If you have a 4-year engineering degree or 4 years of documented work experience in the engineering field, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step in the process of becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE).

The FE exam is prepared by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Upon passing the FE exam, you can become an Engineer in Training (EIT). After a few years as an EIT, you can apply to take the PE exam to become a licensed professional engineer.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the FE Exam and the FE Exam Prep course.

FE Exam FAQs

Do I need a 4-year degree in order to take the FE exam?

No. While the 4-year degree is one way to qualify for the FE Exam in Arizona, the Arizona Board of Technical Registration does not require a degree from an accredited program to take the FE exam.

You may also apply for approval to sit for the FE exam if you have 4 years of documented relevant engineering experience.

Do I need to apply to take the FE exam in Arizona?

Yes. In Arizona, ​all candidates must apply for Arizona Board of Technical Registrations authorization before taking the FE exam. The application is available on the Arizona Board of Technical Registrations Exam Authorization website.

NOTE: according to the Arizona Board of Technical Registrations, the review and approval process for applications "...may take eight to twelve weeks depending on the applicant’s qualifications and timely submission of required documents."

For the most up-to-date information about the exam registration process and licensing requirements in Arizona, please visit the Arizona Board of Technical Registrations website.

Does military experience count towards the FE exam authorization or Engineer in Training licensing requirements?

In Arizona, those that received "substantially equivalent education, training or experience as a member of the United States armed forces or any national guard or other reserve component" may meet the Arizona education and/or experience requirements for testing authorization and engineer licensing.

Active duty service members and veterans can contact the Arizona State Board of Technical Registrations to learn more.

Who can take the FE exam in other states?

The process and requirements vary by state. You can visit the NCEES website for information about the exam authorization and registration process in different states. 

How much does the FE exam cost?

As of April 2024, the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam costs $225. The Arizona Board of Technical Registrations application fee is $100, as of April 2024.

When and where can I take the FE exam?

The FE exam is administered year-round. You can take the FE exam at any NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test center. Search for a nearby Pearson VUE test center.

Is the FE exam in English?

Yes, the exam will be given in the English language.

FE Exam Prep FAQs

What is the FE Exam Prep course?

The FE Exam Prep course gets you ready to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Civil or Other Disciplines Exam. It includes lectures, weekly assignments, study sessions and practice exams.

How often is the FE Exam Prep course offered?

FE Exam Prep is offered twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. See upcoming FE class dates.

Can I take this course while I am employed or in school?

Yes, anyone is welcome to take the course. There are no prerequisites for those who wish to take the FE course.

How much does the course cost?

As of April 2024, the fee for the course is $899.

Are there discounts available for the FE Exam Prep course?

Yes. Discounted pricing is available for:

• University of Arizona, Arizona State University (ASU), and Northern Arizona University (NAU) students are eligible for a 50% discount - the discount will be applied automatically based on questions you answer during registration
• University of Arizona, ASU and NAU alumni are eligible for a 10% discount - the discount will be applied automatically based on questions you answer during registration
• Military-connected learners are eligible for a 50% discount - the discount will be applied automatically based on questions you answer during registration
• FE learners referred by refugee-serving community organizations are eligible for a 50% discount - contact the FE course Program Coordinator to learn more
• Members of specific professional organizations may be eligible for a 10% discount - contact the FE course Program Coordinator to learn more

(Only one discount can be applied per registration).

Is there financial aid available for the FE Exam Prep course?

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding for this class may be available for unemployed or dislocated workers and other eligible applicants. Contact your local One-Stop Service Center to learn more about Arizona workforce development program eligibility.

Can I use military education program funding for the course?

The FE Exam Prep course is approved for Air Force COOL and Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) funding for eligible service members.

Learn More About FE Exam Prep

What are the benefits of HR certification?

Having an HR certification verifies your HR expertise. Most certifications must be renewed periodically, so certification also demonstrates that your knowledge and skills are up-to-date.

Some employers require certification, so HR certification can even improve your chances of being hired in an HR role. It can also increase your salary: HR job postings that require HR certification pay 25% more on average than those that do not require certification.

Job and salary data source: Burning Glass Labor Insight, last 12 months of U.S. HR job postings

Is there demand for HR certification?

There is high demand for HR professionals across industries and locations. Even in 2020 (when many employers delayed hiring and even laid off staff), an average of over 42,000 new HR jobs were posted each month.

