ASCE Civil Engineer, Certified (CE-C) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Water distribution piping, sanitary sewers, and storm drainage utilities are specified in which MasterFormat division?

Division 22
Division 34
Division 33 (Correct answer)
Division 32

Correct answer: Division 33

Division 33 Utilities covers site water, sewer, storm drainage, and other utility systems.

Question 2: Which tensile test result is most commonly used as a measure of a steel's ductility?

Modulus of elasticity
Yield strength
Percent elongation at fracture (Correct answer)
Ultimate tensile strength

Correct answer: Percent elongation at fracture

Percent elongation over a gauge length shows how much plastic deformation the steel can take before it fractures.

Question 3: When crashing a schedule, which activity should be crashed first?

The critical activity with the lowest crash cost per day (Correct answer)
The critical activity with the highest crash cost per day
The non-critical activity with the lowest crash cost
The longest activity in the network

Correct answer: The critical activity with the lowest crash cost per day

Crashing the cheapest-per-day critical activity shortens the project at minimum added cost.

Question 4: A specification that names one manufacturer's product and allows alternatives through an 'or equal' clause is best described as:

Closed proprietary
Performance
Open proprietary (Correct answer)
Descriptive

Correct answer: Open proprietary

An open proprietary specification names products but permits equivalent substitutes.

Question 5: On a statistical process control chart, a single test result plotted above the upper control limit most likely indicates:

That the control limits are too wide
Normal common-cause variation
A special (assignable) cause of variation (Correct answer)
That the process is fully capable

Correct answer: A special (assignable) cause of variation

Points outside the control limits signal special-cause variation that should be investigated.

Question 6: A process operating at a Six Sigma level, allowing for the conventional 1.5-sigma shift, produces approximately how many defects per million opportunities?

6,210
233
66
3.4 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3.4

Six Sigma with the 1.5σ shift equates to about 3.4 DPMO.

Question 7: Which of the following best describes specific energy in open channel flow?

Energy per unit weight measured with respect to the channel bottom as datum (Correct answer)
The sum of pressure head and velocity head only
Total energy measured above a datum at the channel bed
Energy dissipated per unit length of channel

Correct answer: Energy per unit weight measured with respect to the channel bottom as datum

Specific energy (E = y + V²/2g) is the total energy per unit weight of fluid measured with respect to the channel bottom, combining depth (pressure term) and velocity head.

Question 8: Fast-tracking a construction schedule involves:

Adding resources to critical activities to shorten them
Removing scope from the project
Performing activities in parallel that were originally planned in sequence (Correct answer)
Extending the contract completion date

Correct answer: Performing activities in parallel that were originally planned in sequence

Fast-tracking overlaps sequential activities, which typically increases risk of rework.

Question 9: What is the primary function of public transportation systems?

Increase private car ownership.
Provide efficient mobility and reduce congestion. (Correct answer)
Expand suburban housing developments.
Encourage long-distance commuting.

Correct answer: Provide efficient mobility and reduce congestion.

Public transportation systems, such as buses, trains, and subways, primarily function to provide efficient and accessible mobility for a large number of people. By offering an alternative to private vehicles, they help reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and decrease the demand for parking. This enhances urban livability, supports economic development, and promotes more sustainable travel patterns.

Question 10: Which type of bridge is best suited for spanning long distances with minimal supports?

Suspension bridge (Correct answer)
Truss bridge
Beam bridge
Arch bridge

Correct answer: Suspension bridge

Suspension bridges are ideal for spanning long distances because their design efficiently distributes weight. The main cables, anchored at each end, carry the load from the deck via vertical suspender cables, transferring tension to the towers and then to the anchorages. This allows for very long main spans with fewer intermediate supports compared to other bridge types, making them suitable for vast crossings.

Question 11: A bridge rehabilitation project has PV = $1.2M and EV = $1.08M at the status date. What is the Schedule Variance (SV)?

+$120,000
-$120,000 (Correct answer)
-$1,080,000
+$1,080,000

Correct answer: -$120,000

SV = EV - PV = 1.08M - 1.2M = -$120,000, indicating the work is behind schedule.

Question 12: Under ACI 318, what strength reduction factor (φ) applies to tension-controlled flexural sections?

0.90 (Correct answer)
0.75
0.65
0.85

Correct answer: 0.90

ACI 318 assigns φ = 0.90 to tension-controlled sections because they fail in a ductile way.

Question 13: Which ASTM test method measures the air content of normal-weight fresh concrete using the pressure method?

