How should I study for the PE Civil CBT exam?

The recommended amount of study time for the PE Civil CBT exam is approximately 300 hours. To make sure that you are covering the right content during your study time, think about enrolling in a PE Civil exam prep course designed specifically for the CBT exam. PPI offers three different prep options for the PE Civil exam to suit the amount of prep you need and the format that works best for you: Live Online Course Bundle: This option is best for examinees who want an all-in-one solution to preparing for the PE Civil CBT exam and would like to attend scheduled class sessions. The Live Online course bundle will prepare you for both the depth and breadth portions of the exam. OnDemand Course Bundle: The OnDemand course bundle is a great option for students or professionals with busy schedules who want to study on the go or at inconsistent times. You'll receive access to pre-recorded lectures, problem-solving demonstrations, and exam strategy sessions from licensed engineers, as well as homework assignments and reference materials. Self Study - Learning Hub and Print Bundle: Students or professionals who need a refresher before they take the PE Civil Exam, but may not need a full review course, might find that the Learning Hub and Print option is for them. With this option, you’ll get access to the PE Learning Hub and printed review and practice materials.

What topics are on the PE Civil Construction exam?

The PE Civil Construction Depth section of the exam covers the following topics: Earthwork Construction and Layout Estimating Quantities and Costs Construction Operations and Methods Scheduling Material Quality Control and Production Temporary Structures Health and Safety For more information, you can visit ncees.org or view this PDF .

What topics are on the PE Civil Geotechnical exam?

The PE Civil Geotechnical section of the exam covers the following topics: Site Characterization Identification, validation, and interpretation of site data and proposed site development data Subsurface exploration planning Exploration techniques Sampling techniques In situ testing Description and classification of soils Rock classification and characterization Groundwater exploration, sampling, and characterization Soil Mechanics, Laboratory Testing, and Analysis Soil phase relationship and index property Chemical, electrical, and thermal properties Stress in soil mass Stress/strain, strength Permeability Construction Observation, Monitoring, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Safety Earthwork Trench and construction safety Geotechnical instrumentation Temporary and permanent soil erosion and scour protection measures Earthquake Engineering and Dynamic Loads Seismic site characterization Seismic analyses and design Earth Structures, Ground Improvement, and Pavement Ground improvement Geosynthetic applications Slope stability evaluation and slope stabilization Embankments, earth dams, and levees Landfills and caps Pavement and slab-on-grade design Utility design and construction Groundwater and Seepage Dewatering, seepage analysis, groundwater flow, and impact on nearby structures Drainage design/infiltration and seepage control Problematic Soil and Rock Conditions Karst, collapsible, expansive, peat, organic, and sensitive soils Reactive/corrosive soils Frost susceptibility Rock slopes and rockfalls Retaining Structures (ASD or LRFD) Lateral earth pressure and load distribution Rigid retaining wall analysis Cantilevered, anchored, and braced retaining wall analysis Cofferdams Underpinning methods and effects on adjacent infrastructure Ground anchors, tie-backs, soil nails, and rock anchors Shallow Foundations (ASD or LRFD) Bearing capacity Settlement, including induced stress distribution Deep Foundations (ASD or LRFD) Geotechnical and structural capacity and settlement of deep foundations Lateral capacity and deformation of deep foundations Installation methods Static and dynamic load testing Integrity testing methods For more information, you can visit ncees.org .

What topics are on the PE Civil Structural exam?

The PE Civil Structural exam covers the following topics: Analysis of Structures: Loads and Load Applications Dead loads Live loads Construction loads Wind loads Seismic loads Moving loads (e.g., vehicular, cranes) Snow, rain, and ice Impact loads Earth pressure and surcharge loads Tributary areas and load paths (e.g., lateral and vertical) Load combinations Analysis of Structures: Forces and Load Effects Diagrams (e.g., shear and moment) Axial (e.g., tension and compression) Shear Flexure Combined stresses Deflection Special topics (e.g., torsion, buckling, fatigue, progressive collapse, thermal deformation, bearing) Temporary Structures and Other Topics Special inspections Submittals Formwork, falsework, scaffolding, shoring and reshoring, bracing, and anchorage Impact of construction on adjacent facilities Safety (e.g., construction, roadside, work zone) Design and Details of Structures: Materials and Material Properties Soil classification and soil properties (e.g., strength, permeability, compressibility, phase relationships) Concrete (e.g., unreinforced, reinforced, cast-in-place, precast, pre-tensioned, post-tensioned) Steel (e.g., structural, cold-formed) Timber Masonry (e.g., brick veneer, CMU) Material test methods and specification conformance (e.g., concrete, steel, masonry, timber, other construction materials) Design and Details of Structures: Component Design and Detailing Horizontal members (e.g., beams, slabs, diaphragms, struts) Vertical members (e.g., columns, bearing walls, shear walls) Systems (e.g., trusses, braces, frames, composite construction) Connections (e.g., bolted, welded, bearing, embedded, anchored, post-installed anchors) Shallow foundations (e.g., footings, combined footings, slabs, mats) Deep foundations (e.g., piers, piles, caissons, drilled shafts) Retaining walls For more information, you can visit ncees.org .

