Latest NCEES Civil PE Exam Pass Rates (2026 Update)

The Civil PE exam is administered exclusively as a computer-based exam. The previous breadth and depth format has been eliminated, and the entire exam focuses solely on your selected discipline. The exam is offered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE testing centers. The exam has multiple choice questions and alternative item types (AITs).

Civil PE Pass Rates

These pass rates reflect computer-based testing (CBT) and are based on updates from January 2026:

Discipline	First-Time Pass Rate	Repeat Pass Rate
Construction	56%	36%
Geotechnical	61%	41%
Structural	58%	37%
Transportation	55%	42%
Water Resources & Environmental	68%	47%

Best First-Time Pass Rate: Water Resources & Environmental

Most Challenging for Repeaters: Construction

Visit ncees.org for information regarding exam resources and the NCEES Examinee Guide, which can be downloaded for free.

When Do I Get My PE Exam Results?

• Most results are released within 7–10 days of your exam date.

• You’ll receive an email from NCEES when your result is ready.

• You can check your score by logging into your NCEES account dashboard.

Final Thoughts

A successful study strategy combines a solid understanding of the exam format, consistent practice, and efficient use of your study time. Before you begin, review the latest NCEES exam specifications so you know exactly what topics are covered and how the exam is structured. Supplement your preparation with high-quality practice problems and study resources designed specifically for your chosen discipline. Here are some tips to help you pass:

• Select the discipline that best matches your experience. Your strongest opportunity for success is usually the discipline that aligns most closely with your education, day-to-day work, and technical knowledge.

• Become efficient with the NCEES Civil Reference Handbook. Since the handbook is provided during the exam, knowing where information is located is just as important as understanding the concepts themselves. Practice finding equations and tables quickly.

• Solve plenty of practice problems. The more CBT-style questions you complete, the more comfortable you'll become with the exam's wording, pacing, and difficulty. Regular practice also builds confidence and improves time management.

• Prioritize your weakest topics. Evaluate your performance throughout your study plan and dedicate additional time to subjects where you consistently struggle. Improving weaker areas often produces greater score gains than repeatedly reviewing familiar material.

• Create a study schedule and stick to it. Studying consistently over several months is typically more effective than cramming in the weeks leading up to the exam. Break your preparation into manageable weekly goals to stay on track and avoid burnout.

Prepare with StrataWay Study Resources

StrataWay offers discipline-specific Civil PE study resources designed to reinforce the topics covered on the current NCEES exam specifications. Browse StrataWay's collection of Civil PE exam study material here.