ultimate goal is to become a Professional Engineer.

In the US, you are aiming to become a PE.

In Canada, you are aiming to become a P.Eng.

What’s the difference?

PE (Professional Engineer):

• “PE” stands for Professional Engineer
• The term “PE” is primarily used in the United States to refer to licensed engineers who have met engineering licensure requirements to practice engineering professionally in the US
• In the US, engineers typically obtain the PE license by meeting educational, experience, and examination requirements set by state licensing boards.

P.Eng (Professional Engineer):

• “P.Eng” also stands for Professional Engineer
• The term “P.Eng” is commonly used in Canada to refer to licensed engineers who are authorized to practice engineering in Canada.
• In Canada, engineers typically obtain the P.Eng designation by meeting the requirements set by provincial or territorial engineering regulatory bodies. Each province or territory in Canada has its own regulatory body responsible for licensing professional engineers.

While the terminology differs between the US and Canada, the essential concept is the same:

A “PE” in the US and a “P.Eng” in Canada both denote that an engineer has met the educational, experience, and examination requirements to practice engineering professionally within their respective countries.

How do become a licensed Professional Engineer in Canada?

If at this point you have determined that you want to become a P.Eng in Canada, you will need to follow a set of steps established by the engineering regulatory bodies within your province or territory.

While specific requirements can vary slightly by jurisdiction, here are the general steps to become a P.Eng in Canada:

1. Obtain an Engineering Degree

You need to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program in Canada or an equivalent program recognized by the engineering regulatory body within your province or territory.

2. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Status

To start your journey towards becoming a P.Eng, you’ll often apply for Engineer-in-Training (EIT) status through the engineering regulatory body in your province or territory.

This allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed P Eng while you gain the necessary experience.

3. Gain Engineering Experience

After completing your engineering degree, you must gain a certain amount of engineering work experience, typically supervised by a licensed Professional Engineer.

The exact requirement varies by province or territory but usually ranges from about 3 to 4 years of relevant work experience.

4. Pass the Professional Practice Exam (PPE)

In some provinces, you may need to pass the Professional Practice Exam (PPE), which tests your knowledge of engineering ethics and professional practice in Canada.

5. Complete Professional Development Requirements

Many provinces require you to complete specific professional development requirements, which can include continuing education and ethics courses.

6. Apply for P.Eng Licensure

After meeting the experience, education, and examination requirements, you can apply for P Eng licensure through the engineering regulatory body in your province or territory.

This application typically includes submitting your academic transcripts, proof of experience, references, and other required documentation.

7. Interview or Professional Practice Exam (PPE)

In some provinces, you may need to attend an interview or take the Professional Practice Exam (PPE) as a final step in the licensure process.

8. P.Eng Designation

Once you successfully complete all the requirements and your application is approved, you will be granted the P Eng designation, and you can legally practice engineering in your province or territory.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures can vary from one province or territory to another.

Therefore, it’s crucial to check with the engineering regulatory body in your jurisdiction for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the licensure process.

Additionally, some provinces may have specific requirements for international engineering graduates, so be sure to inquire about those if they apply to your situation.

Does Canada accept US PE license?

If you are wanting to travel North to work in Canada, there may potentially be some good news.

Canada generally accepts a US Professional Engineer (PE) license for individuals who wish to practice engineering in Canada, but there are some important considerations and steps to follow:

• Engineer Mobility

Canada and the United States have a mutual recognition agreement that allows for the mobility of engineers between the two countries.

Under this agreement, engineers licensed in the United States (PEs) can typically apply for a license to practice engineering in Canada without having to repeat the entire licensure process.

This applies to engineers who are members of United States jurisdictions that are signatories to the agreement.

• Eligibility and Requirements

While the mobility agreement streamlines the process, there may still be specific requirements and conditions set by the Canadian provincial or territorial engineering regulatory bodies.

These requirements can vary from one province or territory to another. Common requirements may include:

• Providing evidence of your United States PE license and professional standing
• Demonstrating relevant engineering experience
• Passing an ethics or law examination specific to the Canadian province or territory
• Paying applicable fees
• Application and Documentation

To obtain a Canadian engineering license (P.Eng), you will need to apply directly to the provincial or territorial engineering regulatory body where you intend to practice.

They will provide you with detailed instructions on the application process and required documentation.

• Continuing Professional Development

Once you obtain a Canadian engineering license, you may also need to meet continuing professional development (CPD) requirements to maintain your licensure.

These requirements can include ongoing education and training.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and processes can vary between provinces and territories in Canada.

Therefore, it is essential to contact the engineering regulatory body in the specific province or territory where you intend to practice to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to transfer your PE license north and obtain a Canadian engineering license (P.Eng).

Final thoughts: Can I take the FE Exam in Canada?

So can you take the FE exam in Canada?

Yes.

But again, this is a unique situation that presents a diverse set of requirements depending on where you will ultimately be taking it. To make sure that you are clear on the latest eligibility paths for your state or province, see the links provided in this resource for your province.

For US state specific requirements, this resource was put together to ensure you get all the answers to the questions you are asking:

• FE Exam Requirements by State

Knowing whether or not you can take the FE Exam in Canada is one thing, preparing for it is a whole’nother beast.

Preparing for the FE isn’t a cram-by-night and get-it-done type of journey.

This isn’t written to scare anyone away from pursuing their goal of becoming a licensed Professional Engineer.

It’s more to set the expectations and give over a decade of experience of what works after being on both sides of the coin ourselves.

At Prepineer, we believe that personal coaching, mentoring and accountability aren’t just some good things to have in place –

They are must-haves.

They smooth out the struggles, the doubts and the uncertainties, giving you clear direction and energy to sustain through them all.

If passing the FE Exam has felt like a mountain of a task, we are here to help you change that and find success.

Click here to see how personal coaching can help you make the dream of becoming a PE a reality.