There is a big difference between the PE and FE. The FE is the Fundamentals of Engineering exam that you must pass to secure your professional engineering license (PE). The FE is much like a prerequisite for the PE. To become a PE four steps are required and those four steps are:

• Earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program

• Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

• Complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a PE (Professionally licensed Engineer)

• Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. 

  Note: You can choose not to become a PE, but that comes with some restraints, such as:

1. Only a licensed engineer may prepare, sign and seal, and submit engineering plans and drawings to a public authority for approval or seal engineering work for public and private clients.

2. A license for a consulting engineer or a private practitioner is not merely desirable; it is a legal requirement for those who are in charge of work, be they principals or employees.

3. Many states require that individuals teaching engineering be licensed. Exemptions to state laws are under attack, and in the future, those in education, industry, and government may need to be licensed to practice. Licensure also helps educators prepare students for their future in engineering.