FE Exam to Begin Gradual Move to Computer-Based Format

The state licensing boards that compose NCEES, the organization that develops and administers the exams used for engineering and surveying licensure throughout the United States, have voted to begin converting the FE exam to a computer-based format.

The decision was made during the NCEES Annual Meeting in Denver. It followed a prolonged study by a special task force convened to consider the issue and share its findings with the organization.

Transition expected to take at least two years

"The language approved by the Council includes the phrase ‘at the earliest feasible date,' which means that NCEES exam writers and staff will be involved in a process that includes adapting exam item banks, selecting vendors, and communicating with licensing boards and examinees before we can begin offering the exams via computer," said Carter.

Flexibility and security key factors in decision

Among the reasons given by the NCEES Computer-Based Testing Task Force for its recommendation to convert the exams to a computer-based format include greater scheduling flexibility for candidates, more uniformity in testing conditions, and enhanced security for exam content.

The FE exam is designed for college engineering seniors who intend to pursue a P.E. license. Nearly 50,000 examinees took the FE exam during the 2009-10 academic year, which included October and April administrations.

The PE exam, which engineering and surveying candidates are also required to take after completing work experience requirements, will continue to be paper-and-pencil exams for the foreseeable future.

For more information about the FE Exam and engineering licensure go to http://www.ncees.org/.