While HR certification is not usually required for employment, it is in demand among employers. This is particularly true for more senior HR roles. For example, 30% of HR Manager job postings ask for HR certification. 

Job and salary data source: Burning Glass Labor Insight, last 12 months of U.S. HR job postings

What is SHRM certification?

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) credentials show that you are a recognized expert in the Human Resources field.

SHRM credentials are based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™), which describes the behavioral competencies and HR knowledge that HR professionals need for effective job performance.

SHRM offers two credentials: the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional). These credentials are awarded upon successfully passing a SHRM certification exam.

Who can take a SHRM certification exam?

SHRM streamlined their certification requirements in 2022. Previously, certification required a combination of education and experience. 

As of August 2022, SHRM describes eligibility as follows:

• SHRM-CP "is intended for individuals that perform general HR/HR-related duties; or for currently enrolled students and individuals pursuing a career in Human Resource Management. Candidates for the SHRM-CP certification are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree or previous HR experience to apply; however, a basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from an Academically Aligned program is recommended."
• SHRM-SCP "is for individuals that have a work history of at least 3 years performing strategic level HR/HR-related duties; or for SHRM-CP credential holders who have held the credential for at least 3 years and are working in, or are in the process of transitioning to, a strategic level role. Candidates for the SHRM-SCP certification are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree to apply...Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year (Jan. – Dec.) to strategic level HR/HR-related work." 

Certification requirements may change, so you should review the SHRM eligibility criteria for the most up-to-date requirements.

You must complete a SHRM application to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria. If you do meet the criteria, SHRM will send you an "Authorization to Test" (ATT) letter with instructions for scheduling your exam.

Online and in-person testing options are available. 

Which SHRM exam should I take?

Check out SHRM's guide to "Selecting the Right HR Certification," which includes a quick quiz to help you choose the right exam.

When can I take a SHRM certification exam?

Exams are offered during certain time periods (SHRM calls them "exam windows"). So be sure to check the application and testing schedule.

How much does the exam cost?

As of August 2023, the SHRM exam cost $510. Exam fees will be lower if you are a SHRM member, register early to get the "Early-Bird" discount, or are eligible for a military or student discount.

Exam fees are subject to change, so be sure to check the SHRM Exam Fees for the latest information.

What is on the exam?

SHRM exams include "Knowledge" and "Situational" questions.

"Knowledge" questions assess your understanding of factual HR information.

"Situational Judgment" questions present you with work-related scenarios and ask you to identify the best solution. These questions test your judgment and decision-making skills and your ability to apply your HR knowledge.

Has the SHRM exam changed?

SHRM reviews and updates its standards approximately every 3-5 years. In 2022, SHRM revised its Body of Competency and Knowledge® (SHRM BoCK®), renaming it the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™). 

Because SHRM certification exams are based on the BASK/BoCK, when the BASK/BoCK changes, so does the exam.

How can I prepare for a SHRM exam?

The SHRM exams are challenging. According to SHRM, in the past year just over 2/3 of test-takers (67%) passed their SHRM-CP exam, and the percentage that passed the SHRM-SCP exam is even lower. 

But don't be discouraged! There are several options to help you prepare for these challenging exams, including:

• Self-paced study: SHRM offers a self-study option that includes access to the comprehensive online SHRM Learning System, a practice exam and more. This can be a good option for those that want to study completely at their own pace. The cost for SHRM self-study is $795 for SHRM members and $995 for non-members.
• Instructor-led study: These classes usually include scheduled assignments to keep you on track, plus instructor support to help you learn and understand the material. This is a good option for those who prefer to learn in a more structured environment, with scheduled assignments and deadlines.

What is University of Arizona SHRM Certification Exam Prep?

Our SHRM Certification Exam Prep course combines the convenience of SHRM self-study with the structure and support of an instructor-led class.

It includes 18 months of access to the SHRM Learning System (a $995 value), just like the SHRM self-study option. The class also includes weekly assignments such as reading, discussion questions and quizzes, to keep you on track to complete your study. You also have access to a SHRM-SCP instructor, who can answer questions and help you through the material.

The class is completely online, so you can prepare for your HR exam wherever you are located.

Learn More

Who can take University of Arizona SHRM Certification Exam Prep?

There are no education or work experience prerequisites for the course.

However, some prior HR knowledge and experience is recommended. SHRM recommends (but does not require) that SHRM-CP candidates have a "basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from an Academically Aligned program."  

