Civil Engineering PE Practice Exam 2025

civil engineering pe exam study materials

A professional engineer (PE) is a licensed engineering professional who is authorized to prepare, sign and seal engineering plans and drawings. They also must adhere to high ethical standards and practice within a defined scope of practice.

PEs are required to pass a series of exams before they can earn licensure in their state, including the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the Principles and Practice exam. They must also meet other eligibility requirements that vary by state.

Civil Engineering Questions and Answers

What is civil engineering?

Applying physical and scientific concepts to the design, development, and maintenance of the artificially produced environment and the naturally occurring built environment is known as civil engineering.

What do civil engineers do?

In both the public and commercial sectors, civil engineers conceptualize, design, build, supervise, run, and maintain infrastructure projects and systems, such as highways, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water supply and sewage treatment systems.

How much do civil engineers make?

In 2025, the median income for civil engineers was $88,050.

Is civil engineering hard?

The civil engineering course is challenging due to the numerous complex equations and calculations that must be performed.

How to become a civil engineer?

  • Should have a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
  • Should pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) test with a passing grade.
  • Should have relevant professional experience, often at least 4 years working under a licensed engineer. –
  • Should have a Professional Engineering (PE) exam passing score.

Where do civil engineers work?

Project managers who are civil engineers may work from automobiles or trucks as they travel from one location to another. In government office buildings or facilities, many civil engineers are employed by governmental organizations. Civil engineers occasionally travel abroad to work on big projects in other nations.

How long does it take to become a civil engineer?

Civil engineering bachelor’s degree with specializations in (Degree Codes: Program- BSCE Plan – BSCE) The four years of academic instruction and the one term and one summer of practical training required for the BSCE program can be finished in four years and one term.

Is civil engineering a good career?

If you want to work in an engineering area that is expanding and has a high earning potential, civil engineering is an excellent choice for you.

What can you do with a civil engineering degree?

You can work in the following field:

  • Building control surveyor.
  • Consulting civil engineer.
  • Contracting civil
  • Nuclear engineer .
  • Design engineer.
  • Structural engineer.
  • Water engineer.

How much do civil engineers make an hour?

As of Mar 17, 2025, the average hourly wage for a Civil Engineer in the United States is $39.61 an hour.

How much does a civil engineer make a year?

In the United States, a civil engineer makes an average yearly salary of $85,415.

How much do civil engineers make in california?

In California, a civil engineer can expect to make $97,414 per year on average.

Is civil engineering a good major?

For people who are enthusiastic about the STEM field, particularly science, math, and engineering, civil engineering is a fantastic major. It is appropriate for degree-seeking students who are prepared to put in the necessary effort on a demanding course of study in exchange for some high-paying, in-demand professions in the future.

What is a civil engineering degree?

A master’s degree is the industry standard for civil engineering students concentrating in structural engineering because learning to design buildings and bridges involves substantial training.

Are civil engineers happy?

Overall job satisfaction was considerably higher: 85.2% of civil engineers reported being satisfied or extremely satisfied in their positions.

Are civil engineers in demand?

According to projections, employment of civil engineers will increase by 7% between 2025 and 2031, which is approximately average for all occupations. Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 24,200 opportunities for civil engineers.

Do civil engineers build houses?

Civil engineers supervise the full design-to-completion process for buildings, roads, dams, bridges, water systems, and other significant works. In contrast, architects are in charge of designing and planning structures ranging from homes and factories to skyscrapers and museums.

Do civil engineering jobs drug test?

Similarly, several federal agencies demand that engineering firms/contractors administer drug tests to employees involved in their projects.

What skills do civil engineers need?

  • Solid knowledge of math, science, and IT.
  • The capacity for logical thought and project management.
  • Problem-solving skills.
  • The capacity to meet deadlines and stick to spending limits.
  • The capacity to oversee vast tasks while continuing to focus on minute details.
  • Outstanding written and vocal communication abilities
  • Leadership, supervision, and negotiation abilities.
  • Thorough understanding of pertinent legislation.

Why is civil engineering important?

