Everything You Need to Pass the Open-Book PE Civil Exam
Offering reference manuals, practice problems, practice exams, study schedules, and more.
Choose Your Breadth and Depth Study Method Below
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The NCEES PE Civil exam is open book. Bring the PE Civil Reference Manual and your exam-specific depth reference with you on exam day. Practice is the key to exam success. PPI offers a combination of print, online review, and digital practice.
FAQs for the PE Civil Exam
Which PE Civil depth section should I take?
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. Click here to take a look at the video for his advice.
What is the PE Civil exam?
The PE Civil exam tests for a minimum level of competency in civil engineering. You need a minimum of four years of post-college work experience to be able to sit for the exam.
Is the PE Civil exam hard?
The PE Civil exam can be difficult. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of civil engineering and should not be take lightly. You should plan on taking many weeks to prepare and study hard before sitting for the exam. The average pass rate first time test takers during the last exam was about 63%.
Is the PE Civil exam open book?
Yes, and you can bring your PPI review materials with you on exam day.
How long is the PE Civil exam?
The exam is an 8-hour open-book 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.
FAQs for the PE Civil Exam
Which PE Civil depth section should I take?
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. Click here to take a look at the video for his advice.
What is the PE Civil exam?
The PE Civil exam tests for a minimum level of competency in civil engineering. You need a minimum of four years of post-college work experience to be able to sit for the exam.
Is the PE Civil exam hard?
The PE Civil exam can be difficult. The exam tests your competency in all aspects of civil engineering and should not be take lightly. You should plan on taking many weeks to prepare and study hard before sitting for the exam. The average pass rate first time test takers during the last exam was about 63%.
Is the PE Civil exam open book?
Yes, and you can bring your PPI review materials with you on exam day.
How long is the PE Civil exam?
The exam is an 8-hour open-book 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.
