From E.I.T. to P.E.
Taking the Next Step
For civil engineers, earning a PE license demonstrates a high level of technical competence and professional responsibility. The PE Civil exam is a critical milestone for engineers.
Whether you’re aiming to lead projects, start your own firm, or stand out in a competitive field, earning your PE license sets you apart as a dedicated and trusted professional.
Products
PE Civil Exam FAQs
Who is eligible to take the PE Civil exam?
Eligibility varies by state, but most require you to have passed the FE exam, earned an ABET-accredited engineering degree, and completed several years of relevant work experience. Always check your state licensing board’s requirements.
What subjects are covered on the PE Civil exam?
The exam is divided into five depth areas: Construction, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources & Environmental. You choose one of these areas as your focus for the depth portion of the exam.
The exam is computer-based and includes both breadth and depth sections. All questions are multiple choice and are administered in a single-day, closed-book format. (More specific details about the number of questions, duration, and costs can be listed in a separate exam overview section.)
How is the PE Civil exam structured?
How often is the PE Civil exam offered?
The PE Civil exam is administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE testing centers. You can schedule your exam based on availability in your area.
How long does it take to get PE exam results?
You’ll typically receive your results 7–10 days after taking the computer-based exam. Results are reported as pass or fail, and if you don’t pass, you’ll receive a diagnostic report to guide future study.
NCEES allows up to three attempts per 12-month period. However, some states may impose additional restrictions, so check with your licensing board.
How many times can I take the PE Civil exam?
What’s the best way to prepare for the PE Civil exam?
Preparation strategies vary, but most engineers use a combination of NCEES practice exams, depth-specific reference materials, and review courses. Start early and tailor your study plan to your chosen depth area.
Absolutely. A PE license can open doors to leadership roles, higher pay, and the legal authority to sign off on engineering plans and documents. It also builds trust with clients and employers and reflects a commitment to public safety and professional ethics.
Is the PE license worth it for civil engineers?
How long is the PE Civil exam?
The total appointment time is 9 hours and includes:
• Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
• Tutorial (8 minutes)
• Exam (8 hours) - The test contains 80 multiple-choice questions
• Scheduled break (50 minutes)
The exam includes traditional multiple-choice questions as well as alternative item types (AITs). AITs can require selecting multiple answers, clicking on graphics, dragging and dropping items, or filling in the blank. All questions are scored as either correct or incorrect, with no partial credit.
What types of questions are on the exam?
Can I bring notes?
No. You'll use a digital copy of the NCEES FE Reference Handbook during the exam, and only certain calculators from the NCEES approved list are allowed.
Most people prepare using a combination of full-length practice exams, review courses, and focused study materials tailored to specific topics.
How should I prepare?
What is the passing score?
NCEES does not release exact passing scores. Results are reported as pass or fail, typically within 7 to 10 days after your exam date. NCEES will notify you via email when your results are available. You can access your score through your MyNCEES account, where you'll find detailed information, including a diagnostic report that highlights your performance in different subject areas. This feedback is valuable for identifying strengths and areas needing improvement, especially if you plan to retake the exam
For civil engineers, earning a PE license demonstrates a high level of technical competence and professional responsibility. The PE Civil exam is a critical milestone for engineers.
Whether you’re aiming to lead projects, start your own firm, or stand out in a competitive field, earning your PE license sets you apart as a dedicated and trusted professional.
From E.I.T. to P.E.
Taking the Next Step
Products
PE Civil Exam FAQs
Who is eligible to take the PE Civil exam?
Eligibility varies by state, but most require you to have passed the FE exam, earned an ABET-accredited engineering degree, and completed several years of relevant work experience. Always check your state licensing board’s requirements.
How often is the PE Civil exam offered?
How long is the PE Civil exam?
The PE Civil exam is administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE testing centers. You can schedule your exam based on availability in your area.
Absolutely. A PE license can open doors to leadership roles, higher pay, and the legal authority to sign off on engineering plans and documents. It also builds trust with clients and employers and reflects a commitment to public safety and professional ethics.
The total appointment time is 9 hours and includes 80 multiple choice questions:
• Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
• Tutorial (8 minutes)
• Exam (8 hours)
• Scheduled break (50 minutes)
What subjects are covered on the PE Civil exam?
The exam is divided into five depth areas: Construction, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources & Environmental. You choose one of these areas as your focus for the depth portion of the exam.
How many times can I take the PE Civil exam?
Is the PE license worth it for civil engineers?
Preparation strategies vary, but most engineers use a combination of NCEES practice exams, depth-specific reference materials, and review courses. Start early and tailor your study plan to your chosen depth area.
How is the PE Civil exam structured?
The exam is computer-based and includes both breadth and depth sections. All questions are multiple choice and are administered in a single-day, closed-book format. (More specific details about the number of questions, duration, and costs can be listed in a separate exam overview section.)
How long does it take to get PE exam results?
What’s the best way to prepare for the PE Civil exam?
What types of questions are on the exam?
You’ll typically receive your results 7–10 days after taking the computer-based exam. Results are reported as pass or fail, and if you don’t pass, you’ll receive a diagnostic report to guide future study.
NCEES allows up to three attempts per 12-month period. However, some states may impose additional restrictions, so check with your licensing board.
The exam includes traditional multiple-choice questions as well as alternative item types (AITs). AITs can require selecting multiple answers, clicking on graphics, dragging and dropping items, or filling in the blank. All questions are scored as either correct or incorrect, with no partial credit.
Can I bring notes?
How should I prepare?
No. You'll use a digital copy of the NCEES FE Reference Handbook during the exam, and only certain calculators from the NCEES approved list are allowed.
Most people prepare using a combination of full-length practice exams, review courses, and focused study materials tailored to specific topics.
What is the passing score?
NCEES does not release exact passing scores. Results are reported as pass or fail, typically within 7 to 10 days after your exam date. NCEES will notify you via email when your results are available. You can access your score through your MyNCEES account, where you'll find detailed information, including a diagnostic report that highlights your performance in different subject areas. This feedback is valuable for identifying strengths and areas needing improvement, especially if you plan to retake the exam