What Is the PE Exam?

The PE Exam (Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam) is a national test that engineers in the United States must pass to become licensed Professional Engineers (PEs). Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the exam is the final step toward licensure after passing the FE Exam and gaining supervised work experience.

Every year, more than 90,000 candidates take the PE Exam across disciplines like civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering. Pass rates typically range from 50% to 70%, depending on the discipline. Earning this credential is more than a formality—it provides engineers with the legal authority to sign and seal projects, take on leadership roles, and often command salaries 10–20% higher than non-licensed engineers.

Key Takeaways

  • What it is: The PE Exam tests an engineer’s ability to apply knowledge in their discipline and is required for professional licensure.
  • Who takes it: Engineers who have passed the FE Exam and completed several years of supervised experience.
  • Frequency: Taken by about 90,000+ candidates annually across multiple engineering fields.
  • Pass rates: Range between 50% and 70%, depending on discipline and attempt.
  • Why it matters: A PE license boosts career credibility, provides legal signing authority, and often leads to higher pay and leadership opportunities.

What Is the PE Exam?

The PE Exam, short for the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam, is a standardized test designed to measure an engineer’s competency in their chosen discipline after gaining practical, supervised work experience. It is the second and final step toward earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license in the United States, following the FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering).

Unlike the FE, which focuses on theoretical knowledge typically covered in undergraduate programs, the PE Exam evaluates how engineers apply principles in real-world scenarios. It ensures that licensed engineers have the skills, judgment, and ethical foundation necessary to protect public health and safety.

Why the PE Exam Matters

  • Legal Authority: Only licensed Professional Engineers can sign, seal, and submit engineering plans and drawings to public authorities.
  • Career Advancement: Many leadership roles in engineering firms and government agencies require PE licensure.
  • Public Trust: The exam and licensure system are built to ensure that practicing engineers meet a uniform national standard of competency, which protects both clients and communities.

Disciplines Covered

The PE Exam is offered in a variety of engineering disciplines, including:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Structural Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Nuclear Engineering

Each discipline exam is tailored to test the specialized knowledge and applied skills of that field. For example, a civil engineering exam will cover topics like transportation, geotechnical, and structural systems, while the mechanical exam will focus on thermal, HVAC, and machine design.

National Recognition

The PE Exam is recognized in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Once licensed, engineers can also pursue reciprocity, which allows them to obtain licensure in multiple states without retaking the exam, provided they meet the respective board’s requirements.

Eligibility and Requirements for the PE Exam

Before sitting for the PE Exam, candidates must meet a combination of education, examination, and experience requirements. These prerequisites are established by individual state licensing boards, though most states follow a common framework recommended by the NCEES.

1. Education Requirements

  • Most states require a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • Some boards may allow candidates with non-ABET or international degrees to apply, but additional documentation or evaluations are often required.
  • In certain states, candidates with related science degrees (such as physics or chemistry) may qualify if they also complete significant engineering coursework.

You can check if your program is accredited through the ABET database.

2. FE Exam Requirement

  • Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is the first step toward licensure.
  • The FE Exam is usually taken by engineering students in their final year or shortly after graduation.
  • Once passed, candidates earn the title of Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI).

3. Work Experience Requirement

  • After passing the FE, candidates must complete at least four years of progressive engineering experience under the direct supervision of a licensed PE.
  • The experience must demonstrate increasing responsibility, problem-solving skills, and application of engineering principles in real projects.
  • Some states may require more than four years, depending on the type of degree (for example, a master’s degree may reduce the requirement).

4. State Board Application

  • Each candidate must apply to their state board of engineering licensure, which determines final eligibility.
  • Requirements may include submission of transcripts, verification of work experience, references from licensed PEs, and application fees.
  • Some states allow candidates to take the PE Exam before completing the work experience (called “decoupling”), while others still require experience first. You can confirm your state’s policies through the NCEES Member Board Directory.

