Early cohort offer: Save 20% on ReactorU FE Chemical Prep Course until Jun 1. Use code LAUNCH2026. ร
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ReactorU: FE Chemical Prep Course
โ Intermediate โถ Self Paced โท 18 weeks โ Exam Ready
Take the structured, paced route from undergraduate level to FE Chemical exam readiness in 18 weeks. All 17 NCEES knowledge areas, weekly modules, paced lectures, and two full-length mock exams โ engineered for first-attempt success.
Next cohort ยท Jun 1, 2026
Three ways to enroll.
Pick the plan that fits: pay once, split it across months, or start free.
- โ All 17 NCEES knowledge areas
- โ Weekly lectures, quizzes & problem sets
- โ Two full-length 110-question mock exams
- โ FE Chemical digital flashcard deck
- โ NCEES Handbook navigation drills
- โ Pass on first attempt
You're enrolling in FE Chemical Prep Course from ReactorU.
About this course
A rigorous, strategic path to first-attempt success.
The FE Chemical exam is a rigorous assessment of engineering fundamentals โ the essential first step toward Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure. ReactorU's prep course covers every NCEES knowledge area in five progressively-built Levels, mirroring how chemical engineers actually learn the material: foundations, core engineering, advanced topics, applications, then a full exam review.
Course content
18-week syllabus, structured into 5 Levels.
Each week pairs a knowledge area with paced lectures, problem sets, and a graded quiz. Click any Level to expand its weekly schedule.
Level01
Freshman — Foundations
Week 1
Mathematics
Calculus, differential equations, numerical methods, matrix algebra · 6–9 questions
Week 2
Probability & Statistics
Distributions, hypothesis testing, regression, control limits · 4–6 questions
Week 3
Engineering Sciences
Dynamics, work-energy, electricity (Ohm's, Kirchhoff's laws) · 4–6 questions
Week 4
Chemistry
Inorganic, organic, analytical, biochemistry, bioprocessing · 7–11 questions
Level02
Sophomore — Core Engineering
Week 5
Materials Science
Properties, corrosion, polymers, ceramics, composites · 4–6 questions
Week 6
Fluid Mechanics / Dynamics
Bernoulli, pumps, compressible flow, dimensionless numbers · 8–12 questions
Week 7
Material Balances
Steady/unsteady mass & energy balances, recycle, combustion · 10–15 questions
Week 8
Heat Transfer
Conduction, convection, radiation, LMTD, NTU, shell & tube · 8–12 questions
Level03
Junior — Advanced Topics
Weeks 9–10
Thermodynamics
Phase & chemical equilibrium, cycles, steam tables, Raoult's law · 8–12 questions
Week 11
Mass Transfer
Molecular diffusion, convective coefficients, eddy diffusion · 8–12 questions
Week 12
Separation & Solids
Distillation, absorption, McCabe-Thiele, crystallization · 8–12 + 3–5 questions
Week 13
Reaction Engineering
Rate laws, Arrhenius, CSTR & PFR sizing, catalysis · 7–11 questions
Level04
Senior — Applications
Week 14
Economics
Time value of money, breakeven, depreciation, DCF · 4–6 questions
Week 15
Process Design
PFDs, P&IDs, sizing, scale-up, green engineering · 7–11 questions
Week 16
Process Control
Transfer functions, PID, feedback/feedforward, DCS/PLC · 4–6 questions
Week 17
Safety, Health & Ethics
SDS, HAZOP, LOPA, RCRA, codes of ethics, IP law · 5–8 + 3–5 questions
Level05
Exam Review Week
Day 1
Levels 1 & 2 Recap
Re-read summaries, redo weakest quizzes, drill Material/Energy Balances
Day 2
Levels 3 & 4 Recap
Steam-table lookups, reactor sizing, Ethics canons
Day 3
Full 110-Question Mock
6-hour timed simulation using only the NCEES Handbook
Day 4
Debrief & Final Prep
Group misses by knowledge area, confirm exam-day logistics
Learner Testimonials
What our students say.
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I didnโt realize how much time I was losing jumping between random resources. Having everything organized in one place made studying feel much more manageable. Yousef Mansour
FE Chemical Prep Course
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The study plan helped me stay consistent each week. I liked knowing what to review next instead of guessing where to start every time I sat down to study. Noura Saleh
FE Chemical Prep Course
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Exam blueprint
All 17 NCEES knowledge areas, weighted.
Click any knowledge area to see the topics it covers. The FE Chemical exam delivers 110 questions across these 17 areas in a 6-hour computer-based test. Material & Energy Balances is the heaviest single area.
