2027 PE Structural exam changes: new specifications, design standards, and what to know

The PE Structural exam is changing on April 1, 2027. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is updating both the exam specifications and the design standards used across the Structural Breadth and Depth exams. Candidates will see revised topic distributions, updated code editions, component-specific reference lists, and changes to the Depth exam format. 

If you plan to take a PE Structural exam in April 2027 or later, understanding these changes now can help you choose the right study materials and build a study plan around the specifications and standards you will actually encounter on exam day.

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PE Structural exam changes for 2027 at a glance

Here are some of the most important changes taking effect in April 2027:

NCEES will continue to administer the PE Structural exam as a computer-based exam using electronic references.

What is changing on the PE Structural exam in April 2027?

The 2027 PE Structural exam update affects more than the design standards. NCEES is also revising how topics are organized and tested across the Vertical Forces and Lateral Forces Breadth and Depth exams. 

PE Structural Breadth exam format will stay the same

The basic format of the PE Structural Breadth exams is not changing.

Both the Vertical Forces and Lateral Forces Breadth exams will continue to have a 6-hour appointment with 55 multiple-choice questions. NCEES identifies 45 questions as scored and 10 as unscored pretest questions. 

While the format remains consistent, the topics, subtopics, and applicable design standards are changing, so candidates preparing for an exam in April 2027 or later should study from the new specifications. 

PE Structural Depth exams will have 48 questions

The PE Structural Depth exam format is changing beginning in April 2027.

Each Depth exam will continue to have a 6.5-hour appointment, including 6 hours of actual exam time. However, the total number of questions will decrease from 60 to 48. Of the 48 questions, 40 will be scored, and eight will be unscored pretest questions.

The question format is also changing. Through March 2027, Depth exams use only alternative item types (AITs). Beginning in April 2027, Depth exams can include both AITs and multiple-choice, single-response questions.

Most 2027 Depth exams will contain four scenarios. The exception is the Structural Bridges Depth–Vertical Forces exam, which will contain five scenarios.

PE Structural exam topics are being reorganized

NCEES is revising the topic and subtopic distributions across the Structural exams to better align with industry practice and code usage. The result is a more focused, concept-driven structure across both Breadth and Depth sections.

Key changes to the Vertical Breadth specifications include:

• Streamlined topic organization for 2027
• Cold-formed steel remains part of the Lateral Breadth exam but is no longer a standalone Vertical Breadth topic
• Elimination of several individually listed load topics, including vessel collision and ice loads
• Increased emphasis on core structural concepts, including flexure, shear, axial design, and connections
• Explicit inclusion of strut-and-tie analysis within the specification framework

The Lateral Breadth exam is also being reorganized, with a stronger focus on system-level structural behavior. Updated topic focus areas include:

• Load path identification and evaluation
• Structural stability considerations
• Drift and deflection control
• Seismic irregularities
• Structural system selection and behavior

The Buildings and Bridges Depth exams are also being refined, with topics reorganized into clearer, practice-specific groupings to reflect real-world engineering applications better.

Because of these updates, candidates should:

• Review the official NCEES specification for their exact exam section
• Avoid relying on generalized PE Structural topic summaries
• Choose study materials that align with the 2027 Breadth or Depth specifications they will be tested on

This helps ensure preparation aligns with the updated exam structure, design expectations, and code-based problem-solving approach used beginning with the April 2027 PE Structural exam. 

What design standards are changing for the 2027 PE Structural exam?

The April 2027 update introduces newer editions of the major design standards used on the PE Structural exam. Key updates include:

Not every design standard applies to every PE Structural exam section. Under the new specifications, NCEES provides a design-standard list for each individual Breadth or Depth exam. For example, the Bridges Depth exams use a different set of references than the Buildings exams. Candidates should review the NCEES specification for their specific exam section to determine which standards they need to study.

Why do the updated PE Structural design standards matter?

Preparing with the correct design standards is especially important for a computer-based PE Structural exam. The following key points should be kept in mind:

• NCEES provides the PE Structural Engineering Reference Handbook and all applicable design standards electronically during the exam
• Personal reference materials are not allowed in the testing room
• NCEES states that solutions involving a design standard are graded based on the specific standard and revision year listed in the exam specification

That means candidates testing in April 2027 or later should become comfortable working with the new editions, not the editions used on earlier exams.

