Is the FE exam open book?
No. The FE exam is closed book, so you cannot bring notes, books, or a printed copy of the handbook into the testing room. NCEES supplies the current FE Reference Handbook on screen as a searchable PDF, and that file is the only reference you may use. The exam software also includes a TI-30XS calculator, and the FE exam does not use design standards.
Closed book with an electronic reference
The FE exam specifications describe the exam as closed book with an electronic reference. Build your preparation around that limit, since the handbook PDF is the only tool you can use to look things up during the exam. Practice the lookup skills covered in how you use the FE Reference Handbook during the exam.
What you get on screen
You search the handbook using the search box on the left side of the exam software, and Ctrl + F does not work. References are usually best viewed at 100% zoom, so study your copy at that scale since it matches what you will see on exam day.
The exam software also includes an on-screen TI-30XS calculator. See which calculators are allowed on the FE exam for the full policy.
The handbook does not contain every formula the exam can test. NCEES states that it omits basic theories, conversions, formulas, and definitions examinees are expected to know, and that any special data a question needs is given within that question. Take those values from the problem itself and use the PDF for everything else.
What you cannot bring
These items are not allowed in the testing room:
- Phones, computers, smartwatches, other wearables, and electronics
- Watches
- Wallets, purses, bags, and coats
- Hats and head coverings, except religious apparel
- Books, notes, pens, pencils, and erasers
- Food and beverages
Notes and any printed handbook fall under books and notes, so both stay outside the room, along with pens, pencils, and erasers. Before you pack, read what you can bring to the FE exam.
How to study with the on-screen handbook
Train with the current NCEES reference handbook as a searchable PDF, since that is the tool you will use on exam day. Split your review into what you must memorize and what you can look up: learn the basics the handbook leaves out until you know them cold, then practice searching the handbook for the material it does contain. Read each question before you reach for the handbook, since the problem itself supplies any special data you need. For a longer study plan, see how to study for the FE exam.
How the PE exam reference rules differ
The FE exam uses no design standards; the electronic FE Reference Handbook is the only reference. PE Civil is also closed book, but with electronic references beyond a single handbook. The PE Civil specifications state that the exam uses both SI and U.S. Customary units and that the references are the PE Civil Reference Handbook plus the listed design standards, and examinees work all questions. See what references you can use on the PE exam and how the FE and PE exams differ.
Frequently asked questions
Can you bring notes to the FE exam?
No. Notes and books are not allowed in the testing room, and that ban includes any personal or printed copy of the FE Reference Handbook. The only reference during the exam is the handbook PDF that NCEES supplies on screen.
Is the FE Reference Handbook provided during the exam?
Yes. NCEES supplies the current FE Reference Handbook on screen as a searchable PDF, and it is the only reference you may use. You search it with the box on the left side of the exam software, so do not bring a personal copy into the room.
Do you need to memorize formulas for the FE?
You need command of what the handbook omits. NCEES states that the handbook does not contain every formula needed, and that basic theories, conversions, formulas, and definitions examinees are expected to know are left out while special data for a question appears in the question itself. Learn those basics, and use the on-screen handbook for the reference material it includes.
Does Ctrl + F work on the FE exam?
No. Ctrl + F does not work in the exam software, so search references with the search box on the left instead. References are usually best viewed at 100% zoom.
Does the FE exam include design standards?
No. The FE exam uses no design standards, and the electronic FE Reference Handbook is the only reference. PE Civil is closed book too, but with a different set of references: the PE Civil Reference Handbook plus the listed design standards.
Sources
- NCEES FE Civil CBT exam specifications (PDF). Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- NCEES Examinee Guide, May 2026 (PDF). Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- NCEES FE Reference Handbook 10.6 (free PDF in MyNCEES). Retrieved October 3, 2026.