2024 PE Exam Pass Rates

Most of the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam tests are administered year-round by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The PE exam is offered in 23 disciplines, and each discipline has its own pass rate. Some PE exam disciplines are known to have higher pass rates than others. Pass rates for most of these tests are released by NCEES twice per year. Below, we list the most recent average pass rates for first-time and repeat-test takers from the July-December 2024 PE exams.

2024 PE Exam Pass Rates

Here is the NCEES’s most recent PE Exam pass rate data:

The Easiest PE Exam Disciplines by Pass Rate

Based on first-time PE Examinees passing most frequently, these have been the easiest PE exam disciplines in 2024:

1. Agricultural and Biological Engineering (81%)

2. Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering (80%)

3. Fire Protection Engineering (78%)

4. Mechanical: Thermal and Fluids Systems Engineering (74%)

5. Electronics, Controls, and Communications (72%)

6. Mechanical: HVAC and Refrigeration (72%)

7. Environmental Engineering (71%)

8. Civil: Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (70%)

9. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (67%)

10. Electrical and Computer: Computer Engineering (67%)

The Hardest PE Exam Disciplines by Pass Rate

The PE Exam disciplines that the lowest percentage of test-taker pass – each with a first-attempt pass rate 60% or below in 2024 – are as follows:

1. Civil: Construction Engineering (59%)

2. Civil: Structural Engineering (58%)

3. Control Systems Engineering (58%)

4. Architectural Engineering (58%)

5. Electrical and Computer: Power Engineering (57%)

6. Civil: Transportation Engineering (57%)

7. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (56%)

8. Nuclear Engineering (54%)

9. Petroleum Engineering (42%)

First-Time PE Test-Takers vs. Repeat PE Test-Takers

As you can see in the table above, pass rates on the PE exams vary greatly. However, there is a noticeable trend across disciplines: the difference in performance between first-time PE test-takers and repeat test-takers. PE test-takers who pass typically do so on their first attempt. While passing on a repeat attempt is doable, pass rates tend to decrease by about one-third after your first attempt.

This trend can be attributed to multiple factors. For one, it is believed that most examinees do invest ample time studying and preparing for their PE Exam, as illustrated by the higher pass rates on initial attempts. While you may assume that repeat test-takers’ previous exposure to the test would increase their chances of passing, these examinees often repeat the mistake of not preparing enough. Repeat PE test-takers also often pivot to another discipline after a failed attempt instead of sticking with what they’ve been preparing for up to that point.

How does PE exam scoring work?

The PE exam is scored the same way as the FE exam. There is no passing score for the PE exam. Exam results are reported as pass or fail and are based on the number of questions you answered correctly. There is also no penalty for wrong answers, which is why you shouldn’t leave any questions unanswered.

Your total PE exam score is converted to a scaled score, which is then compared to the minimum ability level for that exam. All exams are scored the same way, including those for first-time test-takers and repeat test-takers.

When do I get my PE exam results?

Results for the PE exam are usually available 7-10 days after you take the exam. You’ll know your results are ready when you receive an email from NCEES with instructions to view your PE exam results in your MyNCEES account. If you did not pass the exam, you will receive a diagnostic report to assist you if you decide to retake the exam. Visit the NCEES website to view a sample diagnostic report.

How many times can I retake the PE exam?

If you do not pass the PE exam on your first attempt, you are permitted to try again and retake the exam. You can retake most PE exams once per three-month testing window for a maximum of three times per year. However, please note that some PE exams are only offered in October.

How to Increase Your Chances of Passing the PE Exam

Aside from the obvious recommendation to invest a significant amount of your time preparing for your PE Exam, there are other things you can do to help you pass. Often, simply asking others around you for assistance or advice can go a long way for your studies. Whether it’s a teacher, professor, or tutor, educators you have encountered throughout your schooling will often be willing to help. Sharing ideas with peers can be helpful and allow you to expand the techniques you are utilizing to study for the PE exam. And, of course, take advantage of PE exam prep courses and materials that are engineered to help you pass on your first attempt.

Preparing for the PE exam? Test your skills with a free sample quiz. Choose your discipline: PE Civil, PE Electrical, or PE Mechanical.

What happens after I pass the PE exam?

Have you recently passed the PE exam? Congratulations! Passing the PE exam is a huge accomplishment and you are well on your way to becoming a professional engineer. However, you’ll still need to apply for a PE license. Double-check that you meet all of your state’s requirements for licensure before applying. If the requirements have been met and your application has been accepted, you’ll receive your new designation and can purchase your stamp and seal. Learn more about displaying your PE designation and other next steps in our comprehensive guide to what happens after you pass the NCEES PE exam.