#
Knowledge Area
Questions
Weight
1
Mathematics
6 – 9
6%
Topics
- A.Analytic geometry, logarithms, and trigonometry
- B.Calculus — single-variable, integral, differential
- C.Differential equations — ordinary, partial, Laplace
- D.Numerical methods — error propagation, Taylor's series, curve fitting, Newton-Raphson, Fourier series
- E.Algebra — fundamentals, matrix algebra, systems of equations
- F.Accuracy, precision, and significant figures
2
Probability and Statistics
4 – 6
4%
Topics
- A.Probability distributions — discrete, continuous, normal, binomial
- B.Expected value (weighted average) in decision making
- C.Hypothesis testing and design of experiments — t-test, outlier testing, analysis of the variance
- D.Measures of central tendencies and dispersions — mean, mode, standard deviation, confidence intervals
- E.Regression and curve fitting
- F.Statistical control — control limits
3
Engineering Sciences
4 – 6
4%
Topics
- A.Basic dynamics — friction, force, mass, acceleration, momentum
- B.Work, energy, and power (as applied to particles or rigid bodies)
- C.Electricity, current, and voltage laws — charge, energy, current, voltage, power, Kirchhoff's law, Ohm's law
4
Materials Science
4 – 6
4%
Topics
- A.Chemical, electrical, mechanical, and physical properties — effect of temperature, pressure, stress, strain, failure
- B.Material types and compatibilities — engineered materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals
- C.Corrosion mechanisms and control
- D.Polymers, ceramics, and composites
5
Chemistry and Biology
7 – 11
7%
Topics
- A.Inorganic chemistry — molarity, normality, molality, acids, bases, redox reactions, valence, solubility product, pH, pK, electrochemistry, periodic table
- B.Organic chemistry — nomenclature, structure, balanced equations, reactions, synthesis
- C.Analytical chemistry — wet chemistry and instrumental chemistry
- D.Biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology — organization and function of the cell; Krebs, glycolysis, Calvin cycles; enzymes and protein chemistry; genetics; protein synthesis, translation, transcription
- E.Bioprocessing — fermentation, biological treatment systems, aerobic, anaerobic process, nutrient removal
6
Fluid Mechanics / Dynamics
8 – 12
8%
Topics
- A.Fluid properties
- B.Dimensionless numbers — Reynolds number
- C.Mechanical energy balance — pipes, valves, fittings, pressure losses across packed beds, pipe networks
- D.Bernoulli equation — hydrostatic pressure, velocity head
- E.Laminar and turbulent flow
- F.Flow measurement — orifices, Venturi meters
- G.Pumps, turbines, compressors, and vacuum systems
- H.Compressible flow and non-Newtonian fluids
7
Thermodynamics
8 – 12
8%
Topics
- A.Thermodynamic properties of pure components and mixtures — specific volume, internal energy, enthalpy, entropy, free energy, ideal gas law
- B.Properties data and phase diagrams — steam tables, psychrometric charts, T-s, P-h, x-y, T-x-y
- C.Thermodynamic laws — first law, second law
- D.Thermodynamic processes — isothermal, adiabatic, isentropic, phase changes
- E.Cyclic processes and efficiencies — power, refrigeration, heat pump
- F.Phase equilibrium — fugacity, activity coefficient, Raoult's law
- G.Chemical equilibrium
- H.Heats of reaction and mixing
8
Material / Energy Balances
10 – 15
10%
Topics
- A.Steady-state mass balance
- B.Unsteady-state mass balance
- C.Steady-state energy balance
- D.Unsteady-state energy balance
- E.Recycle / bypass processes
- F.Reactive systems — combustion
9
Heat Transfer
8 – 12
8%
Topics
- A.Conductive heat transfer
- B.Convective heat transfer (natural and forced)
- C.Radiation heat transfer
- D.Heat-transfer coefficients — overall, local, fouling
- E.Heat-transfer equipment, operation, and design — double pipe, shell and tube, fouling, NTU, LMTD, flow configuration
10
Mass Transfer and Separation
8 – 12
8%
Topics
- A.Molecular diffusion — steady and unsteady state, physical property estimation
- B.Convective mass transfer — mass-transfer coefficient, eddy diffusion
- C.Separation systems — distillation, absorption, extraction, membrane processes, adsorption
- D.Equilibrium stage methods — graphical methods, McCabe-Thiele, efficiency
- E.Continuous contact methods — NTU, HETP, height of transfer unit, number of theoretical plates
- F.Humidification, drying, and evaporation
11
Solids Handling
3 – 5
3%
Topics
- A.Particle properties — surface and bulk forces, particle size distribution
- B.Processing — crushing, grinding, crystallization
- C.Transportation and storage — belts, pneumatic, slurries, tanks, hoppers
12
Chemical Reaction Engineering
7 – 11
7%
Topics
- A.Reaction rates and order
- B.Rate constant — Arrhenius function
- C.Conversion, yield, and selectivity
- D.Type of reactions — series, parallel, forward, reverse, homogeneous, heterogeneous, biological
- E.Reactor types — batch, semibatch, CSTR, PFR, gas phase, liquid phase
- F.Catalysis — mechanisms, biocatalysis, physical properties
13
Economics
4 – 6
4%
Topics
- A.Time value of money — present worth, annual worth, future worth, rate of return
- B.Economic analyses — breakeven, benefit-cost, optimal economic life
- C.Uncertainty — expected value and risk
- D.Project selection — comparison of projects with unequal lives, lease/buy/make, depreciation, discounted cash flow
14
Process Design
7 – 11
7%
Topics