The world we live in is shaped by civil engineers. Every reservoir, dam, bridge, road, tunnel, and building are designed, constructed, and maintained by them. Their knowledge is crucial for a long-term future.

Can a mechanical engineer work as a civil engineer?

Yes. Fortunately, mechanical and civil engineering share a lot of the same topics, making the transition easier than in other engineering disciplines. With simply a few additional skills, mechanical engineers can function as civil engineers.

Can a civil engineer become an aerospace engineer?

A civil/structural engineer can undoubtedly find employment in the aerospace industry.

How is the vault used in civil engineering?

They are frequently used to build walkways outside of buildings or the internal ceiling of those buildings. Due to the unusual shape of this building, a vault must withstand the tremendous pressure that the structure that rests on top of it puts on its lower components.

How many civil engineers in the us?

In the United States, there are around 108,233 civil engineers working at the moment. Of all civil engineers, 16.4% are female, while 83.6% are male.

How much is the tuition fee for civil engineering?

The program’s annual tuition can be anything from $12,000 to $42,000.

What are the 7 fields of civil engineering?

  • Structural engineering.
  • Construction engineering and management.
  • Geotechnical engineering.
  • Environmental engineering.
  • Transportation engineering.
  • Water resources engineering.
  • Materials engineering.

What companies hire civil engineers?

  • Engineering firms
  • Construction companies
  • Utility companies
  • Railway companies
  • Waste management companies

What is surveying civil engineering?

Engineering work called civil surveying involves examining and documenting information about a piece of land.

What jobs can you get with a civil engineering degree?

  • Building control surveyor.
  • Consulting civil engineer.
  • Contracting civil engineer.
  • Nuclear engineer.
  • Design engineer.
  • Structural engineer.
  • Water engineer.

Can a civil engineer become an architect?

If they have a professional certification or degree in the discipline, civil engineers can perform architectural tasks. Given how similar the two fields are, many civil engineers take a brief course in architecture.

Can civil engineer get job in google?

As an IT corporation, Google hardly ever employs civil engineers. However, you can enroll in software developer training and then apply if you want to work at Google. They desire education and an engineering degree.

How does civil engineering impact society?

The infrastructure for a cleaner environment, as well as our buildings, roads, bridges, drinking water and energy systems, seaports, and airports, are all designed, built, and maintained by civil engineers.

How many hours do civil engineers work?

Most civil engineers are full-time employees; some work more than 40 hours per week. Project managers may need more time to keep track of project progress, ensure that designs adhere to specifications, and ensure that deadlines are reached.

How to become a civil engineer without a degree?

Civil engineering is a highly difficult sector to enter without a degree, but you may still become one by working in the construction industry and steadily moving up the ranks as you gain experience and show your abilities.

How to hire a civil engineer?

  • Recognize your needs. Finding out what you require from an engineer should be one of your first steps in the hiring process.
  • Establish a budget.
  • Make a job description and advertisement.
  • Place a Job Ad.
  • Interview potential hires.
  • Pick a candidate and extend an offer.

How to make money as civil engineer?

  • Get employment supervising construction with a local, state, or federal government. They get knowledge of the specifications for bids and the standards for the caliber of work that the government demands.
  • Purchase a few pieces of large machinery, hire men to operate it, and serve as subcontractors.
  • lather, rinse, and repeat until you have a big company and can bid for tasks independently.

Is a structural engineer a civil engineer?

A subfield of civil engineering is structural engineering. Structural engineers provide blueprints and specifications, carry out calculations, examine the work of other engineers, produce evaluations and reports, and keep an eye on building sites.

Is civil engineering the easiest engineering major?

Since civil engineering degrees are notoriously challenging, many students struggle to keep up with the workload. Additionally, several math and science courses are needed for civil engineering, which might be difficult for some students.

What are the different types of civil engineering?

  • Construction Technology and Management (CTM)
  • Geotechnical Engineering (GTE)
  • Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering (HWR)
  • Structural Engineering (STE)
  • Transportation Engineering (TRE)

What do civil engineers study?