Quick Links

• SHRM certification eligibility criteria
• SHRM Selecting the Right HR Certification overview and quiz
• SHRM exam fees
• SHRM testing options
• SHRM BASK frequently asked questions
• SHRM application and testing schedules
  ​

IT certifications show potential employers you have the knowledge and skills to get the job done. Certifications can make you stand out in the hiring process, and they may be required for employment, particularly in government IT jobs.

We crunched the numbers to see which IT certifications were most in-demand in the Phoenix Metro* area.

What Phoenix employers are looking for

In the past year, these were the top ten IT certifications in Phoenix-area job postings

1. IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
3. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
6. Certified A+ Technician
7. SANS/GIAC Certification
8. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
9. CompTIA Network+
10. CompTIA Security+

Data Source: Burning Glass Labor Insight, last 12 months of Phoenix Metro area job postings, March 2021
* In addition to Phoenix, other cities including Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Gilbert are included in Phoenix Metro data. 
Image: Jerry Ferguson / CC BY

Ready to earn an in-demand IT certification?

We offer training programs for many of these top certifications. Most programs are fully online, so you can learn from the University of Arizona wherever you are.

We can also schedule custom IT training for groups in the Phoenix Metro area.

Browse IT Certification Training

The Herald/Review recently featured our Dr. John DeLalla, discussing the changing job market and how the office of Continuing & Professional Education pivoted to meet the community's professional development needs during the pandemic.

From "UA continuing education keeps job seekers in tune with changing market" by Bill Hayes:

"Changes, changes, changes.

Pick an industry, just about any industry, and the workforce expectations are nothing like they were 20 years ago. In some cases, even five or 10 years ago.

What you had, or what you could do, doesn’t get you quite as far these days. Throw in rapid technological advances and a pandemic, and the change cavalcade only looks to be ramping up for the future.

To keep pace, many will require additional training, a return to school and books. Dr. John DeLalla wants you to know he’s here to help...

Read the Article

Paralegal is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country, with job openings in every state and across a wide variety of industries.

That's why we're excited to launch two new noncredit Paralegal certificate programs: Paralegal Specialization in Real Property Law and the Advanced Paralegal Certificate.

Paralegal Certificate Speciliazation in Real Property Law

This noncredit professional development program includes the same Paralegal courses as our popular Paralegal Certificate program, plus specialized training in Real Property Law.

In addition to preparing to start a career as a Paralegal, you will learn about land transactions, conveyancing, mortgaging, landlord-tenant, and the documents which record the purchase, sale, and leasing of real estates. 

To earn the Paralegal Certification Specialization in Real Property you will complete three seven-week online courses: Paralegal 1, Paralegal 2 and Advanced Paralegal: Real Property Law.

Learn More

Advanced Paralegal Certificate

The Advanced Paralegal Certificate builds on the Paralegal Certificate program with courses in specialized facets of contemporary law.

To complete the Advanced Paralegal Certificate, you will take six Advanced Paralegal courses. Each course is offered in a seven-week online session, and you may take 1-3 topics per session, in any order.

Advanced Paralegal course topics include: Advanced Legal Research, Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation), Bankruptcy Law, Business Law, e-Discovery, Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Property Law, Victim Advocacy and more.

Learn More

You can start the Paralegal Specialization or Advanced Paralegal programs in March, May, June, August or October. 

Wildcats are known for their "Bear Down" determination. If you have that Wildcat spirit and are ready to "Bear Down" and move up in your career, these programs can help you do it quickly.

Move up in one week

Network+ certification is the hallmark of a competent networking professional. It is also a great starting point for a career in IT. You can earn additional CompTIA credentials as you gain knowledge and experience. Class meets February 16-19, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. via Zoom.

Security+ certification designates knowledgeable professionals in the field of security. It is one of the baseline certifications required for federal government or contractor IT roles, and it is one of the top-requested certifications in Arizona IT job postings. Class meets February 22-26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. via Zoom.

Each of these intensive week-long trainings include: 

• 40 hours of live online instruction from an industry subject matter expert
• A voucher to take your CompTIA certification exam
• One year of access to self-paced online training, in case you need a refresher at any point

Have a little more time?

