Understanding the CA PE Seismic Exam Pass Rate – What It Means for You

If you're on the path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in California, you're likely familiar with the California Seismic Principles Exam—a critical step for civil engineers seeking licensure in the state. One of the most common questions aspiring PEs ask is: "What is the pass rate for the CA PE Seismic Exam?" Let’s break it down and explore what the pass rate tells us, what to expect from the exam, and how to best prepare.

What Is the Pass Rate for the CA Seismic Exam?

As of recent data provided by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists (BPELSG), the pass rate in 2024 for the Seismic Principles Exam tends to fall in the range of 42% to 49%. This has varied slightly year to year based on:

• The specific format of the exam

• Updates to exam content

• Candidate preparation levels

The exam is offered year-round as a computer-based test (CBT), and examinees typically receive their results within a few weeks. Examination statistics provided by the BPELSG can be found here.

What Makes the Seismic Exam Challenging?

The Seismic Principles Exam tests your understanding of earthquake engineering concepts as applied to structural systems in California, one of the most seismically active regions in the world. The exam covers topics like:

• Seismic load analysis

• Lateral force-resisting systems

• Detailing requirements

• Ground motion fundamentals

• Application of California Building Code (CBC) and ASCE 7 standards

What really sets this exam apart is the time pressure. According to the California BPELSG, the Seismic Exam is only 2.5 hours long and consists of 55 multiple-choice questions. That gives you just a few minutes per problem—barely enough time to think deeply before moving on. Success isn’t just about knowing seismic concepts; it’s about applying them quickly under pressure. You need to practice solving problems fast, learn how to spot what matters in a question, and navigate the CBC or ASCE 7 without hesitation. Even experienced engineers can struggle if they’re out of practice or not up to date on the latest codes.

How to Prepare for Success

Given the moderate pass rate, thorough preparation is key. Here are some proven tips:

1. Review the CA BPELSG Test Plan, which outlines the major exam topics and the subtopics for the test questions.

2. Read the BPELSG Candidate Information Bulletin, which includes information about the calculator policy.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice. Work through as many sample problems as you can, including both calculation-heavy questions and conceptual ones, to build familiarity with the types of challenges you’ll face on the exam.

4. Know the Codes. Familiarize yourself with ASCE 7-16, the CBC, and other references as outlined by the CA BPELSG, as the exam is code-intensive. In addition to the CBC and ASCE codes, be familiar with AWC SDPWS-2021, TMS 402-602-16, ATC-20 Procedures for Postearthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings and ATC-20-1 Field Manual, and Design of Wood Structures ASD/LRFD, 7th edition, 2014.

5. Master your references. Learn exactly where to find important tables, formulas, and exceptions so you don’t lose time flipping through pages.

6. Focus on weak spots. After each practice test, identify the topics you struggled with and drill those areas.

7. Simulate test conditions. Practice in a quiet environment with your references arranged the same way you will use them on exam day.

8. Learn to spot extra information. Some questions include unnecessary details. Train yourself to identify what matters so you can solve problems efficiently.

9. Review the sample exam questions that the CA BPELSG has provided on their website. Note that these are retired questions.

   
   

Final Thoughts

The CA PE Seismic Exam pass rate may not be sky-high, but it's very achievable with focused effort and the right resources. To help you get there, StrataWay offers the CA Civil PE Exam Seismic Companion—a focused resource built to strengthen your conceptual foundation in seismic engineering. Inside, you’ll find 75 exam-style conceptual problems, each carefully designed to align with the official California BPELSG Seismic Principles Exam specifications. By targeting the exact knowledge areas identified by the board, this book ensures your study time is efficient and impactful. If passing the exam is your goal, this companion can help you prepare with confidence and clarity.