Civil engineers (CEs) are educated to address issues with the planning, building, and upkeep of the built and natural environments. Public works such as roads, trains, bridges, structures, and water and energy systems are dealt with by them.

What is geomatics in civil engineering?

Data about the earth and the built environment are measured, analyzed, and managed in geomatics.

What is the difference between civil and mechanical engineering?

While mechanical engineers design and enhance almost any physical component, structure, assembly, manufacturing procedures, and related equipment, civil engineers concentrate on structures and infrastructure, such as buildings and bridges, tunnels, highways, rivers, dams, and harbors.

What is the difference between civil engineering and architecture?

Civil engineers supervise the full design-to-completion process for buildings, roads, dams, bridges, water systems, and other significant works, whereas architects are in charge of designing and planning structures ranging from homes and factories to skyscrapers and museums.

What laptop is best for civil engineering?

  • Dell XPS 15 (9500)
  • Google Pixelbook Go
  • Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
  • HP Spectre x360 (2021)
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5″
  • Dell XPS 17
  • Razer Blade 15

What tools do civil engineers use?

  • Compasses and cinometers.
  • Transits and theodolites.
  • Levels.
  • Chains and tapes.
  • Prisms and reflectors.
  • Magnetic locators.
  • Grade rods.

What types of projects do civil engineers work on?

Construction and management, geotechnical and structural, transportation, and water and architecture are the five subfields of civil engineering. Each task requires in-depth familiarity with mathematics, mechanics, and physics and the capacity for original problem-solving.

Are civil engineers smart?

Engineers have an average IQ of about 115, placing them in the top third of the population on average. It’s not always super-genius stuff, but it helps to be extremely intelligent.

Are civil engineers underpaid?

Because civil projects are frequently financed by the public sector, consulting civil engineers typically receive lower pay.

Can a civil engineer be a construction manager?

Yes, many organizations seek to promote competent civil engineers to management roles, and many construction managers are civil engineers.

Can a civil engineer be a millionaire?

Yes. A civil engineer is predicted to become rich in the US. In around 25 years, a civil engineer with a $65K national average salary who invests 15% of their income in a respectable portfolio is predicted to become a millionaire.

Can a civil engineer be an environmental engineer?

Environmental engineers often require a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related discipline, such as civil, chemical, or general engineering. Some employers favor hiring applicants with relevant experience.

Can a civil engineer be a structural engineer?

Although not all civil engineers are structural engineers, structural engineers are civil engineers. This implies that their roles are distinct. Site examinations and analysis are among the primary duties of civil engineers.

Can a civil engineer become a billionaire?

Absolutely, both multimillionaires and multibillionaires can be civil engineers.

Can a civil engineer become a contractor?

  • Typically, there are several phases and prerequisites to becoming a contractor for a civil engineer, including:
  • Earn a degree in civil engineering: You must first graduate from a recognized institution or university with a civil engineering degree to work as a contractor.
  • Acquire job experience: After receiving your degree, you should work in the construction sector for a while. Internships, entry-level jobs, or working as a contractor’s assistant are all ways to get this experience.
  • Obtain a contractor’s license. In most areas, a license is necessary for contractors to conduct business. Each state has its standards for earning a contractor’s license; however, most states require passing an exam and having the necessary training or education.
  • Create a business plan: As a contractor, you must create a plan including your objectives, target audience, pricing strategy, and marketing approach.
  • Obtain insurance and bonding: To shield their clients and themselves from potential liabilities, contractors are often obliged to maintain liability insurance and bonding.
  • Create a network: You can locate new business possibilities and establish a solid reputation as a dependable and knowledgeable contractor by creating a network of connections in the field, such as architects, engineers, and other contractors.
  • Begin small and expand: By gradually starting small and expanding your business, you can gain experience and establish a strong reputation in the market.

Can a civil engineer become a lawyer?

Every bachelor’s degree holder is welcome in law school. Your pre-law degree makes little difference, but those who majored in social sciences like political science, philosophy, sociology, and psychology have an advantage. There is no need to worry if you are an engineer.

Can a civil engineer become a mechanical engineer?