5. Additional Requirements

  • Some boards may require proof of U.S. citizenship or residency.
  • Certain states have additional exams on ethics or state-specific laws, especially for civil engineers working on public projects.

In short: To be eligible for the PE Exam, you typically need an ABET-accredited engineering degree, a passing score on the FE Exam, four years of supervised work experience, and approval from your state board.

PE Exam Format and Structure

The PE Exam is designed to assess how well engineers can apply their education and work experience to solve practical engineering problems. It is no longer a traditional paper-and-pencil test; instead, it is now administered as a computer-based exam (CBT) at approved Pearson VUE testing centers across the United States and abroad.

Duration and Timing

  • Most PE exams are 8 hours long, split into two 4-hour sessions with a scheduled break in between.
  • The total exam day includes 9 hours, accounting for an introduction, tutorial, exam sections, and a break.
  • The Structural PE Exam is an exception, lasting 16 hours over two days due to the depth of content.

Question Format

  • Exams typically include 80–100 questions, depending on the discipline.
  • All questions are multiple-choice or alternative item types (AITs) such as:
    • Multiple correct answers
    • Point-and-click diagrams
    • Fill-in-the-blank responses
    • Drag-and-drop matching
  • This format is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills.

Open-Book vs. Closed-Book

  • Historically, the PE Exam was open-book, allowing candidates to bring reference materials.
  • With the CBT transition, exams are now closed-book. Instead, candidates have access to the NCEES-supplied digital reference handbook for their discipline.
  • This shift makes familiarity with the digital handbook essential during preparation.

Disciplines and Modules

Each PE discipline has its own exam specifications published by NCEES. For example:

  • Civil PE Exam – split into modules like transportation, geotechnical, construction, structural, and water resources/environmental.
  • Mechanical PE Exam – modules include HVAC and refrigeration, machine design, and thermal systems.
  • Electrical and Computer PE Exam – modules include power, electronics, and computer engineering.

Candidates typically choose a depth module within their discipline that reflects their area of practice.

Full exam specifications can be reviewed on the NCEES PE Exam page.

Scoring

  • NCEES uses a scaled scoring system, meaning raw scores are adjusted for exam difficulty to ensure fairness across administrations.
  • The passing score is not published, but it typically reflects the performance needed to demonstrate minimum competency in that discipline.
  • Results are usually released 7–10 days after the exam (except structural, which may take longer).

Summary: The PE Exam is a computer-based, closed-book test with discipline-specific content. Most exams last 8 hours with 80–100 questions, and candidates must rely on the NCEES digital reference handbook.

PE Exam Costs and Registration Process

Taking the PE Exam requires both financial investment and careful planning. While costs can vary depending on the discipline and state licensing board, there are standard fees and procedures that all candidates should expect.

Exam Fees

  • The standard NCEES registration fee for most PE exams is $375 (NCEES fee schedule).
  • The PE Structural Exam is more extensive and costs $1,500, since it is a 16-hour, two-day test.
  • Fees are paid directly to NCEES during the registration process.

State Application and Licensing Fees

In addition to the NCEES fee, state licensing boards may charge:

  • Application fees: Typically $50–$200, paid when you apply for approval to sit for the exam.
  • Licensing fees: After passing the exam, you must apply for your PE license. These fees vary widely, usually $100–$300.
  • Renewal fees: PE licenses require renewal (often every 2 years), with costs ranging from $50–$150, plus proof of continuing education.

Since fees vary, it’s best to confirm with your state board through the NCEES Member Board Directory.

Registration Timeline

  1. Check eligibility – Confirm that you meet education, FE exam, and experience requirements.
  2. Apply to your state board – Many states require approval before you can register with NCEES.
  3. Create an NCEES account – Registration is completed online through the NCEES portal.
  4. Schedule the exam – Once approved, you can schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center.
  5. Prepare documents – Bring a valid ID and any required admission forms on exam day.

