Credential type: licensure examination · verified on the issuer's site September 19, 2026 issuer page
The Principles and Practice of Engineering PE Civil Structural examination is a computer-based evaluation administered by NCEES designed for licensed professional practice. Candidates must answer a total of 80 multiple-choice questions during a 480-minute testing session at an approved Pearson test center. This assessment measures the ability to apply engineering principles to structural design problems for a fee of 375 dollars.
This professional licensure examination is intended for experienced structural engineering candidates who have completed several years of qualifying post-college professional engineering practice under the supervision of a licensed engineer.
To prepare for this structural engineering assessment, candidates should review all official exam specifications, practice navigating the searchable digital reference handbooks, and master computational workflows for steel, concrete, timber, masonry, and foundation design principles using approved design standards. Consistent practice with sample problems is recommended to ensure familiarity with the testing interface and time management.
This domain addresses the determination and application of dead loads, live loads, construction loads, environmental loads, wind loads, seismic forces, load combinations, and associated tributary areas required for safe structural design.
Candidates must analyze structural behavior by evaluating force effects, constructing shear and moment diagrams, calculating axial forces, determining flexural stresses, understanding combined stress states, and evaluating structural deflections across various framing configurations.
This content area focuses on mechanics of materials principles, including stress-strain relationships, material behaviors, mechanical properties, transformation of stress, and analytical calculations necessary for predicting structural member response under load.
The structural steel module requires knowledge of structural steel design criteria, member selection procedures, bolted and welded connection details, stability requirements, and cold-formed steel specifications according to recognized engineering standards.
This section evaluates reinforced and unreinforced concrete members, precast components, and prestressed concrete design methodologies, emphasizing ultimate strength design, shear reinforcement, development lengths, and serviceability requirements for various concrete structural elements.
Timber structures design involves wood properties, allowable stress design methods, connection fasteners, diaphragms, shear walls, and structural lumber components subjected to various combinations of bending, axial, and shear stresses.
Masonry structures require familiarity with building code requirements, brick veneer detailing, concrete masonry units, reinforced masonry walls, lintels, and lateral force-resisting systems conforming to current masonry standards for building safety.
Foundation systems analysis addresses shallow and deep foundation capacities, settlement calculations, soil mechanics properties, lateral earth pressures, and stability evaluations for retaining walls and subterranean structural elements in various conditions.
Arrive early at your designated Pearson test center. Bring approved identification and follow all computer-based testing procedures for accessing the electronic reference handbook and permitted design standards during the 480-minute exam appointment. Ensure you are prepared for the full duration of the session.
The computer-based evaluation includes a total of 80 multiple-choice questions and alternative item types that candidates must successfully complete during the designated testing period at the center.
NCEES does not publish a fixed numerical passing score, as final results are determined through standard-setting procedures and reported directly through your secure MyNCEES account dashboard for review.
The total appointment time allocated for this computer-based testing session is 480 minutes, which includes a nondisclosure agreement, a software tutorial, the exam, and a scheduled break for candidates.
The standard registration fee for this professional licensure exam is 375 dollars payable directly to NCEES, though your local state licensing board may require a separate application fee.
Verified 2026-08-30
This professional overview was compiled using official NCEES exam specifications and administrative documentation for the structural engineering licensure path to ensure accuracy for all candidates.