Frequently Asked Questions about the PE Exam

Passing the PE is a pivotal step in an engineer’s career. A PE license is mandatory for consulting, owning a firm, stamping and sealing designs, and other activities. Choose your exam FAQ below to find essential information about your exam. If you have additional questions about the PE exam or would like to work with our Customer Support team, just contact us.

PE Exam General 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.

NCEES PE Exam Requirements and Qualifications

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.

About the NCEES PE 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.

PE Civil Exam General FAQs

You'll need to purchase the specific codes and standards required for your PE exam directly from the publishers.

The NCEES Reference Handbook can be downloaded for free from the NCEES website after creating a MyNCEES account. PPI does not publish the handbook, but you will have the opportunity to view practice exam questions side-by-side with your personal copy of the Handbook in our eLearning platform.

To register for the new option for the construction depth exam, you will need to select the "Construction - Design and Construction of Buildings and Structures" option when you register for the exam.

The PE Civil Reference Handbook should be used as a reference. You should know the content of it well enough that you can easily find what you're looking for during the exam, saving you time and avoiding additional stress. However, don't rely too heavily on it. If a topic is in the exam specs, you should study it in-depth regardless of whether or not it's in the Handbook. Learn more in our Ultimate Guide to the PE Civil Exam.

The PE Civil exam is challenging and rewards a disciplined study plan. Per NCEES (January 2026), first-time pass rates by discipline were: Construction 62%, Geotechnical 65%, Structural 61%, Transportation 59%, and Water Resources & Environmental 71%. Your discipline choice and how closely the content matches your work both affect your odds, so plan your preparation around your weaker areas.

The PE Civil exam runs 8 hours total for exam time to answer 80 questions total. The full 9-hour appointment also includes a short tutorial and an optional 50-minute break between sessions. Both sessions contain multiple-choice and alternative item types.

The PE Civil exam is an 8-hour closed-book CBT exam split into the AM—Breadth and PM—Depth sessions. 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.

Most states require about four years of qualifying post-college engineering experience (under a licensed PE) plus a passed FE exam before you can sit for the PE Civil exam. A growing number of states now let you take the exam before completing the experience and grant the license once you do. Always confirm the exact rules with your state licensing board.

The recommended amount of study time for the PE Civil CBT exam is approximately 300 hours. To make sure that you are covering the right content during your study time, think about enrolling in a PE Civil exam prep course designed specifically for the CBT exam. PPI offers three different prep options for the PE Civil exam to suit the amount of prep you need and the format that works best for you:

Live Online Course Bundle: This option is best for examinees who want an all-in-one solution to preparing for the PE Civil CBT exam and would like to attend scheduled class sessions. The Live Online course bundle will prepare you for both the depth and breadth portions of the exam.
OnDemand Course Bundle: The OnDemand course bundle is a great option for students or professionals with busy schedules who want to study on the go or at inconsistent times. You'll receive access to pre-recorded lectures, problem-solving demonstrations, and exam strategy sessions from licensed engineers, as well as homework assignments and reference materials.
Self Study - Learning Hub and Print Bundle: Students or professionals who need a refresher before they take the PE Civil Exam, but may not need a full review course, might find that the Learning Hub and Print option is for them. With this option, you’ll get access to the PE Learning Hub and printed review and practice materials.

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.

The PE Civil exam can be difficult. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of civil engineering and should not be taken lightly. You should plan on taking several weeks to prepare and study before sitting for the exam. The average pass rate for first-time test takers during the last exam was about 63%.

No, the PE Civil exam is now a closed-book CBT exam. October 2021 was the last exam in the open-book format. In 2022, the exam transitioned to a closed book Computer-Based Test (CBT) that is available to take year-round. You will not be able to bring any books into the exam. Your only reference will be an electronic reference supplied by NCEES.

