The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam tests for a minimum level of competency in a particular engineering discipline. It is designed for engineers who have gained a minimum of four years’ post-college work experience in their chosen engineering discipline.
The exam is computer-based and administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers. The first administration via computer-based testing will begin in April 2020; registration will open in November 2019.
The exam includes 80 questions. The exam appointment time is 9 hours and includes
- Nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes)
- Tutorial (8 minutes)
- Exam (8 hours)
- Scheduled break (50 minutes)
Learn more at the NCEES YouTube channel.
Register for the exam by logging in to your MyNCEES account and following the onscreen instructions. Prepare for the exam by
- Reviewing the exam specifications, fees, and requirements
- Reading the reference materials
- Understanding scoring and reporting
- Viewing the most up-to-date exam pass rates
A $375 exam fee is payable directly to NCEES. Some licensing boards may require you to file a separate application and pay an application fee as part of the approval process to qualify you for a seat for an NCEES exam. Your licensing board may have additional requirements. Familiarize yourself with your state licensing board’s unique registration procedures before registering for a PE exam.
Special accommodations are available for examinees who meet certain eligibility criteria and sufficiently document their request.
