NCEES introduced a major change to its exam program in 2014. After several years of intense preparation, NCEES launched computer-based testing for the FE and FS exams on January 2. The exam is offered throughout the year at approved Pearson VUE test centers, allowing more uniform testing conditions, stronger security for exam content, and greater scheduling flexibility.

The exams each have 110 questions, and the testing time is shorter: 5 hours and 20 minutes instead of 8 hours. Examinees receive their results faster as well—within 7 to 10 days of taking it. New specifications were introduced for the FE and FS exams in January. The FE exam changed significantly, moving to seven discipline-specific exams.

NCEES continued its communication campaign to prepare students, educators, and member licensing boards for the changes to the fundamentals exam. In July 2014, the organization hosted on online seminar for educators to explain the new subject-matter report and how to use it as an outcomes assessment tool for engineering and surveying degree programs. NCEES also revised its white paper, “Using the FE Examination as an Outcomes Assessment Tool.” To explain the white paper’s changes to educators and how to properly use the FE as an outcomes assessment tool, NCEES presented workshops at the ABET Symposium in April and the ASEE annual conference in June. Members and staff attended meetings and expositions of other professional organizations throughout the year to publicize the transition and answer questions.