The NCEES PE Civil exam is a CBT, closed-book exam in which you will work both a breadth section and one of the five depth modules. The breadth section contains questions from the five areas of civil engineering, while the depth section focuses on a single area of practice. In April 2024, the PE Civil exam specifications will no longer include the breadth section. Click on the tabs below to learn more about the exam.
PE Civil Exam Overview
The PE Civil exam is designed to test for a minimum level of competency in civil engineering. It is designed for engineers who have gained a minimum of four years of work experience in their chosen engineering discipline. In 2022, the PE Civil exam transitioned to a closed-book (CBT) exam and is available to take year-round.
The PE Civil exam consists of five divisions: Construction, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources and Environmental. Examinees must choose a division that most closely reflects their experience and/or career goals.
The exam is 9 hours long, including a scheduled break, and consists of 80 questions total. The exam contains multiple-choice questions and alternative item types (AITs).
Ready to prepare? See exam prep bundles for your PE Civil depth section.
A minimum of 300 hours of preparation for the PE Civil exam is recommended, although some candidates will need more or less time, depending on their individual backgrounds and experience. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the exam.
Interested in registering for the PE Civil exam? Visit NCEES to learn more.
Construction Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the PE Civil: Construction exam is 59%.
Topics covered include:
- Soil Mechanics
- Site Layout and Development
- Material Properties
- Estimating Quantities and Costs
- Project Planning and Scheduling
- Material, Production, and Execution Quality Control
- Structural Mechanics
- Hydraulics and Hydrology
- Construction Operations and Methods
- Design for Support of Construction Loads
- Health and Safety
For more information on the exam specifications, please visit NCEES.org.
Geotechnical Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the PE Civil: Geotechnical exam is 63%.
Topics covered include:
- Site Characterization
- Soil Mechanics, Laboratory Testing, and Analysis
- Construction Observation, Monitoring, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Safety
- Earthquake Engineering and Dynamic Loads
- Earth Structures, Ground Improvement, and Pavement
- Groundwater and Seepage
- Problematic Soil and Rock Conditions
- Retaining Structures (ASD or LRFD)
- Shallow Foundations (ASD or LRFD)
- Deep Foundations (ASD or LRFD)
For more information on the exam specifications, please visit NCEES.org.
Structural Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the PE Civil: Structural exam is 58%.
Topics covered include:
- Analysis of Structures – Loads and Load Applications
- Analysis of Structures – Forces and Load Effects
- Temporary Structures and Other Topics
- Design and Details of Structures – Materials and Material Properties
- Design and Details of Structures – Component Design and Detailing
For more information on the exam specifications, please visit NCEES.org.
Transportation Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the PE Civil: Transportation exam is 57%.
Topics covered include:
- Project management
- Traffic engineering
- Roadside and cross-section design
- Horizontal design
- Vertical design
- Intersection geometry
- Traffic signals
- Traffic control design
- Geotechnical and pavement
- Drainage
For more information on the exam specifications, please visit NCEES.org
Water Resources and Environmental Exam Details
The average pass rate of a first-time taker of the PE Civil: Water Resources and Environmental exam is 70%.
Topics covered include:
- Project Planning
- Soil Mechanics
- Materials
- Analysis and Design
- Hydraulics–Closed Conduit
- Hydraulics–Open Channel
- Hydrology
- Groundwater and Wells
- Surface Water and Groundwater Quality
- Drinking Water Distribution and Treatment
- Wastewater Collection and Treatment
- Project Sitework
For more information on the exam specifications, please visit NCEES.org.
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