PE FAQs
- What is the PE?
- Who creates the PE?
- When is the PE given?
- When should I register for the PE?
- How do I register?
- How much does it cost to take the PE?
- How long does it take to get my scores back?
- What is a good score on the PE?
- When should I start preparing for the PE?
- How much math do I need before I can start preparing for the PE?
What is the PE?
The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam is the second step in getting your Engineering license. There is a PE exam for each Engineering discipline. The test format varies for each discipline. See http://www.ncees.org/exams/formats/ for an overview of test formats.
Who creates the PE?
The PE exam is regulated by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for all licensing boards. Find information specific to the licensing board in your area at http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/
When is the PE given?
The PE exam is offered in October and April each year. Test dates for the next six years are as follows:
YEAR PE Test Dates 2010 April 16, October 29 2011 April 8, October 28 2012 April 13, October 26 2013 April 12, October 25 2014 April 11, October 24 2015 April 17, October 30 Depending on discipline, the PE exams are scheduled in one OR both months:
Exam Held in April Held in October PE Agricultural x PE Architectural x PE Chemical x x PE Civil x x PE Control Systems x PE Electrical and Computer x x PE Environmental x x PE Fire Protection x PE Industrial x PE Mechanical x x PE Metallurgical x PE Mining and Mineral x PE Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering x PE Nuclear x PE Petroleum x PE Structural I x x PE Structural II x x When should I register for the PE?
Contact your state's licensing board for registration requirements and deadlines. http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/
How do I register?
Contact your state's licensing board for details about exam registration. http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/
How much does it cost to take the PE?
Fees and exam schedules vary by state. Contact your local Licensing Board for information at http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensing_boards/
How long does it take to get my scores back?
You will be contacted by your licensing board with your scores within 12 weeks of the test date. The exam is scored on a pass/fail basis.
What is a good score on the PE?
The PE is scored on a pass/fail basis. Below are the pass rates for the April 2006 and October 2005 exams.
April 2006 Examination First-time takers Repeat takers PE Architectural 63% 31% PE Chemical 70% 31% PE Civil 67% 35% PE Electrical and Computer 64% 33% PE Environmental 65% 30% PE Mechanical 63% 33% PE Naval Architecture/Marine 81% 75% PE Structural I 38% 21% PE Structural II 57% 21% October 2005 Examination First-time takers Repeat takers PE Agricultural 28% 20% PE Control Systems 78% 37% PE Fire Protection 43% 39% PE Industrial 62% 26% PE Metallurgical 45% 19% PE Mining and Mineral 62% 23% PE Nuclear 58% 43% PE Petroleum 89% 43% When should I start preparing for the PE?
You are not eligible to take the PE until you pass the Fundamentals (FE) exam. Students usually have at least four years of experience in their discipline before taking the PE. Most licensing boards require that your work experience be under a licensed professional engineer's supervision.
How much math do I need before I can start preparing for the PE?
Each discipline of the PE exam is different - see detailed specifications for each exam at http://www.ncees.org/exams/formats/