The best PE Civil prep course gives you a structured review of all topics in your chosen examh, an extensive bank of exam-like practice problems, and full-length practice exams with diagnostics. PPI offers Live Online and self-paced PE Civil options built to the current CBT format so you can match the depth of review and schedule to your needs.

The PE Civil exam is a closed-book, computer-based test (CBT) that measures minimum competency in civil engineering. It's an 8-hour exam of 80 questions, taken year-round. There are five distinct disciplines to select for the exam including Construction, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources & Environmental. . You generally need four years of post-college experience to sit for it. Some states allow you to sit for the PE exam earlier in your career; see your state’s specific requirements for details.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

The latest pass rates released by NCEES for the PE Civil exam were:

First-time test takers: 63%
Repeat test takers: 40%

This depends on your exam. The civil exam is a breadth and depth exam. So all of the breadth topics will be similar on each exam, but the depth topics differ by exam. For more information on specifications for your exam, please visit NCEES here.

Certain codes and design standards will need to be obtained from the respective code publishers. PPI refers to closed-book references throughout our own study materials; however, due to copyright, PPI is not able to provide the design standards or codes themselves.

NCEES provides a Reference Handbook free of charge. To download for personal use, navigate to ncees.org and select ”MyNCEES”. You will need to create an account with NCEES to receive the Handbook. PPI does not publish the NCEES Handbook, but we do have the capability to view questions side-by-side with your own personal copy of the Handbook.

Can't decide which PE Civil depth section to take? Choosing a depth section is a big decision, particularly if you're unsure of the best route to take. Isaac Oakeson, PE, of Civil Engineering Academy, put together this video explaining how to best choose a depth section when you're not sure what direction is best for you.

If you are deciding between two PE Civil disciplines, such as choosing between Construction and Transportation, you should consider which exam you are more likely to pass based on your experience. Take a look at the exam topics for each and consider which you are more familiar with. Another consideration is where you would like to focus on for your future career. If there is one discipline you are more interested in for your future career, prioritize taking that discipline’s exam.

PE Civil Construction Exam FAQs

The PE Civil Construction exam is an 8-hour closed-book CBT exam split into AM and PM sessions. 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.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

Pass rates for the last PE Civil Construction exam were:

First-time test takers: 61%
Repeat test takers: 35%

The PE Civil Construction Depth section of the exam covers the following topics:

Earthwork Construction and Layout
Estimating Quantities and Costs
Construction Operations and Methods
Scheduling
Material Quality Control and Production
Temporary Structures
Health and Safety

For more information, you can visit ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Civil Geotechnical Exam FAQs

Your exam appointment is 9 hours long and includes:

Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
Tutorial (8 minutes)
Exam (8 hours)
Optional scheduled break (50 minutes)

The exam is divided into two sessions, with approximately 40 questions each session, totalling 80 questions. Examinees can, if they choose, divide up question-solving time how they wish; for example, they could choose to spend 2 hours on the morning session and 6 hours on the afternoon session. However, once a full session is submitted, it cannot be revisited. Additionally, the examinee has 8 hours total for answering questions, meaning if less time is spent on break, that time is not added to problem-solving time.

The PE Civil exam is a closed-book computer-based test (CBT) exam. You will not be able to bring any books into the exam. Your only references will be electronic PDFs references supplied by NCEES On exam day, NCEES will supply the NCEES PE Civil Reference Handbook, which has key engineering equations. NCEES will also provide design standards which are code references. These design standards will be divided up by chapter - so on exam day you will click on the design standard, then click the chapter to load, and a searchable PDF of that chapter will be displayed on the left-hand side of your screen.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. NCEES uses a scoring algorithm based on correct answers and the question difficulty of your specific exam, among other factors. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

Historical Pass Rates for the PE Civil Geotechnical Exam are*:

64% for first-time test-takers
46% for repeat test-takers

*As of July 2025

The PE Civil Geotechnical section of the exam covers the following topics:

Site Characterization

Identification, validation, and interpretation of site data and proposed site development data
Subsurface exploration planning
Exploration techniques
Sampling techniques
In situ testing
Description and classification of soils
Rock classification and characterization
Groundwater exploration, sampling, and characterization

Soil Mechanics, Laboratory Testing, and Analysis

Soil phase relationship and index property
Chemical, electrical, and thermal properties
Stress in soil mass
Stress/strain, strength
Permeability

Construction Observation, Monitoring, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Safety

Earthwork
Trench and construction safety
Geotechnical instrumentation
Temporary and permanent soil erosion and scour protection measures

