The PE Civil Structural exam tests your ability to apply structural design codes and engineering judgment at a professional practice level. From steel and concrete design to foundations and lateral force analysis, this exam demands both code proficiency and problem-solving speed. This practice exam book gives you 100 questions that match the NCEES exam in format, depth, and topic coverage, with solutions that reference specific code sections and walk you through every calculation.
Whether you design buildings, bridges, or other structures in your daily practice, this book helps you sharpen your exam skills and build confidence navigating your reference materials under time pressure.
Book Highlights
- 100 Practice Questions aligned to the current NCEES PE Civil Structural exam specification
- Detailed Solutions with code references (AISC, ACI, NDS, ASCE 7, IBC)
- Full Topic Coverage across steel, concrete, timber, masonry, foundations, and loads
- PE-Level Depth requiring professional-level analysis and design judgment
- Code Navigation Practice showing which tables, figures, and equations to reference
What Topics Does This Book Cover?
Questions span all major NCEES PE Civil Structural exam areas:
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Structural Steel Design (AISC) | 20 |
| Reinforced Concrete Design (ACI 318) | 18 |
| Loads & Load Combinations (ASCE 7) | 12 |
| Foundation Design | 10 |
| Lateral Forces & Seismic Design | 10 |
| Timber Design (NDS) | 8 |
| Masonry Design (TMS) | 7 |
| Structural Analysis | 8 |
| Codes, Standards & Ethics | 7 |
| Total | 100 |
Sample Question
Question: A W12x26 steel beam (ASTM A992, Fy = 50 ksi) is used as a simply supported beam with a span of 20 ft. The beam is continuously braced along the compression flange. What is the nominal flexural strength (Mn) of the beam?
(A) 132 ft-kips
(B) 164 ft-kips
(C) 196 ft-kips
(D) 228 ft-kips
View Solution
For a compact section with continuous lateral bracing, the nominal flexural strength is governed by the plastic moment:
Mn = Mp = Fy × Zx
From the AISC Steel Construction Manual, for W12x26: Zx = 37.2 in³
Mn = 50 × 37.2 = 1,860 in-kips = 1,860 / 12 = 155 ft-kips
The closest answer is (B) 164 ft-kips. (Note: actual Zx values should be verified from the current AISC manual edition you bring to the exam.)
Answer: (B)
How to Use This Book Effectively
Structural engineering exams are all about code proficiency. Here is how to get the most from your practice:
- Tab your codes thoroughly. Before you start solving problems, create a tabbing system for your AISC Manual, ACI 318, NDS, ASCE 7, and IBC. Color-code tabs by topic area. The solutions in this book reference specific code sections to help you build your tab index.
- Start with steel and concrete. These two materials account for nearly 40% of the exam. Make sure you are comfortable with beam design, column design, connection design (steel), and flexure, shear, and development length (concrete).
- Practice load combinations. ASCE 7 load combinations appear throughout the exam. Know the LRFD and ASD combinations cold — they underpin almost every design problem.
- Work through seismic problems. Lateral force analysis and seismic design are high-weight topics that many candidates find challenging. Practice the equivalent lateral force procedure and diaphragm analysis problems in this book.
- Time yourself. With about 6 minutes per question on the real exam, efficiency matters. Practice solving problems at that pace to build your exam-day rhythm.
Get Your Copy
100 exam-realistic practice questions with detailed step-by-step solutions.
View on AmazonAlso available: Online practice with full exam simulation
Frequently Asked Questions
What design codes should I know for the PE Civil Structural exam?
The PE Civil Structural exam references AISC Steel Construction Manual, ACI 318 (concrete), NDS (timber), TMS 402/602 (masonry), ASCE 7 (loads), and IBC. You should be proficient with these codes and bring tabbed copies to the exam. The solutions in this practice book reference specific code sections to help you build familiarity.
How long should I study for the PE Civil Structural exam?
Most candidates study for 3 to 6 months, dedicating 10 to 15 hours per week. The total study time typically ranges from 200 to 400 hours depending on your experience level. Focus on solving practice problems early in your preparation rather than spending too much time on passive reading.
Is the PE Civil Structural exam the same as the PE Structural exam?
No. The PE Civil Structural exam is a breadth-level exam within the PE Civil discipline. The standalone PE Structural exam (SE exam) is a separate, more advanced exam required in some states for engineers designing certain structures. This practice book is designed specifically for the PE Civil Structural exam.