What is the difference between the PE and the SE?

A PE (Civil with a Structural depth) is the baseline engineering license. The SE (Structural Engineering) is an advanced 16-hour exam for designing significant or high-risk structures; some states require it specifically to practice structural engineering or use the "Structural Engineer" title.

How long is the SE exam?

The SE is a 16-hour exam split into two 8-hour components — Vertical Forces (gravity/incidental lateral) and Lateral Forces (wind and seismic). Many candidates take the two components separately.

Is the structural PE exam open book?

The PE Civil: Structural is open-book using an NCEES-supplied reference. The SE exam is open-book with your own bound design standards (AISC, ACI, ASCE 7, NDS, TMS). Both are time-pressured, so fast reference navigation is essential.

Do I need the SE or is the PE enough?

For much structural work a PE is sufficient, but designing significant structures — and practicing in certain states/jurisdictions — requires the SE. Check your state board and the projects you intend to stamp.

🏛️ PE / SE License & Exam Prep

Structural Engineering License Exam Prep

Structural engineers are licensed through the PE and, for advanced practice, the SE. This overview covers the FE, the PE Civil: Structural depth exam, and the 16-hour Structural Engineering (SE) exam — and how they relate.

⚠️ Requirements, fees and exam details vary by state, jurisdiction and over time. Always confirm the current specifics with NCEES or the relevant board before you apply.

🧭

The credential landscape

Most structural engineers earn a PE via FE → PE Civil with the Structural depth. For designing significant or high-risk structures — and as a requirement in some states/jurisdictions — engineers pursue the NCEES SE exam, a rigorous 16-hour, two-component exam (vertical forces, then lateral forces).

PE path

1Earn an ABET civil/structural degree
2Pass the FE Civil → EIT
3Gain ~4 years of qualifying experience
4Pass the PE Civil: Structural exam
5Apply to your state board → Professional Engineer

SE path (advanced)

1Hold (or pursue) the PE
2Build structural design experience
3Pass the SE Vertical Forces component
4Pass the SE Lateral Forces component
5Obtain SE licensure/title where required

🎓

Engineering licensure

FE Civil

PREP COMING SOON

Fundamentals of Engineering — the first step toward the PE.

Administered by

NCEES (Pearson VUE)

Format

Computer-based · 110 questions · ~6-hour appointment · year-round

References allowed

Open-book — on-screen NCEES FE Reference Handbook

How you qualify

Typically taken near graduation from an ABET program. Earns the EIT designation.

Key topics

Statics & mechanicsStructural analysisMaterialsMechanics of materialsMath & ethics

PE Civil: Structural

PREP COMING SOON

The PE depth exam for structural engineers.

Administered by

NCEES (Pearson VUE)

Format

Computer-based · 80 questions · ~8-hour appointment · year-round

References allowed

Open-book — NCEES-supplied reference

How you qualify

Pass the FE, gain ~4 years of qualifying experience (varies by state), then apply through your state board.

Key topics

Structural analysisSteel design (AISC)Concrete design (ACI)Wood & masonryLoads (ASCE 7)Foundations

Structural Engineering (SE) Exam

PREP COMING SOON

The advanced 16-hour exam for significant-structure design.

Administered by

NCEES (Pearson VUE)

Format

Two 8-hour components — Vertical Forces and Lateral Forces (gravity/incl. seismic & wind)

References allowed

Open-book — your bound design standards (AISC, ACI, ASCE 7, NDS, TMS, etc.)

How you qualify

Pass both components (often after the PE); required for structural practice/licensure in some states.

Key topics

Gravity & lateral loadsSeismic & wind designSteel, concrete, wood, masonryBridges & buildingsDetailingASCE 7

📋

Requirements at a glance

Credential	Prerequisite	Typical experience	Administered by
FE Civil	Civil coursework	Final-year student / grad	NCEES
PE Civil: Structural	Pass FE	~4 years under a PE*	NCEES + state board
SE Exam	Often the PE first	Structural experience*	NCEES + state board

* Experience hours and prerequisites vary significantly by state, jurisdiction and credential level. Figures shown are typical ranges, not legal requirements.

🧠

Exam strategies & study tips

Live in your design standards

The PE Structural and SE are reference-heavy: AISC, ACI 318, ASCE 7, NDS, TMS. Tab and index them, and practice navigating quickly under time pressure.

Respect the SE’s scale

The SE is a 16-hour, two-component exam (vertical then lateral). Most candidates split the components and prepare for months — build a realistic study plan and practice full essay/problem solutions.

Master loads and lateral systems

ASCE 7 load combinations, seismic and wind design, and lateral force-resisting systems are central. Drill them — and rehearse with the studio’s beam, frame and seismic tools.

Map the requirements before you study

Confirm the exact education, experience hours and application steps with the certifying body or state board first — missing a prerequisite trips up more people than the exam content does.

🛠️

Practice with the studio's free tools

Many exam questions are calculation problems you can rehearse right now with the free tools in the Structural Studio:

Beam Reactions →Steel Section Properties →Concrete Beam Flexure →Seismic ELF Simulator →

← Back to Structural Studio