Earthquake Engineering and Dynamic Loads

Seismic site characterization
Seismic analyses and design

Earth Structures, Ground Improvement, and Pavement

Ground improvement
Geosynthetic applications
Slope stability evaluation and slope stabilization
Embankments, earth dams, and levees
Landfills and caps
Pavement and slab-on-grade design
Utility design and construction

Groundwater and Seepage

Dewatering, seepage analysis, groundwater flow, and impact on nearby structures
Drainage design/infiltration and seepage control

Problematic Soil and Rock Conditions

Karst, collapsible, expansive, peat, organic, and sensitive soils
Reactive/corrosive soils
Frost susceptibility
Rock slopes and rockfalls

Retaining Structures (ASD or LRFD)

Lateral earth pressure and load distribution
Rigid retaining wall analysis
Cantilevered, anchored, and braced retaining wall analysis
Cofferdams
Underpinning methods and effects on adjacent infrastructure
Ground anchors, tie-backs, soil nails, and rock anchors

Shallow Foundations (ASD or LRFD)

Bearing capacity
Settlement, including induced stress distribution

Deep Foundations (ASD or LRFD)

Geotechnical and structural capacity and settlement of deep foundations
Lateral capacity and deformation of deep foundations
Installation methods
Static and dynamic load testing
Integrity testing methods

For more information, you can visit ncees.org.

PE Civil Structural Exam FAQs

The PE Civil exam is 8 hours total for answering80 questions overall, plus a short tutorial and a scheduled break for a 9-hour total appointment. It is a closed-book, computer-based test offered year-round.

The PE Civil exam has 80 questions total. Questions are multiple-choice and alternative item types, drawn from the NCEES specifications for each session.

Plan for roughly 300 hours covering the topics on the exam. Effective prep combines structured review of structural analysis and design topics, heavy practice with code- and standard-based problems (so the electronic references feel second nature), and full-length timed practice exams. PPI offers PE Civil Structural review and practice built to the current CBT format.

It is closed-book. Like all PE Civil exams, it is a computer-based test. On exam day NCEES provides the electronic, searchable PE Civil Reference Handbook plus the required design standards (loaded by chapter as searchable PDFs on-screen). Practice navigating these electronic references so lookups are fast under time pressure.

They are different exams for different goals. The PE Civil Structural exam is one option within the standard 8-hour PE Civil exam and leads to a general PE license. The PE Structural (SE) exam is a separate, more extensive four-exam series (vertical and lateral components, each with a breadth and depth exam) required in certain states and roles to practice as a licensed Structural Engineer. Choose the SE exam only if your state or career specifically requires SE licensure.

NCEES does not publish a fixed passing score (the exam is scored pass/fail using a scaled method). For the PE Civil: Structural, the NCEES first-time pass rate was 61% as of January 2026 (with repeat-taker rates around 42%). Aim to be consistently strong across all topics on full-length practice exams.

The PE Civil Structural is one of five discipline options within the PE Civil exam. The exam is focused on structural engineering — analysis of structures, design and details of structural systems, loads, and applicable codes and standards. It's for candidates pursuing structural-focused civil licensure.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

Pass rates for the PE Civil Structural exam are*:

First-time test takers: 61%
Repeat test takers: 42%

*As of July 2025

The PE Civil Structural exam covers the following topics:

Analysis of Structures: Loads and Load Applications

Dead loads
Live loads
Construction loads
Wind loads
Seismic loads
Moving loads (e.g., vehicular, cranes)
Snow, rain, and ice
Impact loads
Earth pressure and surcharge loads
Tributary areas and load paths (e.g., lateral and vertical)
Load combinations

Analysis of Structures: Forces and Load Effects

Diagrams (e.g., shear and moment)
Axial (e.g., tension and compression)
Shear
Flexure
Combined stresses
Deflection
Special topics (e.g., torsion, buckling, fatigue, progressive collapse, thermal deformation, bearing)

Temporary Structures and Other Topics

Special inspections
Submittals
Formwork, falsework, scaffolding, shoring and reshoring, bracing, and anchorage
Impact of construction on adjacent facilities
Safety (e.g., construction, roadside, work zone)

Design and Details of Structures: Materials and Material Properties

Soil classification and soil properties (e.g., strength, permeability, compressibility, phase relationships)
Concrete (e.g., unreinforced, reinforced, cast-in-place, precast, pre-tensioned, post-tensioned)
Steel (e.g., structural, cold-formed)
Timber Masonry (e.g., brick veneer, CMU)
Material test methods and specification conformance (e.g., concrete, steel, masonry, timber, other construction materials)

Design and Details of Structures: Component Design and Detailing

Horizontal members (e.g., beams, slabs, diaphragms, struts)
Vertical members (e.g., columns, bearing walls, shear walls)
Systems (e.g., trusses, braces, frames, composite construction)
Connections (e.g., bolted, welded, bearing, embedded, anchored, post-installed anchors)
Shallow foundations (e.g., footings, combined footings, slabs, mats)
Deep foundations (e.g., piers, piles, caissons, drilled shafts)
Retaining walls

For more information, you can visit ncees.org.

