The PE exam (Principles and Practice of Engineering) is the NCEES exam you pass to become a licensed Professional Engineer. It tests competence in your discipline after you’ve passed the FE exam and gained work experience.
Here’s the format, eligibility, costs and a study plan. Then warm up with the free PE practice test.
Key takeaways
- PE Civil: 80 questions in a 9-hour appointment (8 hours of exam time).
- Most PE exams are computer-based and offered year-round at Pearson VUE centers.
- The NCEES fee for PE Civil is $400; state application fees are extra.
- The usual path: degree → FE → about 4 years of experience → PE.
USA PE Exam: Quick Facts
- Administered by
- NCEES (licenses by state boards)
- PE Civil format
- 80 questions, 8 hours of exam time
- Appointment
- 9 hours including a scheduled break
- Fee (PE Civil)
- $400 to NCEES
- Delivery
- Computer-based, year-round
- Reference
- Discipline-specific NCEES handbook on screen
What Is the PE Exam?
A PE license lets you sign and seal engineering plans and offer engineering services to the public. The PE exam tests how you apply engineering principles at the level of a practicing engineer with about four years of experience.
More on What Is the PE Exam →PE Exam Disciplines and Format
NCEES offers PE exams in many disciplines, including Civil (with depth areas such as structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources and construction), Mechanical, Electrical and Computer, Chemical, Environmental, Industrial and Systems, and more. Most are computer-based with multiple-choice and alternative item types. PE Civil has 80 questions in an 8-hour exam session.
Good to know
Check the NCEES exam specification for your discipline. Question counts and topics differ, and some exams (such as Structural) have their own formats.
PE Exam Requirements
- Earn an engineering degree (usually from an ABET-accredited program).
- Pass the FE exam to become an Engineer Intern or Engineer in Training.
- Gain qualifying experience under a licensed PE, commonly about 4 years.
- Pass the PE exam and apply to your state board.
Some states now let you take the PE before completing all experience. Rules vary, so check your state board.
More on PE Exam Requirements →How to Pass the PE Exam
- Study for 3–4 months (roughly 250–300 hours).
- Practice with the searchable NCEES reference handbook for your discipline until you can find formulas quickly.
- Focus on the highest-weight topics in your exam specification.
- Take at least one full-length timed practice exam.
- Refresh core formulas with our PE practice test.
Free practice test
Ready to test yourself?
Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA PE Exam practice test →USA PE Exam FAQs
How many questions are on the PE exam?
It depends on the discipline. The PE Civil exam has 80 questions in 8 hours of exam time within a 9-hour appointment.
Full answer →How much does the PE exam cost?
The NCEES fee for PE Civil is $400. Your state board may charge a separate application fee.
Full answer →Do I need to pass the FE before the PE?
In most states, yes. The standard path is degree, FE exam, qualifying experience, then the PE exam.
Full answer →Is the PE exam open book?
Computer-based PE exams provide an electronic NCEES reference handbook. Personal books and notes aren’t allowed.
Full answer →How long is the PE exam?
For PE Civil, the appointment is 9 hours: 8 hours of exam time plus a tutorial and a scheduled break.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information. Rules, fees and procedures can change. Confirm the current requirements with the official agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.