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PE Civil Structural Depth Six-Minute Problems

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 PE Civil Structural Depth Six-Minute Problems consists of over 100 multiple-choice problems that are organized into three chapters, each corresponding to a topic on the Structural Depth section of the PE Civil exam. All problems are representative of the exam's computer-based testing format, scope of topics, and level of difficulty. Consistent with the PE exam, an average of six minutes is required to solve each problem in this book and references the NCEES Handbook in blue. Along with the NCEES Handbook references and equations, each problem also includes a hint that provides optional problem-solving guidance. Comprehensive step-by-step solutions for all problems demonstrate accurate and efficient solving approaches.

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)
PE Civil Structural Six-Minute Problems
$110.00
PID# 753980

FAQs

The best PE prep course depends on your exam discipline, schedule, and how deep a review you need, but strong courses share three traits: structured review aligned to NCEES specifications, an extensive exam-like practice-problem bank, and full-length practice exams with diagnostics. PPI offers live-online and self-paced options across PE disciplines so you can match the format to how you learn.
Plan for 200–300 hours of study. With a full-time job, that's about five to seven months at 10–15 hours per week; six months is a good default. Focus your hours on practice problems and the discipline-specific reference material, and take full-length practice exams to build endurance for the 8-hour format.
The PE exam is rigorous and discipline-specific, so difficulty varies by field. Per NCEES (January 2026), first-time pass rates ranged widely: for example, Mechanical: Thermal & Fluid Systems 77%, Environmental 67%, Civil: Water Resources & Environmental 71%, Civil: Structural 61%, and Chemical 63%. The exam becomes more manageable when its content matches your day-to-day work, so most candidates plan several months of focused study.
The most effective PE prep combines structured review of your discipline's topics, a large bank of exam-like practice problems, and full-length timed practice exams to build pace for the 8-hour day. Master your reference materials so lookups are fast, target weak areas first, and simulate exam conditions. PPI's discipline-specific review courses and practice exams structure all three.

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.

By NCEES pass rates (January 2026), the highest first-time pass rates were PE Agricultural & Biological (81%), Mining & Mineral Processing (80%), Fire Protection (78%), and Mechanical: Thermal & Fluid Systems (77%). But the truly 'easiest' PE exam is the one whose content matches your daily work: alignment with your experience beats raw pass-rate statistics. Choose the discipline that supports your career 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.
PE exams are closed-book, computer-based test (CBT)s; your only reference is an electronic resource(s) supplied by NCEES on-screen. For the PE exam, NCEES will typically provide a discipline-specific reference handbook and one or more design standards. NCEES states which design standards will be available on the exam website in the specifications documentation.
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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