PE Civil Transportation Exam FAQs

Your PE Civil Transportation exam appointment is 9 hours long and includes:

Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
Tutorial (8 minutes)
Exam (8 hours)
Optional scheduled break (50 minutes)

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

Pass rates for the PE Civil Transportation exam are*:

First-time test takers: 61%
Repeat test takers: 42%

*As of July 2025

The PE Civil Transportation exam covers the following topics:

Project Management
Traffic Engineering (Capacity Analysis, Transportation Planning, and Safety Analysis)
Roadside and Cross-Section Design
Horizontal Design
Vertical Design
Intersection Geometry
Traffic Signals
Traffic Control Design
Geotechnical and Pavement
Drainage

For more information, you can visit ncees.org.

PE Civil Water Resources Exam FAQs

Your exam appointment is 9 hours long and includes:

Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
Tutorial (8 minutes)
Exam (8 hours)
Optional scheduled break (50 minutes)

The exam is divided into two sessions, with approximately 40 questions each session, totaling 80 questions. Examinees can, if they choose, divide up question-solving time how they wish; for example, they could choose to spend 2 hours on the morning session and 6 hours on the afternoon session. However, once a full session is submitted, it cannot be revisited. Additionally, the examinee has 8 hours total for answering questions, meaning if less time is spent on break, that time is not added to problem-solving time.

The PE Civil exam is a closed-book computer-based test (CBT) exam. You will not be able to bring any books into the exam. Your only references will be electronic PDF references supplied by NCEES. On exam day, NCEES will supply the NCEES PE Civil Reference Handbook, which has key engineering equations. NCEES will also provide design standards which are code references. For the Water Resources and Environmental exam, those design standards are the Ten State’s Standards, and will generally be used much less on exam day compared to the NCEES PE Civil Handbook.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

Pass rates for the PE Civil Water Resources and Environmental exam are*:

First-time test takers: 72%
Repeat test takers: 50%

*As of July 2025

The PE Civil Water Resources and Environmental exam covers the following topics:

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, you can visit ncees.org.

PE CA Civil Seismic Exam FAQs

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.

You can see the specifications and exam topics here.

Once your score is finalized, you will be emailed your exam results. Your exam results report will show a passing designation but no score.

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.

You will need to bring your ID, reference materials (see prometric.com) for your exam for the limitations/guidelines on the number of materials you can bring). Make sure you are familiar with all your reference materials and have used them to study with, so you know how to find the information you need in them quickly. This link has the list of suggested reference materials from the Board.

You can bring two non-QWERTY calculators that meet the requirements outlined on Prometric’s website, and you may bring in any two of the following four measuring devices: ruler, protractor, architect scale, or engineer scale. Since the exam is all on the computer, most examinees find a straight edge is sufficient.

You will be provided with pencils and two scratch paper booklets (they must be returned on completion of the exam).

The exam is offered on a quarterly basis.

PE CA Civil Surveying Exam FAQs

You can view the exam topics and specifications here.

Once your score is finalized, you will be emailed your exam results. Your exam results report will show a passing designation but no score.

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 passing rate for the exam is 46 percent. Taking a prep course can help you feel more prepared and confident on exam day. Check out prep course options here.

You should bring your ID and reference materials. You can find the limitations and guidelines on the quantity of materials you can bring on the Prometric website. Make sure you are familiar with all your reference materials and have used them to study, so you know how to find the information you need in them quickly. You can see a list of suggested reference materials from the Board here.

You can bring two non-QWERTY calculators to the exam, but they must meet the requirements outlined on prometric.com.

You will be provided with pencils and two scratch paper booklets (they must be returned on completion of the exam).

The exam is offered on a quarterly basis.

PE Mechanical Exam General FAQs

No, the discipline you pass doesn't change your credential. For most states, whether you take HVAC & Refrigeration, Machine Design & Materials, or Thermal & Fluid Systems, passing earns you the same Professional Engineer (PE) license and stamp; it does not read 'HVAC PE' or 'Thermal PE.' Instead, ethical practice requires that you only stamp work within your professional competency. Check your state’s regulations and choose the discipline you're most comfortable with to maximize your chance of passing.

