PE Structural Exam vs. SE Exam

There are two paths to structural engineering licensure in the US. The PE Structural exam (now called the PE Civil: Structural module under the PE Civil exam) tests general structural engineering competency as part of the PE Civil CBT exam. The separate SE (Structural Engineering) exam tests advanced structural design at a higher level, required for a standalone SE license in states that offer it (about 30 states).

This guide focuses on the PE Civil Structural depth module — the most common path for civil engineers who focus on structures.

Exam Format

The PE Civil exam is computer-based (CBT) with an 80-question format split into two 4-hour sessions. The Structural depth module is taken in the afternoon session with 40 questions focused on structural topics, while the morning breadth session covers all civil engineering disciplines (20 questions) plus general structural topics.

All references are provided digitally through the NCEES PE Civil Reference Handbook — no personal references are allowed. You must know how to navigate this handbook quickly for all structural formulas, load tables, and design procedures.

Key Topic Areas

Structural Analysis: Determinate and indeterminate analysis, influence lines, deflection calculations (virtual work, moment-area method), stiffness method basics. Expect 15–20% of questions.

Steel Design (AISC LRFD): Member design (tension, compression, flexure, shear), connection design (bolts and welds), composite beams. Heavily tested. Know AISC 360 well.

Concrete Design (ACI 318): Beam flexure and shear, column interaction diagrams, slab design, development lengths. Nearly as heavily tested as steel.

Timber Design (NDS): Allowable stress design, adjustment factors (Cd, CM, Ct, CF), beam design, connection design.

Masonry Design (TMS 402): Allowable stress masonry, reinforced masonry walls, lintel design.

Loads and Load Combinations: ASCE 7 dead, live, snow, wind, seismic loads and LRFD/ASD combinations.

Foundations: Shallow foundation bearing capacity, settlement, mat foundations, deep foundations (piles).

Bridges: AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications — truck and lane loading, moment and shear envelopes.

Critical References to Master

  • AISC Steel Construction Manual (know the member property tables and design tables)
  • ACI 318 (know the key sections for flexure, shear, and development length)
  • ASCE 7 (load combinations, seismic design categories, wind load method)
  • NCEES PE Civil Reference Handbook (your exam reference — practice with it exclusively)

Study Strategy

Structural is a calculation-heavy depth module. Most questions require setting up a structural analysis or design calculation, not just recalling a fact. Budget 4–6 months of preparation at 10–15 hours per week. Use a structured review manual (PPI, Lindeburg, or School of PE) to systematically cover all topics, then shift to solving practice problems.

Practice speed: most candidates have trouble finishing in 4 hours. Aim to solve each problem in 5–6 minutes average. If a problem is taking more than 8 minutes, mark it and move on — come back at the end.

Focus heavily on steel design (AISC LRFD) and concrete design (ACI 318) — together they represent roughly 40–50% of structural depth questions.