Registration Windows

  • NCEES offers year-round testing for most PE exams, with appointments available on a first-come, first-served basis at Pearson VUE centers.
  • The Structural PE Exam is only offered twice per year (April and October) due to its extended format.

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Study materials and prep courses: Ranging from $100 for books to $2,000+ for full prep programs.
  • Travel expenses: If your nearest Pearson VUE testing center is far away, budget for transportation or lodging.
  • Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Required for license renewal in most states, costing $200–$600 per cycle.

Summary: Expect to pay about $375 for most PE exams, plus state application and licensing fees. The Structural PE is significantly higher at $1,500. Registration is done through the NCEES portal, with most exams offered year-round.

PE Exam Pass Rates and Statistics

The PE Exam is a rigorous test, and pass rates vary by discipline, exam format, and whether it’s a candidate’s first attempt. Understanding the statistics can help engineers set realistic expectations and plan their preparation accordingly.

Overall Pass Rates

According to the latest data from NCEES, the average first-time pass rate for most PE exams falls between 60% and 70%, while repeat takers have pass rates closer to 30%–40%.

For example:

  • PE Civil Exam: ~63% first-time pass rate; ~43% repeat takers
  • PE Mechanical Exam: ~67% first-time; ~48% repeat takers
  • PE Electrical and Computer Exam: ~57% first-time; ~35% repeat takers
  • PE Chemical Exam: ~74% first-time; ~46% repeat takers
  • PE Structural Exam: ~45% first-time; ~30% repeat takers

Updated pass rate data is available directly from the NCEES PE Exam Statistics page.

Factors That Influence Pass Rates

  1. Discipline Difficulty – Exams like chemical and mechanical engineering historically have higher pass rates, while structural engineering tends to be more challenging.
  2. Candidate Preparation – Engineers who enroll in structured prep courses or use official practice exams often perform better.
  3. Experience Level – Candidates closer to their qualifying work experience (4–6 years) typically fare better than those who delay taking the exam.
  4. First-Time Advantage – Pass rates are consistently higher for first-time takers compared to repeat attempts.

Pass Rate Trends

  • Since the transition to computer-based testing (CBT), pass rates have remained relatively stable, though some disciplines saw slight adjustments due to the new closed-book format.
  • NCEES has emphasized fairness by applying scaled scoring, ensuring consistency across test administrations.

What These Stats Mean for You

  • Expect the exam to be challenging but achievable, especially with strong preparation.
  • First-time takers should aim to maximize their advantage by studying thoroughly and scheduling the exam soon after meeting eligibility.
  • Repeat takers should analyze their previous performance and consider using different study methods or prep resources before attempting again.

Summary: Pass rates for the PE Exam range from 45% to 74% for first-time takers, depending on the discipline. Success is strongly linked to preparation, discipline, choice, and exam timing.

Preparing for the PE Exam

Passing the PE Exam requires more than just experience in the field—it takes focused preparation, familiarity with the exam structure, and the right study resources. With pass rates ranging from 45% to 74% for first-time takers (NCEES statistics), preparation is the key factor that separates successful candidates from those who struggle.

1. Understand the Exam Specifications

  • Review the official NCEES exam specifications for your discipline.
  • This document outlines the topics covered, question distribution, and depth/breadth of content.

2. Create a Study Schedule

  • Most candidates begin studying 3–6 months before exam day.
  • Dedicate 10–15 hours per week to preparation, increasing intensity in the final month.
  • Break down study sessions into specific topics (e.g., geotechnical, HVAC, circuits) instead of a broad review.

3. Use the NCEES Reference Handbook

  • Since the exam is now closed-book, the NCEES-supplied digital reference handbook is the only resource available during the test.
  • Download a free copy from your NCEES account and practice navigating it efficiently—searching for formulas, tables, and standards.

