FE exam pass rates by discipline
First-time FE pass rates range from 61% to 69% by discipline, according to NCEES data from January 2026 as published by PPI. Mechanical (69%), Chemical (68%) and Environmental (67%) are highest; Civil and Other Disciplines (both 61%) are lowest. Repeat takers pass at much lower rates.
Figures as published by PPI, citing NCEES (January 2026); NCEES publishes current rates on ncees.org. Checked October 11, 2026.
| Discipline | First-time pass rate |
|---|---|
| Mechanical | 69% |
| Chemical | 68% |
| Environmental | 67% |
| Electrical and Computer | 64% |
| Industrial and Systems | 62% |
| Civil | 61% |
| Other Disciplines | 61% |
First-time pass rates; NCEES (January 2026) as published by PPI.
What these numbers mean
- About a third of first-time takers don’t pass in most disciplines.
- Repeat takers do much worse; IEEE-USA reported 29% for Electrical and Computer repeat takers in 2023.
- Results are pass or fail; NCEES sets the passing standard psychometrically, not as a fixed percentage.
Official source & community discussion
NCEES: FE exam (official) →
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