Familiarity with these standards also directly supports your test-taking strategy:

• Knowing the correct code editions helps you avoid searching for outdated provisions during the exam
• Studying with the same editions used on test day improves speed and accuracy when locating equations, tables, and design requirements
• Repeated exposure to the official references builds confidence navigating the digital exam interface

PPI is updating its PE Structural prep materials to align with the new exam specifications and design standards so candidates preparing for the 2027 exam can study using materials built around the applicable topics and code editions.

Should I take the PE Structural exam before the April 2027 changes?

This depends on whether you are taking a Breadth or Depth section. PE Structural Breadth sections are administered year-round. The new Breadth specifications become effective beginning April 2027. Depth sections, however, are administered only twice per year. NCEES lists October 27-28, 2026, as the final Depth administration before the transition, followed by the first 2027 Depth exams on April 13-14, 2027. 

If you have already invested significant study time in the 2026 standards and are on track to be ready, continuing with your existing study plan may allow you to avoid switching code editions partway through your preparation. 

If you are just beginning to prepare and expect to test in April 2027 or later, build your study plan around the 2027 PE Structural exam specifications and design standards from the start. 

How to prepare for the 2027 PE Structural exam changes

If your exam will fall under the new specifications, use these steps to begin adjusting your preparation:

1. Identify Your Exact PE Structural Exam Sections: Determine whether you are preparing for Vertical or Lateral Forces, Breadth or Depth, and Buildings or Bridges where applicable.
2. Review the April 2027 NCEES Specification for Those Sections: Do not assume every topic or reference applies to every Structural exam.
3. Verify Your Design-Standard Editions: Compare the study materials you are using against the standards listed by NCEES for your exam.
4. Practice Navigating the Updated References: Knowing where to locate information efficiently is an important part of preparing for a computer-based exam.
5. Use Study Materials Aligned with the 2027 Specifications: Avoid unintentionally mixing preparation materials based on older specifications or code editions with the new exam requirements.
6. Build Your Study Schedule Around Your Intended Exam Date: Candidates testing before April 2027 and those testing in April 2027 or later should follow different preparation timelines. 

Prepare for the PE Structural exam with PPI

If you plan to take the PE Structural exam before the April 2027 changes take effect, PPI’s existing PE Structural exam prep options can help you prepare for your upcoming exam.

Beginning in early 2027, PPI will offer updated PE Structural prep aligned with the new exam specifications and design standards taking effect in April. 

Whether you are preparing before the transition or for the updated exam, choosing resources that match your exam date can help you focus your study time on the topics and standards you will actually need on exam day.

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Frequently asked questions about the 2027 PE Structural changes

Is the PE Structural Breadth exam changing in 2027?

Yes. The exam specifications, topic distributions, and design standards are being updated in April 2027. However, the basic Breadth exam format will remain a 6-hour appointment with 55 multiple-choice questions.

Is the PE Structural Depth exam changing in 2027?

Yes. Beginning in April 2027, PE Structural Depth exams will contain 48 questions instead of 60. The appointment will remain 6.5 hours, and 40 questions will be scored. Depth exams will also include both alternative item types and multiple-choice questions.

Does PPI provide the PE Structural design standards with its exam prep?

Due to copyright restrictions, PPI cannot provide copies of the PE Structural design standards with its exam prep materials. However, PPI resources include detailed references to help you identify where to find applicable design equations, values, and other information within the required standards. 

What codes are changing on the PE Structural exam?

Several major standards are moving to newer editions, including AASHTO LRFD, ACI 318, the AISC Steel Construction Manual, ASCE 7, IBC, NDS, and TMS 402/602. The exact standards to which you have access on exam day depend on your specific exam section.

Can I use older design standards on the PE Structural exam?

Candidates cannot bring personal reference materials into the computer-based exam. NCEES provides the reference handbook and designated design standards electronically, and solutions that reference standards are evaluated based on the edition identified in the applicable exam specification. 

Should I take the PE Structural exam before April 2027?

It depends on where you are in your preparation. If you are already studying with the 2026 standards and can be fully prepared before April 2027, completing your exam before the transition may help you avoid changing standards during your studies. If you expect to test in April 2027 or later, prepare using the new specifications and standards instead.