The PE: Geotechnical Engineering exam is a computer-based professional certification administered by NCEES. It evaluates technical proficiency in geotechnical practice, including site characterization, soil mechanics, earthquake engineering, and foundation design. The exam consists of 80 questions and lasts 540 minutes. It requires the application of design, analysis, and methodology across ten distinct domains to ensure professional competency in geotechnical engineering projects for licensed civil engineers.
This exam is intended for civil engineers with professional experience in geotechnical design and construction. Candidates should be familiar with soil mechanics, laboratory testing, and the application of ASD or LRFD methods in professional practice.
Review the NCEES PE Civil Reference Handbook and the specified design standards. Practice solving problems using both SI and U.S. Customary units. Focus on the application of design standards and various FHWA Geotechnical Engineering Circulars. Use the provided electronic references to practice navigating searchable PDF chapters efficiently, as these will be your primary resources during the 540-minute test session.
This domain evaluates candidate proficiency in site characterization, subsurface exploration planning, and field sampling techniques. It covers the identification, interpretation, and engineering classification of soil and rock materials derived from various site investigations.
This domain focuses on the physical and mechanical properties of soils, phase relationships, index properties, and laboratory testing procedures. Candidates analyze stress distribution, consolidation, shear strength, and permeability characteristics within soil masses for engineering applications.
This domain covers field observation, quality assurance, and quality control during geotechnical construction operations. It emphasizes monitoring earthwork compaction, evaluating instrumentation data, assessing trench safety, and ensuring compliance with project site specifications and requirements.
This domain addresses seismic site characterization, dynamic soil properties, and earthquake engineering principles. Candidates evaluate soil liquefaction potential, seismic hazard analysis, ground response, and structural dynamic loading on various geotechnical systems during seismic events.
This domain involves the engineering design and evaluation of earth structures, slopes, and pavement systems. Candidates perform slope stability analyses, select suitable ground improvement methods, and design flexible or rigid pavement foundations for infrastructure projects.
This domain covers subsurface fluid flow, groundwater hydraulics, and seepage analysis within porous geotechnical materials. Candidates evaluate permeability, construct flow nets, design dewatering systems, and implement effective seepage control measures for various geotechnical projects.
This domain focuses on identifying challenging subsurface conditions and engineering suitable mitigation strategies. Candidates analyze expansive or collapsible soils, frost susceptibility, sensitive clays, organic deposits, and unstable rock slopes during the project planning phase.
This domain addresses the design and stability analysis of retaining structures using ASD or LRFD design methodologies. Candidates evaluate lateral earth pressures, external and internal stability, wall mechanics, and ground anchor systems for structural support.
This domain covers the engineering design and structural analysis of shallow foundation systems using ASD or LRFD standards. Candidates evaluate ultimate bearing capacity, immediate settlement, consolidation settlement, and allowable foundation bearing pressures for various structures.
This domain focuses on deep foundation systems, including driven piles and drilled shafts analyzed under ASD or LRFD methodologies. Candidates evaluate axial load capacity, lateral displacement, pile group performance, settlement, and dynamic load testing procedures.
The exam is computer-based and closed book. You will have access to the NCEES PE Civil Reference Handbook and specific design standards as searchable PDFs. Manage your time across the 80 questions to ensure completion within the 540-minute duration.
The computer-based PE: Geotechnical Engineering exam contains a total of 80 questions. These items assess candidate knowledge across ten distinct domains of civil and geotechnical engineering practice to ensure a consistent standard of professional competency.
NCEES does not publish a specific passing score for this exam. Results are determined by psychometric procedures to ensure a consistent standard of professional competency for all candidates seeking licensure in the field of geotechnical engineering.
The total duration allotted for the computer-based exam is 540 minutes. This total appointment time includes a brief introductory tutorial, the main testing session, and an optional scheduled break to help manage your performance during the day.
The exam uses specific standards including various FHWA Geotechnical Engineering Circulars. Check with NCEES for the current list of approved references and design standards that are permitted for use during the official testing session.
If you are looking for information regarding the future of this certification, please check with NCEES for the current certification path. They provide the most accurate updates regarding any changes to the professional engineering exam structure.
Verified 2026-09-13
This index was compiled by reviewing official NCEES exam specifications and documentation to provide accurate, factual information regarding the exam structure, content, and preparation requirements for professional engineering candidates.