PE: Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering Exam Practice Test

Eligibility is determined by your state licensing board, but generally requires: 1) An ABET-accredited engineering degree (or equivalent), 2) Successful passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and 3) Four years of progressive, relevant engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. Some states have specific coursework requirements. You must apply directly to your state board for approval to test.

The exam is computer-based (CBT) and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 9 hours (including a scheduled break). It is open-book; you may bring approved hard-copy reference materials or use the provided NCEES reference handbook and standard engineering codes digitally within the exam software. Allowed materials typically include textbooks, bound notes, and published standards. All materials are subject to inspection.

This exam is highly specialized, focusing exclusively on the unique technical domains of the mining lifecycle. It heavily emphasizes areas like mine ventilation, ground control, drilling & blasting, materials handling, mineral beneficiation (crushing, grinding, separation), and tailings/site reclamation. This contrasts with broader civil or mechanical exams, requiring deep, industry-specific knowledge of MSHA regulations, resource estimation methods, and processing plant design.

In both settings, the PE license is highly valued but utilized differently. In a large operating company, it is often essential for senior technical, management, or regulatory approval roles, and for representing the company before agencies. In a consulting or engineering firm, it is absolutely critical, as it legally permits you to sign, seal, and take responsibility for design reports, plans, and studies that are delivered to clients. It is frequently a requirement for project manager and principal-level positions.

The NCEES exam specification outlines major knowledge areas: Mine Planning & Design (21-30%), Mine Operations & Safety (21-30%), Mineral Processing (21-30%), and Environmental & Reclamation (11-20%). This includes subtopics like reserve estimation, mine ventilation, ground control, drilling/blasting, materials transport, comminution, separation, dewatering, tailings management, closure planning, and applicable health/safety/environmental regulations.