ASTM C173
ASTM C138
ASTM C231 (Correct answer)
ASTM C1064

Correct answer: ASTM C231

ASTM C231 is the pressure method, while C173 is the volumetric method used for lightweight concrete.

Question 14: On a critical path network, an activity has ES = 10, EF = 15, LS = 14, and LF = 19. What is its total float?

9 days
5 days
0 days
4 days (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4 days

Total float = LS - ES = 14 - 10 = 4 days (or LF - EF = 19 - 15).

Question 15: What is the effective throat of an equal-leg fillet weld with leg size w?

1.414w
0.5w
0.707w (Correct answer)
w

Correct answer: 0.707w

For a 45° fillet weld, the throat is w·sin45° ≈ 0.707w.

Question 16: Before a concrete pour, a special inspector checks reinforcement. Which item is LEAST likely to be part of that inspection?

Bar size and spacing
Lap splice lengths
Concrete cover and support chairs
Concrete slump (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Concrete slump

Slump is a fresh-concrete test done during placement, not part of the pre-pour reinforcing inspection.

Question 17: What modulus of elasticity is typically used for structural steel in U.S. design practice?

10,000 ksi
45,000 ksi
29,000 ksi (Correct answer)
3,600 ksi

Correct answer: 29,000 ksi

AISC specifies E = 29,000 ksi for structural steel regardless of grade.

Question 18: How should engineering changes to testing methods be managed?

Verbal approval is sufficient
Changes can be made at the engineer's discretion
By email notification after implementation
Through a formal change control process with documentation and approval (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Through a formal change control process with documentation and approval

Formal change control processes ensure all modifications are properly evaluated, approved, documented, and communicated.

Question 19: A soil has a liquid limit of 48 and a plastic limit of 22. What is its plasticity index?

70
35
26 (Correct answer)
22

Correct answer: 26

Plasticity index equals liquid limit minus plastic limit: 48 - 22 = 26.

Question 20: Which analysis method is essential for testing methods?

Guessing based on experience alone
Copying previous project specifications without review
Visual inspection only
Quantitative analysis using validated engineering methods and calculations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Quantitative analysis using validated engineering methods and calculations

Validated engineering methods and calculations provide the quantitative basis needed for sound engineering decisions.

Question 21: How should engineering changes to project management be managed?

Through a formal change control process with documentation and approval (Correct answer)
Changes can be made at the engineer's discretion
Verbal approval is sufficient
By email notification after implementation

Correct answer: Through a formal change control process with documentation and approval

Formal change control processes ensure all modifications are properly evaluated, approved, documented, and communicated.

Question 22: Portland cement types (I, II, III, V, etc.) are defined by which standard?

ASTM C618
ASTM C150 (Correct answer)
ASTM C94
ASTM C33

Correct answer: ASTM C150

ASTM C150 is the standard specification for portland cement.

Question 23: What is the main factor influencing soil bearing capacity?

Depth of water table
Soil type (Correct answer)
Amount of vegetation
Wind speed

Correct answer: Soil type

Soil type is the main factor influencing soil bearing capacity because different soil compositions have varying strengths and compressibilities. Cohesive soils like clay behave differently from granular soils like sand, affecting how much load they can safely support before shear failure or excessive settlement occurs. Engineers must analyze the specific soil type to determine appropriate foundation designs and ensure structural stability.

Question 24: How is the yield strength of a metal with no clear yield point, such as high-strength steel or aluminum, usually determined?

By the 0.2% offset method (Correct answer)
From the ultimate strength divided by 1.5
From the fracture stress
From the proportional limit by eye

Correct answer: By the 0.2% offset method

Draw a line parallel to the elastic slope, offset by 0.002 strain; the stress where it crosses the curve is the yield strength.

Question 25: The slump test (ASTM C143) is mainly used to measure which property of fresh concrete?

Workability/consistency (Correct answer)
Setting time
Compressive strength
Air content

Correct answer: Workability/consistency

Slump measures the consistency, or workability, of fresh concrete.

Question 26: Per ACI 318, what strength reduction factor φ applies to flexure in a tension-controlled reinforced concrete section?

0.75
0.90 (Correct answer)
0.65
0.85

Correct answer: 0.90

Tension-controlled sections are ductile and receive φ = 0.90.

Question 27: What does a cost performance index (CPI) of 1.2 indicate?

The project is getting $1.20 of value for every $1.00 spent (Correct answer)
The project is 20% behind schedule
The project is spending 20% more than planned
The project is 20% over budget

Correct answer: The project is getting $1.20 of value for every $1.00 spent

A CPI greater than 1.0 means the project is under budget, earning more value than the money being spent.

