In this article (and video above), I explore the benefits of becoming a licensed professional engineer and how it can open doors to new opportunities, increase your earning potential, and enhance your career security while giving you a competitive edge in the industry. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced engineer, passing the FE exam can take your career to the next level, providing long-term career security in an evolving job market.
I want to focus on six points to inspire you to take and pass the FE exam.
1 – Exam Day – The Ultimate Test of Your Knowledge and Endurance
Let’s start with the challenge itself: Exam Day. This isn’t just any test; it’s a six-hour marathon of 110 multiple-choice questions, covering everything from math and engineering economics to material science and fluid mechanics. That means you’re drawing on knowledge from your entire academic journey.
You might be asking, “Why does the FE exam need to be so intense?” Well, it’s designed to see if you’ve got the full scope of engineering fundamentals down, no matter your discipline. Preparing for this exam demands months of focused study, and when you’re finally sitting there on exam day, it’s as much a mental endurance test as it is a knowledge test. When you pass, you know you’ve truly earned it! And that achievement contributes to your long-term career security, proving your readiness for the challenges ahead.
2 – Validation for New Graduates: Proof You’re Ready for the Field
For recent graduates, passing the FE exam is more than just a credential—it’s a powerful validation of all the years you spent in school mastering engineering fundamentals. This milestone confirms that you’re ready to take on real-world engineering challenges and that your education has truly prepared you for the demands of the profession.
It’s a huge confidence booster. Passing the FE exam shows that your skills measure up in a standardized way, putting you on par with thousands of other engineers. It’s a stamp of approval that proves you’re equipped with the solid foundation needed to kickstart your engineering career. More importantly, it sets the stage for career security, giving you a recognized credential that employers trust.
3 – A Major Boost to Your Resume
Now, let’s talk about one of the more obvious perks: your resume. Passing the FE Exam shows future employers that you’re serious and well-prepared. It’s a credential that tells them, “I’ve got the fundamentals down.” In fact, some companies even offer financial incentives or pay raises for employees who pass the FE exam because it shows that you’re committed and skilled. Imagine going into an interview and being able to say, “Yes, I passed the FE Exam on my first try.” That’s going to make you a more attractive candidate!
Beyond just making your resume stronger, this credential enhances your career security by setting you apart in a competitive job market. It signals to employers that you have the expertise and discipline to advance within the field, which is crucial for long-term professional stability.
4 – Opening Doors to Exciting Professional Opportunities
Passing the FE exam isn’t just about checking a box; it’s your gateway to the next level—becoming a Professional Engineer (or PE). To achieve that, the FE Exam is step one. With your PE license, you can independently approve projects, sign off on plans, consult, and lead engineering initiatives. It can even be the ticket to higher-paying positions and leadership roles within your field.
By passing the FE, you’re already on the path to elite engineering status—so keep that end goal in mind. Becoming a PE down the line can be one of the best investments you make in your career. And when it comes to career security, having the FE and ultimately the PE credential can ensure long-term job stability, giving you more control over your professional future.
5 – A Stepping Stone to Advanced Certifications and Licensure
Let’s say you want to specialize further in your career—maybe become a Model Law Engineer, a nuclear engineer, or even a requirements engineer. Some states and specialized positions actually require the FE certification before you can even start. In fact, passing the FE gives you flexibility, allowing you to move between states more easily. It’s like a golden key that keeps your options open and expands your possibilities down the road.
More than just another certification, passing the FE exam builds the foundation for career security, ensuring that you remain competitive and adaptable no matter where your career takes you.
6 – The Moment Hard Work Pays Off
Finally, let’s talk about that feeling when you walk out of the testing center with a passing score. After all the late nights, problem sets, and review sessions, you’ve done it! But beyond just the relief, there’s a deep sense of pride knowing that your hard work will pay off for years to come. Passing the FE Exam doesn’t just prove your knowledge; it’s a testament to your dedication, and that’s something you’ll carry with you for the rest of your career.
Achieving this milestone isn’t just about personal validation—it directly impacts your career security by opening up doors, increasing your value to employers, and setting you on a trajectory toward professional growth.
About Matthew Douglas
Matthew currently serves as a content creator and host of The Engineering Project Management Podcast. A civil engineer by trade, Matthew has developed a passion for construction and stormwater management by way of maintenance and rehabilitation services. Matthew has also had experience working with private consulting firms and public agencies, and has even held a role of an educator. As such, he loves to lead, build, mentor, and help those in need.
Most recently, during his time working for the public sector, he has taken the role of Public Works Operations Manager. He led quite a few public infrastructure rehabilitation projects and implemented new asset management technologies at a very young age. It is here that the passion for “fixing what’s broken” developed.
I hope you found this week’s FE Exam article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will answer more FE Exam questions and run through more practice problems. We publish videos bi-weekly on our Pass the FE Exam YouTube Channel. Be sure to visit our page here and click the subscribe button as you’ll get expert tips and tricks – to ensure your best success – that you can’t get anywhere else. Believe me, you won’t want to miss a single video.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of the videos or here on this page, and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week… on Pass the FE Exam
Anthony Fasano, P.E., AEC PM, F. ASCE
Leave a Reply