PE Environmental Exam Details

Everything You Need to Know About the PE Environmental Exam

PE Environmental Exam Overview

The PE Environmental exam is designed to test for a minimum level of competency in environmental engineering. The exam is designed for engineers who have at least four years of work experience in environmental engineering under another licensed professional engineer. 

  • This exam is an 8-hour, computer-based exam with 80 questions relevant to environmental engineering practices.
  • A minimum of 300 hours of preparation for the PE Environmental 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.
  • The PE Environmental exam is administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test center.
  • The PE Environmental exam is a closed-book exam, which means that only references allowed by the testing body will be permitted on exam day. For PE Environmental, that reference is the NCEES PE Environmental Reference Handbook, which is available as a free download from the NCEES website. 
Interested in registering for the PE Environmental exam? Visit NCEES to learn more.

About the PE Environmental Exam

61% Pass Rate

The last published average pass rate of a first-time taker of the PE Environmental exam is 61%.

Six Exam Topics

PE Environmental exam topics covered: Water, Solid and Hazardous Waste, Sustainability, Air, Site Assessment and Remediation, and Environmental and Occupational Health.

NCEES Info

For more information on the exam specifications, please visit NCEES.

Shop PE Environmental Exam Bundles

 

Shop PE Environmental Bundles

Industry Insights

What is changing on the PE Environmental exam?
See what’s new on the PE Environmental exam, including sustainability updates and expert prep resources.
Woman in her living room working on a laptop in front of a window image
Four Fast-Growing Environmental Engineering Jobs
Check out these growing careers in the field of environmental engineering.
What does an environmental engineer do
What does an environmental engineer do?
Explore environmental engineer careers, roles, and how to start—education, licensure, jobs, and exam prep tips.