Civil Engineering PE Exam for National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Latest Update

Civil Engineering PE Exam for National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Latest Update

The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Civil Exam, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), is a pivotal step for civil engineers aiming to attain professional licensure in the United States. This credential signifies a recognized standard of competence and commitment to the engineering profession. In April 2024, NCEES implemented significant updates to the PE Civil Exam to better align with current industry practices and to ensure that the examination remains a relevant measure of an engineer's expertise.

Transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

One of the most notable changes is the transition of the PE Civil Exam to a computer-based testing (CBT) format. This shift allows for year-round administration at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers, providing candidates with greater flexibility in scheduling their examinations. The CBT format also enhances the security and standardization of the exam process. The exam comprises 80 questions, and candidates are allotted a total of 9 hours to complete it. This duration includes a brief tutorial, the examination itself, and a scheduled break.

Discipline-Specific Exam Structure

Previously, the PE Civil Exam featured a breadth-and-depth format, where all examinees answered a broad range of civil engineering questions in the morning session (breadth), followed by a focus on a specific discipline in the afternoon session (depth). Starting April 2024, NCEES restructured the exam to be entirely discipline-specific, eliminating the common breadth portion. Now, candidates select one of the following five disciplines for their exam:

• Construction
• Geotechnical
• Structural
• Transportation
• Water Resources and Environmental

Each discipline-specific exam is designed to assess the candidate's knowledge and skills pertinent to that particular area of practice, ensuring a more focused and relevant evaluation of expertise.

Updated Exam Specifications and Design Standards

In conjunction with the structural changes, NCEES updated the exam specifications for each discipline. These specifications outline the topics covered and their relative weightings, providing candidates with a clear framework for study and preparation. Design standards referenced in the exams have also been revised to reflect the most current industry practices and codes. Candidates are encouraged to review the updated specifications and familiarize themselves with the applicable design standards well in advance of their exam date.

Preparation Resources

To aid in preparation, NCEES offers various resources, including:

• Exam Specifications: Detailed outlines of the topics covered in each discipline-specific exam.
• Reference Handbooks: Electronic handbooks provided during the exam, containing essential formulas, tables, and other reference material.
• Practice Exams: Full-length practice exams that simulate the format and difficulty of the actual exam, available for purchase through the NCEES website.

Additionally, NCEES provides an Examinee Guide, which is the official guide to policies and procedures for all NCEES exams. Candidates are advised to download and review this guide to understand the rules and expectations for the exam day.

Registration Process and Fees

Candidates can register for the PE Civil Exam by creating or logging into their MyNCEES account. The registration process involves selecting the desired discipline-specific exam and scheduling a convenient test date and location. The exam fee is $400, payable directly to NCEES. It's important to note that some state licensing boards may have additional application procedures and fees. Therefore, candidates should consult their respective state board's requirements to ensure compliance with all necessary steps for licensure.

Reasonable Accommodations

NCEES is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for examinees who meet certain eligibility criteria and sufficiently document their requests. Candidates requiring accommodations are encouraged to review the NCEES policies and submit their requests well in advance of their desired exam date to allow adequate time for processing.

Scoring and Results

The PE Civil Exam is scored based on the number of correct answers, with no penalty for incorrect responses. NCEES uses a scaled scoring system to account for variations in exam difficulty across different administrations. Candidates typically receive their results 7–10 days after the exam date, accessible through their MyNCEES account. Passing the PE Civil Exam is a significant milestone in the path toward professional licensure, demonstrating a recognized level of competence in civil engineering.

Conclusion

The updates to the PE Civil Exam reflect NCEES's commitment to maintaining a relevant and rigorous assessment that aligns with current engineering practices. By transitioning to a computer-based, discipline-specific format, the exam now offers greater flexibility and a more focused evaluation of a candidate's expertise. Aspiring professional engineers are encouraged to utilize the available resources, understand the updated exam structure, and prepare thoroughly to achieve success in this critical step toward licensure.