Although they must take additional core courses and gain knowledge of mechanics and mechanical processes, civil engineers can transition into becoming mechanical engineers. Transferring between the two disciplines is relatively simple because of their many parallels.

Can a civil engineer become an urban planner?

A civil engineer can absolutely pursue a master’s degree in urban planning.

Can a civil engineer become a petroleum engineer?

Petroleum engineers must hold a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a related discipline like mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering.

Can a civil engineer become a software engineer?

Yes, a Civil Engineer can also be a software engineer.

Can a civil engineer build their own house?

A civil engineer is capable of constructing homes, although they would be acting as a contractor. An engineer may simultaneously hold the positions of contractor and engineer.

Can a civil engineer do surveying?

Measuring the horizontal and vertical distances between locations is a common component of land surveying for civil engineering. The precise features of the surface and structure of the land are also described.

Can a civil engineer draw house plans?

Civil engineers can create, sign, or seal architectural documents, according to R.A. No. 1582 of 1956 (revised in R.A. No. 544 of 1950). (including architectural plans, specifications, estimates, and contract documents).

Can a civil engineer work from home?

Many of them now work from home as civil engineers, communicating with their team members and clients through calls or online messaging.

Can a construction manager become a civil engineer?

A construction manager who pursues additional education and training can turn into a civil engineer.

Can an architect be a civil engineer?

Yes, but only if they are taken concurrently as dual degrees in a specific context (engineering was traditionally a 5yr degree, now crammed into 4)

Can civil engineer become data scientist?

Yes, you may be termed a civil engineer data scientist. In reality, a large portion of DataTrained’s first data science students had backgrounds in civil engineering.

Can civil engineers have tattoos?

There is no requirement to “Not choose applicants who have Tattoos” for any position in the construction industry. The same applies to positions in government, PSUs, and private businesses.

Can civil engineers make 200k?

Although it is not typical for all civil engineers to make this much money, they can make more than $200,000. A civil engineer’s pay might vary depending on a number of variables, including their location, years of experience, education, and the sort of job they do.

Can civil engineers work for nasa?

Civil engineers can assist with the highly complex task of launching a space mission by creating mission command centers and simplifying launches.

Can I be an architect with a civil engineering degree?

If an individual has received the appropriate technical training and is already an engineer, they are qualified to become an architect.

Can I do masters in computer science after civil engineering?

Students from Electrical Engineering, Electrical, and Communication Engineering, or even Civil Engineering may change their major to a Master’s in Computer Science.

Can I do mba after civil engineering?

After receiving a B.E. or B tech in civil engineering, pursuing an MBA can help you develop both technical and business understanding. As a result, you are a great asset because you can handle the work’s technical and managerial parts.

Can I switch from civil engineering to computer science?

Yes, you can, but only if you return to school and earn another degree. The equivalent of two years’ worth of civil engineering work may be transferred. There is yet another choice.

Can you do civil engineering without physics?

To become an engineer, you will require physics; however, you can study civil engineering without having any physics knowledge.

Can you get a phd in civil engineering?

The Ph.D. in Civil Engineering program includes five areas of specialization: Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Planning and Engineering, and Construction Technology and Management.

Do civil engineers have to travel?

Civil engineers occasionally travel abroad to work on big engineering projects in other countries.

Do civil engineers make more money than architects?

An average architect makes $86,897 a year. Civil engineers, on the other hand, make an average yearly salary of $85,617. The income potential of both occupations is influenced by variables like location, experience level, and specialty.

Do civil engineers need a license?

In every state in the United States, civil engineers who work for the general public are required to carry a license that attests to their proficiency in the fields of infrastructure design, construction, and maintenance.

How to prepare for fe exam civil engineering?

  • Understand Your Learning Style.
  • Know What’s on the Test.
  • Manage Your Time Wisely.
  • Use the FE Reference Handbook.
  • Use NCEES for Practice Problems.
  • Get a Good Night’s Sleep Before Taking an Exam.
  • Don’t Try to ‘Wing It’ at the Last Minute.
  • Stay Organized, and Finally, Have Fun With It.

What is the fundamentals of engineering exam?

