CBT-Exam Overview

The new NCEES Civil PE Exam is now computer-based. It is closed book with electronic references. On exam day you will be provided with The NCEES PE Civil Reference Handbook. Please see the NCEES website to download your PDF copy of the handbook.

According to NCEES, “The exam is divided into two sections. You’ll be given the entire exam time at the beginning of the test. There are no individually timed sections, so manage your time accordingly. After you see approximately half of the questions, you will be prompted to review and then submit them. You will no longer have access to those questions after you submit them. You will then have the option of taking a scheduled break (see next section). Manage your time accordingly to ensure that you have plenty of time to complete the remaining questions.”

Education and work experience requirements:

1. Engineering Degree from Accredited university
2. Minimum of four years’ post-college work experience

About the Exam:

• Total Exam Time: 9 hours (includes tutorial and an optional scheduled break)
• Time to Complete Questions: 8 hours
• Number of Questions: 80
• Question types:
  • Multiple correct—allow examinees to select multiple answers
  • Point and click—require examinees to click on part of a graphic to answer
  • Drag and drop—require examinees to click on and drag items to match, sort, rank, or label
  • Fill in the blank—provide a space for examinees to enter a response to the question

What to Bring on Exam Day:

• Appointment confirmation letter
• NCEES-approved calculator
• Acceptable form of identification
• Approved comfort items

The Number One Rule for Exam Prep:

Practice, Practice, Practice! Come check out our practice options to ensure you are ready for your big day!

Also, see the following links for additional exam requirements:

• https://ncees.org/engineering/pe/civil-cbt/
• https://ncees.org/exams/examinee-guide/