The PE Mechanical exam is 8 hours of testing with 80 questions, inside a 9-hour appointment that also includes a tutorial and a scheduled break. Questions are multiple-choice and alternative item types, drawn from the topics from your chosen discipline’s exam topics.

Most states require about four years of qualifying post-college engineering experience (under a licensed PE) plus a passed FE exam before you sit for the PE Mechanical exam. Some states now let you take the exam earlier and grant the license once you complete the experience. Confirm the exact requirements with your state licensing board.

Plan for roughly 200–300 hours of focused study covering the topics ofyour chosen discipline. The most effective approach combines structured topic review aligned to NCEES specifications, a large bank of exam-like practice problems, and full-length timed practice exams to build endurance for the 8-hour day. Master your electronic reference so lookups are fast. PPI offers PE Mechanical review and practice built to the current CBT format.

The PE Mechanical exam is rigorous but has relatively strong pass rates. Per NCEES (January 2025), first-time pass rates by discipline were: HVAC & Refrigeration 74%, Machine Design & Materials 71%, and Thermal & Fluid Systems 77%. The exam is most manageable when it matches your day-to-day work, so choose the discipline that best matches and plan several months of focused study around your weaker areas.

Unfortunately, no. In April 2020, the exam changed to a closed-book, computer-based test (CBT) that is available to take year-round. The exam topics have not changed; however, you will not be able to bring any books into the exam. Your only reference will be an electronic reference supplied by NCEES.

The best PE Mechanical prep course offers exam-specific review (HVAC, Machine Design, or Thermal & Fluid Systems), an extensive bank of exam-like practice problems, and full-length practice exams with diagnostics. PPI provides live-online and self-paced PE Mechanical options aligned to the current CBT format so you can match the review depth and schedule to your needs.

The PE Mechanical exam is a closed-book, computer-based test that measures minimum competency in mechanical engineering. It's an 8-hour exam of 80 questions taken year-round at Pearson VUE centers, and you choose one of three disciplines: HVAC & Refrigeration, Machine Design & Materials, or Thermal & Fluid Systems. You generally need about four years of post-college experience to sit for it.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here. The latest pass rates released by NCEES for the PE Mechanical exam were:

First-time test takers: 68%
Repeat test takers: 37%

The PE Mechanical exam offers three disciplines, and you pick one when you register: HVAC & Refrigeration, Machine Design & Materials, and Thermal & Fluid Systems. Whichever you pass, you earn the same PE license and choose the disciplinethat matches your work experience. See NCEES for the current specifications.

By NCEES pass rates (January 2026), Thermal & Fluid Systems (774%) and HVAC & Refrigeration (74%) had higher first-time pass rates than Machine Design & Materials (71%) but the 'easiest' exam is really the one that matches your daily work. All three lead to the PE license, so choose the discipline you know best and that aligns with your career. Don't pick a discipline ust for its pass rate.

PE Mechanical HVAC and Refrigeration Exam FAQs

You will have 8 hours to complete the exam which contains 80 questions.

Unfortunately, no. In April 2020, the exam changed to a closed book Computer-Based Test (CBT) that is available to take year-round. The exam topics have not changed; however, you will not be able to bring any books into the exam. Your only reference will be an electronic reference supplied by NCEES.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

The last reported pass rates for the PE Mechanical HVAC and Refrigeration exam were:

First-time test takers: 75%
Repeat test takers: 58%

The PE Mechanical HVAC and Refrigeration exam covers the following topics:

Thermodynamics
Psychometrics
Heat Transfer
Fluid Mechanics
Energy/Mass Balances
Heating/Cooling Loads
Equipment and Components
Systems and Components

For more information, you can visit ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Mechanical Machine Design & Materials Exam FAQs

You will have 8 hours to complete the exam which contains 80 questions.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

Pass rates for the last PE Mechanical Machine Design and Materials exam were:

First-time test takers: 75%
Repeat test takers: 39%

The PE Mechanical Machine Design and Materials exam covers the following topics:

Basic Engineering Practice
Engineering Science and Mechanics
Material Properties
Strength of Materials
Vibration
Mechanical Components
Joints and Fasteners
Supportive Knowledge

For more information, you can visit ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Mechanical Thermal & Fluid Systems Exam FAQs

You will have 8 hours to complete the exam which contains 80 questions.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

Pass rates for the last PE Mechanical Thermal and Fluid Systems exam were:

