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Civil Engineering

Practice and sample tests for the PE exams

Studying for professional exams

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional licensure for engineers and surveyors.

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is generally your first step in the process to becoming a professional licensed engineer (P.E.). It is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. 

The NCEES FE Reference Handbook is the only reference material that can be used during the exam. You will be provided with an electronic reference handbook during the exam. For access prior to your exam, you may either purchase a hard copy or register or log in to MyNCEES to download a free copy of the FE Reference Handbook.

The FE exam is a computer-based exam administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers.

Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam

The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam tests for a minimum level of competency in a particular engineering discipline. It is designed for engineers who have gained a minimum of four years’ post-college work experience in their chosen engineering discipline.

The SE exam takes places biannually in April and October.

Structural Engineering Exam

The Structural Engineering (SE) exam tests for a minimum level of competency in structural engineering. It is designed for engineers who practice in jurisdictions that license structural engineers separately from other professional engineers. This 16-hour exam uses separate vertical and lateral components to test your ability to safely design buildings or bridges, especially in areas of high seismicity and high wind.

The SE exam takes places biannually in April and October.

Last Updated: Jul 25, 2023 3:56 PM