Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) – Civil: Structural
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The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) - Civil: Structural exam is a licensure examination administered by NCEES that assesses a candidate's competence to practice structural engineering independently. The exam contains 88 questions delivered in a computer-based format and covers eight core knowledge areas: Analysis Methods, Concrete Structures, Foundation Systems, Loads, Masonry Structures, Mechanics of Materials, Steel Structures, and Timber Structures. Candidates are typically practicing engineers who have completed an accredited engineering degree, passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and accumulated the required years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed PE. The exam tests both conceptual understanding and applied problem-solving-expect to determine loads, size members, evaluate connections, analyze indeterminate systems, and apply governing codes such as ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC 360, NDS, and TMS 402/602. Passing demonstrates that you can make sound structural decisions that protect public safety. Those who succeed gain formal recognition as a licensed Professional Engineer, expanded career opportunities in consulting, government, and industry, and the legal authority to sign and seal structural drawings. The credential signals to employers, clients, and regulators that you have met a rigorous standard of technical and ethical competence.
Sample Questions
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A structural engineer is designing a timber beam for a residential building. Which design method must be used for the wood design?
In the analysis of a composite beam made of two materials with different elastic moduli, the engineer transforms the section into an equivalent section of one material. What must be determined on this transformed section before using the bending stress equations?
A bridge engineer is analyzing a simply supported girder subjected to a moving truck. The engineer needs to find the position of the truck that causes the maximum reaction at a support. Which of the following best describes the use of an influence line in this situation?
In the isohyetal method for estimating average precipitation over a catchment, what is the basis for determining the weight assigned to each station?
An engineer is reviewing the results of a wave equation analysis for a pile driven with an air-steam hammer. The summary output includes curves for several parameters plotted against blow count in blows per foot. Which of the following parameters is included in this summary output?
Exam insights and study advice
Structural engineers design the systems that keep buildings, bridges, and infrastructure standing under gravity, wind, seismic, and other loads. A single miscalculation can lead to catastrophic failure, injury, or loss of life. The PE license is the profession's primary mechanism for ensuring that only qualified individuals take responsibility for these decisions. Earning it demonstrates that you can independently analyze and design structural systems, apply building codes correctly, and exercise the judgment required when conditions on a project deviate from textbook assumptions. For your career, the PE unlocks opportunities for advancement, higher compensation, and the ability to lead projects and mentor others. For the public, it provides assurance that the person signing the drawings has been tested against a national standard.
What this exam covers
01Analysis Methods
Candidates must analyze structural behavior by evaluating force effects, constructing shear and moment diagrams, calculating axial forces, determining flexural stresses, understanding combined stress states, and evaluating structural deflections across various framing configurations.
02Concrete Structures
This section evaluates reinforced and unreinforced concrete members, precast components, and prestressed concrete design methodologies, emphasizing ultimate strength design, shear reinforcement, development lengths, and serviceability requirements for various concrete structural elements.
03Foundation Systems
Foundation systems analysis addresses shallow and deep foundation capacities, settlement calculations, soil mechanics properties, lateral earth pressures, and stability evaluations for retaining walls and subterranean structural elements in various conditions.
04Loads
This domain addresses the determination and application of dead loads, live loads, construction loads, environmental loads, wind loads, seismic forces, load combinations, and associated tributary areas required for safe structural design.
05Masonry Structures
Masonry structures require familiarity with building code requirements, brick veneer detailing, concrete masonry units, reinforced masonry walls, lintels, and lateral force-resisting systems conforming to current masonry standards for building safety.
06Mechanics of Materials
This content area focuses on mechanics of materials principles, including stress-strain relationships, material behaviors, mechanical properties, transformation of stress, and analytical calculations necessary for predicting structural member response under load.
07Steel Structures
The structural steel module requires knowledge of structural steel design criteria, member selection procedures, bolted and welded connection details, stability requirements, and cold-formed steel specifications according to recognized engineering standards.
08Timber Structures
Timber structures design involves wood properties, allowable stress design methods, connection fasteners, diaphragms, shear walls, and structural lumber components subjected to various combinations of bending, axial, and shear stresses.