Which FE discipline should you take, and what changes in 2027
The FE comes in seven discipline exams: Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Computer, Environmental, Industrial and Systems, Mechanical, and Other Disciplines. Most candidates take the one matching their degree and planned PE exam. NCEES is updating all seven specifications, with new exams projected to go live in July 2027, as reported.
Disciplines from NCEES; pass rates from NCEES (January 2026) as published by PPI; the 2027 timeline as reported by IEEE-USA. Checked October 11, 2026.
The seven FE exams
| Discipline | Typical candidates | First-time pass rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Mechanical engineering | 69% |
| Chemical | Chemical engineering | 68% |
| Environmental | Environmental engineering | 67% |
| Electrical and Computer | EE and computer engineering | 64% |
| Industrial and Systems | Industrial engineering | 62% |
| Civil | Civil engineering; largest volume | 61% |
| Other Disciplines | Degrees without a matching exam | 61% |
First-time pass rates: NCEES (January 2026) as published by PPI.
How to choose
- Match your degree and target PE exam; that’s what employers and boards expect.
- Other Disciplines suits graduates whose degree has no matching FE exam, such as aerospace or biomedical.
- Pass rates differ only a little, so don’t pick a discipline you weren’t trained in to chase a higher rate.
The 2027 specification update
NCEES updates FE content through a Professional Activities and Knowledge Study. IEEE-USA reports that the latest survey closed in January 2026, followed by new specifications, an updated practice exam and reference handbook, and a new cut score, with exams under the new specifications projected to go live in July 2027. If you test before then, use the current specifications.