These programs are not quite as intensive, but they can still be completed in less than three months:

• SHRM Certification Exam Prep: certify your Human Resources expertise by earning the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential. You'll be ready to take your SHRM certification exam right in time for the SHRM Spring Exam Window that opens in May. 
• Full-Time Coding Boot Camp: become a full-stack web developer in only twelve weeks. 
• Paralegal Certificate: earn a Paralegal certificate this spring. Attend live online lectures on weekend mornings and complete your work on your own time the rest of the week. Live Lecture Paralegal Certificate course starts February 27.
• CISSP® Exam Prep: get ready to pass the challenging Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam in two weeks, April 5-16. Class meets Monday-Friday, noon-4 p.m.

 CISSP is a registered certification mark of (ISC)², Inc.

Professional certifications show potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills to get the job done. They can even increase your chances of getting hired or promoted. 

Holding an up-to-date certification is a great way to demonstrate that your knowledge is current and relevant (particularly important in rapidly-evolving fields like IT). Most certification programs require you to re-certify periodically or require that you complete continuing education activities to maintain your certification.

How Do You Get a Professional Certification?

There are many different certifications out there, but most of them require you to pass a comprehensive certification exam to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and abilities.

Some certifying organizations may have additional requirements, such as work experience and/or education.

Many certifications are also "stackable," so you can earn more advanced credentials as your knowledge and experience increase.

Popular Certification Programs

Here are some of the popular certification programs offered by Continuing & Professional Education.

Information Technology

IT certifications not only help you stand out in a crowd of other applications, they are actually required by many employers, particularly for government IT jobs. 

Our CompTIA certification programs are particularly popular. CompTIA offers an internationally recognized vendor-neutral certification program for IT professionals.

The core certifications are CompTIA Network+ and Security+. From there, you can earn more advanced CompTIA credentials to continue to advance your IT career. Browse all CompTIA training or all IT certification training.

Not sure which certification is right for you? Check out the top IT certifications in Arizona and in the U.S.

Human Resources

Experienced Human Resources professionals who want to demonstrate their HR expertise can earn the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional or Senior Certified Professional. The Human Resources (SHRM) Certification Exam Prep course combines expert instruction from a SHRM-SCP with the proven SHRM Learning System to get you ready to pass your exam.

Learn more about SHRM certification, or register for SHRM certification exam prep.

Project Management

Project management is one of the most in-demand skills nation-wide. And the Project Management Professional (PMP) is the gold standard of project management certifications. It is so valuable, that certified PMPs report earning 26% more than those without certification. Learn more about project management certifications or browse all project management certification training options.

Engineering

Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is the first step towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Prep is taught by a licensed PE and will get you ready to take the Civil Engineering or "Other Disciplines" FE Exam.

More Certification Programs

These are just a few of the in-demand certifications you can earn through Continuing & Professional Education programs.

See All Certifications

The University of Arizona and the office of Continuing & Professional Education will be closed for the holidays on the following dates: December 24 - January 3.

We may be out of the office, but registration is still open for all classes during the holiday closure. Feel free to browse the catalog to get a head start on your 2021 career goals.

We hope you have a healthy, safe and happy holiday season!

Computer Aided Drafting/Design (CAD) software allow engineers, architects, interior designers, manufacturers and many other professionals to create precise 2D and 3D drawings, of everything from buildings to bridges to product prototypes. And AutoCAD is the premier CAD tool.

To meet demand for AutoCAD skills, we're expanding our AutoCAD training offerings beyond the popular AutoCAD Fundamentals Certificate program.

You can now take AutoCAD 1 - Basic 2D, AutoCAD 2 - Advanced 2D and AutoCAD 3 - Basic 3D Modeling as individual courses.

Each course costs $917, and includes:  

• Three months of access to course materials
• Video lectures and demonstrations
• Manuals
• Online suppport via discussion groups and email
• A free copy of AutoCAD from Autodesk

Ready to add CAD to your skill set?

Browse AutoCAD Training

Note: this discount offer has now ended.

CLS by BARBRI is offering a $100 registration discount on legal studies classes through July 31, 2021.

Save on These Classes

This discount can be used for many* CLS classes, including the popular Paralegal Certificate Program.

Other CLS by BARBRI classes include:

• Advanced Paralegal Certificate
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Employment Law
• Legal Nurse Consultant
• Legal Secretary Training
• Paralegal Certificate Program
• Victim Advocacy Training

How to Get the Discount

Just enter code: JULY100 at checkout to save $100.

* $995 minimum purchase. Offer expires July 31, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. CT.