Question 28: Under NEPA, if an Environmental Assessment finds no significant impacts, the federal agency issues a:

Finding of No Significant Impact (Correct answer)
Notice of Intent
Categorical Exclusion
Record of Decision

Correct answer: Finding of No Significant Impact

An EA that finds no significant impact ends with a FONSI instead of an EIS.

Question 29: A project's BAC is $2,000,000 and the CPI is 0.80. Assuming current cost performance continues, what is the Estimate at Completion (EAC)?

$1,600,000
$2,500,000 (Correct answer)
$2,000,000
$2,400,000

Correct answer: $2,500,000

EAC = BAC / CPI = 2,000,000 / 0.80 = $2,500,000.

Question 30: In the Modified Proctor test (ASTM D1557), what hammer weight and drop height are used?

10 lb hammer, 18 in drop (Correct answer)
5.5 lb hammer, 18 in drop
5.5 lb hammer, 12 in drop
10 lb hammer, 12 in drop

Correct answer: 10 lb hammer, 18 in drop

Modified Proctor uses a 10 lb hammer dropped 18 in, delivering much more compactive energy than Standard Proctor (5.5 lb, 12 in).

Question 31: Installation tolerances and field quality control testing are typically placed in which part of a section?

Part 1 General
Part 3 Execution (Correct answer)
Part 2 Products
The supplementary conditions

Correct answer: Part 3 Execution

Part 3 Execution covers preparation, installation, tolerances, and field quality control.

Question 32: Deformed and plain carbon-steel bars for concrete reinforcement are commonly specified to:

ASTM A615 (Correct answer)
ASTM A992
ASTM A36
ASTM A325

Correct answer: ASTM A615

ASTM A615 covers deformed and plain carbon-steel bars for concrete reinforcement.

Question 33: For a strip footing on saturated clay under undrained (φ = 0) conditions, the Prandtl/Meyerhof bearing capacity factor Nc is:

5.70
3.14
1.00
5.14 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5.14

Nc = π + 2 ≈ 5.14 for φ = 0; Terzaghi's original value is 5.7.

Question 34: Under IBC Chapter 17, the Statement of Special Inspections is normally prepared by:

The general contractor
The concrete supplier
The registered design professional in responsible charge (Correct answer)
The building owner's insurer

Correct answer: The registered design professional in responsible charge

IBC requires the registered design professional to prepare the statement of special inspections as part of the permit documents.

Question 35: Per ASTM C143, how long should it take to raise the slump cone vertically after rodding?

1 ± 0.5 seconds
30 ± 10 seconds
15 ± 5 seconds
5 ± 2 seconds (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5 ± 2 seconds

ASTM C143 requires lifting the mold steadily in 5 ± 2 seconds without lateral or torsional motion.

Question 36: Which analysis method is essential for quality assurance?

Guessing based on experience alone
Copying previous project specifications without review
Visual inspection only
Quantitative analysis using validated engineering methods and calculations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Quantitative analysis using validated engineering methods and calculations

Validated engineering methods and calculations provide the quantitative basis needed for sound engineering decisions.

Question 37: Which document formally authorizes a project and gives the project manager authority to apply organizational resources?

Scope statement
Work breakdown structure
Project charter (Correct answer)
Risk register

Correct answer: Project charter

The project charter formally authorizes the project and names the project manager.

Question 38: In Marshall mix design for heavy-traffic pavements, how many blows per side are typically applied to compact specimens?

35
50
100
75 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 75

Heavy traffic Marshall designs use 75 blows per side, while medium and light traffic use 50 and 35.

Question 39: A contractor proposes a different product than specified after award. Who generally bears the burden of proving equivalence?

The manufacturer of the specified product
The engineer
The contractor (Correct answer)
The owner

Correct answer: The contractor

The party requesting the substitution must demonstrate the proposed product is equal to the specified one.

Question 40: The continuous improvement cycle associated with W. Edwards Deming consists of which four steps?

Inspect-Test-Accept-Reject
Design-Build-Verify-Close
Plan-Do-Check-Act (Correct answer)
Define-Measure-Analyze-Control

Correct answer: Plan-Do-Check-Act

The Deming (PDCA) cycle is Plan, Do, Check (or Study), Act.

ASCE Civil Engineer, Certified (CE-C)

The CE-C credential is a post-PE, cross-specialty certification validating professional competencies aligned with the Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge (CEBOK), covering technical, professional practice, and leadership domains required for responsible charge in civil engineering.

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60 min

Time Limit

70%

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