First-time test takers: 69%
Repeat test takers: 48%

The PE Mechanical Thermal and Fluid Systems exam covers the following topics:

Basic Engineering Practice
Fluid Mechanics
Heat Transfer Principles
Mass Balance Principles
Thermodynamics
Supportive Knowledge
Hydraulic and Fluid Applications
Energy/Power System Applications

For more information, you can visit ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Electrical & Computer General Exam FAQs

The exam is an 8-hour open-book exam split into AM and PM sessions. 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 Electrical exam can be difficult. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of electrical engineering and should not be taken lightly. You should plan on taking several weeks to prepare and study before sitting for the exam. The average pass rate for first-time test takers during the last exam was about 64%.

Yes, and you can bring your PPI review materials with you on exam day. Starting in 2021, the exam will change to a closed-book, computer-based exam.

The PE Electrical exam tests for a minimum level of competency in electrical engineering. You need a minimum of four years of post-college work experience to be able to sit for the exam.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here. The latest pass rates released by NCEES for the PE Electrical exam were:

First-time test takers: 60%

Repeat test takers: 30%

This depends on your exam. The topics on the Power, Electronics, and Computer exams do differ. For more information on specifications for your exam, please visit NCEES here.

PE Electrical & Computer Power Exam FAQs

You will have 8 hours to complete the exam which contains 80 questions.

Unfortunately, no. In December 2020 the exam changed to a closed book Computer-Based Test (CBT) which is available to take year-round. The exam topics have not changed; however, you will not be able to bring any books into the exam. Your only reference will be an electronic reference supplied by NCEES.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

Pass rates for the last PE Electrical Power exam were:

First-time test takers: 58%
Repeat test takers: 39%

The PE Electrical Power exam covers the following topics:

General Power Engineering
Circuits
Rotating Machines and Electrical Power Devices
Transmission and Distribution (High, Medium, and Low Voltage)

For more information, you can visit ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Electrical Electronics, Controls, & Communications Exam FAQs

You will have 9.5 hours to complete the exam (8.5 for actual exam, 50 minutes for break, 10 minutes for tutorial/nondisclosure agreement) which contains 85 questions.

Unfortunately, no. The exam has changed to a closed book Computer-Based Test (CBT) which is available to take one day a year. The exam topics have not changed; however, you will not be able to bring any books into the exam. Your only reference will be an electronic reference supplied by NCEES.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here.

Pass rates for the last PE Electrical Electronics, Controls, and Communications exam were:

First-time test takers: 62%
Repeat test takers: 22%

The PE Electrical Electronics, Controls, and Communications exam covers the following topics:

General Electrical Engineering Knowledge
Digital Systems
Electromagnetics
Electronics
Control Systems
Communications

For more information, you can visit ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Chemical Exam FAQs

Your exam appointment at a Pearson VUE test center will last 9 hours. You will have 8 hours to complete the 80-question exam. Also included in your 9-hour appointment is a tutorial and a scheduled break.

The PE Chemical exam can be difficult. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of chemical engineering and should not be taken lightly. You should plan on taking several weeks to prepare and study before sitting for the exam.

Unfortunately, no. In 2018, the exam changed to a closed-book, computer-based test (CBT) that is available to take year-round. The exam topics did not not change; however, you are not able to bring any books into the exam. Your only reference is an electronic reference supplied by NCEES.

The PE Chemical exam tests for a minimum level of competency in chemical engineering. In most cases, you need a minimum of four years of post-college work experience to be able to sit for the exam.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here. The latest pass rates released by NCEES for the PE Chemical exam were:

First-time test takers: 68%
Repeat test takers: 32%

The PE Chemical exam covers the following topics:

Mass/Energy Balances
Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Fluids
Mass Transfer
Plant Design and Operation

For more information, you can visit the ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Environmental Exam FAQs

The PE Environmental exam has 80 questions (multiple-choice and alternative item types) delivered over the 8-hour CBT. NCEES does not publish a fixed passing score; results are reported as pass or fail using a scaled, psychometric standard. Rather than targeting a percentage, aim to be consistently strong across all six topic areas on full-length practice exams.

Most states require about four years of qualifying post-college environmental engineering experience (under a licensed PE) plus a passed FE exam before you can sit for the PE Environmental exam. Some states now allow you to take the exam earlier and grant the license once you complete the experience. Always confirm the exact rules with your state licensing board.

