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.
The FE has 145 questions, takes about 3 hours and costs $300[1][2] (Inteleos, verified Oct 25, 2026).
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | About 145 questions (multiple choice + hotspot)[1] | Inteleos · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Time limit | 3 hours[1] | Inteleos · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Passing score | 555 on a 300–700 scale[1] | Inteleos · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee | $300 USD (includes $100 non-refundable processing fee)[2] | Inteleos · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Wait until the next administration[1] | Inteleos · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE test centers[3] | Inteleos · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Pass SPI within 5 years; counts toward RDCS or RDMS[1] | Inteleos · Oct 25, 2026 |
According to Inteleos, “The FE exam covers approximately 145 questions over 3 hours.”[1]
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.
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.
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.
Prepare for the FE - Fetal Echocardiography Certification exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
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.
Question: The normal fetal cardiac axis (angle of the interventricular septum relative to the anterior-posterior midline) is approximately:
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.
Question: The most common primary cardiac tumor in the fetus is:
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.
Question: Reversed diastolic flow in the aortic isthmus indicates:
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.
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.
The FE exam is delivered on computers at Pearson VUE test centers. Candidates schedule their testing appointment directly through Pearson VUE after their application is approved by Inteleos. Test centers provide a standard workstation with a 3 hours testing window to answer about 145 questions.
The passing score is 555 on a scale of 300 to 700. Inteleos uses a scaled scoring system rather than a raw percentage or curved grading approach. Achieving a score of 555 or better passes the examination and satisfies the specialty requirement toward your sonography credential.
The examination fee is $300 USD. This total fee includes a $100 non-refundable processing fee assessed during the application process. Candidates submit payment directly to Inteleos when applying for the examination prior to booking an appointment at a Pearson VUE test center.
Candidates must pass both the specialty FE exam and the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination within 5 years of each other, in any order. Earning this certification counts toward obtaining RDCS or RDMS credentials. Prerequisite educational and clinical requirements vary, so check official Inteleos guidelines for application criteria.
If you do not pass, you must wait until the next administration to retake the FE exam. Candidates cannot immediately reschedule an appointment in the same testing window. You will need to submit a new application and re-register through Inteleos before booking another sitting at a Pearson VUE test center.
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