4. Take Practice Exams

  • Official NCEES practice exams are highly recommended, as they closely mirror the actual test in format and difficulty.
  • Full-length timed practice exams help you build speed and endurance for the 8-hour testing day.
  • Analyze results carefully—focus on weak areas instead of only revisiting strengths.

5. Consider Prep Courses

Many engineers benefit from structured PE Exam prep courses, which offer lectures, problem-solving sessions, and practice tests. Some popular providers include:

  • PPI2Pass – Comprehensive review books and courses.
  • School of PE – Instructor-led courses with flexible schedules.
  • Civil Engineering Academy – Affordable civil-focused prep resources.

6. Join Study Groups

  • Group study sessions can help with accountability, motivation, and exposure to different problem-solving approaches.
  • Online forums like Engineer Boards and Reddit’s r/PE_Exam provide peer support and shared resources.

7. Manage Time Effectively on Exam Day

  • Each exam section requires strict pacing—spending too long on a single problem can cost valuable points.
  • A common strategy is the “two-pass method”:
    1. Answer all questions you can confidently in the first pass.
    2. Mark and return to more complex problems in the second pass.

8. Prioritize Rest and Mental Readiness

  • Avoid cramming the night before—rest and a clear mind are essential.
  • Arrive early at the testing center with all required documents.
  • Expect security procedures such as ID verification, electronic checks, and assigned seating.

Summary: Effective preparation for the PE Exam includes understanding exam specifications, creating a structured study plan, mastering the digital reference handbook, and practicing under timed conditions. Candidates who combine self-study with practice exams and, if needed, prep courses, have the highest success rates.

Career Benefits of Passing the PE Exam

Earning the Professional Engineer (PE) license through the PE Exam is more than just a credential—it’s a career-defining achievement that sets licensed engineers apart in the industry. Beyond personal pride, passing the exam provides tangible benefits in terms of salary, authority, and professional credibility.

1. Higher Earning Potential

  • Licensed Professional Engineers typically earn 10–20% more than non-licensed engineers in similar roles.
  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for engineers across disciplines is about $94,000 annually, but PEs often earn $110,000–$120,000+ depending on specialization (BLS data).
  • Salary surveys from professional organizations like NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers) consistently show that PE licensure correlates with higher compensation.

2. Greater Job Security and Mobility

  • Many government agencies, consulting firms, and private companies require a PE license for senior engineering positions.
  • PEs enjoy greater career mobility, with easier access to leadership roles such as project manager, department head, or firm principal.
  • A PE license also improves employability during economic downturns, as employers value credentialed professionals for critical roles.

3. Legal Authority and Responsibility

  • Only licensed PEs have the authority to sign and seal engineering plans and drawings, a legal requirement for many public and private projects.
  • This authority not only expands professional opportunities but also represents the highest standard of accountability in the engineering profession.
  • In fields like civil and structural engineering, PE licensure is often mandatory for projects involving public infrastructure.

4. Professional Recognition and Trust

  • The PE license signals to clients, employers, and the public that an engineer meets rigorous national standards of competence and ethics.
  • Licensed engineers often gain greater professional respect and credibility, making it easier to secure high-profile projects or consulting work.

5. Opportunities for Entrepreneurship

  • A PE license is often a prerequisite for starting your engineering firm or offering independent consulting services.
  • Without it, engineers may face restrictions on bidding for contracts or providing stamped engineering documents.

6. Reciprocity Across States

  • Once licensed, engineers can pursue reciprocity (also known as comity) to obtain PE licensure in additional states without retaking the exam.
  • This flexibility is valuable for engineers working with multi-state or national projects.

Summary: Passing the PE Exam leads to higher salaries, leadership opportunities, professional credibility, and the legal authority to take full responsibility for engineering work. For many engineers, it is the key to unlocking the next level of career growth.

Key Challenges Engineers Face with the PE Exam

While passing the PE Exam offers significant career benefits, the journey is not without challenges. Many candidates find the process demanding due to time, cost, and the level of difficulty involved. Being aware of these challenges can help engineers prepare more effectively.