Typically, taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step toward becoming a licensed professional engineer (P.E.). It is intended for students who have just graduated from undergraduate engineering programs with EAC/ABET accreditation and those who are nearly finished.

Does civil engineering have board exam?

A technical test called the CE Board Exam is necessary for candidates who want to practice civil engineering.

Is civil engineering board exam hard?

One of the toughest board exams is the civil engineering licensure exam, which has a vast list of subtopics under each of the four primary engineering areas.

What are the exams for civil engineers?

  • Plane, Algebra, and Spherical Trigonometry.
  • Descriptive, Analytics, and Solid Geometry.
  • Integral and Differential Calculus.
  • Highway and Railroad Surveying.
  • Hydrographic Surveying and Plane Topographic.
  • Design and Constructions of Highway and Railroads, Piers, Ports, and Wharves.

What is gate exam for civil engineering?

There are three sections to this online test, which has a total of 65 questions. The general aptitude component of the GATE 2025 application must be completed by all applicants. There are both multiple-choice and questions with numerical answers on the test; there are no negative points for the questions with numerical answers.

All In One Civil Engineering PE Breadth And Depth

The PE civil engineering exam consists of two distinct components: the breadth part and the depth part. The breadth portion covers all the basics, while the depth part focuses on five specific areas of practice: construction, geotechnical, structural, transportation and water resources and environmental. Choosing which one to take can make the difference between an easy pass and a tough one.

The all in one civil engineering pe book is an effective study guide, containing the latest technical standards, exam-specific content and multiple practice problems for the breadth and depth portions of the test. It is a must have for any prospective PE, and even experienced engineers should take the time to read it thoroughly.

The all in one civil engineering pe book also has a number of other impressive features including an exemplary chapter by chapter glossary, comprehensive list of acronyms and acronym-friendly mnemonics. It also features an in-depth section on the latest edition of the ABET test specifications. It is a worthwhile investment in your education and career.

Civil Engineering Academy PE Review

Civil Engineering Academy is a great option for those looking to pass the PE exam. They offer an all-in-one package that includes video lessons, practice exams and practice problem video solutions.

One of the best parts about Civil Engineering Academy is that it doesn’t cost nearly as much as major competitors like PPI or School of PE. In fact, they offer their Ultimate Civil FE & PE Review Courses for less than half the price of these major rivals (and in some cases, even lower).

Their 85% pass rate is also pretty impressive and you can get access to live online classes or on demand options that are perfect for busy students. They also have a 15-day money back guarantee, so you can try their courses out for a few months and if you don’t think they’re a good fit for you, you can request your money back within that period.

The course’s founder, Isaac, walks you through sample problems in quick hit, 2- to 6-minute videos. This is the best way to learn how to solve the problems on the exam, and it really helps cement your knowledge of the material.

Civil Engineering All In One PE Exam Guide

In order to pass your civil engineering PE exam, you’ll need a comprehensive study guide. These guides contain equations, diagrams, and study strategies as well as practice questions that are based on the same content that you’ll see on the actual exam.

Whether you’re a new or experienced engineer, this book will help you pass the PE exam on your first attempt! It is updated to reflect the latest specifications and design standards, so you can be confident you’re prepared for your exam.

The Civil Engineering PE exam is a standardized test that covers all aspects of the field of civil engineering. The PE exam is divided into two parts: the breadth and depth sections. The breadth section includes a broader range of topics, while the depth test is more specific and focuses on one discipline or area of expertise.

A few months before the actual PE exam, NCEES releases a document called Exam Specifications which details what is likely to be on the test. These documents give you a breakdown of the topics and the level of difficulty that will be expected on your exam.

Civil Engineering PE Exam Books

Civil Engineering PE is a computer-based exam that is administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers. It tests for a minimum level of competency in a specific engineering discipline.

PE exams are divided into breadth and depth sections, with each covering one of the five areas of civil engineering (construction, geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources and environmental). There are 80 questions in each section and a 9-hour time limit.

