FE Practice Test

Candidates preparing for the FE - Fetal Echocardiography certification take this exam to earn credentials toward RDCS or RDMS status. This page provides free practice questions, exam administration details, and worked explanations to help you prepare. Review the practice sets covering fetal cardiac anatomy, congenital heart disease, Doppler assessment, and hemodynamics to assess your knowledge before scheduling your appointment.

FE Exam at a Glance

What changed for FE in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to Pearson VUE test centers (previously Pearson VUE test centers; windowed exam, schedule within 30 days of approval).^[3]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake policy changed to Wait until the next administration (previously Wait until the next administration window).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to Pass SPI within 5 years; counts toward RDCS or RDMS (previously Meet prerequisites; pass SPI within 5 years; counts toward RDCS or RDMS).^[1]

What the FE is and how it works

According to Inteleos, “The FE exam covers approximately 145 questions over 3 hours.”^[1]

Exam Structure and Delivery

The FE - Fetal Echocardiography exam is administered through Inteleos and delivered on computers at Pearson VUE test centers. Candidates have a time limit of 3 hours to complete about 145 questions. The question format includes multiple choice and hotspot items testing fetal cardiovascular evaluation.

Scoring and Passing Standard

Scores are reported on a point scale from 300 to 700. A score of 555 or better passes. The scoring is not based on a percentage or a curve.

Fees and Eligibility Requirements

The examination fee is $300 USD, which includes a $100 non-refundable processing fee. To earn the credential, candidates must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination within 5 years of passing the specialty examination, in any order. Earning this credential counts toward RDCS or RDMS credentials. Prerequisite pathways and clinical documentation requirements can vary by applicant background; candidates should review the official Inteleos documentation to verify their specific pathway. If you do not pass, you must wait until the next administration to retake the FE exam.

Worked examples: how to reason through FE questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: The normal fetal cardiac axis (angle of the interventricular septum relative to the anterior-posterior midline) is approximately:

1. 30° ± 5° to the left
2. 45° ± 20° to the left
3. 60° ± 5° to the left
4. 90° ± 15° to the left

Answer: B. 45° ± 20° to the left

Explanation:

Option B is correct because the normal fetal cardiac axis points 45° ± 20° to the left of the midline. Option A (30° ± 5° to the left) describes an axis that is overly narrow. Option C (60° ± 5° to the left) represents an abnormally shifted axis seen in conotruncal defects. Option D (90° ± 15° to the left) reflects extreme levocardia rather than normal orientation. The general rule to remember is that fetal cardiac axis is measured from the interventricular septum against the midline, where 45° ± 20° to the left defines normal cardiac alignment.

Example 2

Question: The most common primary cardiac tumor in the fetus is:

1. Fibroma
2. Teratoma
3. Rhabdomyoma
4. Hemangioma

Answer: C. Rhabdomyoma

Explanation:

Option C is correct because rhabdomyoma is the most common primary cardiac tumor detected in the fetus, frequently presenting as solitary or multiple echogenic myocardial masses with a strong link to tuberous sclerosis. Option A is incorrect because fibromas are far less common, typically arising as solitary non-regressing masses in the ventricular septum. Option B is incorrect because intrapericardial teratomas occur rarely and characteristically involve pericardial effusion rather than pure myocardial infiltration. Option D is incorrect because hemangiomas are vascular malformations that occur infrequently in the fetal heart. The general rule to remember is that solid intracardiac tumors in fetal life are predominantly rhabdomyomas and warrant thorough evaluation for tuberous sclerosis complex.

Example 3

Question: Reversed diastolic flow in the aortic isthmus indicates:

1. Normal fetal circulation
2. Mild growth restriction without compromise
3. Severe hemodynamic compromise with cerebro-placental pressure reversal
4. Structural aortic anomaly

Answer: C. Severe hemodynamic compromise with cerebro-placental pressure reversal

Explanation:

Option C is correct because reversed diastolic flow in the aortic isthmus indicates severe hemodynamic compromise where placental resistance exceeds cerebral resistance, causing retrograde perfusion toward the brain during diastole. Option A is incorrect because normal physiological circulation maintains net forward, antegrade diastolic flow through the aortic isthmus. Option B is incorrect because mild growth restriction preserves antegrade flow; reversed flow signifies advanced, critical deterioration rather than mild impairment. Option D is incorrect because this Doppler finding reflects vascular impedance mismatch and pressure differentials rather than an intrinsic structural anomaly of the aortic wall. The general rule to remember is that the aortic isthmus bridges the cerebral and systemic vascular beds, so retrograde diastolic flow signals serious fetal circulatory decompensation.

How to use these practice tests

Begin your preparation by reviewing official Inteleos candidate resources to verify your eligibility pathway and understand testing policies. Next, establish a structured review schedule using our practice sets.

Start with foundational anatomy and pathology using Fetal Cardiac Anatomy & Development and FE Congenital Heart Disease Recognition. Follow this by evaluating functional parameters using FE Doppler Assessment and FE Hemodynamics & Blood Flow.

As your testing date approaches, simulate the official exam environment. The actual test presents about 145 questions within a time limit of 3 hours at Pearson VUE test centers. Practicing timed blocks with our full practice test builds question pacing for both multiple choice and hotspot formats. Review missed items carefully, noting diagnostic criteria and Doppler principles, to ensure readiness for the passing standard of 555 on the 300 to 700 scale.

Sources & last verified

1. Inteleos — number of questions, time limit, passing score, retake policy (official source). “The FE exam covers approximately 145 questions over 3 hours.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
2. Inteleos — exam fee (official source). “FE | Fetal Echocardiography ARDMS $300” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
3. Inteleos — delivery (official source). “Inteleos partners with Pearson to administer tests.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.