Structural Depth Reference Manual for the PE Civil Exam

UPDATED TO IBC 2018

Purchased this book before the April 1, 2024 PE Civil Exam change? Request a Content Map PDF from PPI’s Customer Support here.

The Structural Depth Reference Manual for the PE Civil Exam, 6th Edition prepares you for the Structural Depth section of the PE Civil exam. It provides a comprehensive and concise review of the PE Civil Structural exam topics. All exam topics are covered and the most up-to-date exam-adopted codes and standards are frequently referenced throughout.

Each chapter includes exam-like practice problems with step-by-step solutions that allow you to check your problem-solving approach. Solving methods—including ASD and LRFD for steel, strength design for concrete, and ASD for timber and masonry—are thoroughly explained.

Referenced Codes and Standards
  • AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications
  • Building Code Requirements and Specifications for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries (TMS 402/602)
  • Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary (ACI 318)
  • International Building Code (IBC)
  • CFR Title 29
  • Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7)
  • Wood Design Package (AWC NDS)
  • PCI Design Handbook: Precast and Prestressed Concrete (PCI)
  • Steel Construction Manual (AISC)
Structural Depth Reference Manual
$173.00
PID# 753979

FAQs

Due to copyright, PPI VitalSource etextbooks cannot be printed. Most PPI books are also available in printed format as an add-on option on our website. 

Some states require a BS degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program to sit for the PE exam. Other states allow you to take the PE exam with a degree in engineering technology, physics, math, or chemistry—or without any degree—as long as you’ve met the required work experience. Check your state requirements to see if you can take the PE exam without an engineering degree.

You should prioritize your engineering interests and professional background when determining which PE exam to take. The difficulty level of each discipline is also important to consider. Reach out to licensed engineers in your network for additional perspectives, too.
You can take most PE exams once per three-month testing window and no more than three times per year. Certain PE exams are only offered once per year in October. Some licensing boards are more restrictive, so check your state licensing board to confirm how often you can retake the exam.

Most states allow you to take the PE exam after passing your FE exam and gaining at least four years of post-college work experience. However, some states now allow examinees to sit for the PE exam before completing their work experience. Check your state requirements to see when you’re qualified to sit for the exam.

Our exam practice questions are exam-like, which means they reference the appropriate NCEES Handbook, they are a similar length to the real exam, and they use multiple-choice questions like the exam. Some questions may be a little easier or a little harder than the actual exam, but they are all designed to bring you success on exam day.
We recommend 200 to 300 hours of study time in order to prepare for the PE exam. If you have a full time job, that would be five to seven months spending 10 to 15 hours per week studying. Six months is a good starting point.

The PE exams are not considered easy to pass, but the exam will become easier if the content reflects topics that you're familiar with from your current line of work. Think about your career goals when considering the PE exam. Are you seeking a promotion in your current role? You should select the exam that best supports your current career. Are you trying to switch industries? Choose the exam that will set you up for success in your new field. Rather than seek out the easiest PE exam, select the one that will support your goals. 

It is an 8-hour exam. It contains 80 total questions: 40 multiple-choice questions in the 4-hour AM session, and 40 multiple-choice questions in the 4-hour PM session.
The PE structural exam is the only open-book exam remaining. All other PE exams are now closed-book computer-based exams, commonly referred to as CBT.
The PE exam can be difficult. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of engineering and should not be taken lightly. You should plan on taking several weeks to prepare and study before sitting for the exam. Here are the most recently updated PE exam pass rates.
The PE exam tests for a minimum level of competency in engineering. You need a minimum of four years of post-college work experience to be able to sit for the exam.

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