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California Civil Seismic Principles Exam Prep

Comprehensive study materials for the California Civil: Seismic Principles exam

California Civil Seismic Principles Exam Prep Options

The CA Civil Seismic Principles exam is an open book computer-based exam. Our Exam Prep Bundles are designed to make sure you have everything you need for exam-day success. Explore each bundle option below, or compare our bundles, to find the right study option that fits your learning style.

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California Civil Seismic Exam FAQs

You'll need to purchase the specific codes and standards required for your PE exam directly from the publishers.
It’s recommended that you submit your application for licensure to the Board after you have passed the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE Civil) exam. You must schedule and sit for the exam in the quarter following the quarter in which your application and exam fees are processed and approved by the Board.
The NCEES Reference Handbook is a free resource available for download on the NCEES website. PPI is not the publisher of the NCEES Handbook; however, we do offer the ability to view practice questions alongside your own copy of the Handbook in our eLearning platform.
You can see the specifications and exam topics here.
The exam tests the entry-level competency of a candidate to practice civil engineering within the profession’s acceptable standards for public safety. It is administered by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists in California. You must pass the PE Civil exam, as well as both the CA Civil Engineering Surveying exam and the California Civil Seismic Principles exam, in order to be licensed as a Civil PE in California.
The exam is 2.5 hours long with 55 multiple-choice questions. It’s a computer-based exam, but you are allowed to bring in as many reference materials as one trip and one box will permit. See prometric.com for the latest guidelines.
The passing rate for the exam is 49 percent. PPI offers an OnDemand prep course to support you in your studies and boost your chances of passing the exam.

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PE Civil Customer
“The class is intense, so do not take it lightly, but well worth the work. If you are willing to put in the effort and attend all the classes and do all the homework, you will be more than prepared.” 
PE Civil Customer
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PE Civil Customer
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PE Civil Customer
“The instructor went over and above during lecture and office hours to get to everyone's questions. He managed to be a positive energy throughout the length of the course."

OnDemand Course Instructors

David Connor, PE, SE

David Connor, PE, SE is currently a structural engineer for Haines, Gipson, and Associates in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, structural emphasis, from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, structural and geotechnical emphasis, from the University of South Carolina.

He has been a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Georgia since 2002, and passed the 16-hour NCEES Structural Engineering (SE) Exam in 2014. He is registered as a PE in other states as well, and a registered SE in Illinois. Additionally, he wrote the book “Bridge Problems for the Structural Engineering (SE) Exam” which is currently available for purchase from PPI and other book sellers.

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