While I would prefer a live classroom experience like School of PE or PPI, the Civil Engineering Academy Ultimate Civil FE & PE Review Courses do a great job at getting what you need into a streamlined package. They have a lot of extras in their low price point, including live practice study sessions, bonus theory problems, homework planner, equation reference guide, and support through email and social media.

The course founder Isaac (and occasionally his brother Mark) breaks down sample problems in 2- to 6-minute video lectures, walking you through the exact steps you need to solve them. He points out common traps and cautions, so you’re sure to be prepared when the exam hits.

Civil Engineering PE Exam Dates

The Civil Engineering PE is a standardized test designed by NCEES to evaluate an engineer’s level of expertise in a specific field of engineering. It is the first step toward professional licensure in the United States.

The exam is comprised of a breadth and depth section, with questions covering five major areas of civil engineering (construction, geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources and environmental). It lasts 9 hours and includes 80 multiple-choice questions.

In most cases, exams are computer-based, with the exception of a few pencil and paper-based tests. Those are still offered twice a year, and some have transitioned to computer-based testing.

When a PE exam becomes computer-based, it is proctored at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE testing centers. The exams are given either during four testing windows throughout the year or as a single-day administration in October.

Before taking the PE exam, engineers must meet a number of experience, education, and exam requirements, as listed on the NCEES website. The board may waive some of these requirements if the applicant can demonstrate that it would be impossible to achieve the requirements without special accommodations.

Civil Engineering PE Exam Pass Rate

The NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams are the first two exams you will need to pass in order to become a Professional Engineer. Upon passing these exams, you will be able to stamp and sign engineering drawings and calculations as a licensed engineer in your State.

The FE exam is five hours and 20 minutes in length with 110 questions that cover a wide range of foundational engineering concepts. It is administered as a computer-based test and is typically administered at an NCEES-approved Pearson VUE testing center during four testing windows throughout the year.

Once you’ve registered for the exam and been approved by NCEES, you will receive an email with options to schedule an appointment at a local testing center. You can take the FE exam once per testing window and no more than three times during a 12-month period from the date of your first attempt.

Having a PE license can help you get into more desirable engineering positions, including senior engineers or consulting firms, expert witness work, and patent work. It is also a necessary requirement to work for government agencies, public safety, or to advertise that you provide engineering services.

Civil Engineering PE Exam Preparation

Passing the Civil Engineering PE exam is one of the most important steps in becoming a licensed professional engineer. It’s the mark of a hard-earned accomplishment and will earn you respect among your peers and clients alike.

The Civil PE is a closed-book computer-based test (CBT) that is administered year-round at NCEES-approved testing centers. It includes multiple-choice questions and alternative item types (AITs) in both the International System of units and the US Customary System of units.

To prepare for the Civil PE, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the various engineering principles. Cognistar MGI’s courses break down complex topics into a simple format, and the instructors are available to help with questions and answer queries as needed.

It is also a good idea to make sure you have a copy of the Civil Engineering Reference Manual and design standards that are relevant for the exam. This will ensure you can quickly access them if you need them on exam day.

Capstone offers an all-in-one package that will cover everything you need to pass your PE exams. Their course materials include targeted engineering principles instruction, PE-based practice problems and an instructor feedback forum.

Civil Engineering PE Exam Sample Questions

The civil engineering pe exam is a professional engineer exam that tests an individual’s competency in a specific discipline of engineering. This exam is designed for engineers who have gained at least four years of post-college work experience in their chosen discipline.

Some of these exams are administered via computer-based testing (CBT), while others are pencil and paper-based. For more information, visit NCEES’s website.

You can find out what type of questions will be asked by taking a look at the exam specifications document that is linked to the particular exam discipline you plan to take. This will give you a breakdown of the different knowledge areas and how many questions will be asked for each area.

This is a vital part of your preparation as it helps you determine your weak areas. It also allows you to make a well-rounded study plan that will help you clear the exam on your first try.

The civil engineering pe exam sample questions that are included in our study materials will prepare you for the various types of questions that may appear on the test. Pair the practice problems book with the reference manual and study guide to maximize your problem-solving efficiency and build exam-day readiness.