1. Time Commitment

  • Preparing for the exam typically requires 300–400 hours of study, spread over 3–6 months.
  • Balancing study time with full-time work, family responsibilities, and other commitments can be difficult.
  • Engineers often need to sacrifice evenings, weekends, or vacations to maintain a steady study schedule.

2. Exam Difficulty

  • With pass rates ranging from 45% to 74%, the PE Exam is intentionally challenging.
  • The closed-book format since the CBT transition has added to the difficulty, requiring candidates to rely heavily on the digital reference handbook.
  • Many candidates struggle with the time pressure of solving 80–100 complex questions in just 8 hours.

3. Financial Investment

  • Beyond the $375 NCEES registration fee (or $1,500 for structural), candidates face additional expenses such as:
    • State board application/licensing fees ($100–$300)
    • Study materials and prep courses ($200–$2,000+)
    • Travel costs if a Pearson VUE testing center is far away
  • These costs can be a burden, especially for early-career engineers.

4. Psychological Pressure

  • The high stakes of the exam create significant test anxiety for many candidates.
  • First-time takers often feel pressure to pass since repeat takers face a lower success rate (30–40%).
  • Engineers with long gaps since college may struggle to re-learn academic concepts they haven’t used in years.

5. Discipline-Specific Challenges

  • Some disciplines are inherently more demanding. For example:
    • Structural PE: Requires two full days of testing with a pass rate under 50%.
    • Civil PE: Covers broad topics, making it hard to specialize in one area.
    • Electrical PE: Includes advanced theoretical content that many find more abstract.

Summary: The biggest challenges of the PE Exam are its time commitment, high difficulty, financial costs, and mental pressure. However, with structured study, practice exams, and effective time management, these obstacles can be overcome.

Conclusion: Why the PE Exam Matters

The PE Exam is more than just a test—it is the defining step in an engineer’s journey toward professional licensure. By proving both technical knowledge and practical application, it ensures that engineers meet the highest standards of competence, ethics, and responsibility.

While the road to passing the exam involves significant challenges—ranging from 300+ hours of study to the financial costs of registration and prep—the rewards are lasting. Licensed Professional Engineers enjoy higher salaries, career advancement, greater professional trust, and the legal authority to take responsibility for engineering projects.

For the nearly 90,000 candidates who take the PE Exam each year, success requires careful preparation, discipline-specific study, and commitment to long-term career growth. Whether your goal is to move into leadership, start your own firm, or simply gain recognition as a trusted expert, passing the PE Exam is an investment in your professional future.

In short, the PE Exam is not just about licensure—it’s about building a career that carries both credibility and opportunity.

FAQs About the PE Exam

1. What is the PE Exam, and why is it important?

The PE Exam (Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam) is a national licensing exam that certifies engineers as Professional Engineers (PEs). Passing it provides legal authority to sign and seal projects, improves career opportunities, and often leads to higher salaries.

2. Who is eligible to take the PE Exam?

Eligibility typically requires:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
  • A passing score on the FE Exam
  • At least four years of supervised work experience under a licensed PE
    Requirements vary by state, so candidates should confirm with their state licensing board.

3. How much does the PE Exam cost?

Most PE exams cost $375, paid directly to NCEES. The Structural PE Exam is more expensive at $1,500. Additional costs include state application fees ($50–$200), licensing fees ($100–$300), and study materials or prep courses.

4. How difficult is the PE Exam?

The exam is challenging, with pass rates ranging from 45% to 74% for first-time takers, depending on the discipline. Difficulty stems from the breadth of topics, time pressure, and the closed-book format, which requires strong familiarity with the NCEES reference handbook.

5. How often is the PE Exam offered?

Most PE exams are offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers, allowing candidates to schedule when ready. However, the Structural PE Exam is only offered twice a year (April and October) due to its extended format.