PE Exam Pass Rates [Scores Released 2026 ]

Thinking about taking the PE exam? You’re not alone.

Every year, 25,000 engineers take the PE exam to advance their careers.

But here’s what you need to know:

Passing this exam is no walk in the park. From my own experience, I know how overwhelming exam prep can be.

Wondering how to boost your chances of success? Understanding PE exam pass rates is key. Stick with me, and I’ll break down everything you need to know to ace this crucial test and earn your professional engineer license. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Know the Pass Rates: Understanding the pass rates for various PE exam disciplines helps gauge difficulty and tailor your preparation. Higher pass rates for exams like Environmental and Fire Protection suggest they might be more manageable.
• Prepare Effectively: Use a mix of study resources such as review courses, practice exams, and study guides. Develop a detailed study plan and join study groups to increase your chances of passing on your first attempt.
• Consider Exam Format: The switch to computer-based testing (CBT) offers flexibility with year-round availability, enhancing performance. Some disciplines still use pencil-and-paper formats, requiring different preparation strategies.

Overview of the PE Exam

The PE exam is designed to test the competency of engineers in their chosen discipline. Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the PE exam is a rigorous assessment that measures an engineer’s ability to apply principles and practices to real-world scenarios. For many, passing the PE exam is a crucial step toward becoming a licensed professional engineer.

Types of PE Exams and Formats

The PE exam is offered in various disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, among others. Each discipline has its own set of specifications and pass rates, which can vary significantly.

Computer-Based Testing vs. Pencil-and-Paper Format

Most PE exams have transitioned to computer-based testing (CBT), which offers several advantages, such as year-round availability and faster results. However, some disciplines still use the traditional pencil-and-paper format. Understanding the format of your specific PE exam is crucial for effective preparation.

PE Exam Disciplines and Pass Rates

Pass rates for the PE exam can provide valuable insights into the difficulty and competitiveness of each discipline. The figures below are first-time and repeat rates from NCEES Squared 2025, covering October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.

PE Exam	1st Time Test Takers	1st Time PE Pass Rate	Repeat Test Takers	Repeat PE Pass Rate
Agricultural and Biological Engineering	31	81%	0	0%
Architectural Engineering	109	59%	20	20%
Chemical	451	63%	166	35%
Civil: Construction	1,565	62%	716	40%
Civil: Geotechnical	782	65%	360	42%
Civil: Structural	2,879	61%	1,314	42%
Civil: Transportation	3,677	59%	1,783	42%
Civil: Water Resources and Environmental	4,313	71%	1,384	50%
Control Systems	249	61%	67	31%
Electrical and Computer: Computer Engineering	21	67%	5	0%
Electronics, Controls, and Communications	172	69%	24	38%
Electrical and Computer: Power	2,632	58%	1,319	41%
Environmental	645	67%	200	51%
Fire Protection	281	78%	48	44%
Industrial and Systems	95	61%	18	39%
Mechanical: HVAC and Refrigeration	1,439	74%	388	55%
Mechanical: Machine Design and Materials	876	71%	242	48%
Mechanical: Thermal and Fluid Systems	1,125	77%	203	53%
Metallurgical and Materials	44	68%	7	29%
Mining and Mineral Processing	45	80%	11	45%
Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering	37	54%	7	71%
Nuclear	13	54%	2	0%
Petroleum	52	42%	21	33%

Source: NCEES

Analyzing PE Exam Pass Rates

Pass rates for the PE exam vary widely across disciplines and formats. For example, the pass rate for first-time test takers in the Civil: Water Resources and Environmental exam is 71%, which is higher compared to the Chemical exam at 63%.

Civil Engineering PE Exam

The PE Civil exam is one of the most popular exams, covering various sub-disciplines such as construction engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering.

The pass rate for the Civil: Construction exam is 62% for first-time test takers and 40% for repeat test takers. Civil: Water Resources and Environmental has a first-time pass rate of 71% and a repeat pass rate of 50%.

Mechanical Engineering PE Exam

Mechanical engineering offers several specialized exams, including HVAC and Refrigeration, Machine Design and Materials, and Thermal and Fluid Systems. The HVAC and Refrigeration exam has a first-time pass rate of 74%, which is higher than the Machine Design and Materials exam at 71%. The Thermal and Fluid Systems exam has an even higher first-time pass rate of 77%. These statistics suggest that while HVAC and Refrigeration may be slightly easier for first-time test takers, Machine Design and Materials require more intensive preparation.

Electrical and Computer Engineering PE Exam

Electrical and Computer Engineering exams also show a range of pass rates. The Power exam has a first-time pass rate of 58% among 2,632 takers. Electronics, Controls, and Communications is 69% among 172 takers. Computer Engineering is 67%, from 21 first-time takers.

Factors Influencing PE Exam Pass Rates

Several factors influence PE exam pass rates, including exam content complexity, preparation methods, and exam format.

Preparation and Study Materials

Effective preparation is key to passing the PE exam. Utilizing high-quality study materials, such as review courses, practice exams, and textbooks, can significantly improve a test taker’s chances of success. Many test takers also benefit from joining study groups or seeking guidance from licensed professional engineers who have successfully navigated the exam.

Exam Format and Timing

The transition to computer-based testing has changed the dynamics of the PE exam. CBT exams offer more flexibility with year-round availability, allowing test takers to schedule their exams at a time that best suits their preparation timeline. This flexibility can lead to better performance as candidates can choose a time when they feel most ready.

First-Time vs. Repeat Test Takers

Pass rates tend to be higher for first-time test takers compared to those retaking the exam. This disparity underscores the importance of thorough preparation before the first attempt. Repeat test takers may face additional challenges, such as reduced confidence and increased pressure, which can impact their performance.

Tips for Improving Your PE Exam Pass Rate

To increase your chances of passing the PE exam on your first attempt, consider the following tips:

Create a Study Plan

Develop a detailed study plan that outlines your goals and milestones. Allocate ample time for each topic and ensure you cover all exam specifications. Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

Use Multiple Study Resources

Diversify your study materials to include textbooks, online courses, practice exams, and study guides. This approach ensures you are exposed to different types of questions and scenarios.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Taking timed practice exams can significantly enhance your familiarity with the exam format and boost your time management skills. Analyze your performance on these practice tests to identify areas where you need further review.

Join Study Groups

Collaborating with peers can provide additional support and motivation. Study groups allow you to share resources, discuss challenging concepts, and stay accountable to your study schedule.

Conclusion

Understanding and analyzing PE exam pass rates can provide valuable insights for aspiring engineers. By tailoring your preparation strategies to your specific discipline and leveraging the right resources, you can improve your chances of passing the PE exam on your first try. Remember, thorough preparation and a well-structured study plan are key to success.

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