- A.Process flow diagrams and piping and instrumentation diagrams
- B.Equipment selection — sizing and scale-up
- C.Equipment and facilities cost estimation — cost indices, equipment costing
- D.Process design and optimization — sustainability, efficiency, green engineering, inherently safer design, evaluation of specifications, product design
- E.Design standards — regulatory, ASTM, ISO, OSHA
15
Process Control
4 – 6
4%
Topics
- A.Dynamics — first- and second-order processes, gains and time constants, stability, damping, and transfer functions
- B.Control strategies — feedback, feedforward, cascade, ratio, PID controller tuning, alarms, other safety equipment
- C.Control loop design and hardware — sensors, control valves, conceptual process control, DCS programming, PLC programming, interlocks
16
Safety, Health, and Environment
5 – 8
5%
Topics
- A.Hazardous properties of materials, including SDS — corrosivity, flammability, toxicity, reactivity, handling, storage, transportation
- B.Industrial hygiene — toxicity, noise, PPE, ergonomics
- C.Process safety, risk assessment, and hazard analysis — layer of protection analysis (LOPA), HAZOP studies, fault and event tree analysis, dispersion modeling
- D.Overpressure and underpressure protection — relief, redundant control, inherently safe
- E.Waste minimization, waste treatment, and regulation — air, water, solids, RCRA, CWA, other EPA, OSHA
- F.Reactivity hazards — inerting, runaway reactions, compatibility
17
Ethics and Professional Practice
3 – 5
3%
Topics
- A.Codes of ethics (professional and technical societies)
- B.Agreements, contracts, and contract law — noncompete, nondisclosure, memorandum of understanding
- C.Public health, safety, and welfare — public protection issues, licensing, professional liability, regulatory issues
- D.Intellectual property — copyright, trade secrets, patents, trademarks
Your instructor
Built by a chemical engineer, for chemical engineers.
ReactorU's curriculum is designed by practicing engineers who have walked the same path you're about to walk.
Eng. Amro Elsayed
Founder · Lead Instructor · ReactorU
Amro is a chemical engineer and the founder of ReactorU. He earned his Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) with a 3.9 GPA, has presented first-author research at the AIChE Annual Meetings in San Diego (2024) and Boston (2025), co-authored a paper published in Carbon Capture Science & Technology, and led the KFUPM team to 1st place at the AIChE ChemE Cube Competition in Boston (2025).
He built the FE Chemical Prep Course around one observation: most students fail their first attempt not because they don't know the material, but because they don't have a paced, strategic path through it. ReacorU provide the students with aclear step by step approach with daily To-Do list to Pass the FE Chemical exam on first attempt.
Frequently asked
Questions, answered.
Who is this course for?
Chemical engineering graduates and students in the final year of their undergraduate degree who plan to take the NCEES FE Chemical exam — the essential first step toward Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure.
How long is the course?
18 weeks total: 17 weeks of paced weekly modules (Levels 1–4) plus one final exam review week (Level 5) with two full-length 110-question mock exams under timed conditions.
What's the weekly time commitment?
Plan on about 5 hours per week — lectures, problem sets, and the weekly quiz. The exam review week is more intensive, mirroring the 6-hour mock-exam format.
Does the course cover all 17 NCEES knowledge areas?
Yes. Every one of the 17 areas in the NCEES FE Chemical specification is covered, weighted in proportion to its exam frequency — Material & Energy Balances gets the most coverage, Solids Handling and Ethics the least.
Will I be using the NCEES FE Reference Handbook?
Yes — extensively. By Level 5, Handbook lookups should feel automatic. Both mock exams are conducted with the Handbook as the only reference, exactly as on exam day.
What if I don't pass on my first attempt?
You'll be enrolled in the next cohort at no additional cost. The course is designed for first-attempt success, but we stand by that goal — if the plan didn't get you there the first time, you keep going until it does.
Enrollment options
Choose how you want to enroll.
Three paths to the same outcome — full course access for the 18-week cohort, or a limited free track to sample the course before committing. Save 20% on every paid plan during launch.
Best value
One-time Payment
Pay once. Done. Full access for the entire 18-week cohort.
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You save $199.80 · single charge
- ✓Full access to all 18 weeks of content
- ✓All 17 NCEES knowledge areas
- ✓Weekly quizzes & graded problem sets
- ✓Two full-length 110-question mock exams
- ✓Digital flashcard deck (all topics)
- ✓Pass-on-first-attempt
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Sample the course for free — perfect for previewing the format and pacing.
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- ✓Access to Week 1 (Mathematics) lectures
- ✓Sample flashcard deck
- ✓NCEES Handbook navigation primer
- ✗Quizzes & graded problem sets
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- ✗Pass-on-first-attempt guarantee
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