Your Ultimate Guide to Engineering Exams: PE, FE & CFM Certification with Civil Engineering Academy

Becoming a licensed engineer or certified facility manager can completely change your career. Whether you want to become a Professional Engineer (PE), pass the FE Civil Exam, or earn the CFM Certification, these credentials increase your credibility, expand your job opportunities, and boost your salary.

In this blog, we’ll break down what each of these qualifications means, how to prepare for them effectively, and how Civil Engineering Academy can be your go-to resource to help you succeed.

What is the FE Civil Exam?

The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) Civil Exam is the first major exam for engineering students and recent graduates. It is designed to test your knowledge of fundamental civil engineering concepts typically taught in an undergraduate program.

Passing the FE exam qualifies you to become an EIT (Engineer-in-Training) or Engineering Intern (EI), which is required before taking the PE exam later in your career.

Exam Details:

Format: Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

Duration: 6 hours

Questions: 110 multiple-choice

Topics: Math, statics, dynamics, structures, transportation, environmental, geotechnical, water resources, and more

Allowed Materials: NCEES FE Reference Handbook (provided during the exam)

FE Exam Prep Study Course: Your First Step to Success

Preparing for the FE exam can be overwhelming without the right guidance. That's where the FE exam prep study course from Civil Engineering Academy comes in.

What You’ll Get:

Step-by-step video lessons taught by professional engineers

Topic-by-topic breakdowns with targeted practice

Access to the FE Civil Practice Exam to simulate real test conditions

PDF downloads, worksheets, and quizzes

A supportive online student community

Civil Engineering Academy's FE prep course is designed to be flexible and easy to follow, perfect for both full-time students and working professionals.

Why It Works:

The FE civil practice exam included in the course helps build confidence by giving students a real sense of timing, difficulty level, and format of the actual test.

What is the PE Civil Exam?

Once you’ve passed the FE and gained the required work experience (typically 4 years under a licensed PE), the next step is the PE Civil Exam. This test is required for full licensure as a Professional Engineer, which gives you the legal authority to sign off on engineering plans, work independently, and advance into leadership roles.

Exam Details:

Format: CBT (Computer-Based Test)

Duration: 8 hours

Sections: Morning (breadth) + Afternoon (depth)

Depth Topics: Choose one — Structural, Construction, Transportation, Geotechnical, or Water Resources & Environmental

PE Exam Prep Study Course at Civil Engineering Academy

Civil Engineering Academy offers one of the most comprehensive and affordable PE exam prep study courses available. Whether you choose the breadth section only or include your selected depth topic, you’ll receive:

Full-length PE civil practice exam

Step-by-step video lectures

Downloadable notes and problem sets

A complete study guide and prep calendar

Support from instructors and fellow students

With detailed solutions, performance tracking, and access to exam-style questions, the course is designed to improve retention, speed, and accuracy key elements for passing the exam on your first try.

CFM Certification – Certified Facility Manager

For professionals interested in managing buildings, maintenance systems, sustainability, and people, the CFM Certification (Certified Facility Manager) is a globally recognized credential offered by IFMA (International Facility Management Association).

Unlike the FE and PE, which focus on technical engineering, the CFM covers leadership, facility planning, budgeting, operations, and risk management.

What You Need to Know:

The CFM exam is competency-based, testing real-world facility management knowledge

Covers 11 core FM competencies, including environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness, and project management

Ideal for experienced professionals seeking higher-level roles in facilities, construction, healthcare, and government

Although Civil Engineering Academy focuses mainly on FE and PE prep, they also offer valuable career resources and guidance on pursuing certifications like the CFM.

Why Choose Civil Engineering Academy?

Here’s why students and professionals trust Civil Engineering Academy for exam prep:

Expert Instructors

Courses are taught by licensed Professional Engineers who’ve been in your shoes. They break down complex topics into easy-to-understand lessons.

Exam-Like Practice

Each course includes practice exams that closely simulate the real test environment. Practicing under realistic conditions helps build the confidence and speed you need to succeed.

Study at Your Own Pace

No need to attend live sessions. All lessons are pre-recorded and accessible 24/7—perfect for busy schedules.

Affordable Pricing

Compared to other prep programs, Civil Engineering Academy offers a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality.

Active Community Support

Join thousands of students across the U.S. who are preparing for the same exams. Ask questions, share insights, and get encouragement along the way.

How to Get Started

Ready to take your engineering career to the next level?

Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Visit Civil Engineering Academy

Choose the exam you’re preparing for: FE, PE, or CFM

Enroll in the prep course that fits your goals and schedule

Use the included FE civil practice exam or PE civil practice exam to assess your progress

Follow the video lessons and track your study schedule

Take the real exam with full confidence

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a college student preparing for the FE exam, a working engineer studying for the PE Civil Exam, or a facilities professional aiming for CFM Certification, your success depends on smart, structured preparation.

With resources like the FE exam prep study course, PE exam prep study course, and access to realistic practice exams, Civil Engineering Academy makes it easier than ever to reach your goals.

Don’t wait take charge of your future today and enroll with Civil Engineering Academy. Your engineering success story starts now!