The PE Environmental exam is offered year-round by appointment at Pearson VUE test centers. You can take it up to three times in a 12-month period, with a wait between attempts (typically once per testing window). Some state boards set stricter retake limits, so confirm with your licensing board before rescheduling.

Plan for 200–300 hours of focused study across all six topic areas (Water, Air, Solid & Hazardous Waste, Site Assessment & Remediation, Environmental Health & Safety, and Associated Engineering Principles). The most effective approach combines structured topic review aligned to NCEES specifications, a large bank of exam-like practice problems, and full-length timed practice exams. PPI offers PE Environmental review and practice materials built to the current CBT format.

The PE Environmental exam is rigorous but has one of the higher PE pass rates; the NCEES first-time pass rate was 67% as of January 2026. It tests competency across all areas of environmental engineering, so plan several weeks to months of focused study. As with all PE exams, your odds improve when the content reflects your day-to-day work.

Unfortunately, no. In 2019, the exam changed to a closed-book, computer-based test (CBT) that is available to take year-round by appointment at Pearson VUE test centers. The exam topics did not not change; however, you are not able to bring any books into the exam. Your only reference is an electronic reference supplied by NCEES.

The best PE Environmental prep course gives you structured review across all six exam areas, an extensive bank of exam-like practice problems, and full-length practice exams with diagnostics. PPI provides PE Environmental review and practice options aligned to the current year-round CBT format so you can match the depth of review and schedule to your needs.

The PE Environmental exam tests a minimum level of competency in environmental engineering and is the licensure exam for engineers in water, air, waste, and remediation fields. You generally need a passed FE exam and about four years of post-college experience (varies by state) to sit for it. It's the right PE exam for engineers whose work centers on environmental systems, remediation, and compliance.

According to NCEES, there isn't a specific pass or fail score. You can view how NCEES scores the exam by visiting here. The latest pass rates released by NCEES for the PE Environmental exam were:

First-time test takers: 65%
Repeat test takers: None

The PE Environmental exam covers the following topics:

Water
Air
Solid and Hazardous Waste
Site Assessment and Remediation
Environmental Health and Safety
Associated Engineering Principles

For more information, you can visit the ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Control Systems FAQs

You will have 8 hours to complete the exam, which contains 80 questions.

The PE Control Systems exam can be difficult. According to NCEES, 67% of first-time test takers pass. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of control systems engineering and should not be taken lightly. You should plan on taking several months to prepare and study before sitting for the exam.

The PE Control Systems exam tests for a minimum level of competency in control systems engineering. In most cases, you need a minimum of four years of post-college work experience to be able to sit for the exam.

The PE Control Systems exam covers the following topics:

Measurement
Control Systems
Final Control Elements
Signals, Transmission, and Networking
Safety Systems

For more information, you can visit the ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Metallurgical and Materials FAQs

You will have 8 hours to complete the exam, which contains 80 questions.

The PE Metallurgical and Materials exam can be difficult. According to NCEES, 69% of first-time test takers pass. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of metallurgical and materials engineering and should not be taken lightly. You should plan on taking several months to prepare and study before sitting for the exam.

The PE Metallurgical and Materials exam tests for a minimum level of competency in metallurgical and materials engineering. In most cases, you need a minimum of four years of post-college work experience to be able to sit for the exam.

The PE Metallurgical and Materials exam covers the following topics:

Structure
Properties
Processing
Performance

For more information, you can visit the ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Industrial FAQs

You will have 8.5 hours to complete the exam, which contains 85 questions.

The PE Industrial exam can be difficult. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of industrial engineering and should not be taken lightly. You should plan on taking several weeks to prepare and study before sitting for the exam.

The PE Industrial exam tests for a minimum level of competency in industrial engineering. In most cases, you need a minimum of four years of post-college work experience to be able to sit for the exam.

The PE Industrial exam covers the following topics:

Systems Engineering
Facilities Engineering and Planning
Operations Engineering
Work Design
Quality Engineering

For more information, you can visit the ncees.org or view this PDF.

PE Nuclear FAQs

Your exam appointment at a Pearson VUE test center will last 9.5 hours. You will have 8.5 hours to complete the 85-question exam. Also included in your 9-hour appointment is a tutorial and a scheduled break.

The PE Nuclear exam can be difficult. According to NCEES, approximately 58% of first time test takers pass. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of nuclear engineering and should not be taken lightly. You should plan on taking several months to prepare before sitting for the exam.

The PE Nuclear exam tests for a minimum level of competency in nuclear engineering. In most cases, you need a minimum of four years of post-college work experience to be able to sit for the exam.

The PE Nuclear exam covers the following topics: